Leads: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 (Patreon)

I've gotta find a way to start these posts that isn't "long time, no see." It's been difficult to come home and collate news after spending half my day working in news. But here we go.

Firstly, we have a rare W for American journalism in the form of the press refusing to become outright state media and rejecting the Pentagon's press restrictions. I'm honestly surprised by this development. Maybe Trump and Hegseth's obsession with hard power will be their undoing. Either way, this is a great challenge for journalists. A lack of access often produces better reporting. It forces journalists to think outside the box — look how Jimmy Breslin dealt with his lack of access to the JFK funeral by interviewing the gravedigger.

Israel continues its parade of mass murder post-ceasefire.

Trump publicly announced that the CIA is conducting top-secret operations in Venezuela. I am certain that Langley is panicking and several Venezuelan assets are dead.

The Supreme Court is continuing its quest to dismantle the Voting Rights Act.

Black unemployment in the United States is surging.

Legendary trans activist and Stonewall veteran Miss Major has died at 78. Rest in power, queen. I love you.

Probably unnecessary to bring up Diane Keaton's death from pneumonia, but I was as devastated as everyone else.

The Pope took a shot at a Cubs fan.