For half a century, my press criticism has helped improve journalism, including forcing a corrupt broadcast chain to close down. My latest column for DCReport examines the state of conservative commentary and what it means for you: www.dcreport.org/2026/08/02/f...

What it Means for You that Ross Douthat Leaves The NYTimes for 60 Minutes

Faux conservatism weakens democracy, normalizes misinformation, and distracts from threats to liberty. America needs principled conservative voices.

dcreport.org

The conventions of American journalism left reporters and editors ill-equipped to understand Elon Musk and his terrifying goals, Greg Sargeant argues in a provocative The New Republic essay. Sargeant was a longtime WashPost columnist before joining TNR. Free link: newrepublic.com/article/2135...

The Real Reason Elon Musk Keeps Insisting DOGE Cuts Killed “Zero” Kids

In his explosive interview with The Economist, the SpaceX billionaire inadvertently revealed something darker about his true vision for the future—and about his affinities with global fascism.

newrepublic.com

NOT welcome news. H/t Prof Paul Caron's TaxProf blog today:

In 2017, I wrote that Trump planned just what we are seeing today: a militarized society with severe cuts to spending on health and human services. DCReport.org reader Jerry Rosenblum just reminded me of this piece, drawn from budget documents. www.dcreport.org/2017/07/19/i...

DCReport

DCReport is a non-profit news organization, co-founded by Pulitzer Prize winner David Cay Johnston, that reports on the facts of politics.

dcreport.org

Yet another woman accuses Trump of rape. Beatrice Keul, a Swiss former beauty queen and banking executive, is making the news in Europe. Why not here?

Trump just accused his own administration of lying, covering up, and working behalf of a foreign government against him. He said nothing, however, about all the cyber security, election security, an election integrity people he fired. ROTFLMAO. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

More hateful ignorance and bigotry from the No. 2 elected official in Indiana, who evidently slept through junior high civics. H/t the Friendly Atheist newsletter:

Political art of the day award winner:

NYC mayor Mamdani enjoys much stronger support among American Jews than Netanyahu. Mamdani is at 44% favorable, 39% unfavorable compared to 32/59 for Netanyahu.

Reading Terry Schwadron's thoughtful 250th birthday column would be a smart use of time today: www.dcreport.org/2026/07/04/f...

A Fourth Without Soul

As America marks its 250th year, concerns over democracy, political division, executive power and constitutional protections raise difficult questions about the nation's future.

dcreport.org

My oops this morning on Jacob Soboroff's Connect program on MS Now: I said "commerce clause," when I clearly meant "emoluments."

This short documentary by Caught in the Storm captures the resilience of the River Arts District, historic Biltmore Village, & Chimney Rock as they resiliently work to bounce back after Hurricane Helene.

After Helene: Businesses Bounce Back

Eighteen months after Tropical Storm Helene, Western North Carolina businesses continue rebuilding amid economic challenges, recovery efforts and renewed hope.

dcreport.org

After Helene: Lost & Found, which tells the story of volunteers and community members working to recover and return these treasured items to their owners, offering moments of hope amid a long recovery process. www.dcreport.org/2026/06/12/h...

After Helene: Lost & Found

18 months after Helene, volunteers are reuniting survivors with treasured possessions swept away by historic floodwaters in North Carolina.

dcreport.org

Another installment from our collaboration with the School of Journalism at @northeasternu.bsky.social: Caught In the Current: The Forgotten Story of Helene's Impact on Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding region. Student journalism at its best!

DCReport@dcreport.bsky.social · last mo.

🎶 After Tropical Storm Helene devastated Asheville, North Carolina, the city's musicians, venues, and residents continue to rebuild not only their livelihoods, but the spirit of their community.  Full article:

Today's political art, AI division, of the day award:

Winner of today's political art award:

Delighted that few wrinkled gray hairs like me among the 1,900 journalists at Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) 2026. We teach how to dig, fight off lawyers, and to present stories that matter. I'm thrilled so many people in their 20s & 30s are here from across America and around the world.

The @IRE 2026 Golden Padlock award - to the most instransigent government hiding public records - goes to Allegany County Maryland for extensive efforts to hide public records of a police chief's sexual misconduct with a minor. Once journalists got the records the chief resigned.

Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) draws more than 1,900 journalists to our annual training conference, held this year just outside DC. That's several hundred more than when I was IRE President 2012-14, and despite widespread newsroom cuts.

Please take two minutes to watch my exchange last night with Dean Obeidallah on SiriusXM about Donald's Iran debacle: drive.google.com/file/d/10UOY...

Another installment from @dcreport.bsky.social in our 2nd annual collaboration with the School of Journalism at @northeasternu.bsky.social. This year they were on the ground reporting on Helene, 18 months later.

DCReport@dcreport.bsky.social · 2mo ago

What does recovery look like 18 months after Hurricane Helene? From Out of the Debris follows one woman's journey through loss, resilience, and rebuilding in Western North Carolina through a powerful documentary.  Check it out here:

Ebola is spreading again, and health officials warn the world cannot afford complacency. Delayed detection, conflict, displacement, and strained public health resources have contributed to a growing outbreak in Central Africa.

The Tragic Growth of Ebola

As Ebola deaths rise in Congo, critics warn U.S. withdrawal from global health efforts could weaken disease response and containment.

dcreport.org

Can an opposition party compete without a recognizable national voice? It's time for democrats to appoint a designated spokesperson to deliver a more consistent message...

A Designated Spokesperson for Democrats?

Without a clear national voice, Democrats struggle to break through the media cycle. A designated spokesperson could help amplify the party's message.

dcreport.org

If you were an IRS collections officer assigned to anti-Vietnam war tax protester cases I'd like to talk to you for my next book. Statute of limitations ran a long time ago, so you can be fearless. My email is at www.rit.edu/directory/dc...

Today's best hed, from @bostonglobe.com, perfectly captures hypocrisy:

Claims like this show why I often call him Delusional Donald:

Has the Iran conflict made the U.S. stronger, or exposed the limits of American power? Trump's approach to Iran may have weakened U.S. leverage in the Middle East while also complicating broader strategic goals.

Worry About a 'Weak' Image

Trump’s shifting Iran strategy, political distractions, and growing domestic backlash are fueling concerns about U.S. leadership and global instability.

dcreport.org

Should Democrats have a single national spokesperson? In this opinion piece, Tom Cantlon explores whether a designated party spokesperson could help focus and amplify the Democratic message. Read the full commentary and decide for yourself: www.dcreport.org/2026/06/05/d...

A Designated Spokesperson for Democrats?

Without a clear national voice, Democrats struggle to break through the media cycle. A designated spokesperson could help amplify the party's message.

dcreport.org

A lie that will not die. Brad Todd on @CNN just repeated a lie. He said the IRS admitted targeting conservative groups. In fact, the IRS was even handed, the only groups that lost their tax exempt status were progressive, & the IRS manager who ordered scrutiny was a GOP conservative.

Our team at @dcreport.bsky.social are again teaming with journalism students from @northeasternu.bsky.social to tell the story of a community forgotten after devastation. Read this overview from @todhardin.bsky.social, our Editor-in-Chief. www.dcreport.org/2026/05/29/d...

DCReport and Northeastern University Journalism Students Reunite for A Second Year of Embedded Reporting

DCReport and Northeastern University journalism students partner for a second year, reporting on Asheville's recovery 18 months after Helene.

dcreport.org