Would have never thought that SC would rank so low…
The 2026 edition of “Freedom in the 50 States” ranks US states on their support for and protection of both economic freedom and personal freedom across a wide range of issues. For the first time in the report’s history, this edition also grades governors on how well or poorly they have advanced both economic and personal liberty in their states.
Maybe the funniest line I’ve read all week from my daily Morning Brew email newsletter in regards to the White House press secretary situation:
Anthony Scaramucci, who lasted 10 days in the job during Trump’s first term, weighed in, saying, “Records are meant to be broken.”
Interesting infographic and perspective on voting in NYT article How Claims of Widespread Noncitizen Voting Fall Apart by Amy Schoenfeld Walker, Jeremy White and Seamus Hughes Oct. 15, 2026.
While President Trump has claimed that noncitizens voted en masse and even tipped the scales in recent elections, research from partisan and nonpartisan groups alike has shown that instances of noncitizen voting are so rare that they have never been significant enough to change the outcome of an election.
Pew Research has a nice little quiz to test your knowledge of the first amendment.
The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution make up the Bill of Rights, which lays out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. How well do you know the First Amendment and some of the rights it guarantees? Test your knowledge by taking our eight-question quiz. These questions come from a Pew Research Center survey of 3,507 U.S. adults conducted in March 2026 as part of the Pew-Knight Initiative. When you finish, you can compare your results with Americans’ overall.
Can a nation become stronger while its citizens increasingly lose faith in the government leading it?
A new Gallup study - Trust in Federal Government Sinks to New Depths - paints a troubling picture of American democracy. Trust in the federal government has reached historic lows. Only 33% of Americans trust the executive branch, 28% trust Congress, and 46% trust the judiciary. Even more concerning, just 51% trust their fellow Americans to make democratic decisions.
These findings present an interesting contradiction to current administration’s “America First” nationalism and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
MAGA promises national renewal through stronger borders, economic independence, traditional values, and a rejection of political elites. Its supporters see these priorities as restoring American sovereignty and pride. Yet the movement’s confrontational approach, emphasis on political loyalty, and distrust of established institutions may also deepen the divisions undermining public confidence.
Gallup’s findings suggest something bigger than dissatisfaction with one administration. Trust has eroded for decades, across both political parties. However, recent declines among independents and even Republicans raise questions about whether nationalist rhetoric translates into broader public confidence.
Interestingly, 67% of Americans still trust local government, suggesting that faith in democracy remains stronger closer to home. Perhaps America’s greatest challenge isn’t restoring its power or prestige, but rebuilding trust among its own people.
I checked in for my 7 day cruise last night. The process was slowed down because the app would not let me use my passport since it expires less than 6 months before the trip (actually 3 months). Since the cruise departs and returns to the same US port, I was able to use another identification method. I was prepared for this issue because my sister had alerted me to the possibility and I was aware that this was often an issue for international flights . I don’t know if it is actually a law or just a carrier policy - either way it seems a bit excessive. I can understand if your passport were to expire during the trip or maybe within a month of the trip.
I’m so tired of the political campaign ads. Has it always been this nasty and I just wasn’t aware, or is this a more recent (10-15 years) phenomenon? If you are a candidate and your only platform is telling me all the negative things about your opponent(s), then you are telling me you don’t have a platform of your own. Tell me what your plan is or what you plan to do! Otherwise, as insignificant as it may be, you won’t be getting my vote or support.
The Next American City blog post on the Southern Urbanism substack provides an interesting perspective on the south.
Rising tide of voter disenchantment stands to benefit Democrats in this year’s midterm contests
I never thought of myself as much of a “hater”, but maybe I’ll embrace it in this case.
I’ve watched a few episodes of Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders on HBO Max today. I can’t decide what is more disturbing - the stroies, or the fact that I’m watching them.