America reaches its breaking point

Plus, podcast controversy and the end of "Mar-a-Lago face"

Alex Galbraith
January 12, 2026

Your morning update from Salon.

“Find a new place to live”: Graham threatens Cuban leadership
The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened military action on the island. Read more.
Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers apologize for saying listeners shouldn’t donate to Crockett campaign
The podcast hosts sparked outrage when they suggested donating to the Texas Dem was a waste of money. Read more.
“Mar-a-Lago face” hits its expiration date
The once-ubiquitous MAGA makeover is showing signs of trend fatigue as online culture shifts elsewhere. Read more.
“I’m not mad at you”: ICE officer’s video shows Renee Nicole Good’s last words
New video recorded by ICE officer Jonathan Ross shows new angle of deadly shooting. Read more.
Trump rejects new Venezuela election until US can “rebuild the oil”
“We’re going to rebuild the oil, and the oil infrastructure, we’ll be in charge of it,” Trump told Fox News. Read more.
“A great honor”: Trump says he would accept Nobel Prize offered by Machado
Trump said the award going to Machado was "a major embarrassment." Read more.
House passes bill to renew health care subsidies with rogue Republican support
Multiple House Republicans pushed past GOP leadership to re-extend ACA health care subsidies for millions. Read more.

How to fire up 2026's hottest House race

Ranked choice voting would help Democrats choose the strongest candidate in the NY-12 primary

In Minneapolis and Venezuela, the Trump administration villainizes America's neighbors — and its own citizens. Read more.

Trump's Venezuelan oil rush is doomed from the start

One industry expert said Trump's oil dreams are less about economic prudence and more about distracting the public

Tony Dokoupil’s viral first week should worry Bari Weiss

The new CBS Evening News host made headlines for all the wrong reasons

ICE is not the victim

MAGA lies can’t hide the real damage done to people like Renee Nicole Good

Nicotine’s comeback is the latest wellness scam

Tucker Carlson and influencers peddle wild nicotine claims, from curing rabies to purging nanotech

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