Painting bad

The United States now spends far more on immigration enforcement than on preventing violent crime, terrorism, tax fraud—or all of those combined. / Marginal Revolution

An overview of weapons used by police in Los Angeles during protests over President Trump’s mass deportations. / The Wall Street Journal [$]

Longtime California reporter Alyssa Walker says protests do not make LA dangerous. “What makes LA dangerous is the Trump-ordered invasion of our city.” / Torched

National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles tell their families they feel like political pawns. / The Guardian

“No fat soldiers.” Trump’s photo-op visit with the 82nd Airborne erased the line separating the military from partisan politics. / Military.com

It’s worth remembering that this is (perhaps) personal: LA is White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s hometown. / The Atlantic [$]

See also: “$134 million for the creation of authoritarian propaganda.” Meanwhile: Seventeen non-profit organizations supporting immigrants. / Bluesky, L.A. Taco

Brazilian politicians file bills to prevent women from seeking health services for hyperrealistic baby dolls. / The New York Times [$]

China is paying American influencers to showcase its technology and culture. / Semafor

A round-up of 22 actions taken by the Trump administration that undermine freedom of speech. / Popular Information

New data suggest a surge in alcohol-related deaths in the early months of the pandemic has continued. / STAT

Drug deaths among young people in the United States are declining rapidly. / NPR

Recent news articles suggest happiness for young people in the US feels out of reach under the weight of debt, housing costs, and economic instability. / After School

“If I made a small mistake, my manager would make me write an email to the whole company apologizing.” Inside the downfall of beloved internet record club Vinyl Me, Please. / Stereogum

A Jenny Saville retrospective prompts a “Have we reached peak painting?” article. / The Art Newspaper

Regarding the benefits of exploring via rural buses: It may be “one of the most ravishingly beautiful, enjoyable, edifying forms of travel we have ever discovered.” / Hickman’s Hinterlands

Thank you to yesterday’s anonymous new supporter!

In the members area, unlocked links from the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, the New York Times ↓

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