DeSantis panics as his MAGA agenda unravels in final days
by Katie Phang ~ You Tube (video 36:31) ~ April 3 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2417
Gov. Ron DeSantis is termed out, and as he departs, he wants to leave a police state in his wake. Florida State Senator Tina Polsky joins Katie Phang for a legislative round-up of some of the worst bills from this session, including a state SAVE Act, anti-DEI measures, and a domestic terrorist organization law.
Elder Zoharah Simmons at Gainesville No Kings Rally
You Tube (video 9:26) ~ March 28 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2421
Zoharah Simmons, veteran of the civil rights movement, speaks at the March 28 No Kings Day rally. She says the goal of the rally was to “raise our voices, but also to organize a resistance movement against the anti-democratic authoritarian fascist horror we are witnessing in our country and across the globe caused by our government and paid for by our tax dollars.”
More law-abiding migrants are being deported to places they don’t recognize
by Tim Padgett ~ WLRN Public Media ~ March 23 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2411
More than half the migrants deported in the past year had no criminal convictions. “Why would they take a hard-working mother that pays taxes, that helps the community?,” asks the daughter of a woman who was sent to an ICE detention center.
RESIST Network opposes voter supression
by Diane Dimperio ~ Gainesville Iguana ~ April 4 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2418
A new Florida law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register or remain registered to vote starts in 2027. This outlines acceptable documents like a Real ID or passport and steps voters should take to ensure compliance. It emphasizes that current voters with proper documentation likely won’t need to act immediately, but encourages individuals to verify their records and gather necessary documents ahead of the law’s implementation.
The Boss cuts loose with five minutes of truth
You Tube (video 4:54+) ~ March 31 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2410
During the song “My City of Ruins” at the first concert of his Land of Hope and Dreams American tour in Minneapolis, Bruce Springsteen delivered a 5-minute speech criticizing the Donald Trump administration. “You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can’t handle the truth. This is happening now.”
Tom Millers ‘Audience’ sweeps Puerto Aventuras Film Festival
by millerworks ~ Daily Kos ~ March 31~ tinyurl.com/iguana2412
The Gainesville filmmaker and his long-time collaborator Alexander Davidowski dominated the closing-night Red Carpet Awards Gala by earning five awards for their indie film “Audience.” Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Producers, and the Audience Choice Award.
Transcript: Mayor Mamdani hosts breakfast to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
From Office of the Mayor NYC ~ March 17 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2413
In his St. Patrick’s Day breakfast remarks, Zohran Mamdani framed Irish history as a story not just of hardship, but of enduring solidarity, praising Irish immigrants’ role in building New York City and their legacy of organizing for justice. The speech blended celebration with a call to action, urging New Yorkers to carry forward the Irish tradition of compassion and solidarity in confronting modern injustices and supporting one another across communities.
Trump’s Iran folly reflects authoritarian blowback with Ruth Ben-Ghiat
by Wajaahat Ali ~ You Tube (video with transcript 26:43) ~ March 19 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2393
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a scholar of authoritarian, explains how Donald Trump, like fascists before him, will continue to double down on failed wars and reckless policies as he loses popular support. Unfortunately, that means America, and the world, will continue to burn.
Understanding the Trump cult (and more)
by Lucas Bean ~ Lucasbean.substack.com (video 6:10) Feb 15 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2416
In short (2-10 minute) videos, Lucas Bean shares insights about the Trump cult and people in the MAGA movement using peer-reviewed and documented scientific and psychological studies to explain their behavior and twisted rationale. Other topics in his series include: “Why addicts love the Trump cult,” “The MAGA movement is falling apart,” “How Trump cult hijacked very lonely people,” “Why Trump attracts so many emotionally broken people,” “Trump supporters defend things they know are wrong,” “Why the Trump cult pulls in broken people.” Fascinating stuff.
Video of ‘complete chaos’ caused by ICE at hearing on government shutdown
YouTube (video with transcript 5:10) ~ March 25 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2422
Video compilation of why ICE needs to be reformed, presented to Congress by Rhode Island Democratic Rep. Seth Magaziner. The violence and destruction instigated by ICE on protesters is horrific and not for the faint of heart. Viewer discretion advised.
What your Legislature did instead of taking care of you
by Diane Roberts ~ Florida Phoenix ~ March 23 ~ tinyurl.com/iguana2414
Florida lawmakers spent much of the 2026 legislative session focusing on ideological or political priorities instead of addressing everyday issues like affordibility, health care, and public needs. Actions such as culture-war legislation, power struggles, and symbolic measures distracted from solving real problems facing Floridians. The Legislature failed to deliver practical relief or meaningful improvements in people’s lives; the session was out of touch with what residents actually need.