The Disinfo Detox

Watch: https://youtu.be/yCGwskw1keY

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Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to map out a nation drifting into deep food insecurity, escalating media censorship, and high-stakes election battles. From a harsh corporate-aligned rollout cutting millions from federal food assistance to the literal silencing of journalists within the walls of the Pentagon, we dissect a week defined by systemic overhauls and institutional clashes.

From key polling shifts in the California gubernatorial race to intense internal chaos inside historic mainstream newsrooms, we unpack the power plays shaping the beginning of June 2026.

Inside This Episode:The Hunger Crisis: A stark new report reveals a remarkable increase in food insecurity across the United States. Meanwhile, the Trump administration faces heavy criticism after an official claims that millions kicked off food aid are simply "moving into the American Dream."Source: Hunger Rises Under Trump - Common Dreams | Brooke Rollins SNAP Changes - Common Dreams

Election Security & Polling: Authorities open an investigation into possible election interference after a downtown Los Angeles drop box is targeted with fire damage, destroying ballots. Meanwhile, a fresh May 30th poll reveals Xavier Becerra leading the California Governor's race, with Tom Steyer and Paris Hilton locked in a toss-up for second place.Source: LA Ballot Box Fire Investigation - ABC7 | California 2026 Poll - Emerson College Polling

The Anti-Weaponization Fund: We tracking the massive shockwaves from Donald Trump dropping a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which has prompted blue states to quickly race to tax the payouts. Plus, Jill Biden speaks out about her decision to publicly support Joe Biden despite her private fears following the 2024 debate.Source: Trump Anti-Weaponization Fund - HuffPost | Blue States Tax Weaponization Fund - Politico | Jill Biden Breaks Silence - CNN Politics

The Maine Senate Race: Independent candidate Graham Platner strikes back against the Wall Street Journal, slamming their report on an alleged sexting scandal as "gossip" and "journalistic malpractice" meant to distract from policy. Platner also hits out at Susan Collins over her record on sending troops to war.Source: Platner Slams Sexting Allegations - WMTW | Platner Hits Back at Collins - Common Dreams

International Fractures: Tensions flare globally as Israel moves to cut ties with the U.N. Chief following its inclusion on a sexual violence blacklist. Closer to the ground, Benjamin Netanyahu announces he has directed the IDF to increase its control of Gaza to 70%.Source: Israel to Cut Ties With UN Chief - The New York Times | Netanyahu Directs IDF to Increase Gaza Control - BBC News

The Media Crackdown: Press access takes a massive hit as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially designates the Pentagon press office as a classified, off-limits area for reporters. Over at CBS, veteran journalist Scott Pelley rips into leadership during a tense staff meeting, accusing Editor-In-Chief Bari Weiss of "murdering '60 Minutes'" following high-profile firings.Source: Pentagon Restricts Media Access - Politico | Pelley Rips Bari Weiss Over 60 Minutes Firings - HuffPost

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #FoodInsecurity #SNAP #Election2026 #CAGov #XavierBecerra #TrumpFund #JillBiden #MainePolitics #GrahamPlatner #Gaza #PeteHegseth #Pentagon #CBSNews #BariWeiss #MediaLiteracy

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Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to navigate a week defined by geopolitical escalations, generational political shifts, and the heavy toll corporate technology is extracting from our everyday lives. From a potential reality-TV-fueled shakeup in the LA mayoral race to corporate tech infrastructure literally freezing out everyday citizens, we break down the reality of a political and economic system prioritizing profit over people.

From a massive primary upset in Texas that drew the attention of Donald Trump to a developing military conflict in the Middle East, we pull back the curtain on the power plays defining May 28, 2026.

Inside This Episode:

Potential LA Election Shakeup: A shocking new poll reveals a tight three-way toss-up in the LA Mayoral race. Incumbent Karen Bass and progressive city councilmember Nithya Raman are facing an unexpected challenge from reality TV star Spencer Pratt, completely upending local politics.Source: LA Mayor Race Poll: Bass, Raman, Pratt - Newsweek

Texas Primary Shockwaves: A massive generational shift in Texas as veteran Rep. Al Green is defeated by freshman Rep. Christian Menefee in a heated Democratic runoff heavily influenced by outside crypto-industry spending. The high-profile loss quickly prompted a signature, celebratory reaction from Donald Trump.Source: Texas Election Battle - BBC News | Menefee Defeats Al Green in Texas Runoff - AP News | Trump Marks Al Green Loss - The Hill

Data Center Energy Grid Crisis: Following up on a story we’ve been tracking, we look at the staggering reality of AI and data center expansion cannibalizing public infrastructure—including a major energy supplier abandoning 49,000 Lake Tahoe residents to prioritize tech industry power demands.Source: Energy Supplier Abandons Lake Tahoe for Data Centers - Yahoo Finance

More AI Graduation Booing: The backlash against white-collar automation continues to build. We look at the latest viral footage of 2026 college graduates loudly booing the forced implementation of artificial intelligence during commencement ceremonies.Source: More AI Booing Clips - RT Twitter

Global Flashpoints: We unpack the dangerous escalation in the Middle East following a U.S. official's confirmation that the military has carried out limited "self-defense" strikes against targets in southern Iran.Source: US Military Carries Out Attacks in Southern Iran - NBC News

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #LAMayor #KarenBass #NithyaRaman #SpencerPratt #TexasRunoff #AlGreen #ChristianMenefee #AICrisis #DataCenterGrid #LakeTahoe #IranStrikes #MediaLiteracy

Watch: https://youtu.be/cTYKgm_jtiM

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we tackle the increasingly blurry lines between corporate wealth, grassroots activism, and media gatekeeping. We are joined by legendary media critic, author, and FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting) founder Jeff Cohen to break down a political paradox raising eyebrows across the progressive movement: how a prominent, Bernie Sanders-aligned grassroots organization came to endorse billionaire former hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer in the California gubernatorial race.

We dissect the strategic calculations and systemic pressures that lead left-wing organizations to align with ultra-wealthy self-funders, examining what this means for the future of independent political organizing. Additionally, Cohen reflects on his pioneering work founding FAIR, tracing how the landscape of media distortion, corporate censorship, and institutional "fake news" has evolved from the late 1980s into our current chaotic digital landscape.

Inside This Episode:The Grassroots Paradox: Unpacking how and why a Sanders-aligned lobbying group chose to back billionaire Tom Steyer for California Governor.

The Legacy of FAIR: Jeff Cohen reminds us of the founding mission of Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting and how corporate media guardrails have shifted.

Then vs. Now: Analyzing how the core threats of media manipulation and information gatekeeping have transformed in the era of algorithms and hyper-partisanship.

Money in the Machine: A critical look at whether wealth can ever truly be separated from policy, even when a candidate runs on a progressive platform.

#JeffCohen #TomSteyer #RootsAction #MediaLiteracy #TheDisinfoDetox #CAGov #MediaCriticism #FAIR #PoliticalStrategy #PropagandaDeconstruction

Tom Steyer on Big Corporations' SpendingThis video features California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer addressing the corporate spending arrayed against his campaign, providing firsthand context on the political dynamics and platform strategies discussed by Jeff Cohen in the episode.

Watch: https://youtu.be/nh4j-9TNYWs

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we dive into local politics and the shifting power dynamics of Southern California. We sit down with Jordan Rivers, a candidate running for the Los Angeles City Council District 15 seat, to unpack what it takes to challenge an entrenched political establishment and advocate for working-class communities.

Rivers shares his vision for the diverse neighborhoods of CD-15 and makes the case for why current representation is failing everyday residents. We look closely at the record of incumbent Tim McOsker, exploring how corporate interests and establishment politics dictate city policy, and discuss the concrete, transformative solutions needed to tackle L.A.’s most pressing crises—from housing and economic inequality to grassroots community empowerment.

Inside This Episode:Representing the 15th: Jordan Rivers outlines the specific needs of the communities within District 15 and his vision for authentic, grassroots governance.

Challenging the Incumbent: A critical look at the current occupant of the seat, Tim McOsker, and the corporate-aligned politics that dominate City Hall.

A Blueprint for Change: Breaking down specific, actionable policy proposals designed to directly improve the material conditions of working-class Angelenos.

Power to the People: Discussing how local elections serve as a vital battleground for dismantling corporate political control and rebuilding community-first representation.

#JordanRivers #LACityCouncil #CD15 #Los Angeles #LocalPolitics #GrassrootsMovements #TimMcOsker #PoliticalReform #TheDisinfoDetox #NolanHigdon

Watch: https://youtu.be/nWJ4wdlCkvM

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com

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Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to navigate a week defined by institutional rot, grassroots pushback, and the commercialization of our everyday lives. From college graduates openly revolting against the forced implementation of artificial intelligence to corporate deregulation threatening the safety of our drinking water, we break down the reality of a political and economic system prioritizing profit over people.

From the latest dark money influence operations shaping the California Governor's race to a sweetheart Department of Justice settlement that permanently shields the Oval Office from tax accountability, we pull back the curtain on the power plays shaping May 2026.

Inside This Episode:The Monopoly Economy: We break down the structural realities of modern corporate consolidation, unpacking recent congressional testimony on the hollowed-out state of American economic competition.Source: Congressional Testimony on Monopolies - PianoFighter Substack

Graduation Revolts & Education Battles: Facing a grim job market and white-collar automation, 2026 graduates are loudly booing AI during commencement speeches. Meanwhile, we look at the dystopian reality of schools turning parking lots into safe zones for homeless students, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s fiery clash with House Democrats.Source: AI Getting Booed at 2026 Commencements - Fast Company | School Parking Lots for Homeless Families - The Hechinger Report | McMahon Tussles With House Democrats - Inside Higher Ed

Environmental Deregulation: Under new directives, Trump’s EPA is actively moving to strip away safety limits on carcinogenic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in public drinking water. We examine the corporate lobbying driving this assault on public health.Source: Trump's EPA Seeks to End Forever Chemical Limits - Earth.org | Environmental Protection Rollbacks - More Perfect Union

Primary Election Shockwaves: A massive shakeup in the Pennsylvania primaries as progressive Democratic Socialist Chris Rabb and working-class union leader Bob Brooks score major victories despite heavy opposition spending. Plus, Thomas Massie blasts the influence of foreign lobbying after needing to track down his primary opponent in Tel Aviv just to concede.Source: AIPAC Lost! Chris Rabb Wins PA Primary - Common Dreams | Bob Brooks Wins PA Primary - Common Dreams | Massie Concedes Primary Race - The Times of Israel

California Political Scandals: The race to lead California turns into an influencer wild west. The state is launching investigations into Tom Steyer's campaign over hidden influencer payments, while rival candidate Xavier Becerra gets caught up in his own major campaign disclosure fight. Closer to home, L.A. City Council progressives deliver a sharp political snub to Nithya Raman.Source: California Investigates Steyer Influencer Payments - CalMatters | Xavier Becerra Campaign Disclosure Fight - Sacramento Bee | City Council Progressives Snub Raman - AOL News

The Corruption Corner: The infamous "Kars4Kids" charity jingle is officially banned from California airwaves following a massive false advertising crackdown. More critically, a newly unveiled DOJ settlement officially bars the IRS from taking auditing or enforcement action against Donald Trump over his historic tax returns.Source: Kars4Kids Jingle Banned in California - The Guardian | DOJ Settlement Bans IRS Action Against Trump - CBS News

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #AICrisis #EducationReform #LindaMcMahon #EPA #ForeverChemicals #PAPrimary #AIPAC #CAGov #TomSteyer #XavierBecerra #NithyaRaman #Kars4Kids #TrumpTaxes #MediaLiteracy

Watch: https://youtu.be/oe_l8H7VJ28

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Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to navigate a week defined by global instability, from the brink of nuclear escalation to a domestic economic squeeze and a rising health crisis. As the conflict with Iran sends shockwaves through the U.S. economy, we break down the reality of modern warfare and the political fallout of a "me-first" foreign policy.

From the expiration of landmark nuclear treaties to the environmental and economic costs of the AI land grab, we pull back the curtain on the power plays shaping May 2026.

• The Iran Long Game: A new CIA report reveals Iran has retained 70% of its pre-war missile stockpile and can withstand a blockade for months. We discuss the failure of "shock and awe" and the reality of a sustained conflict.

  • Source: CIA says Iran has 70 percent of pre-war missiles - Middle East Eye | More Perfect Union

• Nuclear Brinkmanship: With the U.S. nuclear treaty officially expired, Russia has wasted no time testing long-range missiles. We look at the terrifying return to an era of unchecked nuclear proliferation.

  • Source: Russia Tests Long-range Missile - Barron's

• The War Tax (Inflation): U.S. inflation has jumped to 3.8% as energy costs surge due to the war with Iran. Meanwhile, Trump states he isn’t thinking about American finances "even a little bit" during negotiations. We dissect the disconnect between the White House and the working class.

  • Source: US inflation jumps to 3.8% - BBC | Trump on finances and Iran - NBC News

• Hantavirus Outbreak: A different kind of threat emerges as Hantavirus cases rise to 11. We look at the investigation into a possible Illinois case and why experts say this strain is a different beast than COVID-19.

  • Source: Hantavirus Outbreak Reaches 11 Cases - WDBJ7 | Illinois Investigation - FOX8

• Data Centers & Lake Tahoe: The battle over Big Tech’s physical footprint moves to Tahoe. We examine why nearly 50,000 residents are sounding the alarm over the environmental impact of massive new data centers.

  • Source: Tahoe Data Center Conflict - Yahoo Finance

• CA Governor’s Race Shakeup: A brand new poll shows a major shift and a new frontrunner in the race to lead California. We analyze the changing political winds in the Golden State.

  • Source: New Poll Shows Major Shift in CA Gov Race - KRON4

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #IranWar #NuclearTesting #Inflation #Hantavirus #DataCenters #LakeTahoe #CAGov #MediaLiteracy #PoliticalScandals

Inside This Episode:

Watch: https://youtu.be/7yWQdqqgs58

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to dissect a whirlwind week of brinkmanship in the Middle East, the shifting sands of party loyalty, and the high cost of the "Big Tech" land grab. We start with the sudden de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, questioning why the Trump administration launched—and then abruptly halted—a military operation against Iran within 24 hours.

We also tackle the "everything, everywhere" corruption allegations surrounding the White House, the GOP’s aggressive recruitment of John Fetterman, and the redistricting "arms race" triggered by the latest Supreme Court ruling. From the final warnings of a dying political generation to the environmental devastation promised by a new billionaire-backed data center in Utah, we pull back the curtain on the power plays shaping 2026.

Inside This Episode:

• The One-Day War: Analyzing Trump’s lightning-fast military pivot in the Strait of Hormuz. Was it a show of force, a tactical retreat, or a distraction from domestic scandals?

• The Fetterman Flip: Inside the quiet Republican effort to court John Fetterman. We discuss what happens to the Democratic platform when the GOP starts picking off its most prominent mavericks.

• The Everything Corruption Story: Breaking down Isaac Saul’s deep dive into presidential self-dealing and the "all-at-once" nature of modern political graft.

• Redistricting Arms Race: Following the Supreme Court’s VRA ruling, states are sprinting to redraw the maps. We look at who wins and who loses in this high-stakes gerrymandering sprint.

• The Dying Generation: As Barney Frank issues a final warning to the left and Rudy Giuliani receives last rites, we reflect on the passing of an era and the legacy these figures leave behind.

• Data Centers vs. The Great Salt Lake: "Mr. Wonderful" comes to Utah. We examine the furious local protests against a massive new data center that threatens to double the state's electricity use and drain its water.

• Cinco de Mayo Memes & Salt: Even in the midst of global tension, the White House and GOP find time for cringe-worthy social media spats. We look at the performative politics of holiday pandering.

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #Iran #StraitOfHormuz #Fetterman #Redistricting #Corruption #BigTech #Utah #EnvironmentalJustice #MediaLiteracy #PoliticalScandals

Watch: https://youtu.be/5JP4CZaCNh8

Full Episode: https://youtu.be/bNVjGMSkqMUSubscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we sit down with media scholar Robin Andersen to discuss her urgent new book, The Complicit Lens: US Media Coverage of Israel’s Genocide in Gaza. We explore the disturbing ways in which American establishment media has functioned as a propaganda arm, echoing Israeli military narratives and sanitizing the reality of state violence.

While international news and social media captured the visceral reality of the conflict, Andersen argues that legacy outlets employed a "complicit lens"—using passive language to deflect blame and repeating unverified talking points to justify war crimes. From the "Flour Massacre" being rebranded as "aid-related deaths" to the systematic censorship of the word "genocide," we deconstruct how journalism can be used to manufacture consent for atrocity.

• The Architecture of Complicity: How US corporate media aligns its reporting with IDF narratives to recast violence as defense.

• Language as a Shield: Analyzing the use of passive voice and the editorial bans on terms like "massacre" and "genocide."

• Propaganda Tropes: Debunking the foundational myths used to justify the assault and how they persisted in the press long after being discredited.

• Targeting the Truth: Discussing the unprecedented dangers faced by journalists and aid workers on the ground.

• The War on Dissent: Examining the hostile media portrayal of global protests and student uprisings against the Gaza genocide.

#TheComplicitLens #RobinAndersen #MediaLiteracy #TheDisinfoDetox #Gaza #JournalismEthics #MediaCriticism #ProjectCensored #NolanHigdon #PropagandaDeconstruction

Inside This Episode:

Watch: https://youtu.be/9kSb2LEXVf0

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to tackle a week of state-sponsored intimidation, high-stakes surveillance, and the erosion of the First Amendment. We dive into the aftermath of the Washington dinner shooting and the immediate rise of "ballroom truthers," before pivoting to the terrifying expansion of domestic spying under the Trump administration—aided by a handful of key Democrats.

We also examine the FCC's unprecedented move to yank Disney’s broadcast licenses as retaliation for Jimmy Kimmel’s satire, the IRS’s massive new data-mining partnership with Palantir, and the chilling revelation that MK-ULTRA experiments were conducted on Korean War POWs. From the betrayal of progressive values in California to the rise of "casino journalism," we break down how the establishment is betting against the public interest.

• WHCD Shooting & Conspiracy Culture: Analyzing the "false flag" rumors and "ballroom truthers" emerging from the chaos at the Washington dinner.

• The Surveillance Four: Meet the four Democrats who hold the keys to Trump’s warrantless domestic spying powers and why they might just hand them over.

• The IRS & Palantir: How the IRS is leveraging "massive-scale" data mining to peer into your private life under a new federal contract.

• The War on Satire: The FCC moves against Disney/ABC in an attempt to silence Jimmy Kimmel, marking a direct assault on the First Amendment.

• MK-ULTRA Unveiled: New CIA documents confirm the U.S. ran psychological experiments on Korean War POWs.

• The Death of Dissent: The DHS seeks to deny Green Cards to immigrants who criticize Israel, while the Senate (with Fetterman’s help) clears the path for war on Cuba.

• Bernie’s Group Goes Billionaire: Why Our Revolution is endorsing Tom Steyer for California Governor and what it means for progressive politics.

• Casino Journalism: The rise of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, and the U.S. soldier charged with using classified intel to win a $400k bet on a Maduro raid.

• Environmental Assault: Trump’s executive order on Glyphosate (Roundup) and the plan to spray our forests despite massive health concerns.

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #SurveillanceState #FirstAmendment #FISA #Palantir #MKUltra #MediaLiteracy #PredictiveMarkets #Glyphosate #Kimmel #PoliticalCensorship

Inside This Episode:

Watch: https://youtu.be/kg7APLTy4BA

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com

Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to dissect a chaotic week of political resignations, legal warfare, and the systematic effort to purge dissent from the American political landscape. We break down the sudden departures of Pam Bondi and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and the $250 million legal battle between FBI Director Kash Patel and The Atlantic.

We also take a deep dive into the "Mamdani Act," a GOP-led effort to ban Socialists and Marxists from the U.S., and the media's ongoing complicity in shielding elites from the Epstein fallout. From the failure of CalCare in "Blue" California to the "Technofascist" manifestos coming out of Big Tech, we analyze how power is being consolidated at the expense of privacy and labor.

Inside This Episode:

Scandal-Ridden Departures: Why Pam Bondi is stepping down to avoid Epstein testimony and the details behind Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation amid allegations of ethics violations and drinking on the job.

Kash Patel vs. The Atlantic: Analyzing the FBI Director’s $250 million defamation lawsuit over reports of excessive drinking and the bizarre story of his lockout from F.B.I. systems.

The Mamdani Act & Obama’s NYC Visit: Breaking down the GOP bill targeting "radicals" and the curious meeting between Zohran Mamdani and Barack Obama.

Media’s Epstein Cover: Nolan exposes how corporate media continues to curate the narrative surrounding Epstein’s associates to protect the establishment.

The Failure of Blue State Progressivism: Why the California Assembly failed to advance CalCare (child care/healthcare reform) and what it says about the Democratic establishment.

Technofascism & AI Morality: The warrantless spying vote in Congress, Palantir’s "Technofascist Manifesto," and Anthropic’s strange meeting with religious leaders to build a "moral" AI.

#NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #KashPatel #MamdaniAct #EpsteinCoverup #BigTech #PrivacyRights #CalCare #LaborRights #PoliticalScandal #MediaLiteracy #Technofascism