MOTHER JONES DAILY: They Fled Maduro and Cheered His Downfall. But They Fear Deportations, Too., Tony Dokoupil lavishes praise on Marco Rubio in lauding CBS segment, A courthouse arrest, a surprise pregnancy, and one family's shattered dreams, Wildfire smoke is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year, Punching above our weight 7JAN26

 

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January 7, 2026 We're watching the horrifying news unfolding in Minneapolis, where a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by ICE agents today. But while my colleagues jump on the breaking news, including what appears to be an extremely dubious account getting pushed by the Department of Homeland Security, I want to turn your attention to today's bootlicker: Tony Dokoupil. On Tuesday, the newly minted CBS Evening News anchor dedicated what can only be described as a gushing tribute to...Marco Rubio, wherein Dokoupil referenced AI-generated images of the secretary of state with a comedic tone utterly incongruous with this moment of international crisis. Dokoupil then ended the segment with the salute of, well, a bootlicker: "Marco Rubio, we salute you. You’re the ultimate Florida Man." If that sounds bad, watch the clip, and you'll see it's even worse than you might imagine. —Inae Oh

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They Fled Maduro and Cheered His Downfall. But They Fear Deportations, Too. "Until there is true justice in Venezuela and the economic means to return and rebuild the country, I don't believe Venezuelans can go back." BY ISABELA DIAS

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Tony Dokoupil lavishes praise on Marco Rubio in lauding CBS segment BY KATIE HERCHENROEDER A courthouse arrest, a surprise pregnancy, and one family's shattered dreams BY MARGARET KADIFA Wildfire smoke is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year BY MATT SIMON

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Punching above our weight Thanks to you, our trophy closet is overflowing. BY MONIKA BAUERLEIN AND CLARA JEFFERY

MOTHER JONES MEMBERSHIP UPDATE WE WOULDN'T ASK IF WE DIDN'T NEED IT! These last few days of the year are always a nail-biter for us. A full one-third of our annual budget comes in during December—and half of that during the final week. It’s risky and uncomfortable, but unavoidable for nonprofit media like us.   If you’ve been thinking about supporting nonprofit Mother Jones this year, NOW is the moment. Through December 31, every online gift will be 3X matched thanks to a group of generous donors.   We need to be strong and ready for whatever 2026 brings, so please pitch in with a tax-deductible gift now.  Donate Now

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