Alex Boyd
@alexboyd.bsky.social
Toronto Star investigations. Misinformation, politics, culture.
Still in Alberta.
Signal: alexboyd.56
[email protected]
Still in Alberta.
Signal: alexboyd.56
[email protected]
Pinned
Alex Boyd
@alexboyd.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Hello new followers! I'm a Canadian reporter focused on politics and misinformation. I define this as "why our info ecosystem is so messy," and have written about an Olympic star radicalized online, a beach-pooping rumour exploited by the far right and an online scam job I once had for several days.
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Oil production in Alberta is higher than ever been, but that hasn’t resulted in a job booms like we’ve experienced before. The UCP has been effective at deflecting criticism toward Ottawa, and the flippant and tone-deaf responses by some Trudeau-era ministers strengthened their argument IMHO.
Sorry, Conservatives: as much as you love pretending otherwise, Justin Trudeau never killed the oil and gas industry. #cdnpoli #abpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/06/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/06/o...
Justin Trudeau never killed the oil and gas industry
The former prime minister's supposed hostility towards Alberta's defining industry is an article of faith among Canadian Conservatives. The facts tell a much different story.
www.nationalobserver.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Oil production in Alberta is higher than ever been, but that hasn’t resulted in a job booms like we’ve experienced before. The UCP has been effective at deflecting criticism toward Ottawa, and the flippant and tone-deaf responses by some Trudeau-era ministers strengthened their argument IMHO.
My absolutely favourite thing about the Olympics is when everyone gets really obsessed with some niche sports thing that literally no one had heard of a week earlier and I wonder what it will b... oh there it is. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
‘Penis injection’ claims in Winter Olympics ski jumping investigated by Wada
Wada is to investigate claims ski jumpers are injecting acid into their penises to game the suit-measuring system
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:51 PM
My absolutely favourite thing about the Olympics is when everyone gets really obsessed with some niche sports thing that literally no one had heard of a week earlier and I wonder what it will b... oh there it is. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
I expected the cuts would be bad but I'm honestly stunned and sickened seeing how many great journalists the Washington Post just lost. People who nailed huge investigations, documented war zones, exposed horrific crimes, dropped all at once for failures they did not cause.
February 4, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I expected the cuts would be bad but I'm honestly stunned and sickened seeing how many great journalists the Washington Post just lost. People who nailed huge investigations, documented war zones, exposed horrific crimes, dropped all at once for failures they did not cause.
Reposted by Alex Boyd
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
February 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Shaq sharing some digital literacy tips on Threads!
When someone shares an image of a celebrity, a quick check helps: does it actually match how they’ve looked recently?
When someone shares an image of a celebrity, a quick check helps: does it actually match how they’ve looked recently?
February 3, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Shaq sharing some digital literacy tips on Threads!
When someone shares an image of a celebrity, a quick check helps: does it actually match how they’ve looked recently?
When someone shares an image of a celebrity, a quick check helps: does it actually match how they’ve looked recently?
Reposted by Alex Boyd
The owner of Cookie Crimes Ice Creamery in Lethbridge posted a video explaining how the talk of separation is affecting his future business plans.
vt.tiktok.com/ZSascGAUQ/
#Alberta #abpoli #Lethbridge
vt.tiktok.com/ZSascGAUQ/
#Alberta #abpoli #Lethbridge
February 3, 2026 at 8:43 AM
The owner of Cookie Crimes Ice Creamery in Lethbridge posted a video explaining how the talk of separation is affecting his future business plans.
vt.tiktok.com/ZSascGAUQ/
#Alberta #abpoli #Lethbridge
vt.tiktok.com/ZSascGAUQ/
#Alberta #abpoli #Lethbridge
Toxic gorilla alert: "Zoo staff said Zwalani is learning to balance leadership, opting for reminder taps or firm back slaps when needed." www.thestar.com/news/gta/thi...
This Toronto Zoo gorilla bit off the toe of another last summer. Now he’s rejoining the troop
The zoo has provided an update on Zwalani, a 26-year-old male silverback who attacked two female gorillas last summer.
www.thestar.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Toxic gorilla alert: "Zoo staff said Zwalani is learning to balance leadership, opting for reminder taps or firm back slaps when needed." www.thestar.com/news/gta/thi...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
I am not a columnist or reporter. But for me, Smith is both-siding this to a) give her leverage with Carney. You either negotiate with me or Rath; b) UCP unity. Prevent a split that could allow the NDP to win an election.
February 2, 2026 at 9:41 PM
I am not a columnist or reporter. But for me, Smith is both-siding this to a) give her leverage with Carney. You either negotiate with me or Rath; b) UCP unity. Prevent a split that could allow the NDP to win an election.
I disagree that we know whether Smith is a separatist or not. (Though this debate currently hinges on intent vs impact and this piece argues, fairly, that Smith's impact is what matters here, since she is enabling separatism, and that is enough.) But I maintain that intent still matters because...
Another day, another example of Alberta's premier fighting hard to defend separatists than defeat them. Why it's time for the rest of Canada to pick up the gauntlet — and start treating her like the separatist she is. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/02/o...
Yes, Danielle Smith is a separatist
Alberta's premier says she supports "a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada." Her actions tell a much different story — one that makes her position on the issue impossible to ignore.
www.nationalobserver.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:20 PM
I disagree that we know whether Smith is a separatist or not. (Though this debate currently hinges on intent vs impact and this piece argues, fairly, that Smith's impact is what matters here, since she is enabling separatism, and that is enough.) But I maintain that intent still matters because...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Very excited to say that 404 Media's zine about ICE Surveillance is here. If you ordered a print copy, I put it in the mail last week. If not, we of course think the info inside is very important so here's a free PDF. We also translated it into Spanish:
www.404media.co/icezine/
www.404media.co/icezine/
Our Zine About ICE Surveillance Is Here
Download a PDF of our first ever zine here.
www.404media.co
February 2, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Very excited to say that 404 Media's zine about ICE Surveillance is here. If you ordered a print copy, I put it in the mail last week. If not, we of course think the info inside is very important so here's a free PDF. We also translated it into Spanish:
www.404media.co/icezine/
www.404media.co/icezine/
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Really interesting piece from @alexboyd.bsky.social.
"While those seeking lots of views of their videos often try to tie their work to high profile events, artificial intelligence has supercharged the strategy."
#GiftLink 🎁
www.thestar.com/news/investi...
"While those seeking lots of views of their videos often try to tie their work to high profile events, artificial intelligence has supercharged the strategy."
#GiftLink 🎁
www.thestar.com/news/investi...
February 2, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Really interesting piece from @alexboyd.bsky.social.
"While those seeking lots of views of their videos often try to tie their work to high profile events, artificial intelligence has supercharged the strategy."
#GiftLink 🎁
www.thestar.com/news/investi...
"While those seeking lots of views of their videos often try to tie their work to high profile events, artificial intelligence has supercharged the strategy."
#GiftLink 🎁
www.thestar.com/news/investi...
I wrote about how all big news events are now an excuse for AI slop. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
Warren Buffett didn’t make this video about Canada-U.S. tensions. It’s AI slop — and you’re going to see a lot more of it
New YouTube accounts are using AI fakes of famous Americans to stir geopolitical unrest in the pursuit of profits, experts say.
www.thestar.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:55 PM
I wrote about how all big news events are now an excuse for AI slop. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
NEW: Poilievre easily passes leadership test with 87.4 per cent of the vote.
Our @thestar.com liveblog on all things #CPC26 is rolling! Join me, @althiaraj.bsky.social and @alexboyd.bsky.social from Calgary as we count down to Pierre Poilievre's leadership vote.
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Conservative leadership vote 2026 live: Pierre Poilievre faces must-win vote in Calgary
Delegates are gathering in Calgary for the Conservative party’s national convention and Pierre Poilievre’s leadership review.
www.thestar.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:05 AM
NEW: Poilievre easily passes leadership test with 87.4 per cent of the vote.
Who indeed. www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
Who is Jeffrey Rath, the firebrand behind Alberta’s separatist surge?
“I see liberating Alberta from the tyranny of Ottawa as a major human rights issue,” said Rath, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Alberta Prosperity Project.
www.thestar.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Who indeed. www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
It's interesting that Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project has been saying things about these apparent meetings for awhile but the premiers woke up today and made it a real issue: www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Doug Ford urges Danielle Smith to denounce Alberta separation: ‘Either you’re with Canada or you’re not’
The Ontario premier said reports that independence activists are meeting with the U.S. officials on separation is “unacceptable.”
www.thestar.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:22 PM
It's interesting that Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project has been saying things about these apparent meetings for awhile but the premiers woke up today and made it a real issue: www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
It isn’t covert (foreign interference) if they openly brag about it. More like foreign influence activity.
But I worry in that Brexit was started in the UK by extremists in the early 2000s. And the head of that movement may be the next UK PM in a few years. These movements can gain momentum.
But I worry in that Brexit was started in the UK by extremists in the early 2000s. And the head of that movement may be the next UK PM in a few years. These movements can gain momentum.
Trump officials met group pushing Alberta independence from Canada
Separatists from oil-rich province try to capitalise on friction between White House and Mark Carney
giftarticle.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:21 PM
It isn’t covert (foreign interference) if they openly brag about it. More like foreign influence activity.
But I worry in that Brexit was started in the UK by extremists in the early 2000s. And the head of that movement may be the next UK PM in a few years. These movements can gain momentum.
But I worry in that Brexit was started in the UK by extremists in the early 2000s. And the head of that movement may be the next UK PM in a few years. These movements can gain momentum.
A reverse WUPHF from the Office where all my emails, texts, imessages, Insta DMs, Signal chats, Facebook messengers and faxes go to a single inbox
January 28, 2026 at 7:54 PM
A reverse WUPHF from the Office where all my emails, texts, imessages, Insta DMs, Signal chats, Facebook messengers and faxes go to a single inbox
Reposted by Alex Boyd
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
I grew up with Alex Pretti
The kind-hearted ICU nurse shot by ICE agents was my childhood best friend.
www.theverge.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
Journalist call out: has anyone seen any AI-generated videos featuring Mark Carney news on Youtube (maybe about Davos, or Trump?) in the last week or so? I hear some people are getting spammed with this, and would love some more examples. Please enjoy some of my fav C(AI)rneys as compensation:
January 27, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Journalist call out: has anyone seen any AI-generated videos featuring Mark Carney news on Youtube (maybe about Davos, or Trump?) in the last week or so? I hear some people are getting spammed with this, and would love some more examples. Please enjoy some of my fav C(AI)rneys as compensation:
This is very good 👇
Death in Minnesota: A Tale of Two Alternate Realities
How morality and motivated reasoning make us see the world in opposite ways.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psyc...
How morality and motivated reasoning make us see the world in opposite ways.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psyc...
Death in Minnesota: A Tale of Two Alternate Realities
How morality and motivated reasoning make us see the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti from opposite perspectives.
www.psychologytoday.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:03 PM
This is very good 👇
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Last week in Minnesota, I watched ordinary people risk their lives to protect their neighbors. In the process, they not only won a significant—though not final—victory against authoritarianism, they proved virtually every MAGA social theory wrong. (gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
January 27, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Last week in Minnesota, I watched ordinary people risk their lives to protect their neighbors. In the process, they not only won a significant—though not final—victory against authoritarianism, they proved virtually every MAGA social theory wrong. (gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Obviously this is a setback but I think it's important not to let it discredit the concept of building a long, extremely narrow glass city in the middle of the desert. www.ft.com/content/036b...
Saudi Arabia to scale back Neom megaproject
Review expected to propose a significant redesign after years of delays and overruns
www.ft.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Obviously this is a setback but I think it's important not to let it discredit the concept of building a long, extremely narrow glass city in the middle of the desert. www.ft.com/content/036b...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Agreed. If you thought that separatism was about energy, money, pipelines, and equalization, Sylvestre makes it clear that it is about so much more. Listen to him in his own words.
Alberta: destination separation
Podcast Episode · West of Centre · 2026-01-23 · 41m
podcasts.apple.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Agreed. If you thought that separatism was about energy, money, pipelines, and equalization, Sylvestre makes it clear that it is about so much more. Listen to him in his own words.
Reposted by Alex Boyd
This is the first example I’ve seen of an American government using AI to meaningfully misrepresent actual events with the intent to deceive the public. We are at Stalinesque levels of propaganda.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
January 23, 2026 at 2:23 PM
This is the first example I’ve seen of an American government using AI to meaningfully misrepresent actual events with the intent to deceive the public. We are at Stalinesque levels of propaganda.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/past-the-b...
Reposted by Alex Boyd
Minnesota @startribune.com IDs man shot and killed by federal officers this morning as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, of south Minneapolis – a nurse.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
Live: Federal agents shot and killed Minneapolis man; DHS officials say he was armed
A bystander video shows several agents wrestling with the man on a city sidewalk moments before the shooting. Police chief Brian O’Hara issued a plea for calm as protesters gathered at the scene: “Ple...
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Minnesota @startribune.com IDs man shot and killed by federal officers this morning as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, of south Minneapolis – a nurse.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...