Amanda Becker
@amandabecker.bsky.social
Journalist @19thnews.org.
Author YOU MUST STAND UP https://a.co/d/9HS7ife on abortion rights after Dobbs.
Nieman Nation. Ohioan. WV Mtn (cat) Mama. D&E College Instructor. Pro-democracy in life & work.
OH-IN-NY-CA-DC-MA-DC-WV/OH
Signal: AmandaBecker.41
Author YOU MUST STAND UP https://a.co/d/9HS7ife on abortion rights after Dobbs.
Nieman Nation. Ohioan. WV Mtn (cat) Mama. D&E College Instructor. Pro-democracy in life & work.
OH-IN-NY-CA-DC-MA-DC-WV/OH
Signal: AmandaBecker.41
Pinned
Fear, faith and preparation as ICE closes in on an Ohio community
In Springfield, faith-based coalitions are creating emergency hubs to care for children — and churches are preparing for their sanctuaries to be breached.
19thnews.org
“The fear is turned up as high as it can go.”
Residents of Springfield, Ohio, are ramping up efforts to try to protect their community from the type of chaotic, violent assault by federal immigration agents that claimed two lives in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
Residents of Springfield, Ohio, are ramping up efforts to try to protect their community from the type of chaotic, violent assault by federal immigration agents that claimed two lives in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
Hours after Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum shot a Chicago woman 5 times, his boss, Cmdr. Greg Bovino, emailed him about extending his mandatory retirement.
"In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do!!” Bovino wrote
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/10/m...
"In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do!!” Bovino wrote
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/10/m...
Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino praised agent after shooting Marimar Martinez in Chicago, evidence shows
A trove of evidence was released Tuesday in the controversial shooting of Marimar Martinez by a Border Patrol agent at the height of Operation Midway Blitz last October, including a body-worn camer…
www.chicagotribune.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Hours after Border Patrol Agent Charles Exum shot a Chicago woman 5 times, his boss, Cmdr. Greg Bovino, emailed him about extending his mandatory retirement.
"In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do!!” Bovino wrote
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/10/m...
"In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do!!” Bovino wrote
Story:
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/10/m...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
NEW via me and @alejacorazonhm.bsky.social: Cardinal Blase Cupich, who runs the Archdiocese of Chicago, says that DHS has stopped priests under his purview and demanded proof of citizenship “because of their color.” religionnews.com/2026/02/10/c...
Cardinal Cupich says feds stopped priests, demanded citizenship proof
(RNS) — ‘I’ve had some priests who are of a different color being targeted and arrested — stopped — because of their color and asking them to prove that they’re citizens. That’s not America,’ the Chic...
religionnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:53 PM
NEW via me and @alejacorazonhm.bsky.social: Cardinal Blase Cupich, who runs the Archdiocese of Chicago, says that DHS has stopped priests under his purview and demanded proof of citizenship “because of their color.” religionnews.com/2026/02/10/c...
Y’all. I’m a hostage in my car with a skunk outside. Help! #countryskeets
February 11, 2026 at 12:14 AM
Y’all. I’m a hostage in my car with a skunk outside. Help! #countryskeets
My sweet no-longer-babies Babies. Simone (rear) was the runt but the always has her paw around Georgie (front) — can't tell if it's to protect him or keep him in line or (most likely) both.
February 10, 2026 at 9:41 PM
My sweet no-longer-babies Babies. Simone (rear) was the runt but the always has her paw around Georgie (front) — can't tell if it's to protect him or keep him in line or (most likely) both.
Reposted by Amanda Becker
With the next No Kings announced, here's a snapshot of organizing in LA. I talked with a Desert Storm vet nurse, a caregiving activist disappeared by the Marcos regime, and a union organizer about the Filipino-American legacy of resistance. 19thnews.org/2026/02/fili...
The Filipino-American legacy of fighting for freedom is taking on Trump
Caregivers are applying lessons from resisting authoritarianism under Philippine dictator Marcos Sr. in the 1980s.
19thnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:42 PM
With the next No Kings announced, here's a snapshot of organizing in LA. I talked with a Desert Storm vet nurse, a caregiving activist disappeared by the Marcos regime, and a union organizer about the Filipino-American legacy of resistance. 19thnews.org/2026/02/fili...
The GCs I've spoken to — I'd like to build a house in a rural area — say their workforces, at least those who still show up, are terrified of getting picked up by immigration agents and/or their estimates to build residential have gone up signficantly due to tariffs and related supply chain issues.
Trump: "Construction jobs are way up, right? Well, they're up because they're building all these factories all over the country. You have car plants under construction. I spoke to Mr. Toyota in Japan. I said, 'What's you name?' 'Toy-ota!' I said, 'If your name is Toyota you're a very rich guy.'"
February 10, 2026 at 9:32 PM
The GCs I've spoken to — I'd like to build a house in a rural area — say their workforces, at least those who still show up, are terrified of getting picked up by immigration agents and/or their estimates to build residential have gone up signficantly due to tariffs and related supply chain issues.
I’m watching Page One with my journalism class this week and damn do I love journalism to a tragic, self-sabotaging degree.
February 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM
I’m watching Page One with my journalism class this week and damn do I love journalism to a tragic, self-sabotaging degree.
My mid 70s Ohio dad (who doesn't speak Spanish) told me last night he hadn't watched a Super Bowl halftime show in many years, maybe since the 90s/early 2000s — but made a point to put Bad Bunny on. Thought he was catchy. Appreciated Ricky Martin. Wondered why Lady Gaga didn't sing in Spanish.
February 10, 2026 at 2:06 PM
My mid 70s Ohio dad (who doesn't speak Spanish) told me last night he hadn't watched a Super Bowl halftime show in many years, maybe since the 90s/early 2000s — but made a point to put Bad Bunny on. Thought he was catchy. Appreciated Ricky Martin. Wondered why Lady Gaga didn't sing in Spanish.
Tonite I learned that the absolute latest one can procure Emergency Ice Cream in my Small Town, WV, is 10:59:00 b/c even tho we are the region's Big City w/ a 24-hr McD's the ice cream machine shuts off automatically at 11 to clean itself and doesn't reboot until 6 am (Allowing full min to dispense)
February 10, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Tonite I learned that the absolute latest one can procure Emergency Ice Cream in my Small Town, WV, is 10:59:00 b/c even tho we are the region's Big City w/ a 24-hr McD's the ice cream machine shuts off automatically at 11 to clean itself and doesn't reboot until 6 am (Allowing full min to dispense)
The sides of my houseplants in window sills facing out have shriveled up and died. Guess that's a pretty good indicator of my windows' energy efficiency.
February 10, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The sides of my houseplants in window sills facing out have shriveled up and died. Guess that's a pretty good indicator of my windows' energy efficiency.
José hasn’t left his house for 29 days – not to shovel the snow at his driveway, not to fix up the car.
When the car needed an oil change, he video-called his wife, Sara, from inside so he could walk her through it. He’s afraid to even get near the front door.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
When the car needed an oil change, he video-called his wife, Sara, from inside so he could walk her through it. He’s afraid to even get near the front door.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
The Minnesotans trapped at home, too terrified of ICE to go outside: ‘Our house is like a jail’
The surge of federal immigration agents has forced many families to remain inside for weeks, living in fear of roving ICE patrols snatching people off the street
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:55 PM
José hasn’t left his house for 29 days – not to shovel the snow at his driveway, not to fix up the car.
When the car needed an oil change, he video-called his wife, Sara, from inside so he could walk her through it. He’s afraid to even get near the front door.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
When the car needed an oil change, he video-called his wife, Sara, from inside so he could walk her through it. He’s afraid to even get near the front door.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
Literally under siege www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
The Minnesotans trapped at home, too terrified of ICE to go outside: ‘Our house is like a jail’
The surge of federal immigration agents has forced many families to remain inside for weeks, living in fear of roving ICE patrols snatching people off the street
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Literally under siege www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
February 9, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Kevin Moncla has tried repeatedly to prove that the 2020 vote in Fulton County, Georgia, was tainted by fraud. While state election overseers have rejected his claims, his work may be fueling the federal government’s ongoing investigations. www.propublica.org/article/kevi...
The Conservative Researcher Being Linked to the FBI’s Seizure of Election Records in Georgia
Kevin Moncla has tried repeatedly to prove that the 2020 vote in Fulton County, Georgia, was tainted by fraud. While state election overseers have rejected his claims, his work may be fueling the fede...
www.propublica.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Kevin Moncla has tried repeatedly to prove that the 2020 vote in Fulton County, Georgia, was tainted by fraud. While state election overseers have rejected his claims, his work may be fueling the federal government’s ongoing investigations. www.propublica.org/article/kevi...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
ICE to begin detaining immigrants inside Social Circle warehouse in April
Homeland Security plans to build warehouse detention facilities in other cities being met with opposition.
www.ajc.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:56 PM
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
Planned Parenthood is a major health care provider for transgender people, but many Medicaid patients are now cut off. The story of one 36-year-old, transfeminine Ohioan fighting to get gender-affirming care: 19thnews.org/2026/02/medi...
After years of waiting, she wanted to start gender-affirming care. Politics interfered.
Medicaid patients can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood, unless their state covers it. This is a major setback for trans health care.
19thnews.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Planned Parenthood is a major health care provider for transgender people, but many Medicaid patients are now cut off. The story of one 36-year-old, transfeminine Ohioan fighting to get gender-affirming care: 19thnews.org/2026/02/medi...
San Francisco teachers are on strike, highlighting a pay crisis in a city of tech bros 19thnews.org/2026/02/san-... via @19thnews.org
San Francisco teachers are on strike, highlighting a pay crisis in a city of tech bros
In a region made wealthy by innovation, the woman-dominated teacher workforce says its wages can’t keep pace, shutting down schools for 50,000 students.
19thnews.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:17 PM
San Francisco teachers are on strike, highlighting a pay crisis in a city of tech bros 19thnews.org/2026/02/san-... via @19thnews.org
90% of student discrimination and harassment complaints were dismissed last year. Here's why. 19thnews.org/2026/02/stud... via @19thnews.org
90% of student discrimination and harassment complaints were dismissed last year. Here's why.
Students with disabilities and survivors of sexual misconduct can’t rely on the Department of Education — the target of budget cuts and staff reductions — to intervene for them, new reports find.
19thnews.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:16 PM
90% of student discrimination and harassment complaints were dismissed last year. Here's why. 19thnews.org/2026/02/stud... via @19thnews.org
Reposted by Amanda Becker
The Freedom of the Press Foundation files a disciplinary complaint against the federal prosecutor who signed the search warrant of WaPo reporter Hannah Natanson, arguing he failed to cite a federal law barring the application.
Letter buff.ly/xDHJIy4
Letter buff.ly/xDHJIy4
February 9, 2026 at 4:19 PM
The Freedom of the Press Foundation files a disciplinary complaint against the federal prosecutor who signed the search warrant of WaPo reporter Hannah Natanson, arguing he failed to cite a federal law barring the application.
Letter buff.ly/xDHJIy4
Letter buff.ly/xDHJIy4
This is the laziest reporter move ever (I'm on deadline! I know many of us follow one another!) BUT, if your expertise is dis/misinformation and propaganda as it relates to immigration & can speak to what we see from the White House and other political actors, let's talk! DMs open; Signal in bio.
February 9, 2026 at 9:43 PM
This is the laziest reporter move ever (I'm on deadline! I know many of us follow one another!) BUT, if your expertise is dis/misinformation and propaganda as it relates to immigration & can speak to what we see from the White House and other political actors, let's talk! DMs open; Signal in bio.
Reposted by Amanda Becker
"The Epstein class" is a global rot
In Europe, ties to Jeffrey Epstein are ending careers, sparking spy probes, and possibly toppling governments
In America, not so much. How the lack of elite accountability became the tipping point for democracy. My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/jeff...
In Europe, ties to Jeffrey Epstein are ending careers, sparking spy probes, and possibly toppling governments
In America, not so much. How the lack of elite accountability became the tipping point for democracy. My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/jeff...
Europe is holding its Epstein creeps accountable. Why can’t we? | Will Bunch
Europeans are pushing to hold Jeffrey Epstein's creepy pals, including billionaires like Elon Musk, accountable. The U.S.? Not so much.
www.inquirer.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:13 PM
"The Epstein class" is a global rot
In Europe, ties to Jeffrey Epstein are ending careers, sparking spy probes, and possibly toppling governments
In America, not so much. How the lack of elite accountability became the tipping point for democracy. My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/jeff...
In Europe, ties to Jeffrey Epstein are ending careers, sparking spy probes, and possibly toppling governments
In America, not so much. How the lack of elite accountability became the tipping point for democracy. My new column www.inquirer.com/opinion/jeff...
Reposted by Amanda Becker
The "Melania" director — who's also accused of sexual misconduct and assault and appears in the Epstein files — was also behind that Mike Tyson/MAHA Super Bowl ad 👇
The ‘Melania’ director was behind that Mike Tyson Super Bowl ad
Brett Ratner faced #MeToo allegations and now he’s in the Epstein files, but the MAHA movement turned to him for its big moment.
www.ms.now
February 9, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The "Melania" director — who's also accused of sexual misconduct and assault and appears in the Epstein files — was also behind that Mike Tyson/MAHA Super Bowl ad 👇
After much reseach, Eufy is what I chose as my cat cam when away. I'm still not sure I would have it going 24/7 for security, given privacy concerns.
Did a little research, and if you have a Ring camera and don't like what you've been hearing about the company, this seems to be a good alternative
eufy - Built with Care | Home Security System & Robovacs
eufy has developed a new generation of easy-to-use smart home devices that are designed to enhance your life at home.
www.eufy.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM
After much reseach, Eufy is what I chose as my cat cam when away. I'm still not sure I would have it going 24/7 for security, given privacy concerns.
Reposted by Amanda Becker
The kind folks at @thesundaylongread.bsky.social let me guest edit the newsletter to share some stories I loved this week! Including pieces from @atavist.com, @us.theguardian.com, @thenation.com, @19thnews.org, @capitalb.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com, & more. Link: mailchi.mp/sundaylongre...
February 8, 2026 at 3:55 PM
The kind folks at @thesundaylongread.bsky.social let me guest edit the newsletter to share some stories I loved this week! Including pieces from @atavist.com, @us.theguardian.com, @thenation.com, @19thnews.org, @capitalb.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com, & more. Link: mailchi.mp/sundaylongre...
It is still only 19 degrees at 12:15pm and it is ALLEGEDLY getting up to 45 today. I am both excited about the prospect and also dubious at this point.
February 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
It is still only 19 degrees at 12:15pm and it is ALLEGEDLY getting up to 45 today. I am both excited about the prospect and also dubious at this point.