Pinned
Anodyne
@anodynesix.bsky.social
· Nov 15
In case anyone's interested, here is a feed that only includes posts with pictures of Cassie, Eeyore, and/or Winnie.
(Since the feed excludes reposts, as well as posts about other topics, I imagine that some might prefer to use the feed rather than following me.)
(Since the feed excludes reposts, as well as posts about other topics, I imagine that some might prefer to use the feed rather than following me.)
Reposted by Anodyne
"Despite the high-profile nature of the raid, federal prosecutors have not filed criminal charges against any of the immigrants detained that night. ... More than a dozen children were taken out of the apartment building that night."
NEW: The Trump administration’s slickly produced videos of an immigration raid at a Chicago apartment building in September showed federal agents rappelling from a helicopter and banging down doors.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
What the Trump Administration’s Videos From a Chicago Immigration Raid Don’t Show
Detained and deported Venezuelans tell their stories of what happened when immigration agents raided their apartment building.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 AM
"Despite the high-profile nature of the raid, federal prosecutors have not filed criminal charges against any of the immigrants detained that night. ... More than a dozen children were taken out of the apartment building that night."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Once fully implemented, the extended coverage would cost the state $9.4 million a year ... The state ended fiscal year 2025 with a budget surplus of $4.6 billion."
NEW: Both Pro-Life Wisconsin and Planned Parenthood have registered in support of a bill to expand Medicaid coverage for new low-income moms.
Despite the bipartisan unity, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says, “We already have enough welfare in Wisconsin.”
Despite the bipartisan unity, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says, “We already have enough welfare in Wisconsin.”
He Vowed to “Protect the Unborn.” Now He’s Blocking a Bill to Expand Medicaid for Wisconsin’s New Moms.
Splitting with anti-abortion members of his own party, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has refused to join 48 other states in ensuring that vulnerable women have access to potentially lifesaving care for up to a year after giving birth.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:52 AM
"Once fully implemented, the extended coverage would cost the state $9.4 million a year ... The state ended fiscal year 2025 with a budget surplus of $4.6 billion."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[Deputy Director Dan] Bongino's role as the FBI's second-highest-ranking official means he is responsible for day-to-day operations ... including green-lighting surveillance missions, coordinating with intelligence agency partners and managing the [FBI]'s 56 field offices."
As the FBI’s deputy director, Bongino receives some of the country’s most sensitive secrets, including the President’s Daily Brief.
His ascent to that position without passing a standard bureau background check is unprecedented, insiders say.
By @williamturton.bsky.social @chrisbing.bsky.social
His ascent to that position without passing a standard bureau background check is unprecedented, insiders say.
By @williamturton.bsky.social @chrisbing.bsky.social
FBI Director Kash Patel Waived Polygraph Security Screening for Dan Bongino, Two Other Senior Staff
As the FBI’s deputy director, Bongino receives some of the country’s most sensitive secrets, including the President’s Daily Brief. His ascent to that position without passing a standard bureau backgr...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:10 AM
"[Deputy Director Dan] Bongino's role as the FBI's second-highest-ranking official means he is responsible for day-to-day operations ... including green-lighting surveillance missions, coordinating with intelligence agency partners and managing the [FBI]'s 56 field offices."
Reposted by Anodyne
"The physical behavior of protesters that was captured on the video is not violent. ... In the moments before officers tossed munitions into the crowd, videos show, one protester was blowing bubbles."
2020 footage said to be in 2025. A scene of protestors in Illinois, suggested as Portland.
We reviewed Fox News coverage and 700+ social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Portland.
Here's how Fox News told a misleading story:
We reviewed Fox News coverage and 700+ social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Portland.
Here's how Fox News told a misleading story:
“Riots Raging”: The Misleading Story Fox News Told About Portland Before Trump Sent Troops
After reviewing coverage from the network and hours of social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision, ProPublica found that Fox’s portrayal of “Portland rioters” routinely instigating violence wa...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:15 AM
"The physical behavior of protesters that was captured on the video is not violent. ... In the moments before officers tossed munitions into the crowd, videos show, one protester was blowing bubbles."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[Leonard] Leo arranged for a select group to have a private audience with Justice Clarence Thomas at the U.S. Supreme Court [in 2017]. The attendees were a group of high-net-worth donors ... toward electing Republicans and pushing conservative causes. That afternoon, the donors spoke with Thomas."
Leonard Leo is a lawyer, but he's never argued a case in court. He's never held elected office.
But for years he rebuilt the American legal system, resulting in the Supreme Court's right-wing supermajority.
By @andykroll.bsky.social
(Published Oct. 2023)
But for years he rebuilt the American legal system, resulting in the Supreme Court's right-wing supermajority.
By @andykroll.bsky.social
(Published Oct. 2023)
We Don’t Talk About Leonard: The Man Behind the Right’s Supreme Court Supermajority
The inside story of how Leonard Leo built a machine that remade the American legal system — and what he plans to do next.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:22 AM
"[Leonard] Leo arranged for a select group to have a private audience with Justice Clarence Thomas at the U.S. Supreme Court [in 2017]. The attendees were a group of high-net-worth donors ... toward electing Republicans and pushing conservative causes. That afternoon, the donors spoke with Thomas."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Clemency is not meant to be a function that operates within a closed circle ... It's something the Constitution establishes to give hope to the many — including those who don't have the resources, the fame or the connections to navigate the current system."
Those seeking pardons through official channels have watched while Trump grants pardons to people who never entered the system at all.
“If you’re just an average citizen, you can’t even get in the line,” one lawyer said. “I told my guy he’d probably be better off if he broke into the Capitol.”
“If you’re just an average citizen, you can’t even get in the line,” one lawyer said. “I told my guy he’d probably be better off if he broke into the Capitol.”
How Trump Has Exploited Pardons and Clemency to Reward Allies and Supporters
The president’s second term has brought a flood of clemency for allies and donors — as well as felons, like him, who were convicted of financial wrongdoing.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:33 AM
"Clemency is not meant to be a function that operates within a closed circle ... It's something the Constitution establishes to give hope to the many — including those who don't have the resources, the fame or the connections to navigate the current system."
Reposted by Anodyne
"We have a welfare system for oil and gas [companies]."
More than 2 million oil and gas wells sit unplugged in the U.S., many leaking contaminants into waterways, farmland and neighborhoods.
Time and time again, oil companies have walked away — leaving taxpayers to pay for cleanup. Here’s how.
(Published Dec. 2024)
Time and time again, oil companies have walked away — leaving taxpayers to pay for cleanup. Here’s how.
(Published Dec. 2024)
The American Oil Industry’s Playbook, Illustrated: How Drillers Offload Costly Cleanup Onto the Public
Oil executive Tom Ragsdale walked away from his old wells, making the pollution left behind the state of New Mexico’s problem. His tactics, however, are ubiquitous in the industry.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:37 AM
"We have a welfare system for oil and gas [companies]."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[A]fter [Ruedean Harvey's $135,000 dream car] was towed ... a tow truck company tried to sell it without her knowledge, writing on a form to the [CT DMV] that it was worth only $1,475. The value happened to be just under a $1,500 DMV [expedited resale of towed vehicles] threshold."
NEW: Connecticut towers insist they’re selling junk cars. It’s impossible to know the conditions of every vehicle.
But an analysis by @ctmirror.org and ProPublica shows that in nearly half the cases, the asking price was 50% or less of the book value.
But an analysis by @ctmirror.org and ProPublica shows that in nearly half the cases, the asking price was 50% or less of the book value.
Connecticut Towing Companies Frequently Value Cars Low, Allowing Them to Sell Vehicles Quickly
A database created by The Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica of more than 6,000 forms submitted by the state’s towing companies shows a pattern of low values, including for some luxury cars.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"[A]fter [Ruedean Harvey's $135,000 dream car] was towed ... a tow truck company tried to sell it without her knowledge, writing on a form to the [CT DMV] that it was worth only $1,475. The value happened to be just under a $1,500 DMV [expedited resale of towed vehicles] threshold."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Agents scrawled the Venezuelans' apartment numbers on their arms, bare chests and foreheads ... Then they marched the detainees outside, lined them against a wall and questioned them."
Agents rappelled from a Black Hawk helicopter in a massive show of force. Authorities said Tren de Aragua “terrorists” had taken over the building.
But after the cameras were gone, federal prosecutors did not charge anyone.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social & @blockclubchi.bsky.social
But after the cameras were gone, federal prosecutors did not charge anyone.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social & @blockclubchi.bsky.social
“I Lost Everything”: Venezuelans Were Rounded Up in a Dramatic Midnight Raid but Never Charged With a Crime
Authorities said Tren de Aragua “terrorists” had taken over the building. A ProPublica investigation found little evidence to back up the government’s claims. For the first time, the Venezuelans arres...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
"Agents scrawled the Venezuelans' apartment numbers on their arms, bare chests and foreheads ... Then they marched the detainees outside, lined them against a wall and questioned them."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[T]he police department allows its officers, and other law enforcement officials from across the state, to search this ALPR database to [warrantlessly] reconstruct people's locations over time ... This is an unchecked police power to scrutinize the movements of [the city]'s residents and visitors."
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
We're suing the city of San Jose for its pervasive ALPR surveillance program. With nearly 500 ALPRs, the SJPD allows its officers to search millions of records, all without a warrant. These unconstitutional searches must be stopped. Read the complaint: www.eff.org/cases/siren...
We're suing the city of San Jose for its pervasive ALPR surveillance program. With nearly 500 ALPRs, the SJPD allows its officers to search millions of records, all without a warrant. These unconstitutional searches must be stopped. Read the complaint: www.eff.org/cases/siren...
SIREN and CAIR-CA v. San Jose
The San Jose Police Department has blanketed the city’s roadways with nearly five hundred Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). The police department uses this unblinking surveillance network to
www.eff.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
"[T]he police department allows its officers, and other law enforcement officials from across the state, to search this ALPR database to [warrantlessly] reconstruct people's locations over time ... This is an unchecked police power to scrutinize the movements of [the city]'s residents and visitors."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Conviction Review Unit attorneys concluded that police and prosecutors became locked into a narrative they did not deviate from ... [I]nstead of the case shaping the show, the show shaped the case."
“They said, ‘We got the right guy. We got him,’ before they knew or really looked into the existence of Edgar’s alibi,” said attorney Anna McGinn of the Great North Innocence Project, who represented Edgar. “It’s on TV. I mean, that’s problematic.”
(Published March)
By @jlussenhop.bsky.social
(Published March)
By @jlussenhop.bsky.social
“A Wholly Inaccurate Picture”: The Popular Reality Show and the Wrongly Convicted Man
Edgar Barrientos-Quintana spent 16 years behind bars wrongly convicted for a shooting featured on “The First 48.” The Minnesota attorney general’s office effectively alleged that the show shaped the c...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:27 PM
"Conviction Review Unit attorneys concluded that police and prosecutors became locked into a narrative they did not deviate from ... [I]nstead of the case shaping the show, the show shaped the case."
Reposted by Anodyne
"If our goal in engaging in partisan politics is to impose ... our own religious views on other people, that will lead to harm for people in our communities."
A Fort Worth church's efforts to mobilize Christian conservatives through a political training program comes at a pivotal moment, as Republicans seek to maintain control of the nation’s largest urban red county.
With @fortworthreport.bsky.social and @texastribune.org
With @fortworthreport.bsky.social and @texastribune.org
“No Separation Between Church and State”: Inside a Texas Church’s Training Academy for Christians Running for Office
A Fort Worth church’s candidate training program is the “next stage” of a religion-driven political movement, which has more latitude now that the IRS has allowed religious leaders to endorse candidat...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:29 PM
"If our goal in engaging in partisan politics is to impose ... our own religious views on other people, that will lead to harm for people in our communities."
Reposted by Anodyne
"The worst part of the harm is that they believed in him ... The harm that he's done to these people — they're broken both physically and mentally because of what he did."
After being diagnosed with a cancer that he didn’t actually have, Anthony Olson dropped out of college, moved back in with his parents and began Weiner’s prescribed regimen: four straight days on chemo, four weeks off.
Olson endured this for nine years.
(Published Dec. 2024)
Olson endured this for nine years.
(Published Dec. 2024)
“I Thought He Was Helping Me”: Patient Endured 9 Years of Chemotherapy for Cancer He Never Had
Anthony Olson was told that he’d die without the treatment and to ignore a negative biopsy. He’s one of many patients who may have received harmful or unnecessary treatments from Montana oncologist Dr...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:31 PM
"The worst part of the harm is that they believed in him ... The harm that he's done to these people — they're broken both physically and mentally because of what he did."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Trump's pardons this year have erased ... more than $1 billion in court-ordered restitution. [Devon] Archer's case was among those in which victims lost out: He had been ordered to forfeit over $15 million and repay more than $43 million to his victims."
NEW: Using his clemency power, Trump has undone prosecutions made by his own DOJ during his first term.
Experts say the actions show a broad contempt for the justice system: “He’s rejecting ... the work of people he appointed but didn’t fully control.”
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
Experts say the actions show a broad contempt for the justice system: “He’s rejecting ... the work of people he appointed but didn’t fully control.”
By @jeremykohler.bsky.social
A Tale of Two Terms: How Powerful Figures Were Prosecuted in Trump’s First Term, Then Pardoned in His Second
We found that Donald Trump has granted clemency in at least a dozen criminal cases that originated during his first term. No other president has used clemency to erase his own appointees’ actions on s...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:35 PM
"Trump's pardons this year have erased ... more than $1 billion in court-ordered restitution. [Devon] Archer's case was among those in which victims lost out: He had been ordered to forfeit over $15 million and repay more than $43 million to his victims."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[New Apostolic Reformation leaders] advanced the idea of 'strategic spiritual warfare,' in which church leaders directed prayers to battle demons they believe control physical territory and influence world affairs... [NAR] opposes transgender rights and views abortion as a form of child sacrifice."
The Christian right has become an increasingly powerful force in American politics at every level, from school boards to the presidency. Its roots trace back decades.
By @phoebepetrovic.bsky.social
(Published Oct. 2024)
By @phoebepetrovic.bsky.social
(Published Oct. 2024)
Tracing the Roots of the Christian Nationalist Movement That’s Influencing Modern Politics
The Christian right has become an increasingly powerful force in American politics at every level, from school boards to the presidency. Its roots trace back decades.
projects.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:42 PM
"[New Apostolic Reformation leaders] advanced the idea of 'strategic spiritual warfare,' in which church leaders directed prayers to battle demons they believe control physical territory and influence world affairs... [NAR] opposes transgender rights and views abortion as a form of child sacrifice."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[T]he [claim file] records ... can be revelatory. Some told us they received case notes exposing how they had been funneled into programs the health insurance company deployed to cut costs. A few obtained audio recordings of phone calls showing company staff introducing errors into their cases."
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes
Learn how to request your health insurance claim file, which can include details about what your insurer is saying about you and your case.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
"[T]he [claim file] records ... can be revelatory. Some told us they received case notes exposing how they had been funneled into programs the health insurance company deployed to cut costs. A few obtained audio recordings of phone calls showing company staff introducing errors into their cases."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Medical directors do not see any patient records or put their medical judgment to use ... A [proprietary] algorithm flags mismatches between diagnoses and what the company considers acceptable tests and procedures for those ailments. Company doctors then sign off on the denials in batches."
Internal documents and former company executives revealed how Cigna doctors rejected patients’ claims without opening their files.
“We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
(Published March 2023 w/ @capitolforum.bsky.social)
“We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
(Published March 2023 w/ @capitolforum.bsky.social)
How Cigna Saves Millions by Having Its Doctors Reject Claims Without Reading Them
Internal documents and former company executives reveal how Cigna doctors reject patients’ claims without opening their files. “We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:52 PM
"Medical directors do not see any patient records or put their medical judgment to use ... A [proprietary] algorithm flags mismatches between diagnoses and what the company considers acceptable tests and procedures for those ailments. Company doctors then sign off on the denials in batches."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Israeli officers have said that Israel systematically uses Palestinian civilians, including children, as human shields. Rather than take action against this, the Biden administration approved a record amount of military assistance ... and took drastic steps to provide diplomatic cover to Israel."
The Biden administration had evidence showing Israeli officials used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, but officials only raised minimal “concerns” as the military operation continued through the final weeks.
Biden Administration Had Evidence That Israel Used Palestinians as Human Shields
Biden administration officials raised “concerns” that amounted to nothing over Israel’s actions in its final weeks.
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 12:12 AM
"Israeli officers have said that Israel systematically uses Palestinian civilians, including children, as human shields. Rather than take action against this, the Biden administration approved a record amount of military assistance ... and took drastic steps to provide diplomatic cover to Israel."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Just this year ... legislators added the following exceptions to public records and open meetings laws: information relating to how government entities detect and deter fraud and discussions during public government meetings about certain military and aerospace issues."
NEW: After fighting to keep emails between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and billionaire Elon Musk’s companies secret, officials have released nearly 1,400 pages of documents to The Texas Newsroom.
All but about 200 pages are blacked out.
All but about 200 pages are blacked out.
Gov. Greg Abbott Was Ordered to Release Some of His Emails With Elon Musk. Most Are Blacked Out.
Months after fighting to keep secret emails between Gov. Greg Abbott and Elon Musk, Texas officials released 1,400 pages of records. But they reveal little about the two men’s relationship or Musk’s influence over state government.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
"Just this year ... legislators added the following exceptions to public records and open meetings laws: information relating to how government entities detect and deter fraud and discussions during public government meetings about certain military and aerospace issues."
Reposted by Anodyne
"Not a single member of the [United Nations Security] Council had the courage ... to vote against this US-Israel colonial outrage."
The United Nations Security Council approved the Trump administration’s “peace plan” for Gaza. The resolution calls for the establishment of an International Stabilization Force to demilitarize and govern Gaza while Israel withdraws from the area. It also includes the formation of a ‘peace board.’
UN Security Council Approves Trump’s US-Israeli “Peace Plan” for Gaza
The plan calls for an international force to govern and demilitarize Gaza with no input from Palestinians themselves.
truthout.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
"Not a single member of the [United Nations Security] Council had the courage ... to vote against this US-Israel colonial outrage."
Reposted by Anodyne
"We were overjoyed to celebrate [Miss Diana's release] with our children and eager to spotlight how the collective can prevail. When our community came together with a singular goal, we defeated an enemy much larger and more powerful than us. ... [T]his fight isn't over."
Children at my son’s Spanish immersion preschool in Chicago bore witness to a teacher being violently assaulted by ICE agents who entered their school, armed with weapons, earlier this month. Miss Diana was abducted by ICE on the morning of November 5 as she prepared to start her shift for the day.
ICE Raided My Son’s Daycare to Abduct a Teacher. This Kind of Trauma Lasts.
Children in Illinois have suffered months of systematic abuse by federal agents enacting Trump’s immigration raids.
truthout.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:56 PM
"We were overjoyed to celebrate [Miss Diana's release] with our children and eager to spotlight how the collective can prevail. When our community came together with a singular goal, we defeated an enemy much larger and more powerful than us. ... [T]his fight isn't over."
Reposted by Anodyne
"[M]ainstream media has never been able, and was never financially incentivized to care about poor, working-class, LGBTQIA+, progressive people, and communities of color. [Mainstream media] has ... act[ed] as a mouthpiece for those in power. It has failed us because it was never made for us."
On November 3, Condé Nast announced that it was folding Teen Vogue into Vogue, thus laying off most of Teen Vogue’s staff. Most devastatingly, the layoffs primarily affected their Black, brown, trans and queer workers and the publication’s entire political desk.
The Right Funds Its Media. Can Progressive Philanthropy Meet the Moment?
Rigorous, principled, independent journalism is an essential part of movement building.
truthout.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
"[M]ainstream media has never been able, and was never financially incentivized to care about poor, working-class, LGBTQIA+, progressive people, and communities of color. [Mainstream media] has ... act[ed] as a mouthpiece for those in power. It has failed us because it was never made for us."
Reposted by Anodyne
"The State Department, under the Biden administration, declared a genocide in January. The Biden administration also confirmed that the UAE is supplying weapons to the RSF, a finding that has been supported by numerous reports and evidence from weapons found within the country."
Senate Republican Joni Ernst blocked an attempt to pass a bill aimed at using U.S.’s leverage to bring an end to the genocide in Sudan by suspending arms shipments to the United Arab Emirates.
GOP Blocks Bill to Ban Arms Sales to UAE Until It Stops Arming Sudan Genocidaires
Darfur’s governor said this week that 27,000 people were killed in the days following RSF’s el-Fasher siege last month.
truthout.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
"The State Department, under the Biden administration, declared a genocide in January. The Biden administration also confirmed that the UAE is supplying weapons to the RSF, a finding that has been supported by numerous reports and evidence from weapons found within the country."
Reposted by Anodyne
"There is generally no public interest in the perpetuation of unlawful agency action ... There is a substantial public interest in having governmental agencies abide by the federal laws that govern their existence and operations."
A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard troops to police Washington, DC, is illegal and must come to an end.
Judge Orders Trump Administration to Halt Illegal DC National Guard Deployment
The ruling comes amid legal battles over Trump’s moves to deploy the National Guard in other US cities.
truthout.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:17 PM
"There is generally no public interest in the perpetuation of unlawful agency action ... There is a substantial public interest in having governmental agencies abide by the federal laws that govern their existence and operations."
Reposted by Anodyne
