Anthony Macuk
@anthonymacuk.bsky.social
Digital Producer at KGW in Portland. Breaking news/general assignment, plus transportation, infrastructure and politics. Known for knowing too much about local bridges.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
The violent occupation of Minneapolis started with a vlog. I've wanted to find a framework to describe Nick Shirley & others like him: "Influencer" is too quaint. "Journalist" is obviously wrong.
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
What is Nick Shirley?
Slop doesn’t need to be AI-generated
www.theverge.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:11 PM
The violent occupation of Minneapolis started with a vlog. I've wanted to find a framework to describe Nick Shirley & others like him: "Influencer" is too quaint. "Journalist" is obviously wrong.
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
I landed on "slopagandist."
Gift link (open in a web browser) www.theverge.com/news/869824/...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
The AI-chat-enabled stuffed toy Bondu invites little kids to have intimate conversations with it, like an LLM imaginary friend. It also exposed virtually all their chats on a web interface with no security. Anyone with a Gmail account could log in and read transcripts. www.wired.com/story/an-ai-...
An AI Toy Exposed 50,000 Logs of Its Chats With Kids to Anyone With a Gmail Account
AI chat toy company Bondu left its web console almost entirely unprotected. Researchers who accessed it found nearly all the conversations children had had with the company's stuffed animals.
www.wired.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:02 PM
The AI-chat-enabled stuffed toy Bondu invites little kids to have intimate conversations with it, like an LLM imaginary friend. It also exposed virtually all their chats on a web interface with no security. Anyone with a Gmail account could log in and read transcripts. www.wired.com/story/an-ai-...
this sounds harsh but video knows what it did
January 28, 2026 at 3:54 PM
this sounds harsh but video knows what it did
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
EXCLSUVIE: The Trump administration has secretly rewritten nuclear safety rules and shared them with the companies they're meant to regulate, without making the new rules publicly available.
We've obtained a copy of the new rules and here's what we found.
www.npr.org/2026/01/28/n...
We've obtained a copy of the new rules and here's what we found.
www.npr.org/2026/01/28/n...
The Trump administration has secretly rewritten nuclear safety rules
The rewrite was done to speed up the construction of a new generation of nuclear reactors. Critics warn it could compromise safety and public trust.
www.npr.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:23 AM
EXCLSUVIE: The Trump administration has secretly rewritten nuclear safety rules and shared them with the companies they're meant to regulate, without making the new rules publicly available.
We've obtained a copy of the new rules and here's what we found.
www.npr.org/2026/01/28/n...
We've obtained a copy of the new rules and here's what we found.
www.npr.org/2026/01/28/n...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
BREAKING: The Border Patrol's Greg Bovino has been ousted from his role of "Commander at Large"—and Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski could be next to lose their jobs, sources tell @nickmiroff.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
January 26, 2026 at 11:39 PM
BREAKING: The Border Patrol's Greg Bovino has been ousted from his role of "Commander at Large"—and Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski could be next to lose their jobs, sources tell @nickmiroff.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested at around 7 a.m. Monday on Northeast 82nd Avenue, police said.
Portland police arrest man suspected of shooting two officers
The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested at around 7 a.m. Monday on Northeast 82nd Avenue, police said.
www.kgw.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:39 PM
The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested at around 7 a.m. Monday on Northeast 82nd Avenue, police said.
👀 looks like there's a resolution to start the process of replacing the Type 2s in the MAX fleet
January 26, 2026 at 5:43 PM
👀 looks like there's a resolution to start the process of replacing the Type 2s in the MAX fleet
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Tomorrow's front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 24, 2026
January 23, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Tomorrow's front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 24, 2026
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Minnesota residents took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal government's immigration campaign in the state, after weeks of sustained resistance in their communities. Businesses across the region closed in solidarity.
Minnesotans turn out in the frigid cold to protest Trump's immigration crackdown
Minnesota residents took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal government's immigration campaign in the state, after weeks of sustained resistance in their communities. Businesses across the region closed in solidarity.
n.pr
January 23, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Minnesota residents took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal government's immigration campaign in the state, after weeks of sustained resistance in their communities. Businesses across the region closed in solidarity.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
BREAKING: Now that TikTok is under US-based ownership, the social media app potentially collects more detailed information about its users, including precise location data.
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
TikTok Is Now Collecting Even More Data About Its Users. Here Are the 3 Biggest Changes
According to its new privacy policy, TikTok now collects more data on its users, including their precise location, after majority ownership officially switched to a group based in the US.
www.wired.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:48 PM
BREAKING: Now that TikTok is under US-based ownership, the social media app potentially collects more detailed information about its users, including precise location data.
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
My latest for @wired.com:
www.wired.com/story/tiktok...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
They're arresting kids who need medical care in Oregon.
ICE detains family seeking emergency care for child at Portland hospital
The Venezuelan parents and their 7-year-old daughter entered the U.S. legally.
www.oregonlive.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:17 PM
They're arresting kids who need medical care in Oregon.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/h...
The baby is two weeks away and I'm sure I'll never feel completely ready to be a dad but when the doctor was like "what are your thoughts on induction?" I had to almost physically restrain myself from blurting out "well it's definitely the best cooktop if you've got the right pans," so there's that.
January 23, 2026 at 6:10 PM
The baby is two weeks away and I'm sure I'll never feel completely ready to be a dad but when the doctor was like "what are your thoughts on induction?" I had to almost physically restrain myself from blurting out "well it's definitely the best cooktop if you've got the right pans," so there's that.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
January 22, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Tomorrow’s front page of the Minnesota Star Tribune: Jan. 23, 2026
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
BREAKING: Immigration officers are asserting sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, a memo obtained by AP says.
Immigration officers assert sweeping power to enter homes without a judge's warrant, memo says
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press reveals that the agency allows immigration officers to forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a judicial warrant.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 9:32 PM
BREAKING: Immigration officers are asserting sweeping power to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, a memo obtained by AP says.
Portland & Western Railroad said three locomotives derailed while crossing the bridge in Toledo, though they didn't fall off the bridge and no one was injured.
Railroad bridge damaged in derailment near Oregon coast
Portland & Western Railroad said three locomotives derailed while crossing the bridge in Toledo, though they didn't fall off the bridge and no one was injured.
www.kgw.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Portland & Western Railroad said three locomotives derailed while crossing the bridge in Toledo, though they didn't fall off the bridge and no one was injured.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Gary Larson: In my cartoon I invented Cow Tools as a cautionary tale
Cows: At long last, we have created the Cow Tools from classic newspaper comic Cow Tools
Cows: At long last, we have created the Cow Tools from classic newspaper comic Cow Tools
January 19, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Gary Larson: In my cartoon I invented Cow Tools as a cautionary tale
Cows: At long last, we have created the Cow Tools from classic newspaper comic Cow Tools
Cows: At long last, we have created the Cow Tools from classic newspaper comic Cow Tools
I took a longer look at the $13.6 billion draft cost doc to try to find out:
1) How did it go up by $7.6 billion?
2) Which pieces went up the most?
3) If construction still starts this year with the bridge and ramps front-loaded, as appears to be the plan, is $5.5 billion enough to get them done?
1) How did it go up by $7.6 billion?
2) Which pieces went up the most?
3) If construction still starts this year with the bridge and ramps front-loaded, as appears to be the plan, is $5.5 billion enough to get them done?
The Interstate Bridge Replacement cost has more than doubled. Here's what's driving the increase
The $13.6 billion estimate is for the entire project, which includes not just the bridge itself but also a light rail extension and upgrades along five miles of I-5.
www.kgw.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:02 AM
I took a longer look at the $13.6 billion draft cost doc to try to find out:
1) How did it go up by $7.6 billion?
2) Which pieces went up the most?
3) If construction still starts this year with the bridge and ramps front-loaded, as appears to be the plan, is $5.5 billion enough to get them done?
1) How did it go up by $7.6 billion?
2) Which pieces went up the most?
3) If construction still starts this year with the bridge and ramps front-loaded, as appears to be the plan, is $5.5 billion enough to get them done?
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
"Graham, a 34-year old Greensboro, North Carolina police officer, is the seventh instance ProPublica has investigated in which a pregnant woman in a state that significantly restricted abortion died after she was unable to access standard care..."
www.propublica.org/article/nort...
www.propublica.org/article/nort...
A Pregnant Woman at Risk of Heart Failure Couldn’t Get Urgent Treatment. She Died Waiting for an Abortion.
In a state that had legislated its commitment to life, Graham spent her final days struggling to find anyone to save hers.
www.propublica.org
January 18, 2026 at 7:52 PM
"Graham, a 34-year old Greensboro, North Carolina police officer, is the seventh instance ProPublica has investigated in which a pregnant woman in a state that significantly restricted abortion died after she was unable to access standard care..."
www.propublica.org/article/nort...
www.propublica.org/article/nort...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Anna Brauch said an ICE agent grabbed her by handcuffs, and used all his strength to yank her repeatedly around the car.
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Fear factor: Intimidation becomes a calling card as Twin Cities ICE surge widens
Six weeks into the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, observers say there are signs that federal agents are employing violence more frequently and with little apparent restraint against citiz...
www.mprnews.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Anna Brauch said an ICE agent grabbed her by handcuffs, and used all his strength to yank her repeatedly around the car.
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
She told him: “You're breaking my hands, you’re breaking my hands.”
He told her: “I don’t fucking care. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up.” (6) www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
Trump escalates his attack on Minnesota Democrats as Justice Department launches a criminal investigation into Gov Walz and Mayor Frey apparently on the theory that their objections to ICE amount to illegal interference, sources tell @perrystein.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Justice Dept. launches criminal investigation of Minnesota governor
The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation into impeding law enforcement.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Trump escalates his attack on Minnesota Democrats as Justice Department launches a criminal investigation into Gov Walz and Mayor Frey apparently on the theory that their objections to ICE amount to illegal interference, sources tell @perrystein.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Sen. Maria Cantwell says in a news release that the Coast Guard has approved a 116-foot clearance for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, allowing for a fixed crossing with no drawbridge.
Coast Guard issues Interstate Bridge clearance ruling, allowing fixed span with 116-foot height
The decision settles a big lingering question: whether the new bridge will need to match the current bridge's 178-foot clearance, which would require a drawbridge.
www.kgw.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Sen. Maria Cantwell says in a news release that the Coast Guard has approved a 116-foot clearance for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, allowing for a fixed crossing with no drawbridge.
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
TriMet GM announced the plans at a Metro transportation committee meeting this morning. The sale isn't final AFAIK, but TriMet has about $12 million set aside for it and the list price is $10 million.
bikeportland.org/2026/01/15/t...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/15/t...
TriMet to purchase former Greyhound terminal in Old Town
TriMet has had its eye on the building since at least 2017.
bikeportland.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:11 PM
TriMet GM announced the plans at a Metro transportation committee meeting this morning. The sale isn't final AFAIK, but TriMet has about $12 million set aside for it and the list price is $10 million.
bikeportland.org/2026/01/15/t...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/15/t...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
"The sweeping study... found that using AI in education can 'undermine children's foundational development' and that 'the damages it has already caused are daunting.'"
They include limiting kids' cognitive, social, and emotional developmen, and increasing inequity.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
They include limiting kids' cognitive, social, and emotional developmen, and increasing inequity.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
The risks of AI in schools outweigh the benefits, report says
A new report warns that AI poses a serious threat to children's cognitive development and emotional well-being.
www.npr.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:14 PM
"The sweeping study... found that using AI in education can 'undermine children's foundational development' and that 'the damages it has already caused are daunting.'"
They include limiting kids' cognitive, social, and emotional developmen, and increasing inequity.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
They include limiting kids' cognitive, social, and emotional developmen, and increasing inequity.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Reposted by Anthony Macuk
New: meet ELITE, the Palantir app ICE is using to find neighborhoods to raid. Map interface; officers search for immigrants; click person to bring up individual dossier. This is clearest link between what Palantir is building and ICE's activities on the ground yet www.404media.co/elite-the-pa...
‘ELITE’: The Palantir App ICE Uses to Find Neighborhoods to Raid
Internal ICE material and testimony from an official obtained by 404 Media provides the clearest link yet between the technological infrastructure Palantir is building for ICE and the agency’s activit...
www.404media.co
January 15, 2026 at 2:06 PM
New: meet ELITE, the Palantir app ICE is using to find neighborhoods to raid. Map interface; officers search for immigrants; click person to bring up individual dossier. This is clearest link between what Palantir is building and ICE's activities on the ground yet www.404media.co/elite-the-pa...