Ben Ross
@benrosstransit.bsky.social
Transit advocate. Social Democrat. Author of Dead End: Suburban Sprawl and the Rebirth of American Urbanism.
A very odd part of the housing debate is that the people who oppose replacing old run-down buildings with big new buildings because the old buildings are affordable are also the people who deny that "filtering" causes new buildings to get less expensive as they age.
Culture flourishes in places with abundant and inexpensive floor space.
If you want cool bars, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, and theaters, you need (a) lots of cheap housing for workers, and (b) lots of commercial spaces where people can open a small business on a shoestring budget.
If you want cool bars, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, and theaters, you need (a) lots of cheap housing for workers, and (b) lots of commercial spaces where people can open a small business on a shoestring budget.
It's funny how every big city in North America has that one otherwise totally unremarkable strip mall way out in the suburbs that has been taken over by Asian restaurateurs and is now an internationally recognized foodie destination.
January 12, 2026 at 8:39 PM
A very odd part of the housing debate is that the people who oppose replacing old run-down buildings with big new buildings because the old buildings are affordable are also the people who deny that "filtering" causes new buildings to get less expensive as they age.
Reposted by Ben Ross
Where we learn there was actually $100K in the Cava bag
WELKER: Where is that $50,000? Did you keep it?
HOMAN: I didn't take $50k from anybody & that's a question for the FBI. Bottom line I did nothing illegal.
WELKER: But was there $50k in the bag?
HOMAN: I'm not addressing it
WELKER: But did you keep the money?
HOMAN: $50k is ridiculous
HOMAN: I didn't take $50k from anybody & that's a question for the FBI. Bottom line I did nothing illegal.
WELKER: But was there $50k in the bag?
HOMAN: I'm not addressing it
WELKER: But did you keep the money?
HOMAN: $50k is ridiculous
January 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Where we learn there was actually $100K in the Cava bag
Reposted by Ben Ross
What's behind the affordability crisis? In large part, it's automobile dependence.
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
Column | The new vs. used car debate is dead. They’re both expensive debt traps.
A record number of buyers — of both new and used vehicles — are locked into monthly payments of $1,000 or more, new data shows.
wapo.st
January 10, 2026 at 11:49 PM
What's behind the affordability crisis? In large part, it's automobile dependence.
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
Reposted by Ben Ross
ICE is WHIPPING through my suburban neighborhoods — not uncommon to see them going 50 mph — race through red lights, veer across multiple lanes to get to off ramps, no blinkers. They’re going to hurt or kill someone (else)
One detail about the MPLS ICE invasion that I haven't seen many comment on: these goons drive like maniacs and they're eventually going to run someone over. They speed, run red lights every chance they get, and because they don't know the roads, they're constantly going the wrong way down one-ways.
January 10, 2026 at 9:32 PM
ICE is WHIPPING through my suburban neighborhoods — not uncommon to see them going 50 mph — race through red lights, veer across multiple lanes to get to off ramps, no blinkers. They’re going to hurt or kill someone (else)
What's behind the affordability crisis? In large part, it's automobile dependence.
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
Column | The new vs. used car debate is dead. They’re both expensive debt traps.
A record number of buyers — of both new and used vehicles — are locked into monthly payments of $1,000 or more, new data shows.
wapo.st
January 10, 2026 at 11:49 PM
What's behind the affordability crisis? In large part, it's automobile dependence.
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
It used to be that housing or rent was a household’s biggest expense, far exceeding any vehicle-related cost. But now those things are neck and neck for a lot of people.” [gift link]
wapo.st/3Lkugqb
Reposted by Ben Ross
ICE caught shooting & lying yet again.
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Anne Arundel County Police dispute ICE’s account of Glen Burnie shooting
A deadly shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis on Wednesday renewed scrutiny of a violent Christmas Eve incident involving ICE agents in Glen Burnie, with Anne Arundel County ...
www.thebanner.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:48 PM
ICE caught shooting & lying yet again.
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
More #PurpleLineprogress! Top two photos are first pictures I've seen of the underground chamber for the new Red Line entrance that will connect to the Purple Line (and to the street 1 block from me). Bottom two are the Purple Line station, a little farther in than I can see when I walk by.
See #PurpleLineprogress in Bethesda! From breaking ground to a developed connection, the future Bethesda Station and shaft are key milestones in the ongoing transformation of the corridor. Learn more about our construction updates https://ow.ly/e9kn50XNPq8 #MTAPurpleLine
January 9, 2026 at 8:41 PM
More #PurpleLineprogress! Top two photos are first pictures I've seen of the underground chamber for the new Red Line entrance that will connect to the Purple Line (and to the street 1 block from me). Bottom two are the Purple Line station, a little farther in than I can see when I walk by.
ICE caught shooting & lying yet again.
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Anne Arundel County Police dispute ICE’s account of Glen Burnie shooting
A deadly shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis on Wednesday renewed scrutiny of a violent Christmas Eve incident involving ICE agents in Glen Burnie, with Anne Arundel County ...
www.thebanner.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:48 PM
ICE caught shooting & lying yet again.
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
In Maryland case, ICE says van driver tried to run over agents & passenger was injured when car crashed into tree.
Local police now report that injured man was arrested hours earlier & was in ICE vehicle at time of crash.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Reposted by Ben Ross
🧵In my expert opinion as a researcher of vehicle ramming attacks, what has been publicly described in the video evidence does not support the claim that Renee Nicole Good was attempting a deliberate ramming attack when she was shot in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. 1/7
January 8, 2026 at 9:13 PM
🧵In my expert opinion as a researcher of vehicle ramming attacks, what has been publicly described in the video evidence does not support the claim that Renee Nicole Good was attempting a deliberate ramming attack when she was shot in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. 1/7
Reposted by Ben Ross
When **Trump voters** were asked who should decide the future leadership of Venezuela, only 9% said the United States and 91% said the people of Venezuela.
This is very far from a blank check for Trump, even among MAGA.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
This is very far from a blank check for Trump, even among MAGA.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Jan. 3-4, 2026, Washington Post poll on Venezuela military operation
docs.google.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:25 PM
When **Trump voters** were asked who should decide the future leadership of Venezuela, only 9% said the United States and 91% said the people of Venezuela.
This is very far from a blank check for Trump, even among MAGA.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
This is very far from a blank check for Trump, even among MAGA.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
"Primary every Democrat" is exactly the wrong response to these anonymous quotes.
The very purpose of going anonymous is to prevent us from knowing who to primary. The aim is to deflect anger away from the party's right wing. The party is a coalition. Attacking it as a whole doesn't move it left.
The very purpose of going anonymous is to prevent us from knowing who to primary. The aim is to deflect anger away from the party's right wing. The party is a coalition. Attacking it as a whole doesn't move it left.
This is just sickening. Back when people were saying "Primary every Democrat," we should have stuck with that
January 5, 2026 at 3:37 PM
"Primary every Democrat" is exactly the wrong response to these anonymous quotes.
The very purpose of going anonymous is to prevent us from knowing who to primary. The aim is to deflect anger away from the party's right wing. The party is a coalition. Attacking it as a whole doesn't move it left.
The very purpose of going anonymous is to prevent us from knowing who to primary. The aim is to deflect anger away from the party's right wing. The party is a coalition. Attacking it as a whole doesn't move it left.
The outcome of New York's congestion pricing. All the good things that were predicted. And a very telling good thing that wasn't predicted. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Models predicted that traffic would get worse outside the zone. It got better. More evidence the models are just plain wrong.
Models predicted that traffic would get worse outside the zone. It got better. More evidence the models are just plain wrong.
Congestion pricing after one year: How life has changed. (Gift Article)
How life has changed in the New York area, according to data on traffic, transit and the responses of 600 readers.
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:30 PM
The outcome of New York's congestion pricing. All the good things that were predicted. And a very telling good thing that wasn't predicted. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Models predicted that traffic would get worse outside the zone. It got better. More evidence the models are just plain wrong.
Models predicted that traffic would get worse outside the zone. It got better. More evidence the models are just plain wrong.
My grandmother, who had no formal education but was a very wise woman, said that any time anything bad happens anywhere in the world, someone will blame the Jews.
dsadevil.blogspot.com/2026/01/thin...
dsadevil.blogspot.com/2026/01/thin...
Things People Blame the Jews For, Volume LXXVII: The Maduro Abduction
It's 2026, and I can't think of a better way to ring in the new year than a fresh edition of "Things People Blame the Jews For." Today's ent...
dsadevil.blogspot.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:25 PM
My grandmother, who had no formal education but was a very wise woman, said that any time anything bad happens anywhere in the world, someone will blame the Jews.
dsadevil.blogspot.com/2026/01/thin...
dsadevil.blogspot.com/2026/01/thin...
The level of out-of-the-gate opposition to Trump on Venezuela, from both elite and, apparently, the population, is far above any US military action in my lifetime and probably in the country's history.
January 4, 2026 at 9:33 PM
The level of out-of-the-gate opposition to Trump on Venezuela, from both elite and, apparently, the population, is far above any US military action in my lifetime and probably in the country's history.
So who dragged Trump into the hole he's now in, by convincing him that Delcy Rodriguez would let him "run" Venezuela?
A bunch of rich, self-important Venezuelan exiles in Houston? In this administration, that can hardly be ruled out.
Or did Putin have a hand in it?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/w...
A bunch of rich, self-important Venezuelan exiles in Houston? In this administration, that can hardly be ruled out.
Or did Putin have a hand in it?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/w...
How Trump Fixed On a Maduro Loyalist as Venezuela’s New Leader
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:04 PM
So who dragged Trump into the hole he's now in, by convincing him that Delcy Rodriguez would let him "run" Venezuela?
A bunch of rich, self-important Venezuelan exiles in Houston? In this administration, that can hardly be ruled out.
Or did Putin have a hand in it?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/w...
A bunch of rich, self-important Venezuelan exiles in Houston? In this administration, that can hardly be ruled out.
Or did Putin have a hand in it?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/04/w...
I can't think of a clearer example of history repeating itself, first as tragedy and then as farce, than Bush's invasion of Iraq and Trump's whatever-it-turns-out-to-be of Venezuela.
January 3, 2026 at 8:08 PM
I can't think of a clearer example of history repeating itself, first as tragedy and then as farce, than Bush's invasion of Iraq and Trump's whatever-it-turns-out-to-be of Venezuela.
So what do they next? Has Trump or Hegseth even thought about that?
January 3, 2026 at 11:48 AM
So what do they next? Has Trump or Hegseth even thought about that?
French prosecutors open an investigation into Grok's "undressed" deepfakes.
🔴Info @politico.eu : La justice va se pencher sur les deepfakes de femmes déshabillées par Grok. Le parquet va étendre l'enquête ouverte sur X aux milliers de contenus non consentis qui prolifèrent sur la plateforme. Avec @klaradurand.bsky.social @emilemarzolf.bsky.social pro.politico.eu/news/210702
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
January 2, 2026 at 3:56 PM
French prosecutors open an investigation into Grok's "undressed" deepfakes.
This distorts history.
20th century Jewish anti-Zionism was centered in the wealthiest part of the community. The Jewish Socialist movement, led by Forverts & Jewish unions, believed in Jewish solidarity. ILGWU & ACWA immediately endorsed the Balfour Declaration.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
20th century Jewish anti-Zionism was centered in the wealthiest part of the community. The Jewish Socialist movement, led by Forverts & Jewish unions, believed in Jewish solidarity. ILGWU & ACWA immediately endorsed the Balfour Declaration.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
They tried to smear him as an antisemite – but Mayor Zohran Mamdani walks in a rich Jewish tradition | Molly Crabapple
When I look at Mamdani, I don’t see some radical departure. I see him as an heir to the Yiddish socialism that helped build New York
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:29 PM
This distorts history.
20th century Jewish anti-Zionism was centered in the wealthiest part of the community. The Jewish Socialist movement, led by Forverts & Jewish unions, believed in Jewish solidarity. ILGWU & ACWA immediately endorsed the Balfour Declaration.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
20th century Jewish anti-Zionism was centered in the wealthiest part of the community. The Jewish Socialist movement, led by Forverts & Jewish unions, believed in Jewish solidarity. ILGWU & ACWA immediately endorsed the Balfour Declaration.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"Cost" riders make choices, so you can build ridership by getting more of them.
The cost difference between owning & not owning a car is already huge. So investments in convenience (frequency & span of service, especially) will usually shift the trade-off much more than cheaper fares.
The cost difference between owning & not owning a car is already huge. So investments in convenience (frequency & span of service, especially) will usually shift the trade-off much more than cheaper fares.
This is why it's wrong to talk about "choice" and "captive" riders.
Think "cost" and "convenience" riders. Convenience riders use transit when it's more convenient. Cost riders trade off cost vs inconvenience.
Cost riders make a choice. The more convenient transit is, the more of them will use it.
Think "cost" and "convenience" riders. Convenience riders use transit when it's more convenient. Cost riders trade off cost vs inconvenience.
Cost riders make a choice. The more convenient transit is, the more of them will use it.
January 1, 2026 at 10:45 PM
"Cost" riders make choices, so you can build ridership by getting more of them.
The cost difference between owning & not owning a car is already huge. So investments in convenience (frequency & span of service, especially) will usually shift the trade-off much more than cheaper fares.
The cost difference between owning & not owning a car is already huge. So investments in convenience (frequency & span of service, especially) will usually shift the trade-off much more than cheaper fares.
It feels like the emphasis has gradually been shifting since around April or May from "free" to "fast."
this is obviously correct, but it also speaks to the focus on competence that Mamdani would choose a DOT commissioner who is not like a free buses true believer
January 1, 2026 at 5:11 PM
It feels like the emphasis has gradually been shifting since around April or May from "free" to "fast."
TACO!
BREAKING: After legal setbacks, President Trump says he's dropping push for the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland for now.
Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now
President Donald Trump says he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
bit.ly
December 31, 2025 at 9:32 PM
TACO!
Reposted by Ben Ross
My theory of American Hierarchy Social Status:
1. Single family home owner
2. Townhouse owner
3. Apartment (condo) owner
<gap>
4. Single family home renter
<gap>
5. Townhouse renter
<huge enormous gap>
6. Apartment renter
7. Homeless
8. Insects and rodents
1. Single family home owner
2. Townhouse owner
3. Apartment (condo) owner
<gap>
4. Single family home renter
<gap>
5. Townhouse renter
<huge enormous gap>
6. Apartment renter
7. Homeless
8. Insects and rodents
so much of our housing pathologies stem from these automatic associations people have like 'renting ~ inferior' and 'having a family ~ owning a home'
December 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
My theory of American Hierarchy Social Status:
1. Single family home owner
2. Townhouse owner
3. Apartment (condo) owner
<gap>
4. Single family home renter
<gap>
5. Townhouse renter
<huge enormous gap>
6. Apartment renter
7. Homeless
8. Insects and rodents
1. Single family home owner
2. Townhouse owner
3. Apartment (condo) owner
<gap>
4. Single family home renter
<gap>
5. Townhouse renter
<huge enormous gap>
6. Apartment renter
7. Homeless
8. Insects and rodents
They already have the name, they just don't have the politics that match the name.
Mike Harrington's Democratic Socialist Organizing Ctee, DSA's forerunner, picked that name to distinguish itself from left-authoritarians, ultraleftists & 3rd-party advocates. (I was in the room.) 1/2
Mike Harrington's Democratic Socialist Organizing Ctee, DSA's forerunner, picked that name to distinguish itself from left-authoritarians, ultraleftists & 3rd-party advocates. (I was in the room.) 1/2
I believe that if the Democratic Socialists of America changed their name to the Social Democrats of America, they would quadruple their membership overnight.
December 30, 2025 at 8:41 PM
They already have the name, they just don't have the politics that match the name.
Mike Harrington's Democratic Socialist Organizing Ctee, DSA's forerunner, picked that name to distinguish itself from left-authoritarians, ultraleftists & 3rd-party advocates. (I was in the room.) 1/2
Mike Harrington's Democratic Socialist Organizing Ctee, DSA's forerunner, picked that name to distinguish itself from left-authoritarians, ultraleftists & 3rd-party advocates. (I was in the room.) 1/2