Brandon Tensley
@brandontensley.bsky.social
Now: National Politics Reporter, Capital B, a Black-focused independent newsroom. Before: National Political Writer, CNN. Writing a book on Whitney Houston's I'm Your Baby Tonight for 33 1/3.
Email: [email protected] | Signal: btensley.53
Email: [email protected] | Signal: btensley.53
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
Walker is one of several women ProPublica found with underlying health conditions who died when they couldn’t access abortions.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:08 AM
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Support independent and nonprofit journalism organizations like @capitalb.bsky.social
During our end-of-year campaign, every gift toward this plan is doubled. You can support us here: capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Capital B
Capital B is supported by people like you. Support Capital B today.
capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Support independent and nonprofit journalism organizations like @capitalb.bsky.social
I'm thrilled to win a 2025 Anthem Award for my coverage of how the overhaul of the federal government is impacting Black communities! www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
November 18, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I'm thrilled to win a 2025 Anthem Award for my coverage of how the overhaul of the federal government is impacting Black communities! www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
We’re thrilled to share our three-year strategic plan, which is a road map for how our uniquely valuable and ambitious news organization can continue making an impact on a local and national level, while future-proofing ourselves for changes we can’t control.
Capital B in the Next Three: Our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan
A mirror and a window. After launching in 2022, Capital B’s first few years were characterized by a sense of discovery and possibility. Our staff has worked hard to learn how to best serve and reach…
capitalbnews.org
November 16, 2025 at 8:01 PM
We’re thrilled to share our three-year strategic plan, which is a road map for how our uniquely valuable and ambitious news organization can continue making an impact on a local and national level, while future-proofing ourselves for changes we can’t control.
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Brad and Janet walking into Dr. Frank-N-Furter's house:
FUCK ARE YALL DOING?!
November 11, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Brad and Janet walking into Dr. Frank-N-Furter's house:
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
every generation loves Rumours. it’s fucking Rumours
November 9, 2025 at 2:55 AM
every generation loves Rumours. it’s fucking Rumours
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
BREAKING: California voters have approved a new U.S. House map designed to boost Democrats in 2026, aiming to blunt GOP changes elsewhere.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Live updates: US voters head to the polls in first general election since Trump's return to power
One year after Donald Trump retook the presidency, 2025 Election Day includes closely watched races for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and California's Proposition 50.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 4:13 AM
BREAKING: California voters have approved a new U.S. House map designed to boost Democrats in 2026, aiming to blunt GOP changes elsewhere.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
BREAKING: Democrat Abigail Spanberger has won the Virginia governor’s race, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and becoming the state's first female governor.
Virginia governor’s race will test Trump and Democrats nationally — and make history
Democrat Abigail Spanberger is facing Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia race for governor.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 1:05 AM
BREAKING: Democrat Abigail Spanberger has won the Virginia governor’s race, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and becoming the state's first female governor.
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Across New Jersey, bomb threats at multiple polling locations have prompted closures and relocations today
Bomb threats force closures at some New Jersey polling places
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said polling sites at School 2 and School 10 in Paterson were shut down after threats were received.
newjersey.news12.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Across New Jersey, bomb threats at multiple polling locations have prompted closures and relocations today
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
"There’s so much pressure. The supervisors and the leaders and the managers and the directors cut so much of the staff, but then still want results and work done. That falls on the remaining people.” https://capitalbnews.org/black-federal-workers-layoffs/
In Their Own Words: Black Workers Reflect on Federal Service Amid Shutdown
The budget impasse and layoffs have disproportionately impacted Black Americans.
capitalbnews.org
November 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM
"There’s so much pressure. The supervisors and the leaders and the managers and the directors cut so much of the staff, but then still want results and work done. That falls on the remaining people.” https://capitalbnews.org/black-federal-workers-layoffs/
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too. n.pr/4qFa1mY
Trump pushes an end to medical care for transgender youth nationally
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too.
n.pr
October 30, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too. n.pr/4qFa1mY
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
it’s almost as if all of the things folks argued would happen after race-conscious admissions were limited - precipitous declines in Black enrollment, among them - are happening. weird how looking at history can tell you a lot. who would have guessed it.
Black student enrollment at elite colleges is dropping, by nearly half at some schools, just two years after the end of race-conscious admissions. This trend threatens decades of hard-fought progress in education. We must find new ways to ensure equity and representation.
Black enrollment is waning at many elite colleges after affirmative action ban, AP analysis finds
An Associated Press analysis finds that the number of Black students enrolling at many elite colleges has dropped in the two years since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in admissions.
apnews.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:54 PM
it’s almost as if all of the things folks argued would happen after race-conscious admissions were limited - precipitous declines in Black enrollment, among them - are happening. weird how looking at history can tell you a lot. who would have guessed it.
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Don't let anyone tell you cultural criticism is dead. But someone does have to pay for it.
I toured through the commentary circuit on TikTok, Letterboxd, and other places where the rules of criticism are changing in inspiring ... and depressing ... ways— www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025...
I toured through the commentary circuit on TikTok, Letterboxd, and other places where the rules of criticism are changing in inspiring ... and depressing ... ways— www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025...
Traditional Criticism Is in Trouble. Here’s What’s Replacing It.
Demand for cultural commentary is higher than it’s ever been—but now that commentary is coming from unconventional new sources.
www.theatlantic.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Don't let anyone tell you cultural criticism is dead. But someone does have to pay for it.
I toured through the commentary circuit on TikTok, Letterboxd, and other places where the rules of criticism are changing in inspiring ... and depressing ... ways— www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025...
I toured through the commentary circuit on TikTok, Letterboxd, and other places where the rules of criticism are changing in inspiring ... and depressing ... ways— www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Last month, I sat w/ Leon on the year anniversary of his release from prison. On his table, he had a certificate from his congressperson—which he laminated himself—as he explained to me the process of photovoltaic power & what it meant to him to finally be supported.
capitalbnews.org/solar-jobs-h...
capitalbnews.org/solar-jobs-h...
Incarcerated Texans Rebuild Their Lives Through This Rooftop Solar Program
Houston’s Fifth Ward harnesses the sun to power homes and new beginnings for returning citizens as federal support for climate justice programs wavers.
capitalbnews.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Last month, I sat w/ Leon on the year anniversary of his release from prison. On his table, he had a certificate from his congressperson—which he laminated himself—as he explained to me the process of photovoltaic power & what it meant to him to finally be supported.
capitalbnews.org/solar-jobs-h...
capitalbnews.org/solar-jobs-h...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
“In this environment that we’re in right now, it feels like an understatement to say that there’s misinformation being spread about this community. People really forget that we’re human beings.”
No One Was Helping Black Transgender Youth. So These Parents Stepped In.
A new nonprofit provides resources to Black families of transgender and nonbinary youth at a moment of heightened political hostility.
capitalbnews.org
October 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
“In this environment that we’re in right now, it feels like an understatement to say that there’s misinformation being spread about this community. People really forget that we’re human beings.”
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
A new nonprofit provides resources to Black families of transgender and nonbinary youth at a moment of heightened political hostility.
No One Was Helping Black Transgender Youth. So These Parents Stepped In.
A new nonprofit provides resources to Black families of transgender and nonbinary youth at a moment of heightened political hostility.
capitalbnews.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A new nonprofit provides resources to Black families of transgender and nonbinary youth at a moment of heightened political hostility.
"People really forget that we're human beings."
I wrote about the deep challenges facing Black transgender youth and their families and the support network some are creating to help others navigate a moment of heightened political hostility. capitalbnews.org/black-parent...
I wrote about the deep challenges facing Black transgender youth and their families and the support network some are creating to help others navigate a moment of heightened political hostility. capitalbnews.org/black-parent...
No One Was Helping Black Transgender Youth. So These Parents Stepped In.
A new nonprofit provides resources to Black families of transgender and nonbinary youth at a moment of heightened political hostility.
capitalbnews.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"People really forget that we're human beings."
I wrote about the deep challenges facing Black transgender youth and their families and the support network some are creating to help others navigate a moment of heightened political hostility. capitalbnews.org/black-parent...
I wrote about the deep challenges facing Black transgender youth and their families and the support network some are creating to help others navigate a moment of heightened political hostility. capitalbnews.org/black-parent...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
Whenever someone asks me what is one media outlet I read or check everyday, it’s hands down @capitalb.bsky.social. The depth, framing and coverage choices are so good and necessary in this moment. Please follow and support the Black Press. There are many others, too.
October 4, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Whenever someone asks me what is one media outlet I read or check everyday, it’s hands down @capitalb.bsky.social. The depth, framing and coverage choices are so good and necessary in this moment. Please follow and support the Black Press. There are many others, too.
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
One Battle After Another, a Thomas Pynchon adaptation that Paul Thomas Anderson has dreamed of making for decades, is his first real action movie, a raunchy, funny, pulse-pounding thriller w/ Leo DiCaprio as a burnout revolutionary in a fascist dystopia that's all too real.
slate.com/culture/2025...
slate.com/culture/2025...
The Movie of the Year Is Here
Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie is a masterpiece years in the making that’s somehow arrived right on time.
slate.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
One Battle After Another, a Thomas Pynchon adaptation that Paul Thomas Anderson has dreamed of making for decades, is his first real action movie, a raunchy, funny, pulse-pounding thriller w/ Leo DiCaprio as a burnout revolutionary in a fascist dystopia that's all too real.
slate.com/culture/2025...
slate.com/culture/2025...
🧵 News can be overwhelming. It can leave us feeling powerless. At Capital B, we want our stories to inspire action and hope. A thread on how to support this work: capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Join | Capital B
Capital B is supported by people like you. Support Capital B today.
capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org
September 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
🧵 News can be overwhelming. It can leave us feeling powerless. At Capital B, we want our stories to inspire action and hope. A thread on how to support this work: capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a standing order so that people can get the COVID vaccine without a prescription.
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
September 11, 2025 at 5:39 AM
The Virginia Department of Health has issued a standing order so that people can get the COVID vaccine without a prescription.
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
You can print out the order here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uplo...
Looking forward to being on this panel with @brigidbergin.bsky.social, @neonflag.bsky.social, and Elizabeth Estrada about democracy and journalism in 2025. If you're in NYC on Sept. 15, come join us! give.wnyc.org/event/front-...
September 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Looking forward to being on this panel with @brigidbergin.bsky.social, @neonflag.bsky.social, and Elizabeth Estrada about democracy and journalism in 2025. If you're in NYC on Sept. 15, come join us! give.wnyc.org/event/front-...
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
So to say music critics have lost their edge bc fear (of fans or of direct diatribes from artists) makes no sense. Music writing was always freewheeling AND beholden to the industry. Critical writing ALWAYS existed next to fan service puff pieces! Poptimism did not make criticism weak tea
August 30, 2025 at 8:06 PM
So to say music critics have lost their edge bc fear (of fans or of direct diatribes from artists) makes no sense. Music writing was always freewheeling AND beholden to the industry. Critical writing ALWAYS existed next to fan service puff pieces! Poptimism did not make criticism weak tea
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
The violins was whooping Bobby V ass all over “Tell Me” 🤣🤣🔥🔥
August 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
The violins was whooping Bobby V ass all over “Tell Me” 🤣🤣🔥🔥
Reposted by Brandon Tensley
“There are all of these issues percolating around the Voting Rights Act,” said Valencia Richardson of the Campaign Legal Center. “And they raise these existential questions about the future of the greatest voting rights legislation this country has ever passed.”
Why Voting Is Becoming Harder for Black Americans in Southern States
Since a 2013 case that scaled back federal approval of voting changes, Black access to the ballot box has become increasingly uncertain, advocates say.
capitalbnews.org
August 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
“There are all of these issues percolating around the Voting Rights Act,” said Valencia Richardson of the Campaign Legal Center. “And they raise these existential questions about the future of the greatest voting rights legislation this country has ever passed.”