Dr. Cara Berg Powers
@clbergpowers.bsky.social
I post about public education, school integration, cultural theory, media literacy, sex ed, parenting, and random thoughts from my ADHD brain. Proud co-editor of uncoveringpossible.com out now from Vernon Press! CFC166871CD4B 24% off
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
I'm a Gallup pollster. You can contact them at [email protected] to let them know what you think of this.
February 11, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I'm a Gallup pollster. You can contact them at [email protected] to let them know what you think of this.
In talking to my mom today after the verdict, I was reminded that in the days after this, when @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social documented (which were shown at trial) the bruises she herself sustained, I brought her healing balm because she was so sore. I had completely forgotten.
Should be repeated McGuirk gave conflicting testimony about the “shove” — most garishly in contradiction to the commonwealth’s case, she said Etel pushed off of the ICE SUV into her, knocking her off balance. The state’s case is that etel “shoved” her in the process of being “escorted” (tossed)
February 12, 2026 at 2:40 AM
In talking to my mom today after the verdict, I was reminded that in the days after this, when @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social documented (which were shown at trial) the bruises she herself sustained, I brought her healing balm because she was so sore. I had completely forgotten.
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
I mean I'm just baffled that 6 people could watch a video of a woman trying to not fall down while being forcibly pulled around by a larger person, then look at the standard for "assault" that they were instructed to consider, and unanimously decide "yup, matches up."
February 11, 2026 at 8:34 PM
I mean I'm just baffled that 6 people could watch a video of a woman trying to not fall down while being forcibly pulled around by a larger person, then look at the standard for "assault" that they were instructed to consider, and unanimously decide "yup, matches up."
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
This second part's been bothering me a bit. The jury was allowed to consider that charges weren't immediately brought for political reasons, but wasn't allowed to consider that charges were eventually brought for political reasons?
Gagne says Haxhiaj was interfering with police multiple times. He says she was a distraction and was diverting the police's attention.
He says McGuirk said anyone who wasn't a city councilor probably would've been arrested that day. Says McGurk made a strategic decision to wait.
He says McGuirk said anyone who wasn't a city councilor probably would've been arrested that day. Says McGurk made a strategic decision to wait.
February 11, 2026 at 9:52 PM
This second part's been bothering me a bit. The jury was allowed to consider that charges weren't immediately brought for political reasons, but wasn't allowed to consider that charges were eventually brought for political reasons?
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
Culture is never innocuous; it is consequential. I think of the ways people understand that our law and order system is unjust, but cop for copaganda. You cannot separate how the system perpetuates violence against the innocent, especially Black and Brown people, and the culture that holds it up
February 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Culture is never innocuous; it is consequential. I think of the ways people understand that our law and order system is unjust, but cop for copaganda. You cannot separate how the system perpetuates violence against the innocent, especially Black and Brown people, and the culture that holds it up
For a multitude of reasons I was unable to use a stove/oven to make dinner tonight, but thankfully I got myself a $16 Aldi rice cooker last week and this is a quick and delicious dinner- 1 can Trader Joe's cumin and parsley chickpeas, 1 cup of orzo and two cups of vegetable broth, press button- done
February 12, 2026 at 1:58 AM
For a multitude of reasons I was unable to use a stove/oven to make dinner tonight, but thankfully I got myself a $16 Aldi rice cooker last week and this is a quick and delicious dinner- 1 can Trader Joe's cumin and parsley chickpeas, 1 cup of orzo and two cups of vegetable broth, press button- done
As a testament to my mental state this week- after getting 3 Raphaels in 3 kids meals tonight, I told my Dad that we're going to get these online and hope they come in time before realizing that in fact Monday is February 16 and my brother turns 40 on April 16.
My little brother turns 40 next week and my Dad (who doesn't drive anymore) just saw a commercial for Burger King doing TMNT kids meals, so I've been given a special birthday mission. Since I'm a vegetarian, he promised he'll eat all the kids meals and we'll try to collect all the Ninja Turtles.
two teenage mutant ninja turtles stand in front of a brick wall
Alt: Michaelangelo and Donatello of the teenage mutant ninja turtles stand in front of a brick wall and high five
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:54 AM
As a testament to my mental state this week- after getting 3 Raphaels in 3 kids meals tonight, I told my Dad that we're going to get these online and hope they come in time before realizing that in fact Monday is February 16 and my brother turns 40 on April 16.
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
If it happened today - what would our police have done? How would they take our side. How would they help get ICE out? I hope that is the planning that is happening. ICE created horror on Eureka St. community responded w little information and wanting to protect our immigrant community. 😔
February 11, 2026 at 10:44 AM
If it happened today - what would our police have done? How would they take our side. How would they help get ICE out? I hope that is the planning that is happening. ICE created horror on Eureka St. community responded w little information and wanting to protect our immigrant community. 😔
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
it’s weird, to run this website and have a very distinct marker for how much people care about what’s happening in Minnesota
it feels especially not great to look at as eviction notices start to get served for families are still locked down hiding from ICE, who are still roving the streets
it feels especially not great to look at as eviction notices start to get served for families are still locked down hiding from ICE, who are still roving the streets
February 9, 2026 at 7:14 PM
it’s weird, to run this website and have a very distinct marker for how much people care about what’s happening in Minnesota
it feels especially not great to look at as eviction notices start to get served for families are still locked down hiding from ICE, who are still roving the streets
it feels especially not great to look at as eviction notices start to get served for families are still locked down hiding from ICE, who are still roving the streets
Worcester folks, if you're feeling as angry and sad as I am just want you to know that Haägen Dazs is $3 at the Shaw's on Gold Star blvd
a woman is riding an exercise bike in a dark room and says `` tomorrow i 'll try again '' .
Alt: a woman shrugs in a dark room and says `` tomorrow i 'll try again '' .
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Worcester folks, if you're feeling as angry and sad as I am just want you to know that Haägen Dazs is $3 at the Shaw's on Gold Star blvd
Also what is the point of body cameras if we're just going to be told we don't see what our eyes can clearly see?
February 12, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Also what is the point of body cameras if we're just going to be told we don't see what our eyes can clearly see?
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
If the same thing were to happen again tomorrow, I have zero faith that the WPD would even follow the current protocols. Which, yet another argument in favor of a civilian review board
February 11, 2026 at 10:55 PM
If the same thing were to happen again tomorrow, I have zero faith that the WPD would even follow the current protocols. Which, yet another argument in favor of a civilian review board
Deeply grateful to be in community with @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social, who remains a public servant despite not being in office any longer. Despite how she was failed today, she is focused on the systems and structures that uphold that injustice.
February 11, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Deeply grateful to be in community with @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social, who remains a public servant despite not being in office any longer. Despite how she was failed today, she is focused on the systems and structures that uphold that injustice.
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
@etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social is the conscience of a community. She has been vilified and targeted and ultimately failed by this city, but she remains committed to justice, not for herself, but for our black and brown and homeless and trans neighbors. She is the best of us.
February 11, 2026 at 10:20 PM
@etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social is the conscience of a community. She has been vilified and targeted and ultimately failed by this city, but she remains committed to justice, not for herself, but for our black and brown and homeless and trans neighbors. She is the best of us.
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
Good breakdown of the trial and some of the inconsistencies that Worcester residents deserve answers for.
A jury found former Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj guilty of one charge and not guilty on a second in connection with the May 8 arrest by federal agents.
Haxhiaj Found Guilty on One Charge, Not Guilty on Second
A jury found former Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj guilty of one charge and not guilty on a second related to May 8 on Eureka Street.
thisweekinworcester.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Good breakdown of the trial and some of the inconsistencies that Worcester residents deserve answers for.
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
As if Etel hasn't already given herself to the community
Judge Hillman says he's considered the letters of support, Haxhiaj's lack of criminal record, and the recommendations.
He sentences Haxhiaj to six months probation, 40 hours community service.
He sentences Haxhiaj to six months probation, 40 hours community service.
February 11, 2026 at 9:14 PM
As if Etel hasn't already given herself to the community
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
Please honor James’ memory by getting screened for colorectal cancer. Make the call today if you are 45 or have a family history. Rates are surging among young people. Catching it early is the best way to survive it.
www.cancer.org/cancer/types...
www.cancer.org/cancer/types...
February 11, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Please honor James’ memory by getting screened for colorectal cancer. Make the call today if you are 45 or have a family history. Rates are surging among young people. Catching it early is the best way to survive it.
www.cancer.org/cancer/types...
www.cancer.org/cancer/types...
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
And the whole basis for this is them punishing her for being there for her community — while they were attacking it. And her.
February 11, 2026 at 8:40 PM
And the whole basis for this is them punishing her for being there for her community — while they were attacking it. And her.
As @billshaner.bsky.social writes, this city punishes you for caring, and few people have been punished more than @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social . Make no mistake, it's to send a message to the rest of us that make their callousness clear with our caring. I, for one, am not going to stop.
Assault and battery on a public employee: guilty
February 11, 2026 at 8:41 PM
As @billshaner.bsky.social writes, this city punishes you for caring, and few people have been punished more than @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social . Make no mistake, it's to send a message to the rest of us that make their callousness clear with our caring. I, for one, am not going to stop.
Him not relishing his position is like the person you know from high school that "hates drama."
Halloran says she submitted a packet of numerous letters of support.
Gagne recommends one year of probation, 10 hours of community service per month. Says he doesn't relish his position, says it was difficult. Says there's a line between peaceful protest and assaulting police.
Gagne recommends one year of probation, 10 hours of community service per month. Says he doesn't relish his position, says it was difficult. Says there's a line between peaceful protest and assaulting police.
February 11, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Him not relishing his position is like the person you know from high school that "hates drama."
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
Her positive contribution to the community was to help prevent a family from being torn apart by fascists! JFC
February 11, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Her positive contribution to the community was to help prevent a family from being torn apart by fascists! JFC
Reposted by Dr. Cara Berg Powers
Halloran says Haxhiaj works for community organizations. Says probation isn't necessary to make sure that happens.
February 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Halloran says Haxhiaj works for community organizations. Says probation isn't necessary to make sure that happens.
Honestly this makes me want to box. Are you high? Etel has given this city more than they could ever take from her despite their best attempts..
Gagne says he consulted McGuirk. She doesn't wish to address court but agrees with the recommendation.
He says he doesn't want to impose heavy handed punishment. He wants to see positive contributions to community from Haxhiaj.
He says he doesn't want to impose heavy handed punishment. He wants to see positive contributions to community from Haxhiaj.
February 11, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Honestly this makes me want to box. Are you high? Etel has given this city more than they could ever take from her despite their best attempts..
This is an absolutely ludicrous outcome. The burden of proof was absolutely not met. And it's exactly the kind of dangerous signal of impunity that they were hoping to send.
Assault and battery on a public employee: guilty
February 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
This is an absolutely ludicrous outcome. The burden of proof was absolutely not met. And it's exactly the kind of dangerous signal of impunity that they were hoping to send.