Damin Esper
@daminesper.bsky.social
Journalist, musician, broadcaster, media critic or red-headed, lumpy and with a loud voice - Hey, I'm Menelaus! Mr. Rogers was on Letterman on my 16th birthday. Ella Black enthusiast.
Behn leading now and has a shot in Tennessee. More likely is that Van Epps wins in a close race. This is a R+22 district and if its under five percent, even if the Republican wins, it's another huge data point to a Democratic romp in the midterms. If she somehow wins, it's earth-shattering. 1/
December 3, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Behn leading now and has a shot in Tennessee. More likely is that Van Epps wins in a close race. This is a R+22 district and if its under five percent, even if the Republican wins, it's another huge data point to a Democratic romp in the midterms. If she somehow wins, it's earth-shattering. 1/
Reposted by Damin Esper
NEW: In a letter to Trump, Juan Orlando Hernandez cast himself as the victim of “political persecution” by Biden's DOJ & compared his fate to Trump's.
Trump announced a pardon of Hernandez hours after receiving the letter.
Hernandez was freed from prison yesterday, per the Bureau of Prisons.
Trump announced a pardon of Hernandez hours after receiving the letter.
Hernandez was freed from prison yesterday, per the Bureau of Prisons.
Former President of Honduras Is Freed From Prison After Trump Pardon
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:14 PM
NEW: In a letter to Trump, Juan Orlando Hernandez cast himself as the victim of “political persecution” by Biden's DOJ & compared his fate to Trump's.
Trump announced a pardon of Hernandez hours after receiving the letter.
Hernandez was freed from prison yesterday, per the Bureau of Prisons.
Trump announced a pardon of Hernandez hours after receiving the letter.
Hernandez was freed from prison yesterday, per the Bureau of Prisons.
Reposted by Damin Esper
Reposted by Damin Esper
❄️⭐ (re)ANNOUNCING ⭐❄️
The Kat For Illinois holiday extravaganza....
Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Show
Join us at Bookclub on December 12th for a night of fun featuring music, performances, drag, comedy, caroling and more!
The Kat For Illinois holiday extravaganza....
Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Show
Join us at Bookclub on December 12th for a night of fun featuring music, performances, drag, comedy, caroling and more!
December 3, 2025 at 12:42 AM
❄️⭐ (re)ANNOUNCING ⭐❄️
The Kat For Illinois holiday extravaganza....
Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Show
Join us at Bookclub on December 12th for a night of fun featuring music, performances, drag, comedy, caroling and more!
The Kat For Illinois holiday extravaganza....
Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Show
Join us at Bookclub on December 12th for a night of fun featuring music, performances, drag, comedy, caroling and more!
Reposted by Damin Esper
"Heroically, he trudged to the sideline, defeated yet unvanquished. Indeed: unvanquishable. His nose shattered by a cowardly blow from behind. His left wrist fractured in three places: not one, not two, not quite proceeding to four, but three."
miketanier.substack.com/p/the-feast-...
miketanier.substack.com/p/the-feast-...
The Feast of Saint Aaron Rodgers, Martyr
A guest columnist celebrates Aaron Rodgers' birthday by contextualizing the greatness of Rodgers' late career for those of us with little faith.
miketanier.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:01 AM
"Heroically, he trudged to the sideline, defeated yet unvanquished. Indeed: unvanquishable. His nose shattered by a cowardly blow from behind. His left wrist fractured in three places: not one, not two, not quite proceeding to four, but three."
miketanier.substack.com/p/the-feast-...
miketanier.substack.com/p/the-feast-...
Reposted by Damin Esper
Congresswoman Omar calls Trump's comments about her 'creepy' after the US president launches into an anti-Somali tirade.
Ilhan Omar denounces Donald Trump for calling Somali immigrants ‘garbage’
Congresswoman Omar calls Trump's comments about her 'creepy' after the US president launches into an anti-Somali tirade.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Congresswoman Omar calls Trump's comments about her 'creepy' after the US president launches into an anti-Somali tirade.
Reposted by Damin Esper
I Think Her Party Should Be Making Statements In Her Defense And The Greater Somali Community
December 3, 2025 at 12:39 AM
I Think Her Party Should Be Making Statements In Her Defense And The Greater Somali Community
Reposted by Damin Esper
Let me get this straight: we trained this guy to be an elite killer, abandoned his country to the Taliban, isolated him, arbitrarily banned him from working and so left his family unsupported.
I don’t know if there’s any more efficient way of producing a mental health crisis outside of torture.
I don’t know if there’s any more efficient way of producing a mental health crisis outside of torture.
Alleged D.C. Shooter Begged CIA for Help as He Tried to Find Work newrepublic.com/post/203784/... via @newrepublic.com
Alleged D.C. Shooter Begged CIA for Help as He Tried to Find Work
The National Guard shooting suspect felt abandoned by the CIA after working together for so long, his fellow unit member said.
newrepublic.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Let me get this straight: we trained this guy to be an elite killer, abandoned his country to the Taliban, isolated him, arbitrarily banned him from working and so left his family unsupported.
I don’t know if there’s any more efficient way of producing a mental health crisis outside of torture.
I don’t know if there’s any more efficient way of producing a mental health crisis outside of torture.
Reposted by Damin Esper
NEW — RFK Jr.’s HHS sent out a survey asking employees to report instances of anti-Christian bias during the Biden administration, and the Dept. of Labor announced its inaugural prayer service. These are just the latest instances of Trump’s extreme Christian creep within the federal government.
RFK Jr. is very worried about anti-Christian bias at HHS...under Biden
Employees received a survey Monday asking them to rat on each other.
www.thehandbasket.co
December 3, 2025 at 1:04 AM
NEW — RFK Jr.’s HHS sent out a survey asking employees to report instances of anti-Christian bias during the Biden administration, and the Dept. of Labor announced its inaugural prayer service. These are just the latest instances of Trump’s extreme Christian creep within the federal government.
Reposted by Damin Esper
Cal nears deal to hire Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as head coach: sources trib.al/TKBGf7O
Cal nears deal to hire Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as head coach: sources
Lupoi, a Walnut Creek native and former De La Salle standout, was a defensive lineman in Berkeley from 2000-2005 and coached the Bears line from 2008-11
trib.al
December 3, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Cal nears deal to hire Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as head coach: sources trib.al/TKBGf7O
Reposted by Damin Esper
Officials prepare immigration operation in Minnesota that would focus on Somali immigrants, source tells AP, as Trump says he doesn't want Somalis in U.S.
Federal authorities plan operation in Minnesota focusing on Somali immigrants, AP source says
Federal authorities are preparing an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, focusing on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Officials prepare immigration operation in Minnesota that would focus on Somali immigrants, source tells AP, as Trump says he doesn't want Somalis in U.S.
Reposted by Damin Esper
I'm noticing that not enough of you have joined DSA using my referral link to get me a free t-shirt and I'm beginning to wonder if you all even care about better future/me getting a free t-shirt...
Apparently if 3 of you join DSA using my link I get a t-shirt.
Sign up. You want to anyway and I am mark for free t-shirts.
act.dsausa.org/s/4814.C7jcoH
Sign up. You want to anyway and I am mark for free t-shirts.
act.dsausa.org/s/4814.C7jcoH
Join DSA. Become a member today.
Democratic socialists have an historic opportunity and responsibility to play a central role in continuing the political revolution for the long term. As a democratic, grassroots organization, DSA is ...
act.dsausa.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:05 AM
I'm noticing that not enough of you have joined DSA using my referral link to get me a free t-shirt and I'm beginning to wonder if you all even care about better future/me getting a free t-shirt...
Reposted by Damin Esper
The US is deporting people who are not Mexican to Mexico, where they do not have legal status to live or work and are forced into underground economies.
‘I’m Lost in This Country’: Non-Mexicans Living Undocumented After Deportation to Mexico
Cubans and other third-country nationals are dropped off on the streets of Villahermosa where they struggle to survive.
capitalandmain.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:01 AM
The US is deporting people who are not Mexican to Mexico, where they do not have legal status to live or work and are forced into underground economies.
Reposted by Damin Esper
New: "Nasdaq Tells Trump Crypto Partner Alt5 Sigma It ‘No Longer Meets’ Listing Requirements After Missed Report"
me, for @forbes.com
1/
me, for @forbes.com
1/
Alt5 Sigma Told It’s ’Noncompliant’ by Nasdaq After Failing To File Earnings Report
A fintech firm that routed $500 million to an entity affiliated with President Trump is yet to file its report for the third quarter, which ended in September.
www.forbes.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:32 AM
New: "Nasdaq Tells Trump Crypto Partner Alt5 Sigma It ‘No Longer Meets’ Listing Requirements After Missed Report"
me, for @forbes.com
1/
me, for @forbes.com
1/
Reposted by Damin Esper
After a Waymo struck & killed its previous bodega cat, Randa’s Market is turning a new leaf.
Meet Coco, a feisty, friendly addition to 16th Street.
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
Meet Coco, a feisty, friendly addition to 16th Street.
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
After beloved KitKat was killed by Waymo, liquor store gets new feline
Coco, the new six-month kitten at Randa's Market, is winning over customers after KitKat was struck and killed by a Waymo.
missionlocal.org
December 2, 2025 at 10:41 PM
After a Waymo struck & killed its previous bodega cat, Randa’s Market is turning a new leaf.
Meet Coco, a feisty, friendly addition to 16th Street.
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
Meet Coco, a feisty, friendly addition to 16th Street.
missionlocal.org/2025/12/sf-w...
Reposted by Damin Esper
Loved this little movie theater in my old neighborhood in Chicago and this is such great news: blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/01/r... - I saw soooo many movies here.
Rogers Park's New 400 Theaters Is Reopening As New Operator Revives 113-Year-Old Movie House
The operator of three historical movie theaters in Michigan has leased the shuttered Rogers Park theater, which was the city's oldest continually running movie theater when it closed in 2023.
blockclubchicago.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Loved this little movie theater in my old neighborhood in Chicago and this is such great news: blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/01/r... - I saw soooo many movies here.
Reposted by Damin Esper
Eugene Hasenfus, a former Marine whose capture during a failed CIA mission in 1986 exposed the Iran-contra plot, has died at 84.
Eugene Hasenfus, Gunrunner Who Exposed Iran-Contra Plot, Dies at 84
He emerged out of obscurity when his cargo plane was shot down while illegally ferrying arms to Nicaraguan rebels, setting off a scandal that tarnished the Reagan and Bush White Houses.
nyti.ms
December 3, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Eugene Hasenfus, a former Marine whose capture during a failed CIA mission in 1986 exposed the Iran-contra plot, has died at 84.
Reposted by Damin Esper
Duke can now reach levels of ACC previously thought impossible
JMU is ranked!!!! at No. 25.
That means two Group of 5 champions could make the field if 7-5 Duke wins the ACC title game!!!
That means two Group of 5 champions could make the field if 7-5 Duke wins the ACC title game!!!
December 3, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Duke can now reach levels of ACC previously thought impossible
Reposted by Damin Esper
Reposted by Damin Esper
The Steelers have claimed former Vikings WR Adam Thielen on waivers, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
December 2, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The Steelers have claimed former Vikings WR Adam Thielen on waivers, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
Reposted by Damin Esper
WOW: It appears that the Florida Department of Transportation and state Republicans used a flawed study to illegally dismantle dedicated bus lanes along a federally funded BRT project that was completed on time and under budget
www.tampabay.com/news/transpo...
www.tampabay.com/news/transpo...
FDOT study used to scrap SunRunner lane ‘incomplete,’ ‘unfair’, experts say
The dedicated bus lane on Pasadena Avenue was removed after the state said there was a rise in crashes.
www.tampabay.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:04 PM
WOW: It appears that the Florida Department of Transportation and state Republicans used a flawed study to illegally dismantle dedicated bus lanes along a federally funded BRT project that was completed on time and under budget
www.tampabay.com/news/transpo...
www.tampabay.com/news/transpo...
Reposted by Damin Esper
Zillow dropped climate risk scores. Redfin kept them.
Why? Our research shows these scores are useful to homebuyers.
Ideally, we'd have information on rising insurance costs. But until insurance disclosure rules change, we will continue to provide the best info available.
Why? Our research shows these scores are useful to homebuyers.
Ideally, we'd have information on rising insurance costs. But until insurance disclosure rules change, we will continue to provide the best info available.
December 2, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Zillow dropped climate risk scores. Redfin kept them.
Why? Our research shows these scores are useful to homebuyers.
Ideally, we'd have information on rising insurance costs. But until insurance disclosure rules change, we will continue to provide the best info available.
Why? Our research shows these scores are useful to homebuyers.
Ideally, we'd have information on rising insurance costs. But until insurance disclosure rules change, we will continue to provide the best info available.
Reposted by Damin Esper
Ex-DEA agent who worked on the case against former Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernandez calls his release "devastating":
“It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless”
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
“It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless”
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Former Honduras president, convicted of trafficking, freed on Trump pardon
A former DEA agent called the release “devastating”: “It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless.”
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Ex-DEA agent who worked on the case against former Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernandez calls his release "devastating":
“It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless”
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
“It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless”
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Reposted by Damin Esper
FUNBAG!!! defector.com/oh-shit-im-a...
Oh Shit, I’m A Crossword Dork Now | Defector
Time for your weekly edition of the Defector Funbag. Got something on your mind? Email the Funbag. You can also read Drew over at SFGATE, and buy Drew’s books while you’re at it. Today, we’re talking ...
defector.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:25 PM
FUNBAG!!! defector.com/oh-shit-im-a...