J. David McSwane
@davidmcswane.bsky.social
Reporter @propublica.org
Author, “Pandemic, Inc.”
Colorado boy. 🐏
[email protected].
Signal: 202-556-3836
Author, “Pandemic, Inc.”
Colorado boy. 🐏
[email protected].
Signal: 202-556-3836
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Bezos isn't destroying the Washington Post because it isn't profitable. He's destroying the Washington Post because he's calculated that a robust free press threatens the ability of his class to warp society around their interests
February 4, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Bezos isn't destroying the Washington Post because it isn't profitable. He's destroying the Washington Post because he's calculated that a robust free press threatens the ability of his class to warp society around their interests
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Many people who think they can get news anywhere still care about sports, and sports fans want coverage focused on *their* team. For local and regional outlets, fans mean subscriptions, clicks, shares. Killing the sports desk cuts revenue and makes you just another national outlet in a sea of them.
the sports desk drives the money for the rest of the operation and killing it is a move done by people who have no clue what they’re doing or how their own business works
February 4, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Many people who think they can get news anywhere still care about sports, and sports fans want coverage focused on *their* team. For local and regional outlets, fans mean subscriptions, clicks, shares. Killing the sports desk cuts revenue and makes you just another national outlet in a sea of them.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
the $75 million Jeff Bezos set on fire for that Melania propaganda piece could have funded most independent newsrooms for literally decades
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
the $75 million Jeff Bezos set on fire for that Melania propaganda piece could have funded most independent newsrooms for literally decades
Reposted by J. David McSwane
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Reposted by J. David McSwane
BREAKING: The Trump administration repeatedly said the aggressive apartment raid in Chicago last fall was prompted by intel on a gang takeover.
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building
The Trump administration has claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the building. But new documents make no mention of the gang and reveal federal agents had information about “ille...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:47 PM
BREAKING: The Trump administration repeatedly said the aggressive apartment raid in Chicago last fall was prompted by intel on a gang takeover.
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
This is absolutely insane: DHS claims the right to subpoena your emails and to send investigators to your house. In this case, because a retiree sent the mildest possible criticism to a prosecutor. No judges involved.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Homeland Security is targeting Americans with this secretive legal weapon
Under Trump, the Department of Homeland Security has weaponized administrative subpoenas to attack free speech, according to privacy and civil rights groups.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:41 PM
This is absolutely insane: DHS claims the right to subpoena your emails and to send investigators to your house. In this case, because a retiree sent the mildest possible criticism to a prosecutor. No judges involved.
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
What Bezos really, really cares about.
Blue Origin, his rocket company that he has invested billions in, needs and wants billions of dollars in DOD contracts to help pay its bills.
Here Bezos greets Defense Sec. Hegseth today at Blue Origin offices in Florida
WashPost budget is a rounding error
Blue Origin, his rocket company that he has invested billions in, needs and wants billions of dollars in DOD contracts to help pay its bills.
Here Bezos greets Defense Sec. Hegseth today at Blue Origin offices in Florida
WashPost budget is a rounding error
February 2, 2026 at 8:06 PM
What Bezos really, really cares about.
Blue Origin, his rocket company that he has invested billions in, needs and wants billions of dollars in DOD contracts to help pay its bills.
Here Bezos greets Defense Sec. Hegseth today at Blue Origin offices in Florida
WashPost budget is a rounding error
Blue Origin, his rocket company that he has invested billions in, needs and wants billions of dollars in DOD contracts to help pay its bills.
Here Bezos greets Defense Sec. Hegseth today at Blue Origin offices in Florida
WashPost budget is a rounding error
Reposted by J. David McSwane
"I do not have the words to articulate how it feels to watch this unfold in Minneapolis, a city that I have grown to know and love after moving here," our photojournalist @peterdicampo.bsky.social writes. "I knew then that walking these streets would never feel the same."
More: propub.li/4rptLKC
More: propub.li/4rptLKC
February 3, 2026 at 1:15 AM
"I do not have the words to articulate how it feels to watch this unfold in Minneapolis, a city that I have grown to know and love after moving here," our photojournalist @peterdicampo.bsky.social writes. "I knew then that walking these streets would never feel the same."
More: propub.li/4rptLKC
More: propub.li/4rptLKC
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Having a body cam is just the first step. You also gotta turn it on and release the footage.
DHS has footage of Alex Pretti's killing. Yet it won't even say whether it's own investigators have it.
www.propublica.org/article/alex...
DHS has footage of Alex Pretti's killing. Yet it won't even say whether it's own investigators have it.
www.propublica.org/article/alex...
February 2, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Having a body cam is just the first step. You also gotta turn it on and release the footage.
DHS has footage of Alex Pretti's killing. Yet it won't even say whether it's own investigators have it.
www.propublica.org/article/alex...
DHS has footage of Alex Pretti's killing. Yet it won't even say whether it's own investigators have it.
www.propublica.org/article/alex...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Breaking News: Immigration officers in Minneapolis, and eventually nationwide, will be equipped with body cameras, Kristi Noem said.
Immigration Officers in Minneapolis Will Wear Body Cameras, Noem Says
The change comes as the federal government has provided accounts of fatal shootings that have sometimes conflicted with local officials and witness videos.
nyti.ms
February 3, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Breaking News: Immigration officers in Minneapolis, and eventually nationwide, will be equipped with body cameras, Kristi Noem said.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Abu Dhabi poured a secret $500 million into Trump’s company.
Then Abu Dhabi got the highest end AI chips that it had coveted (which could then go to China).
& the Trumps took steps to try to cover it up.
This should rank among the greatest US scandals ever
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Then Abu Dhabi got the highest end AI chips that it had coveted (which could then go to China).
& the Trumps took steps to try to cover it up.
This should rank among the greatest US scandals ever
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
February 1, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Abu Dhabi poured a secret $500 million into Trump’s company.
Then Abu Dhabi got the highest end AI chips that it had coveted (which could then go to China).
& the Trumps took steps to try to cover it up.
This should rank among the greatest US scandals ever
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Then Abu Dhabi got the highest end AI chips that it had coveted (which could then go to China).
& the Trumps took steps to try to cover it up.
This should rank among the greatest US scandals ever
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Breaking News: President Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years this summer for reconstruction. The announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
Trump Says Kennedy Center Will Close for 2-Year Reconstruction Project
The president’s announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
nyti.ms
February 2, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Breaking News: President Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years this summer for reconstruction. The announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:12 PM
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Trump's Justice Department arrests Don Lemon along with another journalist and two protesters despite the refusal of a magistrate judge to issue an arrest warrant because there were insufficient grounds. @haleaziz.bsky.social Devlin Barrett @alanfeuer.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Federal Agents Arrest Don Lemon Over Minnesota Church Protest
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Trump's Justice Department arrests Don Lemon along with another journalist and two protesters despite the refusal of a magistrate judge to issue an arrest warrant because there were insufficient grounds. @haleaziz.bsky.social Devlin Barrett @alanfeuer.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/u...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Six Senators Accuse Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche of “Glaring” Crypto Conflict, Cite ProPublica Investigation. The latest from @propublica.org's @coreygjohnson.bsky.social www.propublica.org/article/todd...
Six Senators Accuse Deputy Attorney General of “Glaring” Crypto Conflict, Cite ProPublica Investigation
The senators presented a letter demanding that top DOJ official Todd Blanche clarify the legality of his actions, pointing to ProPublica reporting that found he owned at least $159,000 in related asse...
www.propublica.org
January 29, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Six Senators Accuse Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche of “Glaring” Crypto Conflict, Cite ProPublica Investigation. The latest from @propublica.org's @coreygjohnson.bsky.social www.propublica.org/article/todd...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
The man, an ICU nurse, was an American citizen with no criminal record, the city police chief said.
Videos contradict the federal government’s description of the shooting, a New York Times analysis found.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Videos contradict the federal government’s description of the shooting, a New York Times analysis found.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Live Updates: Federal Agents Kill a 37-Year-Old Minneapolis Man
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:48 PM
The man, an ICU nurse, was an American citizen with no criminal record, the city police chief said.
Videos contradict the federal government’s description of the shooting, a New York Times analysis found.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Videos contradict the federal government’s description of the shooting, a New York Times analysis found.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Thanks @democracynow.org for giving me a chance to share a new @propublica.org investigation from @mckenziefunk.com & me
Here's the story: www.propublica.org/article/vide...
Here's the story: www.propublica.org/article/vide...
A new investigation by @propublica.org has found over 40 cases of immigration agents using chokeholds and other potentially fatal breathing restrictions, including during the ICE arrest of 16-year-old U.S. citizen Arnoldo Bazan in Texas.
January 16, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Thanks @democracynow.org for giving me a chance to share a new @propublica.org investigation from @mckenziefunk.com & me
Here's the story: www.propublica.org/article/vide...
Here's the story: www.propublica.org/article/vide...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Reposted by J. David McSwane
ProPublica reporters have gone deep on the implements that ICE and other federal agents are using on the streets of Minneapolis. From 2020, on tear gas: "It has been found to cause long-term health consequences and can hurt those who aren’t the intended targets" www.propublica.org/article/tear...
Tear Gas Is Way More Dangerous Than Police Let On — Especially During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In the middle of a respiratory pandemic, law enforcement agencies have used tear gas in especially dangerous ways. The chemical agent also seeps into homes, contaminates food, furniture, skin and surf...
www.propublica.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:41 PM
ProPublica reporters have gone deep on the implements that ICE and other federal agents are using on the streets of Minneapolis. From 2020, on tear gas: "It has been found to cause long-term health consequences and can hurt those who aren’t the intended targets" www.propublica.org/article/tear...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
what’s unfolding in Minneapolis follows a pattern, but it’s fundamentally untrue that chaotic raids are only in blue areas that won’t work w/ICE
Agents in a FBI/ICE/local operation in Idaho violently detained citizens, broke car windows over kids & zip-tied a 14YO girl apnews.com/article/immi...
Agents in a FBI/ICE/local operation in Idaho violently detained citizens, broke car windows over kids & zip-tied a 14YO girl apnews.com/article/immi...
FBI raid at Idaho horse track shows how immigration is a top focus across law enforcement
A recent FBI-led raid at an Idaho race track shows how immigration is driving federal law enforcement under the Trump administration.
apnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:44 PM
what’s unfolding in Minneapolis follows a pattern, but it’s fundamentally untrue that chaotic raids are only in blue areas that won’t work w/ICE
Agents in a FBI/ICE/local operation in Idaho violently detained citizens, broke car windows over kids & zip-tied a 14YO girl apnews.com/article/immi...
Agents in a FBI/ICE/local operation in Idaho violently detained citizens, broke car windows over kids & zip-tied a 14YO girl apnews.com/article/immi...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
IRE strongly condemns the FBI raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home.
IRE stands with reporter Hannah Natanson and The Washington Post.
Read the rest of our statement: https://bit.ly/4qtP79U
IRE stands with reporter Hannah Natanson and The Washington Post.
Read the rest of our statement: https://bit.ly/4qtP79U
IRE statement on FBI raid of Hannah Natanson’s home
IRE strongly condemns the raid of a Washington Post reporter’s home by the FBI, purportedly in an effort to seize classified documents provided to the reporter as she investigates President Donald Tru...
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 11:16 PM
IRE strongly condemns the FBI raid of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home.
IRE stands with reporter Hannah Natanson and The Washington Post.
Read the rest of our statement: https://bit.ly/4qtP79U
IRE stands with reporter Hannah Natanson and The Washington Post.
Read the rest of our statement: https://bit.ly/4qtP79U
Reposted by J. David McSwane
What a horribly sad story: A Pregnant Woman at Risk of Heart Failure Couldn’t Get Urgent Treatment. She Died Waiting for an Abortion.
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 14, 2026 at 1:13 PM
What a horribly sad story: A Pregnant Woman at Risk of Heart Failure Couldn’t Get Urgent Treatment. She Died Waiting for an Abortion.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
As some of you know, I've switched roles from covering Minnesota to hosting ProPublica's forthcoming podcast (launch date TBD). It gives me great, great, great, GREAT pleasure to announce that my replacement is none other than the inimitable Andy Mannix: www.propublica.org/atpropublica...
Andy Mannix Joins ProPublica’s Midwest Unit
www.propublica.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:40 PM
As some of you know, I've switched roles from covering Minnesota to hosting ProPublica's forthcoming podcast (launch date TBD). It gives me great, great, great, GREAT pleasure to announce that my replacement is none other than the inimitable Andy Mannix: www.propublica.org/atpropublica...
I think about this 2019 study a lot, and I suspect we’ll be seeing more of this line of inquiry as the federal governments loosens requirements, shortens training and increases pressure on agents to perform arrests. ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...
Why Underachievers Dominate Secret Police Organizations: Evidence from Autocratic Argentina
The forthcoming article “Why Underachievers Dominate Secret Police Organizations: Evidence from Autocratic Argentina” ( by Adam Scharpf and Christian Gläßel is summarized by the author(s) below. W…
ajps.org
January 14, 2026 at 2:36 PM
I think about this 2019 study a lot, and I suspect we’ll be seeing more of this line of inquiry as the federal governments loosens requirements, shortens training and increases pressure on agents to perform arrests. ajps.org/2019/10/08/w...