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
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...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Immigration agents are choking people in America's streets & using tactics against their own policy/training. Many LEO agencies have banned their use
A Colombian TikToker. An ICU nurse. A father holding his child.
A 16-year-old citizen
DHS calls this "utmost professionalism"
w/ @mckenziefunk.com
A Colombian TikToker. An ICU nurse. A father holding his child.
A 16-year-old citizen
DHS calls this "utmost professionalism"
w/ @mckenziefunk.com
We Found More Than 40 Cases of Immigration Agents Using Banned Chokeholds and Other Moves That Can Cut Off Breathing
Civilians have had apparent seizures. One had his eyes roll back. Another had ribs broken. “I felt like I was going to pass out and die,” said a 16-year-old citizen put in a chokehold. The government ...
www.propublica.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Immigration agents are choking people in America's streets & using tactics against their own policy/training. Many LEO agencies have banned their use
A Colombian TikToker. An ICU nurse. A father holding his child.
A 16-year-old citizen
DHS calls this "utmost professionalism"
w/ @mckenziefunk.com
A Colombian TikToker. An ICU nurse. A father holding his child.
A 16-year-old citizen
DHS calls this "utmost professionalism"
w/ @mckenziefunk.com
When the Texans win, we all get a sermon.
January 13, 2026 at 4:43 AM
When the Texans win, we all get a sermon.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Some personal news, as they say: My first book, CATCH THE DEVIL, comes out July 14! I’m hugely grateful to @nytimes.com for naming it as one of the books everyone will be talking about in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/b...
January 8, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Some personal news, as they say: My first book, CATCH THE DEVIL, comes out July 14! I’m hugely grateful to @nytimes.com for naming it as one of the books everyone will be talking about in 2026.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/b...
Reposted by J. David McSwane
"Meanwhile, witnesses said a doctor was at the scene and tried to help the woman who had been shot, but the ICE agents refused to let the doctor in to help. Up to 15 minutes later, an ambulance arrived but was blocked by ICE vehicles that had occupied the street."
www.fox9.com/news/minneap...
www.fox9.com/news/minneap...
Minneapolis ICE shooting: Eyewitness accounts contradict ICE statement
A woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis Wednesday morning, but witness accounts contradict what federal officials say happened. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calls the claim the shoot...
www.fox9.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:49 PM
"Meanwhile, witnesses said a doctor was at the scene and tried to help the woman who had been shot, but the ICE agents refused to let the doctor in to help. Up to 15 minutes later, an ambulance arrived but was blocked by ICE vehicles that had occupied the street."
www.fox9.com/news/minneap...
www.fox9.com/news/minneap...
Jon Hamm is in advertising more now than when he was Don Draper.
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Jon Hamm is in advertising more now than when he was Don Draper.
Reposted by J. David McSwane
Investigative journalism is more important now more than ever.
In 1975, a small group of reporters from around the country created the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) with a mission to promote excellence in investigative journalism. (1/7)
www.ire.org/donate/
In 1975, a small group of reporters from around the country created the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) with a mission to promote excellence in investigative journalism. (1/7)
www.ire.org/donate/
Donate to IRE
An investment with an impact Your donation to IRE helps provide essential training, mentorship and support to thousands of journalists in newsrooms large and small around the world. Donations may be t...
www.ire.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Investigative journalism is more important now more than ever.
In 1975, a small group of reporters from around the country created the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) with a mission to promote excellence in investigative journalism. (1/7)
www.ire.org/donate/
In 1975, a small group of reporters from around the country created the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) with a mission to promote excellence in investigative journalism. (1/7)
www.ire.org/donate/
Reposted by J. David McSwane
i just did it all scared
What gave you courage in 2025?
December 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM
i just did it all scared