Denali
@denali.bsky.social
Early childhood and public systems researcher.
Rich inner life. No inside voice. I live in Chicago.
Photo by https://www.greginda.com/
Rich inner life. No inside voice. I live in Chicago.
Photo by https://www.greginda.com/
It's hilarious and unsurprising that visiting my kids' elementary school is the closest i get to the feeling of walking into Cheers.
February 11, 2026 at 3:54 PM
It's hilarious and unsurprising that visiting my kids' elementary school is the closest i get to the feeling of walking into Cheers.
Everything about this story is so much but sit with the idea that there are people in DC trying to cut money to preschool classrooms so they can fund the group chat that celebrated shooting a teacher's assistant who works with young children.
JUST IN: Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman shot by Border Patrol agent, expected to file lawsuit and release evidence Wednesday
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman shot by Border Patrol agent, expected to file lawsuit, release evidence
Body-cam video, text messages and other evidence tied to shooting during Operation Midway Blitz is set for a Wednesday release.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Everything about this story is so much but sit with the idea that there are people in DC trying to cut money to preschool classrooms so they can fund the group chat that celebrated shooting a teacher's assistant who works with young children.
Reposted by Denali
Too often, the political (and legal) penalty for avoiding transparency is lighter than the perceived political penalty of promoting it.
State's Attorney data is presumptively public and subject to FOIA. There is zero reason it should not be provided in an open-access dataset. If *CPD* manages it...
State's Attorney data is presumptively public and subject to FOIA. There is zero reason it should not be provided in an open-access dataset. If *CPD* manages it...
It's been 14 months since the Cook County State's Attorney was sworn in
and this info, which she "temporarily" took down, is still unavailable
Data | Cook County State's Attorney share.google/73WFGrpKtnIU...
and this info, which she "temporarily" took down, is still unavailable
Data | Cook County State's Attorney share.google/73WFGrpKtnIU...
February 10, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Too often, the political (and legal) penalty for avoiding transparency is lighter than the perceived political penalty of promoting it.
State's Attorney data is presumptively public and subject to FOIA. There is zero reason it should not be provided in an open-access dataset. If *CPD* manages it...
State's Attorney data is presumptively public and subject to FOIA. There is zero reason it should not be provided in an open-access dataset. If *CPD* manages it...
Reposted by Denali
Moving backward on this should be shocking and unacceptable.
February 10, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Moving backward on this should be shocking and unacceptable.
The Cook County Dems just sent out a mailer all about fighting back against Trump with no endorsement for the US Senate seat. In this essay I will...
February 10, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The Cook County Dems just sent out a mailer all about fighting back against Trump with no endorsement for the US Senate seat. In this essay I will...
It's simply wild to me that these people will drape themselves in the language of law and order all day every day and then suggest that we change the laws because it's too hard for federal agents to quickly and quietly abduct our neighbors.
February 10, 2026 at 6:29 AM
It's simply wild to me that these people will drape themselves in the language of law and order all day every day and then suggest that we change the laws because it's too hard for federal agents to quickly and quietly abduct our neighbors.
Just in case you were wondering the Tribune editorial board is now laundering talking points directly from Noem et Al:
"Last week, DHS issued a news release defending the use of administrative warrants, which are warrants issued by the executive branch itself, to conduct arrests."
"Last week, DHS issued a news release defending the use of administrative warrants, which are warrants issued by the executive branch itself, to conduct arrests."
This is literally what CURRENT LAW requires. It’s in the Constitution! www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
February 10, 2026 at 6:12 AM
Just in case you were wondering the Tribune editorial board is now laundering talking points directly from Noem et Al:
"Last week, DHS issued a news release defending the use of administrative warrants, which are warrants issued by the executive branch itself, to conduct arrests."
"Last week, DHS issued a news release defending the use of administrative warrants, which are warrants issued by the executive branch itself, to conduct arrests."
Reposted by Denali
NEW: Immigrant advocacy groups represented by @aclu.org ask a federal judge to let them help defend the Census Bureau against Missouri's lawsuit that seeking to alter #2030Census results that the 14th Amendment says must include the “whole number of persons in each state"
#12 in State of Missouri v. United States Department of Commerce (E.D. Mo., 4:26-cv-00131) – CourtListener.com
MEMORANDUM in Support of Motion re 11 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants filed by Movants FIEL Houston, Make the Road New York, New York Immigration Coalition, OCA -Asian Pacific American Advocates. (A...
www.courtlistener.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:10 AM
NEW: Immigrant advocacy groups represented by @aclu.org ask a federal judge to let them help defend the Census Bureau against Missouri's lawsuit that seeking to alter #2030Census results that the 14th Amendment says must include the “whole number of persons in each state"
Today's episode of "Why is the 8 Yr old asking?" is about Charles Keating.
February 9, 2026 at 11:51 PM
Today's episode of "Why is the 8 Yr old asking?" is about Charles Keating.
Dear Sirs:
Pragmatism is a word that the weak and venal use to justify beliefs so abohorent that they shame even the shameless. It's a word that has no place in moral matters.
Please find an editor for your editorial board
Denali
Pragmatism is a word that the weak and venal use to justify beliefs so abohorent that they shame even the shameless. It's a word that has no place in moral matters.
Please find an editor for your editorial board
Denali
From the Editorial Board: Minnesota, even in its grief and trauma over the needless deaths of two of its citizens at the hands of the state, is managing to show that communication and negotiation are possible.
Editorial: Illinois should consider pragmatic tweaks to its sanctuary law
In Minnesota, Democratic politicians are negotiating pragmatic policy changes regarding their sanctuary policies. Illinois should do the same.
trib.al
February 9, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Dear Sirs:
Pragmatism is a word that the weak and venal use to justify beliefs so abohorent that they shame even the shameless. It's a word that has no place in moral matters.
Please find an editor for your editorial board
Denali
Pragmatism is a word that the weak and venal use to justify beliefs so abohorent that they shame even the shameless. It's a word that has no place in moral matters.
Please find an editor for your editorial board
Denali
One of the most interesting and surprising things I've observed is how hard it is for people who want to help to understand the cultural context of this and how quick they are to disparage communities that are struggling to find a way forward.
More than 140 Asian immigrants were arrested during the first few weeks of Operation Midway Blitz. Powerful reporting from @estheryjkang.bsky.social
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Chicago-area Asians were arrested in Midway Blitz. They kept quiet about it, for a while.
Stigma and a false sense of security have kept families from speaking publicly about immigration enforcement. The daughter of a deported man says "staying silent ... hurts you more than anything."
www.wbez.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:06 PM
One of the most interesting and surprising things I've observed is how hard it is for people who want to help to understand the cultural context of this and how quick they are to disparage communities that are struggling to find a way forward.
Reposted by Denali
More than 140 Asian immigrants were arrested during the first few weeks of Operation Midway Blitz. Powerful reporting from @estheryjkang.bsky.social
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Chicago-area Asians were arrested in Midway Blitz. They kept quiet about it, for a while.
Stigma and a false sense of security have kept families from speaking publicly about immigration enforcement. The daughter of a deported man says "staying silent ... hurts you more than anything."
www.wbez.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:02 PM
More than 140 Asian immigrants were arrested during the first few weeks of Operation Midway Blitz. Powerful reporting from @estheryjkang.bsky.social
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
www.wbez.org/immigration/...
I just came back from the library where I learned that tomorrow is National Pizza Day. Plan accordingly.
February 8, 2026 at 10:57 PM
I just came back from the library where I learned that tomorrow is National Pizza Day. Plan accordingly.
Reposted by Denali
Experts fear the vaccine-preventable virus has regained a foothold and that the U.S. may soon follow Canada in losing the achievement of having eliminated it.
https://to.pbs.org/3NunWgA
https://to.pbs.org/3NunWgA
The U.S. is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status
Last year, the CDC confirmed 2,144 measles cases across 44 states — the most since 1991 — and nearly 50 separate outbreaks.
www.pbs.org
February 8, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Experts fear the vaccine-preventable virus has regained a foothold and that the U.S. may soon follow Canada in losing the achievement of having eliminated it.
https://to.pbs.org/3NunWgA
https://to.pbs.org/3NunWgA
Discovering that that you're experiencing a cultural moment that was selected for you by the people in those emails from a pile of stuff...
February 8, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Discovering that that you're experiencing a cultural moment that was selected for you by the people in those emails from a pile of stuff...
Reposted by Denali
This story is the first in my @chicagoreader.com series examining Chicago's homeless encampment sweeps, focusing on the human impact of a fragmented, interdepartmental process. If you have tips, reach out: [email protected]. Signal: katie.507.
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
Chicago's encampment closures are ‘unconscionable’ - Chicago Reader
Public encampments provide resources and community for people experiencing homelessness, but city crews repeatedly evict residents.
chicagoreader.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:30 PM
This story is the first in my @chicagoreader.com series examining Chicago's homeless encampment sweeps, focusing on the human impact of a fragmented, interdepartmental process. If you have tips, reach out: [email protected]. Signal: katie.507.
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
This does such a good job capturing the incredible disconnect between what the city says and what the city does and the confusion and sense of powerlessness it leaves in its wake.
Last year, I emailed Chicago’s chief homelessness officer, Sendy Soto, as well as spokespeople for both Soto & Mayor Johnson, six times. I wanted to understand their approach to evicting unhoused Chicagoans from the shelters they build to survive. No response.
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
chicagoreader.com/news/housing...
Chicago's encampment closures are ‘unconscionable’ - Chicago Reader
Public encampments provide resources and community for people experiencing homelessness, but city crews repeatedly evict residents.
chicagoreader.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:10 PM
This does such a good job capturing the incredible disconnect between what the city says and what the city does and the confusion and sense of powerlessness it leaves in its wake.
4 year old just confused John Wick and Tom Jones. Arguably neither of those are someone a 4 year old should need to bring up in conversation but here we are!
February 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
4 year old just confused John Wick and Tom Jones. Arguably neither of those are someone a 4 year old should need to bring up in conversation but here we are!
Reposted by Denali
The Ridge Historical Society is sending its 2 biggest nerds to this event tomorrow to infodump on the unsuspecting public. I will also be running a presentation that uses my own family archives to talk about how now more than ever it is incredibly important to preserve & tell our stories ourselves.
February 6, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The Ridge Historical Society is sending its 2 biggest nerds to this event tomorrow to infodump on the unsuspecting public. I will also be running a presentation that uses my own family archives to talk about how now more than ever it is incredibly important to preserve & tell our stories ourselves.
Reposted by Denali
Job offer!!
I’m helping a PBS series look for a social media manager/content creator for an upcoming promotional campaign. The start date is ASAP, and a project timeline that currently goes to July.
This is for a series on American Muslim history, so candidates with cultural familiarity preferred!
I’m helping a PBS series look for a social media manager/content creator for an upcoming promotional campaign. The start date is ASAP, and a project timeline that currently goes to July.
This is for a series on American Muslim history, so candidates with cultural familiarity preferred!
February 7, 2026 at 2:10 AM
Job offer!!
I’m helping a PBS series look for a social media manager/content creator for an upcoming promotional campaign. The start date is ASAP, and a project timeline that currently goes to July.
This is for a series on American Muslim history, so candidates with cultural familiarity preferred!
I’m helping a PBS series look for a social media manager/content creator for an upcoming promotional campaign. The start date is ASAP, and a project timeline that currently goes to July.
This is for a series on American Muslim history, so candidates with cultural familiarity preferred!
My neighborhood has an annual family dance in the fieldhouse gym. And it's faaaaaantastic.
February 7, 2026 at 1:52 AM
My neighborhood has an annual family dance in the fieldhouse gym. And it's faaaaaantastic.
The ONE case where I would be ok with this:
If they were turning defunct Rainforest cafes into Lord of the rings themed eateries that served 7 meals a day bc it's wild that we have a restaurant that specializes in 4th meal but nothing for elevenses.
ITS SOMETHING ELSE? THEN NO!!
If they were turning defunct Rainforest cafes into Lord of the rings themed eateries that served 7 meals a day bc it's wild that we have a restaurant that specializes in 4th meal but nothing for elevenses.
ITS SOMETHING ELSE? THEN NO!!
Yeah when I think of "places I want to lend money to" it's a Hobbit-themed operation run by this guy.
Exclusive | Hobbit-Inspired Startup Becomes First New Bank Greenlighted by Trump 2.0
Erebor founder Palmer Luckey was one of the tech industry’s early Trump supporters and is known for his penchant for Hawaiian shirts.
www.wsj.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:38 PM
The ONE case where I would be ok with this:
If they were turning defunct Rainforest cafes into Lord of the rings themed eateries that served 7 meals a day bc it's wild that we have a restaurant that specializes in 4th meal but nothing for elevenses.
ITS SOMETHING ELSE? THEN NO!!
If they were turning defunct Rainforest cafes into Lord of the rings themed eateries that served 7 meals a day bc it's wild that we have a restaurant that specializes in 4th meal but nothing for elevenses.
ITS SOMETHING ELSE? THEN NO!!
[CPS] stands out as the lone public body among the list of large, profitable and mostly publicly traded corporations like Walmart, Amazon, McDonald’s and FedEx whose chief executive officers get paid as much as tens of millions of dollars each year.
Among the people in Chicago living in SNAP households who are 22 or older, a CPS lunchroom porter is among the 47% who are employed but still need government support to help buy groceries, according to 2024 U.S. Census data analyzed by WBEZ.
Walmart, Amazon and CPS top list of employers where Illinois workers still need SNAP benefits
www.wbez.org
February 6, 2026 at 9:55 PM
[CPS] stands out as the lone public body among the list of large, profitable and mostly publicly traded corporations like Walmart, Amazon, McDonald’s and FedEx whose chief executive officers get paid as much as tens of millions of dollars each year.
Reposted by Denali
@elviamalagon.bsky.social and I bring you this SNAP reporting, with excellent extra data analysis by Alden Loury
Among the people in Chicago living in SNAP households who are 22 or older, a CPS lunchroom porter is among the 47% who are employed but still need government support to help buy groceries, according to 2024 U.S. Census data analyzed by WBEZ.
Walmart, Amazon and CPS top list of employers where Illinois workers still need SNAP benefits
www.wbez.org
February 6, 2026 at 9:43 PM
@elviamalagon.bsky.social and I bring you this SNAP reporting, with excellent extra data analysis by Alden Loury
I love when a defense company has stuff like a "missile solutions department." Not to sound like my parents used to live in Berkeley in the 70s (they did) but if you had a whole department of solutions couldn't you just avoid the whole missiles thing?
February 6, 2026 at 9:51 PM
I love when a defense company has stuff like a "missile solutions department." Not to sound like my parents used to live in Berkeley in the 70s (they did) but if you had a whole department of solutions couldn't you just avoid the whole missiles thing?