Kat O’Brien
@lavidagata.bsky.social
Iowa-born, NYC-influenced, Spain living. Former sports journalist working in sustainability. Runner, traveler, pro-democracy, love to read. My own opinions. Signal @Democracy.23
Pinned
Kat O’Brien
@lavidagata.bsky.social
· Oct 12
I’m thrilled to announce - ahead of this week’s World Football Summit - that I am launching a business of sports tourism in Spain: Gata Sports Tours. This combines a few of my great loves: sports, España, travel, storytelling and helping people love España almost as much as I do. 1/
Projection. Peter Thiel is obsessed with calling people the Antichrist in the same way right-wing sex abusers are obsessed with accusing LGBTQ people of sex crimes in the same way Donald Trump is obsessed with accusing other people of corruption.
In newly leaked audio, Peter Thiel admits he urged JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral questions — including the ethical development of AI.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Projection. Peter Thiel is obsessed with calling people the Antichrist in the same way right-wing sex abusers are obsessed with accusing LGBTQ people of sex crimes in the same way Donald Trump is obsessed with accusing other people of corruption.
I think Barcelona saw sunrise pics from NYC this morning and decided to join the party with a bright pink-orange sunset 😅
November 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I think Barcelona saw sunrise pics from NYC this morning and decided to join the party with a bright pink-orange sunset 😅
Craig sums it up.
I worked with @mediaanddemocracy.bsky.social on a piece about why it’s problematic that sooooo many journalists, historians & news creators are making Substack their home. Substack has both health misinformation & Nazi problems that it’s ignoring.
open.substack.com/pub/mediaand...
I worked with @mediaanddemocracy.bsky.social on a piece about why it’s problematic that sooooo many journalists, historians & news creators are making Substack their home. Substack has both health misinformation & Nazi problems that it’s ignoring.
open.substack.com/pub/mediaand...
November 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Craig sums it up.
I worked with @mediaanddemocracy.bsky.social on a piece about why it’s problematic that sooooo many journalists, historians & news creators are making Substack their home. Substack has both health misinformation & Nazi problems that it’s ignoring.
open.substack.com/pub/mediaand...
I worked with @mediaanddemocracy.bsky.social on a piece about why it’s problematic that sooooo many journalists, historians & news creators are making Substack their home. Substack has both health misinformation & Nazi problems that it’s ignoring.
open.substack.com/pub/mediaand...
More attacks on democracy.
ICE has long used the latest spy tech to pursue immigrants — but now it’s also targeting anti-ICE protesters and anyone who allegedly funds them. bit.ly/3Kq348R
ICE Wants to Go After Dissenters as well as Immigrants
The Trump administration is being open about its plans to violate Americans’ First and Fourth Amendment rights.
www.brennancenter.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:48 PM
More attacks on democracy.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
C. Rovira Kaltwasser:
"el auge y éxito electoral de las ultraderechas no responde tanto a una demanda desde abajo, sino a la difusión de ideas y propuestas radicales desde arriba"
elpais.com/chile/2025-1...
"el auge y éxito electoral de las ultraderechas no responde tanto a una demanda desde abajo, sino a la difusión de ideas y propuestas radicales desde arriba"
elpais.com/chile/2025-1...
La ultraderecha despierta el pinochetismo dormido
La activación de la nostalgia autoritaria por parte de nuevos liderazgos —que ya tienen representación parlamentaria y probablemente influirán decisivamente en el próximo Gobierno— sugiere que se avec...
elpais.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:51 AM
C. Rovira Kaltwasser:
"el auge y éxito electoral de las ultraderechas no responde tanto a una demanda desde abajo, sino a la difusión de ideas y propuestas radicales desde arriba"
elpais.com/chile/2025-1...
"el auge y éxito electoral de las ultraderechas no responde tanto a una demanda desde abajo, sino a la difusión de ideas y propuestas radicales desde arriba"
elpais.com/chile/2025-1...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
NEW data I've received: Just 5% of people detained by ICE since October 1 have had violent criminal convictions, 3/4 had no criminal convictions at all. Most "criminals" had immigration, traffic, and vice offenses. Not the "worst of the worst"...
November 24, 2025 at 11:33 PM
NEW data I've received: Just 5% of people detained by ICE since October 1 have had violent criminal convictions, 3/4 had no criminal convictions at all. Most "criminals" had immigration, traffic, and vice offenses. Not the "worst of the worst"...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Substack leadership needs to publicly address its promotion and its profiting from antiscience health disinformation content and creators.
We outline actions that Substack, larger audience creators, and individual subscribers can take.
Including stop calling blogs “Substacks”.
We outline actions that Substack, larger audience creators, and individual subscribers can take.
Including stop calling blogs “Substacks”.
November 25, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Substack leadership needs to publicly address its promotion and its profiting from antiscience health disinformation content and creators.
We outline actions that Substack, larger audience creators, and individual subscribers can take.
Including stop calling blogs “Substacks”.
We outline actions that Substack, larger audience creators, and individual subscribers can take.
Including stop calling blogs “Substacks”.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
We report how Substack
"platforms, profits from and promotes" a significant number of dangerous health disinformation influencers.
"platforms, profits from and promotes" a significant number of dangerous health disinformation influencers.
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
We report how Substack
"platforms, profits from and promotes" a significant number of dangerous health disinformation influencers.
"platforms, profits from and promotes" a significant number of dangerous health disinformation influencers.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Substack has an antiscience health disinformation problem.
MAD recognizes the importance (& influence) of media ownership – which is why we are sounding warnings about Substack.
Our latest w/ @lavidagata.bsky.social
mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com/p/substack-h...
MAD recognizes the importance (& influence) of media ownership – which is why we are sounding warnings about Substack.
Our latest w/ @lavidagata.bsky.social
mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com/p/substack-h...
Substack has a Nazi problem AND a health disinformation problem
Substack creators and Substack audiences are supporting a platform that profits off of promoting dangerous antiscience content – at the expense of public health.
mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Substack has an antiscience health disinformation problem.
MAD recognizes the importance (& influence) of media ownership – which is why we are sounding warnings about Substack.
Our latest w/ @lavidagata.bsky.social
mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com/p/substack-h...
MAD recognizes the importance (& influence) of media ownership – which is why we are sounding warnings about Substack.
Our latest w/ @lavidagata.bsky.social
mediaanddemocracyproject.substack.com/p/substack-h...
In Italy’s La Repubblica, Timothy Garton Ash writes on defending democracy: indep. judiciary, public radio/TV, caution w/media ownership, proportional representation, strong electoral admin, neutral public servants. Where it already exists, constitutional monarchy.
www.repubblica.it/commenti/202...
www.repubblica.it/commenti/202...
Come difendere la democrazia
Si parla spesso di strategie per escludere i populisti dal potere, ma la furia di Donald Trump dimostra che è altrettanto importante rafforzare le ist…
www.repubblica.it
November 25, 2025 at 8:57 AM
In Italy’s La Repubblica, Timothy Garton Ash writes on defending democracy: indep. judiciary, public radio/TV, caution w/media ownership, proportional representation, strong electoral admin, neutral public servants. Where it already exists, constitutional monarchy.
www.repubblica.it/commenti/202...
www.repubblica.it/commenti/202...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
This is heartbreakingly cruel and hypocritical. The same admin that has redefined refugee status to cover white South Africans is now going to drown thousands of refugees already approved for their status in red tape, potentially even seeking to strip some of their status and deport them.
Trump Admin planning a rule to re-decide whether *every* refugee who entered under Biden meets their criteria for a refugee. That’s 230,000 people! And no appeals!
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:46 AM
This is heartbreakingly cruel and hypocritical. The same admin that has redefined refugee status to cover white South Africans is now going to drown thousands of refugees already approved for their status in red tape, potentially even seeking to strip some of their status and deport them.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
It's a start...
Wow — Senators Van Hollen, Smith, Murphy, Sanders, Warren, Markey, Merkley, Heinrich have created an official internal "Fight Club."
They're challenging Schumer & Gillibrand's leadership, arguing the party is using an old, corporate-friendly playbook insufficient to take on Trump or win elections.
They're challenging Schumer & Gillibrand's leadership, arguing the party is using an old, corporate-friendly playbook insufficient to take on Trump or win elections.
Chuck Schumer Faces Pushback From a ‘Fight Club’ of Senate Democrats
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:17 AM
It's a start...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
“If Trump thinks American voters hate war, wait until he learns how much they hate dishonor. … A bad deal in Ukraine would broadcast to U.S. enemies that they can seize what they want with force or nuclear blackmail or by pressing on until America loses interest.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
Opinion | Trump’s Neville Chamberlain Prize
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 AM
“If Trump thinks American voters hate war, wait until he learns how much they hate dishonor. … A bad deal in Ukraine would broadcast to U.S. enemies that they can seize what they want with force or nuclear blackmail or by pressing on until America loses interest.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Part 2. One for all and all for one. Every member of the White House press corps should stand never again stay silent when Trump calls one of their colleagues Piggy or tells another that she is insubordinate for asking a question.
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Part 2. One for all and all for one. Every member of the White House press corps should stand never again stay silent when Trump calls one of their colleagues Piggy or tells another that she is insubordinate for asking a question.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Part 1. One for all and all for one. The hundreds if not thousands of retired military officers who know Sen. Mark Kelly was right should issue a joint statement saying exactly what he said and challenge Hegseth to court msrtial them all.
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Part 1. One for all and all for one. The hundreds if not thousands of retired military officers who know Sen. Mark Kelly was right should issue a joint statement saying exactly what he said and challenge Hegseth to court msrtial them all.
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Last class of @resistanceschool.bsky.social Race, Media, and International Affairs 102 today and the finale was SO good.
If the phrase "meeting the moment" was a person, it would be Prof @karenattiah.bsky.social. What an absolute force she is.🔥
Forever grateful to have been part of this. #WeMove
If the phrase "meeting the moment" was a person, it would be Prof @karenattiah.bsky.social. What an absolute force she is.🔥
Forever grateful to have been part of this. #WeMove
November 20, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Last class of @resistanceschool.bsky.social Race, Media, and International Affairs 102 today and the finale was SO good.
If the phrase "meeting the moment" was a person, it would be Prof @karenattiah.bsky.social. What an absolute force she is.🔥
Forever grateful to have been part of this. #WeMove
If the phrase "meeting the moment" was a person, it would be Prof @karenattiah.bsky.social. What an absolute force she is.🔥
Forever grateful to have been part of this. #WeMove
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
A friend of mine, Andrew Chang, wrote an interesting article with his own ideas on how to address the housing affordability crisis. I’d be interested in thoughts from anybody working on housing or in real estate or economics. medium.com/@pg175/a-rea...
A Real Fix for America’s Housing Crisis
America has a housing affordability problem, but the loudest proposed cure would be far worse than the illness. The idea that home prices…
medium.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:26 PM
A friend of mine, Andrew Chang, wrote an interesting article with his own ideas on how to address the housing affordability crisis. I’d be interested in thoughts from anybody working on housing or in real estate or economics. medium.com/@pg175/a-rea...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Breaking: Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old.
www.whatimreading.net
November 24, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Breaking: Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
In the good news category:
After years of research and trials, the WHO this year recommended the first new tool to fight malaria in decades: spatial repellents. They last up to a year and they could help fight malaria as well as dengue and other diseases - and protect refugees.
#IDsky 🧪
After years of research and trials, the WHO this year recommended the first new tool to fight malaria in decades: spatial repellents. They last up to a year and they could help fight malaria as well as dengue and other diseases - and protect refugees.
#IDsky 🧪
New vapor tool fights mosquitoes by slowly releasing insecticide in homes. Will it catch on?
World Health Organization supports “spatial repellents” to prevent malaria, but it’s unclear who will pay for them
www.science.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In the good news category:
After years of research and trials, the WHO this year recommended the first new tool to fight malaria in decades: spatial repellents. They last up to a year and they could help fight malaria as well as dengue and other diseases - and protect refugees.
#IDsky 🧪
After years of research and trials, the WHO this year recommended the first new tool to fight malaria in decades: spatial repellents. They last up to a year and they could help fight malaria as well as dengue and other diseases - and protect refugees.
#IDsky 🧪
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
Reposted by Kat O’Brien
Standing up to authoritarian bullying works better than acquiescence.
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
Brazil Defied Trump and Won
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Standing up to authoritarian bullying works better than acquiescence.
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...