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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 25m

We Tried to Reach Gazans We Interviewed Over Two Years of War. Here’s What Happened to Them. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

We Tried to Reach Gazans We Interviewed Over Two Years of War. Here’s What Happened to Them.

We kept wondering: Did they find their missing relatives? Were they even still alive?

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 1d

WGN-TV producer detained during ICE enforcement action in Lincoln Square www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/10/w...

WGN-TV producer detained during ICE enforcement action in Lincoln Square

A WGN-TV video editor and producer was roughly detained by two Border Patrol agents on Friday morning during a highly visible rush hour enforcement action in Lincoln Square.

www.chicagotribune.com

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

The World @theworld.org · 1d

On The World 🌎 today:

🌐 @matthewjbell.bsky.social: A ceasefire in Gaza takes hold. But it's just a start.

🌐 @hannahchanatry.bsky.social: China expands restrictions on rare earth mineral exports

🌐 @orlabarry.bsky.social: Europe's reckoning with 'forever chemicals'

Tune in 📻 bit.ly/3xyRRfD

orlabarry.bsky.social @orlabarry.bsky.social · 1d

24 EU lawmakers were tested for PFAS, often known as “forever chemicals”. All tested positive. In one town, PFAS levels are so high, residents say a proposed EU-wide ban would make no difference. My report up shortly on @theworld.org f/t @heunicke.bsky.social @chemsec.bsky.social #PFAS #Kallinge

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 1d

It makes me more religious.

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 1d

Now, for an important public service announcement:

Caroline Losneck @carolinelosneck.bsky.social · 1d

If you are driving a car, please get off your phone and look up, not down? My gosh. Two near misses on my bicycle commute- it’s only 10:30am! Drive better!!!!!

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

Reuters @reuters.com · 2d

'When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,' the Norwegian Nobel Committee said as it announced Maria Corina Machado as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 2d

Max Kresch is an Israeli combat medic with a group of reserve soldiers opposed to the war in Gaza. The point he kept coming back to when we talked yesterday: he hopes Israel's allies - especially the US - will hold the Israeli government accountable as this 20 point peace plan is implemented.

Reposted by Matthew Bell

The World @theworld.org · 2d

Israel and Hamas have reached a breakthrough ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and mediated by Qatar and Egypt to end the two-year conflict in Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians are hopeful for progress. The World’s @shirinj.bsky.social and @matthewjbell.bsky.social report.

Israelis and Palestinians embrace cautious optimism as Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire - The World from PRX

Israel and Hamas have reached a breakthrough ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and mediated by Qatar and Egypt to end the two-year conflict in Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians are hopeful for prog...

theworld.org

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 2d

How are Palestinians and Israelis feeling about this cease-fire in Gaza? My colleague @shirinj.bsky.social and I spoke with some folks about that on Thursday. Listen to our reporting: theworld.org/segments/202...

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - The World from PRX

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel’s army is...

theworld.org

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 2d

Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado wins Nobel peace prize

Leader of country’s opposition receives award after scrutiny surrounding committee and comments by Donald Trump * Nobel peace prize – latest Venezuelan opposition politician María Corina Machado has won the Nobel peace prize. The committee commended Machado as a “brave and committed champion of peace” who “keeps the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness”. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 2d

The U.S. has seen 34 executions so far in 2025, with eight more scheduled for later this year, including seven this month.

5 executions in 8 days: Why the death penalty is being used more in the US this year

The U.S. has seen 34 executions so far in 2025, with eight more scheduled for later this year, including seven this month.

bit.ly

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

Gina Kaufmann @ginak.bsky.social · 2d

If you want a feel for how people in Gaza and in Israel are processing the news of the last 24 hours, no question, you want to hear the voices gathered by @shirinj.bsky.social and @matthewjbell.bsky.social for @theworld.org theworld.org/segments/202...

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - The World from PRX

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel’s army is...

theworld.org

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 3d

Qatar Pushes U.S.-Venezuela Diplomacy as Trump Focuses on Military Action www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...

Qatar Pushes U.S.-Venezuela Diplomacy as Trump Focuses on Military Action

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Matthew Bell

AFP News Agency @en.afp.com · 3d

BREAKING Hamas says alive hostages to be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours of deal implementation

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 3d

Well put, Sir.

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 3d

Father of three recounts agonizing decision to leave Gaza City - @joyhackel.bsky.social
theworld.org/segments/202...

Father of three recounts agonizing decision to leave Gaza City - The World from PRX

Gaza City is under relentless attack by the Israeli military, which appears intent on destroying its remaining residential buildings. That’s according to Mohammed Aklouk, a father of three and longtim...

theworld.org

Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 3d

Israel, Hamas agree to 'first phase' of plan to end fighting, release hostages, Trump says

apnews.com/article/egyp...

Israel, Hamas agree to 'first phase' of plan to end fighting, release hostages, Trump says

President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first Phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.

apnews.com

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

Daniel Knowles @dlknowles.bsky.social · 4d

Good reporting on the South Shore raid from South Side weekly here.

Confirms one thing I was told but didn't put in my own piece because I didn't have a second source and it seemed too insane: border agents segregated arrested residents by race

southsideweekly.com/federal-agen...

Federal Agents Storm South Shore Building, Detaining Families and Children

Families were woken by flashbangs and helicopters as hundreds of federal agents raided their homes. Days later, neighbors are still searching for the missing.

southsideweekly.com

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Matthew Bell @matthewjbell.bsky.social · 4d

Great reporting from the ground in Portland by @robertmackey.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Kristi Noem tours Portland Ice facility with Maga influencers in tow

Oregon governor, Tina Kotek, accuses Ice of antagonizing protesters with teargas and by inviting influencers to film

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · 4d

Gonna be thinking about this lede for a minute.

(RNS) — Last month, the Rev. David Black stood in front of a Chicago-area U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and spread his arms wide. Adorned in all black and wearing a clerical collar, the pastor looked up at a group of masked, heavily armed ICE agents on the roof and began to pray.

“I invited them to repentance,” Black, a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), said in an interview. “I basically offered an altar call. I invited them to come and receive that salvation, and be part of the kingdom that is coming.”

But when Black began to lower his arms a few seconds later, the agents responded to his spiritual plea by firing pepper balls, or chemical agents that cause eye irritation and respiratory distress, video footage shows. One struck Black in the head, exploding into a puff of white pepper smoke and forcing him to his knees. Fellow demonstrators rushed to his aid, and as the pastor rubbed his face in pain, the agents continued to fire.

“We could hear them laughing,” Black said.

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Reposted by Matthew Bell

The World @theworld.org · 4d

Local politicians in Västerås, Sweden have voted to ask the national government to close down a Russian Orthodox church that they believe is being used by the Kremlin as a spy hub. Supporters of the church say the parish and its followers are being treated unfairly due to Russia-phobia.