Michael McLean
@mclean.bsky.social
Ideal city: ⚛️ nuclear-powered, 🏙️ dense housing, 💰 affordable, 🚇 transit. Aka Chicago.
Posting about those things here, and trying to make them better IRL.
Posting about those things here, and trying to make them better IRL.
Pinned
Michael McLean
@mclean.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Here are curated lists that you can follow if you are interested in these topics
🔌💡 Energy bsky.app/profile/did:...
🏙️ Urbanism bsky.app/profile/did:...
🏛️ Politics bsky.app/profile/did:...
💵 Economics bsky.app/profile/did:...
✶✶✶✶ Chicago bsky.app/profile/did:...
🔌💡 Energy bsky.app/profile/did:...
🏙️ Urbanism bsky.app/profile/did:...
🏛️ Politics bsky.app/profile/did:...
💵 Economics bsky.app/profile/did:...
✶✶✶✶ Chicago bsky.app/profile/did:...
"Let's reopen these nucleases near our trains," Mitchell said on Tuesday. "Let's reactivate our Metra stations throughout Chicago. How exciting is that?"
The people yearn for parking reform @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @parkingreform.org
The people yearn for parking reform @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @parkingreform.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:07 PM
"Let's reopen these nucleases near our trains," Mitchell said on Tuesday. "Let's reactivate our Metra stations throughout Chicago. How exciting is that?"
The people yearn for parking reform @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @parkingreform.org
The people yearn for parking reform @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @parkingreform.org
Reposted by Michael McLean
I completed my final count. Out of 10,511 bus stops, I found that 4,360 (41%) of them could be removed to align with national best practices of 1/4 mile spacing. Long-form explainer article and an interactive map are forthcoming. Green dots are removed stops, black are kept stops.
November 26, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I completed my final count. Out of 10,511 bus stops, I found that 4,360 (41%) of them could be removed to align with national best practices of 1/4 mile spacing. Long-form explainer article and an interactive map are forthcoming. Green dots are removed stops, black are kept stops.
Mother of Leavitt’s nephew detained by ICE, to be deported to Brazil
www.themirror.com/news/us-news...
www.themirror.com/news/us-news...
Mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew detained by ICE
Her 11-year-old nephew’s mother, Bruna Ferreira, is now in ICE custody in Louisiana and facing deportation to Brazil. Ferreira is the former fiancée of Michael Leavitt, the press secretary’s New Hamps...
www.themirror.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Mother of Leavitt’s nephew detained by ICE, to be deported to Brazil
www.themirror.com/news/us-news...
www.themirror.com/news/us-news...
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
November 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
Reposted by Michael McLean
A SoCal area went involuntarily off-grid. It is more expensive and polluting (that propane generator!) than most people realize. Part of our high CA electricity prices are due to subsidizing sprawl in flammable places. We built microgrids for sprawl
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
November 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
A SoCal area went involuntarily off-grid. It is more expensive and polluting (that propane generator!) than most people realize. Part of our high CA electricity prices are due to subsidizing sprawl in flammable places. We built microgrids for sprawl
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Michael McLean
Waymo privatized another public street:
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
November 24, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Waymo privatized another public street:
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
Reposted by Michael McLean
Chicago and Illinois urbanists have a lot to celebrate as we close out 2025, so we’re co-hosting a party! 🥳
Please join us at Haymarket Brewing on December 17 for a celebration of our wins at the second annual Big Tent Urbanist holiday party! 🏘️🚇
www.eventbrite.com/e/big-tent-u...
Please join us at Haymarket Brewing on December 17 for a celebration of our wins at the second annual Big Tent Urbanist holiday party! 🏘️🚇
www.eventbrite.com/e/big-tent-u...
Big Tent Urbanist Holiday Party
Join us for an end of the year celebration among urban-focused organizations in Chicago!
www.eventbrite.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Chicago and Illinois urbanists have a lot to celebrate as we close out 2025, so we’re co-hosting a party! 🥳
Please join us at Haymarket Brewing on December 17 for a celebration of our wins at the second annual Big Tent Urbanist holiday party! 🏘️🚇
www.eventbrite.com/e/big-tent-u...
Please join us at Haymarket Brewing on December 17 for a celebration of our wins at the second annual Big Tent Urbanist holiday party! 🏘️🚇
www.eventbrite.com/e/big-tent-u...
Wow, Ontario just passed a law to prevent municipalities from building bike lanes that replace vehicle lanes
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/poli...
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/poli...
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Wow, Ontario just passed a law to prevent municipalities from building bike lanes that replace vehicle lanes
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/poli...
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/poli...
Reposted by Michael McLean
By 30 every man should have a hobby that will kill him someday, an ex who internet stalks them, briefly considered moving to Philadelphia, multiple baristas who know details about their lives their own mothers don’t know, and a blood feud with a local politician
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 AM
By 30 every man should have a hobby that will kill him someday, an ex who internet stalks them, briefly considered moving to Philadelphia, multiple baristas who know details about their lives their own mothers don’t know, and a blood feud with a local politician
After spending a few days in the car sprawl of Louisville I can see how Starbucks sales are in decline.
These little drivethrus have popped up everywhere in a matter of months
These little drivethrus have popped up everywhere in a matter of months
November 25, 2025 at 1:11 AM
After spending a few days in the car sprawl of Louisville I can see how Starbucks sales are in decline.
These little drivethrus have popped up everywhere in a matter of months
These little drivethrus have popped up everywhere in a matter of months
Reposted by Michael McLean
Of all the major cities in the United States, Chicago provides the greatest value, with robust amenities and culture without correlated housing costs. But if Chicago wants to retain that status, some things need to change.
op-ed by me, Stef, and Jasmine (co-leads for @abundanthousingil.bsky.social)
op-ed by me, Stef, and Jasmine (co-leads for @abundanthousingil.bsky.social)
Commentary: Make 2026 the year to achieve real progress on reforming housing affordability
Growth in and around Chicago depends on lawmakers getting it done, write leaders of Abundant Housing Illinois.
www.chicagobusiness.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Of all the major cities in the United States, Chicago provides the greatest value, with robust amenities and culture without correlated housing costs. But if Chicago wants to retain that status, some things need to change.
op-ed by me, Stef, and Jasmine (co-leads for @abundanthousingil.bsky.social)
op-ed by me, Stef, and Jasmine (co-leads for @abundanthousingil.bsky.social)
I've always said 'buy ISO certified batteries' because this was inevitable
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Batteries for E-Bikes from Rad Power Bikes Due to Fire Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/202...
November 24, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I've always said 'buy ISO certified batteries' because this was inevitable
Reposted by Michael McLean
My apologies to the Khan; digging into ILGA.gov, it appears that the Senate, for whatever reason, has not sent any of the veto session legislation to the Governor yet. ilga.gov/Reports/Prev...
Call Senate President Harmon: www.donharmon.org/contact-sena...
Call Senate President Harmon: www.donharmon.org/contact-sena...
November 24, 2025 at 4:23 PM
My apologies to the Khan; digging into ILGA.gov, it appears that the Senate, for whatever reason, has not sent any of the veto session legislation to the Governor yet. ilga.gov/Reports/Prev...
Call Senate President Harmon: www.donharmon.org/contact-sena...
Call Senate President Harmon: www.donharmon.org/contact-sena...
Reposted by Michael McLean
Gen Z is also at these protests but like most civic things the retired have the most free time.
My @nytimes.com op-ed: The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z? www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o... (gift link)
The key point: "The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning."
The key point: "The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning."
Opinion | The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z?
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Gen Z is also at these protests but like most civic things the retired have the most free time.
Reposted by Michael McLean
Voters in this district, come to the candidate forum tomorrow night at Sulzer library
Tuesday, 11/25, 6:00-7:30 pm
13th Illinois House candidates:
Adam Braun
Ridge Knapp
Sunjay Kumar
James O’Brien
Demerike (Demi) Palecek
Tuesday, 11/25, 6:00-7:30 pm
13th Illinois House candidates:
Adam Braun
Ridge Knapp
Sunjay Kumar
James O’Brien
Demerike (Demi) Palecek
November 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Voters in this district, come to the candidate forum tomorrow night at Sulzer library
Tuesday, 11/25, 6:00-7:30 pm
13th Illinois House candidates:
Adam Braun
Ridge Knapp
Sunjay Kumar
James O’Brien
Demerike (Demi) Palecek
Tuesday, 11/25, 6:00-7:30 pm
13th Illinois House candidates:
Adam Braun
Ridge Knapp
Sunjay Kumar
James O’Brien
Demerike (Demi) Palecek
Reposted by Michael McLean
Breathless coverage of one person injured, not killed, on a CTA train, vs. a brief on Page 9 when two people are killed on the road. That’s because road death happens ALL THE TIME - 3 1/2 road fatalities per day in Illinois.
It looks like the number of transit riders killed this year is one …
It looks like the number of transit riders killed this year is one …
November 24, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Breathless coverage of one person injured, not killed, on a CTA train, vs. a brief on Page 9 when two people are killed on the road. That’s because road death happens ALL THE TIME - 3 1/2 road fatalities per day in Illinois.
It looks like the number of transit riders killed this year is one …
It looks like the number of transit riders killed this year is one …
Big Z should reduce Citibike fares
November 24, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Big Z should reduce Citibike fares
Ontario Power Generation outlines preliminary plans for up to *10 gigawatts* of new nuclear capacity at Wesleyville site on Lake Ontario 🤯
🔌💡 northumberlanddaily.ca/rss/opg-outl...
🔌💡 northumberlanddaily.ca/rss/opg-outl...
OPG outlines massive new nuclear potential at Wesleyville site during Northumberland County council update
Ontario Power Generation has laid out the scale of what could become one of the largest energy developments in...
northumberlanddaily.ca
November 24, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Ontario Power Generation outlines preliminary plans for up to *10 gigawatts* of new nuclear capacity at Wesleyville site on Lake Ontario 🤯
🔌💡 northumberlanddaily.ca/rss/opg-outl...
🔌💡 northumberlanddaily.ca/rss/opg-outl...
The Louisville airport has a bunch of these Stargate looking things for car rentals now.
One time Hertz falsely claimed I did $6k of damage to a car and sent me to collections for it. My attorney sent them a letter and they backed down.
This new automated system seems to prevent that
One time Hertz falsely claimed I did $6k of damage to a car and sent me to collections for it. My attorney sent them a letter and they backed down.
This new automated system seems to prevent that
November 24, 2025 at 3:14 AM
The Louisville airport has a bunch of these Stargate looking things for car rentals now.
One time Hertz falsely claimed I did $6k of damage to a car and sent me to collections for it. My attorney sent them a letter and they backed down.
This new automated system seems to prevent that
One time Hertz falsely claimed I did $6k of damage to a car and sent me to collections for it. My attorney sent them a letter and they backed down.
This new automated system seems to prevent that
Really hope I’m not alive for the next mega volcano eruption tbh
November 24, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Really hope I’m not alive for the next mega volcano eruption tbh
Someone should send out a questionnaire to Illinois primary candidates to see if they support banning gas-powered leaf blowers
November 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Someone should send out a questionnaire to Illinois primary candidates to see if they support banning gas-powered leaf blowers
There is so much curb real estate to do this in Chicago
Avant / Après Rue Pierre Fontaine dans le 9ème arrondissement. Les arbres ont été plantés au début de l'année à la place de quelques places de stationnement.
November 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
There is so much curb real estate to do this in Chicago
I think a giant snowstorm could fix America
November 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I think a giant snowstorm could fix America
It’s pretty sad to see regional accents dying in real time across America
November 23, 2025 at 4:51 AM
It’s pretty sad to see regional accents dying in real time across America
Reposted by Michael McLean
Incredible section of the comparison chart.
November 23, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Incredible section of the comparison chart.