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mulchy.bsky.social
shawn
@mulchy.bsky.social
5.8K followers 660 following 1.9K posts
a very serious journalist | signal: shawn.56
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mulchy.bsky.social
shawn @mulchy.bsky.social · Dec 26
NEW: beginning january 1, chicago will ban unhoused people on the sex offense registry from seeking shelter on public transit.

it’s the latest in a concerted effort by mayor johnson’s admin to criminalize homelessness on cta trains + buses and in public parks during the coldest months of the year.
‘An impossible situation’ - Chicago Reader
Beginning January 1, the City of Chicago will ban unhoused people on the sex offense registry from seeking shelter on public transit.
chicagoreader.com
Reposted by shawn
jtischauser.bsky.social
“I am doing this because I believe so long as we have a system where people are being prosecuted for petty theft and not for killing someone on the street, in broad daylight on camera, we have a system that is too broken to continue to function."

unraveledpress.com/cook-county-...
Cook County State’s Attorney has “taken no action whatsoever” against feds, new lawsuit alleges
The suit seeks the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate potential unlawful conduct by federal agents in Illinois.
unraveledpress.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Reposted by shawn
imleor.bsky.social
Interesting report on the economic health of Chicago’s constellation of independent venues that’s also strangely agnostic towards LiveNation and Ticketmaster’s impact
Only 1 in 4 of Chicago’s indie music venues is profitable. Owners say that data spells potential trouble
Sold-out shows aren’t enough. Higher costs are undercutting business everywhere, owners say, from juggernauts like Metro to neighborhood venues like the Ramova.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Reposted by shawn
carolinehaskins.bsky.social
SCOOP: Palantir's AI has been deployed at HHS since last March to audit grants, grant applications, & job descriptions for anything related to "DEI" or "gender ideology"

The goal was to ensure compliance with 2 of Trump's executive orders:
www.wired.com/story/hhs-is...
HHS Is Using AI Tools From Palantir to Target ‘DEI’ and ‘Gender Ideology’ in Grants
Since March of 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services has been using tools from Palantir and the startup Credal AI to weed out perceived alignment with “DEI” or “gender ideology.”
www.wired.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by shawn
alissaazar.bsky.social
Lots of teargas at ICE tonight in Portland. People were just standing and chanting.
February 2, 2026 at 3:23 AM
mulchy.bsky.social
my lyft driver: “i’m not gay. i’m just politically gay.”
February 1, 2026 at 7:56 PM
mulchy.bsky.social
this absolutely should not be a surprise but the chicago tribune constantly finds a way to have the worst fucking take
Editorial: Brendan Reilly for Cook County Board president
Toni Preckwinkle has had a storied career in Chicago politics. But it’s time for change.
www.chicagotribune.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Reposted by shawn
gbrockell.bsky.social
NEW: Meet the private-equity firm -- and its billionaire immigrant CEO -- making millions off some of ICE's cruelest deportation flights.

After a five-month investigation, my story for @motherjones.com:

www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
ICE Deportation Flights Are Getting Longer and Crueler
A private equity-owned airline profits off Trump’s migrant crackdown.
www.motherjones.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Reposted by shawn
justinhendrix.bsky.social
A Minnesota woman observing ICE agents in her car was cornered on one-way streets. An agent approached, called her by name—citing facial recognition. Days later, her Global Entry and TSA privileges were revoked, with no explanation.
How ICE Already Knows Who Minneapolis Protesters Are
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Reposted by shawn
jonseidel.bsky.social
Judge questions why Trump administration still calling woman shot by Border Patrol a 'domestic terrorist'

@cindylu7.bsky.social reports, via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01...
Judge questions why Trump administration still calling woman shot by Border Patrol a 'domestic terrorist'
Marimar Martinez continues to be referred to as a “domestic terrorist” in a Homeland Security press release online, even though she no longer faces criminal charges. Martinez is asking for the release...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Reposted by shawn
mollytaft.com
i was actually shocked to see the numbers on new research from Global Energy Monitor on new gas projects in the US: nearly 100 gigawatts of power—enough to power tens of millions of homes—are currently in development explicitly to power data centers. At the end of 2023 that number was 4 gigawatts
Data Centers Are Driving a US Gas Boom
Gas projects in the US pipeline explicitly linked to data centers increased by almost 25 times over the past two years, according to new research from Global Energy Monitor.
www.wired.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Reposted by shawn
mattheweadie.bsky.social
👀
A tweet from Chicago Tribune reporter Olivia Olander: "I'm sitting in on a Tribune editorial board endorsement meeting for the 9th district where a representative for Kat Abughazaleh just read a statement saying the board promoted 'reactionary' ideas and undermines the credibility of the newsroom. The representative then walked out."
January 29, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Reposted by shawn
profferguson.bsky.social
I would like to connect the dots between the Supreme Court’s upcoming Chatrie decision on geofence requests and the growing authoritarian and aggressive deployment of law enforcement around protests and dissent.1/12
January 29, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by shawn
jesspish.bsky.social
As there is a lot of news about immigration and who is "supposed" to be deported, it's worth talking about why the media and commentators keep using the word "criminal." Most people I hear will casually say, oh sure, we should "deport criminals."
January 29, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Reposted by shawn
peoplesfabric.com
In Maine:
dylantus.bsky.social Dylan Tusinski @dylantus.bsky.social · 6d
Video shows ICE leaving behind an infant and broken glass after arresting a man with no criminal history.
“There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.”
My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...
ICE agents shatter window, leave 1-month-old baby, mother in car after Portland arrest
Video shows federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.
www.pressherald.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:28 PM
mulchy.bsky.social
not surprising given the way pritzker has legitimized deportations from the beginning, but his decision to continue backing ice is especially notable given the chatter about a potential presidential run.

abc7chicago.com/post/minneap...
However, Pritzker, who earlier laid flowers at Pretti's memorial at Jesse Brown, says an overhaul is needed and believes ICE can be reformed. "We need to have people who are actually professionally prepared to do law enforcement and instead of taking away people's constitutional rights," Pritzker said. Governor Pritzker supports immigration enforcement, but not the way the Trump administration is doing it. He is encouraged by the departure of Border Patrol Commander Greg Bavino, but Pritzker says Kristi Noem, Tom Homan and Stephen Miller should all be removed as well.
January 29, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by shawn
npr.org
Protesters wanted to draw attention to the detention of a 5-year-old boy from the Minneapolis area at the Texas ICE facility. They were met by state troopers who used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
DPS troopers clash with protesters outside Dilley ICE detention facility
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrived in riot gear in Dilley on Wednesday as protesters gathered outside the South Texas Family Residential Center to draw attention to the detention of a five-year-old boy from the Minneapolis area being held at the ICE facility.
n.pr
January 29, 2026 at 12:42 PM
mulchy.bsky.social
ice was in elgin today. on tuesday, ice kidnapped people from chicago’s hermosa neighborhood as well as the suburbs of bolingbrook (west) and waukegan (far north). last week, feds in six vehicles abducted an adult and three kids from near their home in woodlawn.

they never left. they never stopped.
chrislhayes.bsky.social Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 6d
yes, there are no real signs of any big change in DHS activity here yet. In Chicago there really was after Bovino left and they basically ended "Midway Blitz" not so here so far.
eoinhiggins.bsky.social Eoin Higgins @eoinhiggins.bsky.social · 6d
I don’t know, declaring victory in MN seems premature. They’re still arresting people and brutalizing the community. The changes appear—so far—to be cosmetic
January 29, 2026 at 4:24 AM
mulchy.bsky.social
drafts drafts drafts drafts drafts drafts drafts drafts drafts
bsky.app Bluesky @bsky.app · 6d
After a whirlwind 2025, we took a pause to reflect on what 2026 might bring, and how Bluesky can help build the sort of future we all want to see online. Check out a few of our predictions, and let us know if you agree: bsky.social/about/blog/0...
Bluesky in 2026: Predictions - Bluesky
As we head into 2026, we wanted to share a few predictions about what we think people will do online this year, with a taste of how we're building Bluesky to meet them there.
bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Reposted by shawn
riccisergienko.bsky.social
ICE & CBP have been out kidnapping people in Los Angeles every day since June. The media has moved on and acts like this isn’t still happening. The crises are ongoing. Solidarity with the people fighting back in Minneapolis and everywhere.
ziibiing.com ashley fairbanks @ziibiing.com · 7d
please remember that no matter how many “ICE is losing in MN” articles you read today, there is still a very real, urgent, ongoing crisis in Minnesota.

people need food and they need rent money. that has not changed.
January 28, 2026 at 5:54 PM
mulchy.bsky.social
ok this is is so cool
coyotemedia.org COYOTE @coyotemedia.org · 7d
Late last year, Vincent D and his friends were feeling down about how stretched thin their community seemed to be. But what is there to really do about it? Turns out, a lot! www.coyotemedia.org/i-hosted-a-m...
A hand drawn black and white comic that says "I hosted a mutual aid swap in my back hard and so can you! by Vincent D." Around the words are several animals, including a squirrel, an owl, a raccoon, and a pigeon. A hand drawn black and white comic featuring several animals hanging around chatting. At the top left it says "Berkeley, CA November 2025." The squirrel says "Damn... people in my mutual aid group chats are asking for $25 to pay a bill... a pair of socks... folks are really struggling!" The owl says "The food pantry line was so long today... These SNAP cuts are so brutal." The raccoon says "And it's only going to get worse." The squirrel says "I'm so sick of watching all of us pass the same $20 back and forth! This town is full of millionaires, and people can't afford SOCKS?" The owl says "it's infuriating... at least people are doing some great mutual aid work." The raccoon says "I saw some folks online do a free swap market... it would be so cool to do something like that here!" The squirrel says, "well... we do have a big back yard." The raccoon says "... and we know a lot of folks in need." The squirrel says "FUCK IG! Let's get people some free shit!" A hand drawn black and white comic that shows animals going all over town askig for and gathering up supplies. The squirrel says "Okay we picked a date, and now we need donations of food, clothes, art, and COVID supplies! Time to leverage our communities!" The raccoon says "I reached out to our local mask bloc!" and "I knocked on our neighbors doors and asked if they had food or other items to spare!" The frog says "I checked if my local library distributes COVID supplies!" The squirrel says "I asked local artist friends (who I kenew could spare the income) to donate their art so people could take it home as gifts" and "I asked for donations from people I know have extra to give, such as wealthy friends from church and work, and my rec sports team!" A caption says "We were floored by everyone's generosity. Well... almost everyone." A beaver wearing an apron that says "progressive grocery store" says "Sorry, you're not a 501 C3..." A hand drawn black and white comic that shows an owl flying over several places — churches, encampments, parks and bus stops. The owl says "I'll post flyers for our event in places where our vulnerable neighbors will see them." The raccoon says "don't forget to post flyers on social media!" Then we see animals all carrying tables, chairs, signs and supplies. The pigeon says "Last but not least, we gathered a small army of friends to help us setup." Below, the scene is set with tables full of clothes, food, art, and COVID supplies. The raccoon says "we did it." The squirrel says "oh God, I hope people come..."
January 28, 2026 at 2:04 AM
mulchy.bsky.social
i’m dying. i’ve watched this ten times already
bebopott.bsky.social Bebo, Chicago Rat Czar 🐀 @bebopott.bsky.social · 7d
WGN’s newest show The Point launched last night with some very funny production choices, such as slowly zooming in on guest Mayor Brandon Johnson while host Tahman Bradley gives his introduction off-screen.

Pure VEEP energy, 10/10 from me.
January 27, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Reposted by shawn
404media.co
NEW: Remember when we reported that a Chicago ICE facility accused of human rights abuses said they "lost" two weeks of surveillance footage? Turns out, they never actually recorded anything.

This is in response to a class action lawsuit where detainees say they were held in subhuman conditions.
DHS Says Critical ICE Surveillance Footage From Abuse Case Was Actually Never Recorded, Doesn't Matter
Court records reveal the incredibly sad state of ICE's evidence retention systems.
www.404media.co
January 27, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Reposted by shawn
katieprout.bsky.social
This is an *extremely* important story. Food pantries and mutual aid are beautiful, critical things, but the need will be greater than they can meet. People across the country are going to be forced to choose between paying for food or paying rent.
January 27, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Reposted by shawn
lake-michigan.live
Current* conditions near Chicago, IL:
View of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse from one of the cribs located in Lake Michigan. // Image captured at: 2026-01-27 14:00:01 UTC (about 8 min. prior to this post) // Image sourced from: glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/chi/ // Current Temp in Chicago: 14.80 F | -9.56 C // Precip: overcast clouds // Wind: NNW at 11.006 mph | 17.71 kph // Humidity: 72%
January 27, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Reposted by shawn
jjindc.bsky.social
🧊✈️ MINNEAPOLIS & OMAHA‼️

⚠️ ICE Air is coming to your cities

🛬 MSP – 10am
🛬 OMA — 1pm

Eastern 737 – Tail: N660CP 👀
January 27, 2026 at 2:07 PM