Rebecca Burns
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social
Investigative reporter and editor. 🏡,🏦,☀️, also🐈. she/ her.
Pinned
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
At @inthesetimes.com, we've been following how tenant unions are adapting strategies from organized labor.
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
With artificial intelligence sparking a surge in electricity demand, Illinois could be only five years away from chronic shortages and higher monthly bills, according to a report released late Monday by three state agencies.
Illinois could be only 5 years away from electricity shortages, higher bills, report says
It recommends state build more renewable power, transmission lines, and battery storage, and potentially delay fossil-fuel plant closings.
trib.al
December 16, 2025 at 10:24 PM
With artificial intelligence sparking a surge in electricity demand, Illinois could be only five years away from chronic shortages and higher monthly bills, according to a report released late Monday by three state agencies.
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
“You can’t bust our unions — we will not stop organizing.”
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on threats, surveillance & retaliation against members of the Tenant Union Federation and how they are fighting back.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on threats, surveillance & retaliation against members of the Tenant Union Federation and how they are fighting back.
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
“You can’t bust our unions — we will not stop organizing.”
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on threats, surveillance & retaliation against members of the Tenant Union Federation and how they are fighting back.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on threats, surveillance & retaliation against members of the Tenant Union Federation and how they are fighting back.
👇👇At 7500 S Shore, tenants still traumatized by the military-style raid on their building are being forced out.
Maya's points here are critical, and the problem is likely to get worse given rising financial distress, as discussed here by @cplusc.bsky.social climateandcommunity.org/research/fin...
Maya's points here are critical, and the problem is likely to get worse given rising financial distress, as discussed here by @cplusc.bsky.social climateandcommunity.org/research/fin...
December 11, 2025 at 9:57 PM
👇👇At 7500 S Shore, tenants still traumatized by the military-style raid on their building are being forced out.
Maya's points here are critical, and the problem is likely to get worse given rising financial distress, as discussed here by @cplusc.bsky.social climateandcommunity.org/research/fin...
Maya's points here are critical, and the problem is likely to get worse given rising financial distress, as discussed here by @cplusc.bsky.social climateandcommunity.org/research/fin...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
NEW: From the Bronx to Accra, lives are being rebuilt — or dismantled — under a U.S.–Ghana deportation pact few know exists.
In Ghana, I met the people caught in between: the deported, the waiting, the afraid.
Read the story: capitalbnews.org/ghana-us-dep...
In Ghana, I met the people caught in between: the deported, the waiting, the afraid.
Read the story: capitalbnews.org/ghana-us-dep...
Fear, Flights, and Forced Returns: How a U.S.–Ghana Deportation Pact Is Reshaping Lives
Ghanaians at home and abroad are navigating hope and an uneasy partnership between Washington and Accra.
capitalbnews.org
December 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
NEW: From the Bronx to Accra, lives are being rebuilt — or dismantled — under a U.S.–Ghana deportation pact few know exists.
In Ghana, I met the people caught in between: the deported, the waiting, the afraid.
Read the story: capitalbnews.org/ghana-us-dep...
In Ghana, I met the people caught in between: the deported, the waiting, the afraid.
Read the story: capitalbnews.org/ghana-us-dep...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
One of the most blatantly authoritarian threats in a Trump term full of them
December 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
One of the most blatantly authoritarian threats in a Trump term full of them
“I owe my freedom to being organized."
Willian Giménez González, Chicago day laborer and beloved worker leader in Chicago, is now free from ICE custody. I spoke to him about his ordeal, and what solidarity looks like in this moment. "They should do more to stop this so we can stop living this nightmare," he said.
“There Is a War Against Us”: Worker Leader, Released from ICE Custody, Speaks Out
Willian Giménez González is free, but he worries about thousands of others who were abducted from the Chicago area.
inthesetimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:18 PM
“I owe my freedom to being organized."
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Private equity landlords are learning from unscrupulous employers: subjecting members of tenants unions to surveillance and harassment, and retaining union-busting firms. Must-read for anyone seeking to understand the terrain of tenant organizing. by @rebeccaburns.bsky.social @thomasbirm.bsky.social
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Private equity landlords are learning from unscrupulous employers: subjecting members of tenants unions to surveillance and harassment, and retaining union-busting firms. Must-read for anyone seeking to understand the terrain of tenant organizing. by @rebeccaburns.bsky.social @thomasbirm.bsky.social
Remember the military-style raid on a Chicago apartment building that made national headlines this fall?
This is the aftermath: The building's remaining tenants must relocate by Friday. A cycle of speculation-> neglect-> repression-> displacement that may leave traumatized people w/ no place to go
This is the aftermath: The building's remaining tenants must relocate by Friday. A cycle of speculation-> neglect-> repression-> displacement that may leave traumatized people w/ no place to go
UPDATE — For those who want to help, there’s now a way to donate directly to the 7500 South Shore Tenants Union to help with emergency relocation costs as residents “vacate in one of the snowiest winters in Chicago’s history.”
Details in our story.
thetriibe.com/2025/12/judg...
Details in our story.
thetriibe.com/2025/12/judg...
Judge: residents must move out, ICE-raided South Shore building is uninhabitable • The TRiiBE
The tenants of the property at 7500 S. South Shore Drive are ordered to leave the property by Friday.
thetriibe.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Remember the military-style raid on a Chicago apartment building that made national headlines this fall?
This is the aftermath: The building's remaining tenants must relocate by Friday. A cycle of speculation-> neglect-> repression-> displacement that may leave traumatized people w/ no place to go
This is the aftermath: The building's remaining tenants must relocate by Friday. A cycle of speculation-> neglect-> repression-> displacement that may leave traumatized people w/ no place to go
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
This story by @rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social is wild. Private equity landlords are fighting the growing tenant union movement with all the familiar tools of traditional union busting, and then some—from police harassment & counterprotests to bouncy castles & fake tenant groups.
December 10, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This story by @rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social is wild. Private equity landlords are fighting the growing tenant union movement with all the familiar tools of traditional union busting, and then some—from police harassment & counterprotests to bouncy castles & fake tenant groups.
At @inthesetimes.com, we've been following how tenant unions are adapting strategies from organized labor.
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:11 PM
At @inthesetimes.com, we've been following how tenant unions are adapting strategies from organized labor.
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Here's a fascinating story about the flipside: a corporate landlord taking a page from anti-union employers, even hiring a "union avoidance" firm. (1/8)
inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on old-school union-busting tactics being used against renters.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on old-school union-busting tactics being used against renters.
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on old-school union-busting tactics being used against renters.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on old-school union-busting tactics being used against renters.
Threats, retaliation, and a mysterious, management-friendly "union": As tenants of Capital Realty Group mount a new, national organizing push, they say their private equity landlord is union-busting with help from a familiar player.
New w/ @thomasbirm.bsky.social inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
New w/ @thomasbirm.bsky.social inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Threats, retaliation, and a mysterious, management-friendly "union": As tenants of Capital Realty Group mount a new, national organizing push, they say their private equity landlord is union-busting with help from a familiar player.
New w/ @thomasbirm.bsky.social inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
New w/ @thomasbirm.bsky.social inthesetimes.com/article/tena...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Tenants are forming unions to fight mold, retaliation and rising rents — and their private-equity landlord is responding with classic union-busting tactics, even hiring a “union avoidance” firm.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on the threats, surveillance and retaliation.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on the threats, surveillance and retaliation.
As Tenants Organize, Landlords Embrace Old-School Union-Busting
Tenant union members say they’ve faced threats, surveillance and retaliation from their private equity landlord, which has retained a notorious “union avoidance” firm.
inthesetimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Tenants are forming unions to fight mold, retaliation and rising rents — and their private-equity landlord is responding with classic union-busting tactics, even hiring a “union avoidance” firm.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on the threats, surveillance and retaliation.
@rebeccaburns.bsky.social & @thomasbirm.bsky.social report on the threats, surveillance and retaliation.
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Mientras Estados Unidos se enfrenta a los mayores recortes del sector médico en su historia, Texas presenta una visión aterradora del futuro de la atención médica a largo plazo.
Sin escape: Dentro del sistema de casas de huespedes en Texas donde el abuso, la negligencia, y la explotación son comunes
Mientras Estados Unidos se enfrenta a los mayores recortes del sector médico en su historia, Texas presenta una visión aterradora del futuro de la atención médica a largo plazo.
inthesetimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Mientras Estados Unidos se enfrenta a los mayores recortes del sector médico en su historia, Texas presenta una visión aterradora del futuro de la atención médica a largo plazo.
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
A new @inthesetimes.com investigation by @ottavias.bsky.social w/ @typeinvestigations.org uncovers Texas “boarding homes” where disabled & elderly people face neglect, abuse & exploitation. As the US faces the largest healthcare cuts in its history, Texas' disastrous system is a warning for us all.
December 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
A new @inthesetimes.com investigation by @ottavias.bsky.social w/ @typeinvestigations.org uncovers Texas “boarding homes” where disabled & elderly people face neglect, abuse & exploitation. As the US faces the largest healthcare cuts in its history, Texas' disastrous system is a warning for us all.
Must-read, heartrending reporting
I've been working for a while on this investigation into the deadly labor that built the US nuclear weapons/energy sector. The federal government built the uranium mining industry disproportionately on Navajo lands where men are 28.6X more likely to develop cancer.
They Worked Underground in the Uranium Mines. They've Been Surrounded by Death Ever Since.
The uranium industry left a trail of sickness and loss through Navajo territory, yet Trump is pushing for another mining boom.
inthesetimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Must-read, heartrending reporting
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
In my opinion, one of the biggest revelations from the Epstein-Trump emails is that Michael Wolff -- who calls himself a journalist -- acted as a publicist and PR crisis manager for the most notorious sexual predator in recent memory.
And he did this for YEARS!
And he did this for YEARS!
November 12, 2025 at 7:53 PM
In my opinion, one of the biggest revelations from the Epstein-Trump emails is that Michael Wolff -- who calls himself a journalist -- acted as a publicist and PR crisis manager for the most notorious sexual predator in recent memory.
And he did this for YEARS!
And he did this for YEARS!
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Progressive groups are calling for Chuck Schumer's ouster after centrist Dems' shutdown cave. Dem senators' phone lines are "exploding" with the same demands. So far, Senate Dems don't have a ton to say.
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
Furious Liberals Call for Schumer to Step Aside, Senate Dems Mostly Quiet
After their shutdown surrender, liberal lawmakers are begging their base to unite behind them anyway – as Trumpland celebrates that their opposition is a bunch of 'p*ssies.'
zeteo.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Progressive groups are calling for Chuck Schumer's ouster after centrist Dems' shutdown cave. Dem senators' phone lines are "exploding" with the same demands. So far, Senate Dems don't have a ton to say.
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
Must-read investigation by @thomasbirm.bsky.social connecting the dots between the displacement of U.S. tenants and Palestinian families. (Spoiler: the same corporate entity profits from them both!)
For @thenation.com and @typeinvestigations.org, I looked into American Landmark, a major landlord filing evictions far more than the national average.
I found they are owned by an Israeli company with ties to the IDF, including during the Gaza genocide. (1/10)
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
I found they are owned by an Israeli company with ties to the IDF, including during the Gaza genocide. (1/10)
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
The Eviction Kings
One of Israel’s biggest companies is taking over huge swaths of US real estate—and tenants are paying the price.
www.thenation.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Must-read investigation by @thomasbirm.bsky.social connecting the dots between the displacement of U.S. tenants and Palestinian families. (Spoiler: the same corporate entity profits from them both!)
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Today's must-read by @thomasbirm.bsky.social: a major corporate landlord is fueling homelessness across the U.S. *and* the mass displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank.
The Israeli company owns tens of thousands of apartments in the South, filing evictions at nine times the national average.
The Israeli company owns tens of thousands of apartments in the South, filing evictions at nine times the national average.
The Eviction Kings
One of Israel’s biggest companies is taking over huge swaths of US real estate—and tenants are paying the price.
www.thenation.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Today's must-read by @thomasbirm.bsky.social: a major corporate landlord is fueling homelessness across the U.S. *and* the mass displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank.
The Israeli company owns tens of thousands of apartments in the South, filing evictions at nine times the national average.
The Israeli company owns tens of thousands of apartments in the South, filing evictions at nine times the national average.
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Draws parallels with what @rebeccaburns.bsky.social uncovered in the illegal, racist raid in Chicago—cheaper for predatory landlords to have people kidnapped than evicted: inthesetimes.com/article/evic...
November 3, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Draws parallels with what @rebeccaburns.bsky.social uncovered in the illegal, racist raid in Chicago—cheaper for predatory landlords to have people kidnapped than evicted: inthesetimes.com/article/evic...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
Extremely honored to have run this piece last week from the national leaders of @ueunion.org.
Carl Rosen and Mark Meinster's last public act as they hand over the reins was to stand up for Palestine. Principled leaders who know that struggle is a long game.
inthesetimes.com/article/gaza...
Carl Rosen and Mark Meinster's last public act as they hand over the reins was to stand up for Palestine. Principled leaders who know that struggle is a long game.
inthesetimes.com/article/gaza...
Workers Here Have More in Common With Palestinians Being Bombed Than the Billionaires Bombing Them
Even beyond the prospects of a ceasefire, the United Electrical Workers are calling for an end to US military aid to Israel—and why other unions should be working towards the same thing.
inthesetimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Extremely honored to have run this piece last week from the national leaders of @ueunion.org.
Carl Rosen and Mark Meinster's last public act as they hand over the reins was to stand up for Palestine. Principled leaders who know that struggle is a long game.
inthesetimes.com/article/gaza...
Carl Rosen and Mark Meinster's last public act as they hand over the reins was to stand up for Palestine. Principled leaders who know that struggle is a long game.
inthesetimes.com/article/gaza...
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
The Trump administration gutted the agency investigating how thousands of homeowners fell victim to zombie mortgages.
A new Bloomberg analysis shows just how widespread these debt collections have become
A new Bloomberg analysis shows just how widespread these debt collections have become
Trump Gutted Agency Investigating Zombie Mortgage Debt Collectors
Many homeowners were blindsided by huge bills from zombie mortgages. A federal investigation of unlawful debt collections has stalled after the Trump administration gutted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
bloom.bg
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Trump administration gutted the agency investigating how thousands of homeowners fell victim to zombie mortgages.
A new Bloomberg analysis shows just how widespread these debt collections have become
A new Bloomberg analysis shows just how widespread these debt collections have become
Reposted by Rebecca Burns
AIG insures fossil fuel infrastructure deals.
But AIG’s lead independent director, John G. Rice, holds the exact same position at Baker Hughes, which gets contracts to build fossil fuel infrastructure.
Big conflict found by our partners at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social.
prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...
But AIG’s lead independent director, John G. Rice, holds the exact same position at Baker Hughes, which gets contracts to build fossil fuel infrastructure.
Big conflict found by our partners at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social.
prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...
Top AIG Exec Has Major Fossil Fuel Ties - The American Prospect
A Center for Media and Democracy investigation shows that John G. Rice, AIG’s lead independent director, holds the same position at Baker Hughes, a global fossil fuel technology company that has recei...
prospect.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:13 PM
AIG insures fossil fuel infrastructure deals.
But AIG’s lead independent director, John G. Rice, holds the exact same position at Baker Hughes, which gets contracts to build fossil fuel infrastructure.
Big conflict found by our partners at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social.
prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...
But AIG’s lead independent director, John G. Rice, holds the exact same position at Baker Hughes, which gets contracts to build fossil fuel infrastructure.
Big conflict found by our partners at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social.
prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...