Kumar Ramanathan
@kumar.fyi
Political scientist at the University of Illinois Chicago. I study the politics of inequality, law, policy, parties, and cities in the United States. Timeline may include 🎬 /🏀 content. More at www.kumar.fyi.
Movie you’ve watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Stars (Wars nor Trek), LOTR, or Marvel, Disney Animated or Pixar.
December 8, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Movie you’ve watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Stars (Wars nor Trek), LOTR, or Marvel, Disney Animated or Pixar.
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
The race to churn out papers is a systemic problem.
Early career scholars are desperate to get more papers to compete in the academic job market. This can make it hard for faculty mentors hard to reduce their output unless they shrink their lab (which removes opportunities from next generation).
Early career scholars are desperate to get more papers to compete in the academic job market. This can make it hard for faculty mentors hard to reduce their output unless they shrink their lab (which removes opportunities from next generation).
November 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The race to churn out papers is a systemic problem.
Early career scholars are desperate to get more papers to compete in the academic job market. This can make it hard for faculty mentors hard to reduce their output unless they shrink their lab (which removes opportunities from next generation).
Early career scholars are desperate to get more papers to compete in the academic job market. This can make it hard for faculty mentors hard to reduce their output unless they shrink their lab (which removes opportunities from next generation).
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
If you want to see how much a single local official can change things, look no further than Chicago,
where the new prosecutor this year has ground exonerations to a halt by hindering the work of the commission that reviews wrongful convictions boltsmag.org/chicago-cook...
where the new prosecutor this year has ground exonerations to a halt by hindering the work of the commission that reviews wrongful convictions boltsmag.org/chicago-cook...
Exonerations Grind to a Halt Under Chicago’s New Prosecutor - Bolts
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has weakened her office’s already broken system for freeing the innocent, even as allegations of coercion mount against a former Chicago detective.
boltsmag.org
September 30, 2025 at 10:26 PM
If you want to see how much a single local official can change things, look no further than Chicago,
where the new prosecutor this year has ground exonerations to a halt by hindering the work of the commission that reviews wrongful convictions boltsmag.org/chicago-cook...
where the new prosecutor this year has ground exonerations to a halt by hindering the work of the commission that reviews wrongful convictions boltsmag.org/chicago-cook...
Mississippi Masala—an impeccable, beautiful film, start to finish
Without saying Malcolm X, fav Denzel Washington Film?
August 3, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Mississippi Masala—an impeccable, beautiful film, start to finish
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Hello, would you like to read about capital subsidy and social housing daniel-kay-hertz.ghost.io/deep-v-shall...
Deep v. shallow capital subsidy, or: What is the Montgomery County model's secret sauce?
In a previous post, I wrote about how it's worth separating the way we fund affordable housing into two buckets: Capital subsidy, which helps the government or a mission-oriented third party buy or bu...
daniel-kay-hertz.ghost.io
July 27, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Hello, would you like to read about capital subsidy and social housing daniel-kay-hertz.ghost.io/deep-v-shall...
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Most of the internet used to be like this. This is actually the default, it took companies enclosing the internet and adding weird, soul-killing incentives to make people behave the way they do now. In a way, there is truly nothing special about Wikipedia except that it survived longer.
“Wikipedia is this economic anomaly. In many ways, it’s sort of magical that people will just volunteer without explicit economic incentives to create artifacts that are meant to share knowledge with everyone in the world”
July 26, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Most of the internet used to be like this. This is actually the default, it took companies enclosing the internet and adding weird, soul-killing incentives to make people behave the way they do now. In a way, there is truly nothing special about Wikipedia except that it survived longer.
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
From Portland to Chicago to Philadelphia, transit agencies across the U.S. are facing existential peril. If you’re not already engaged in the fight to secure stable, robust, long-term funding for transit in your community then now’s the time to roll up your sleeves.
It's time for clear eyed thinking about the potential for the large-scale destruction of public transit in American cities. It could happen in the next two years. Thread... 1/
July 24, 2025 at 3:53 PM
From Portland to Chicago to Philadelphia, transit agencies across the U.S. are facing existential peril. If you’re not already engaged in the fight to secure stable, robust, long-term funding for transit in your community then now’s the time to roll up your sleeves.
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
More details on tonight's elections in San Diego (and also St. Louis!)—and what we know of the results—in the article below.
And also follow @boltsmag.org to make sure to stay on top of local elections happening in all corners!
And also follow @boltsmag.org to make sure to stay on top of local elections happening in all corners!
The Six Elections to Watch This July - Bolts
We’re only days removed from the political earthquake in New York City’s mayoral race, but the election calendar matches on: There are many fewer contests on the ballot in July... Read More
boltsmag.org
July 2, 2025 at 5:56 AM
More details on tonight's elections in San Diego (and also St. Louis!)—and what we know of the results—in the article below.
And also follow @boltsmag.org to make sure to stay on top of local elections happening in all corners!
And also follow @boltsmag.org to make sure to stay on top of local elections happening in all corners!
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Today is publication day for Liberation Stories. Cathy Cohen, @kumar.fyi, and I contributed a chapter to this volume: “Data for Liberation: the Role of Surveys in Social Movement Infrastructure.”
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thenewpress.org
June 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Today is publication day for Liberation Stories. Cathy Cohen, @kumar.fyi, and I contributed a chapter to this volume: “Data for Liberation: the Role of Surveys in Social Movement Infrastructure.”
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Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
This is good. It's not "anti-Abundance" but it favors a sort of equity-focused abundance. It gets at some of my concerns with the book/movement.
(And please don't @ me with "abundance is always equitable" simplistic B.S., thank you.)
(And please don't @ me with "abundance is always equitable" simplistic B.S., thank you.)
Reconciling a Liberalism that Builds with a Liberalism that Cares
How can we balance abundance and equity?
nataliespievack.substack.com
June 4, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This is good. It's not "anti-Abundance" but it favors a sort of equity-focused abundance. It gets at some of my concerns with the book/movement.
(And please don't @ me with "abundance is always equitable" simplistic B.S., thank you.)
(And please don't @ me with "abundance is always equitable" simplistic B.S., thank you.)
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Great @chicagotribune.com op-ed from Richards (fmr @septaphilly.bsky.social GM). Promises of funding later do not pay the bills. We need public plan on specific $ sources to prevent cuts (better yet, expand service with more investment). Still relevant op-ed www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/19/o...
May 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Great @chicagotribune.com op-ed from Richards (fmr @septaphilly.bsky.social GM). Promises of funding later do not pay the bills. We need public plan on specific $ sources to prevent cuts (better yet, expand service with more investment). Still relevant op-ed www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/19/o...
Can't wait to chuckle at the people getting fleeced by this as I get on the CTA express buses that are lined up directly outside the United Center after every event. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/03...
New Uber Shuttle service to offer fans leaving the United Center $5 rides
Riders will be able to reserve a seat on a shuttle using the Uber app up to two days before an event, an Uber spokesperson said. Riders can book up to four seats at a time on 23-passenger buses to the...
chicago.suntimes.com
March 5, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Can't wait to chuckle at the people getting fleeced by this as I get on the CTA express buses that are lined up directly outside the United Center after every event. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/03...
So it turns out good news still exists 🥹 chicago.suntimes.com/sports/2025/...
Courtney Vandersloot is expected to sign with the Sky as an unrestricted free agent: sources
According to multiple sources out of Unrivaled, the Sky's All-Time assist leader is expected to make her return to the franchise that drafted her with the third overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:47 PM
So it turns out good news still exists 🥹 chicago.suntimes.com/sports/2025/...
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Hoping for some political will from city as we're about to see agency leadership change. CEO decision not the only major factor 4 CTA future but choice matters. Tumlin/SF & Clarke/DC have great reputations, but confident more amazing leaders (inc. beyond white men) flying more under national radar
Like ed, public transit critical public good & benefits all, not just direct users. Like ed, v underfunded w biz overhyping reform & "efficiencies". Better regional coordination needed! $$$+more political will +agency leadership improvements >CTA erasure www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/19/o...
January 13, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Hoping for some political will from city as we're about to see agency leadership change. CEO decision not the only major factor 4 CTA future but choice matters. Tumlin/SF & Clarke/DC have great reputations, but confident more amazing leaders (inc. beyond white men) flying more under national radar
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
Watching “The Night Agent” on Netflix.
Good News: The VP’s daughter is enrolled in APD.
Bad News: She skips APD to go shopping.
Good News: The VP’s daughter is enrolled in APD.
Bad News: She skips APD to go shopping.
January 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Watching “The Night Agent” on Netflix.
Good News: The VP’s daughter is enrolled in APD.
Bad News: She skips APD to go shopping.
Good News: The VP’s daughter is enrolled in APD.
Bad News: She skips APD to go shopping.
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
📣 Attention Chicago renters 📣 We’re hosting workshops over the next two months to teach you how to research building code violations and landlords using public records. Registration is required! https://buff.ly/4a51ZLY
January 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
📣 Attention Chicago renters 📣 We’re hosting workshops over the next two months to teach you how to research building code violations and landlords using public records. Registration is required! https://buff.ly/4a51ZLY
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
This should've been the one 🥲
another incredible entry from the illinois state flag competition. there's nearly 5,000 entries, and some very commendable designs that didn't make the state's top ten. will be sifting through all submissions this week
December 24, 2024 at 4:57 AM
This should've been the one 🥲
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
CDOT has a new Division of Planning and Policy, and they have a survey for you!
webapps4.chicago.gov/eforms/cdotp...
webapps4.chicago.gov/eforms/cdotp...
EFORMS - FormPublic Survey for the Division of Planning and Policy
webapps4.chicago.gov
December 18, 2024 at 3:46 AM
CDOT has a new Division of Planning and Policy, and they have a survey for you!
webapps4.chicago.gov/eforms/cdotp...
webapps4.chicago.gov/eforms/cdotp...
Reposted by Kumar Ramanathan
New article with @kumar.fyi out today in the Cleveland State Law Review!
Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reconsider the landmark ruling’s conception of dignitary harm in public education.
engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clevstlrev/v...
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Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reconsider the landmark ruling’s conception of dignitary harm in public education.
engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clevstlrev/v...
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The Dignitary Harms of Racism in Public Education: Expanding the Lens of Brown Beyond Segregation
Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reconsider the landmark ruling’s conception of dignitary harm in public education. In its argument against the separate-but-equal ...
engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu
December 6, 2024 at 5:41 PM
New article with @kumar.fyi out today in the Cleveland State Law Review!
Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reconsider the landmark ruling’s conception of dignitary harm in public education.
engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clevstlrev/v...
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Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we reconsider the landmark ruling’s conception of dignitary harm in public education.
engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clevstlrev/v...
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Fave team: Chicago Sky
Fave player (current): Napheesa
Fave player (all time): Allie Quigley
2nd fave team: Lynx
Team you dislike: Sun
Player you dislike: Sophie
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @anniecostabile.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: expanding roster sizes >>> adding teams
Fave player (current): Napheesa
Fave player (all time): Allie Quigley
2nd fave team: Lynx
Team you dislike: Sun
Player you dislike: Sophie
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @anniecostabile.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: expanding roster sizes >>> adding teams
WNBA people, let’s get to know each other-
Fave Team: Liberty
Fave Player: Sabrina
2nd fave team: Portland’s future team
Team you dislike: Aces
Player you dislike: KP
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @fettyfilm.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: the W season should start slightly later in the year
Fave Team: Liberty
Fave Player: Sabrina
2nd fave team: Portland’s future team
Team you dislike: Aces
Player you dislike: KP
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @fettyfilm.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: the W season should start slightly later in the year
December 2, 2024 at 2:24 AM
Fave team: Chicago Sky
Fave player (current): Napheesa
Fave player (all time): Allie Quigley
2nd fave team: Lynx
Team you dislike: Sun
Player you dislike: Sophie
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @anniecostabile.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: expanding roster sizes >>> adding teams
Fave player (current): Napheesa
Fave player (all time): Allie Quigley
2nd fave team: Lynx
Team you dislike: Sun
Player you dislike: Sophie
Favorite WNBA Bluesky follow: @anniecostabile.bsky.social
Unpopular WNBA opinion: expanding roster sizes >>> adding teams
Chicago people: imagine if we did this on the Mag Mile or neighborhood commercial districts like Clark St in Andersonville
For the first time, Open Newbury Street is here for the holiday season with two winter dates! On December 1 and December 8, Newbury Street will be car-free from 10am-6pm.
More info: boston.gov/open-newbury
More info: boston.gov/open-newbury
November 30, 2024 at 5:10 PM
Chicago people: imagine if we did this on the Mag Mile or neighborhood commercial districts like Clark St in Andersonville
This is one of the best books you can read about racial politics, political parties, and political development in the US. I found it so compelling that I wrote a whole dissertation as a response/sequel to it.
November 19, 2024 at 11:57 PM
This is one of the best books you can read about racial politics, political parties, and political development in the US. I found it so compelling that I wrote a whole dissertation as a response/sequel to it.
Also worth noting: there was a competitive ballot referendum in 2020 (Fair Tax), while the only competitive races downballot in 2024 were school board, which a lot of people still don't know about.
There's a lot of talk about the inroads Trump made in Chicago, but a large part of why many communities shifted right was b/c of a staggering drop-off in the number of Democratic votes cast for Harris vs Biden, not a gain in votes for Trump www.wbez.org/government-p...
November 18, 2024 at 9:40 PM
Also worth noting: there was a competitive ballot referendum in 2020 (Fair Tax), while the only competitive races downballot in 2024 were school board, which a lot of people still don't know about.