Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 15h

Can I also point out that this is ICE cosplaying as ARNG. No real ARNG would wear sneakers while in uniform. This borders on stolen valor and Veterans should be raising hell. You have a code of conduct that they are violating. Do you really want someone to think they represent you?

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 17h

The irony writes itself. Trump’s own memo says “anti-Christianity” is a marker of domestic extremism. Fed agents then tear-gassed and shot pepper pellets at a praying minister. By his logic, that’s terrorism. By moral logic, it’s hypocrisy.

chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...

#TruthBombTuesday

Protesters arrested at Broadview anti-ICE demonstration have been released

Ten people arrested during a clash Friday with federal immigration agents have been freed, a spokesperson for the National Lawyers Guild said. But there was no word on whether any of them had been cha...

chicago.suntimes.com

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 20h

When clergy are attacked mid-prayer and journalists are targeted for filming, it’s not “crowd control.” It’s cruelty under color of law. Authoritarianism disguised as immigration enforcement is still Authoritarianism.

We can do better. We have to.

chicago.suntimes.com...

www.theguardian.com/...

Protesters arrested at Broadview anti-ICE demonstration have been released

Ten people arrested during a clash Friday with federal immigration agents have been freed, a spokesperson for the National Lawyers Guild said. But there was no word on whether any of them had been charged. One protester successfully helped get a detainee freed.

chicago.suntimes.com

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 20h

September at Broadview ICE: The Rev. David Black of 1st Presbyterian of Chicago recoiled as federal agents fired pepper balls and tear gas during a prayer protest outside the detention center. On Oct. 4, he was hit again...this time with pepper pellets while kneeling in prayer.

Img: Ashlee Rezin

The Rev. David Black of First Presbyterian Church recoils as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents deploy tear gas and pepper balls outside the Broadview ICE facility near Chicago. He wears a black clerical collar and jacket as multiple armored officers in camouflage confront him.

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

On the mezzo level, my job is to challenge within the system...outdated forms, weird rules, “that’s how we’ve always done it.” I’m here to ask the uncomfortable questions and offer better ways. Because change doesn’t just happen at policy tables...it starts in staff meetings.
#SystemsUntangled

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

On the macro level, my job is to shout about the policies that make everything harder. If people need a professional translator to access food, housing, or care, the system failed. Advocacy isn’t extra...it’s repair work for broken structures.

#SocialWork #Advocacy #SystemsUntangled

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

On the micro level, my job is to help real people survive impossible systems. Sometimes that means translating government-ese into human, other times it’s just sitting beside someone who’s about to give up. Access shouldn’t depend on having a social worker in your corner.

#SystemsUntangled

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

Remember when “states’ rights” was sacred? When conservatives screamed about federal overreach if a Democrat so much as suggested mask mandates? Trump just sent troops into 2 states uninvited. Where are all those defenders of state sovereignty now?

#Illinois #Oregon #authoritarianism

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

This isn’t partisan...it’s about sovereignty, safety, and consent. We don’t need soldiers on our streets. We need neighbors, lawyers, and leaders who remember who they serve. Stay grounded. Stay informed. Stay human.

#Illinois #DemocracyDefense

Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

Local action matters: Ask your city council to pass a resolution rejecting unauthorized deployments. Contact the Illinois AG’s office to demand legal action. Share factual info only...disinfo fuels chaos.
#NoMilitarization #Illinois

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

Don’t go it alone. Join or support legal observers (ACLU-IL). Plug into community safety & mutual aid groups. Make a buddy system for check-ins during any unrest. Protect each other; panic helps no one.
#CollectiveCare #Illinois

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

Know your rights: In Illinois, you can legally record law enforcement & military in public spaces. Send copies to @ACLUofIL or your local newsroom. Documentation = power.
#KnowYourRights

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 1d

Governor Pritzker just called it what it is: “Trump’s Invasion.” The federal govt is deploying Texas National Guard troops to Illinois without consent. That’s not law & order. That’s state overreach. Here’s what you can do to stay safe and organized.
#Illinois #NoMilitarization #DemocracyDefense

Screenshot of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s official statement on social media. The post reads: “Donald Trump has ordered Texas troops to invade Illinois.” Below that, it continues, “I have directed the Illinois National Guard and our law enforcement partners to protect our people and uphold the rule of law. This is an illegal act and a dangerous abuse of power.” The background is dark with the verified account header “JB Pritzker @GovPritzker.”

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 2d

This weekend’s edition of “filling my cup” included volunteering and watching He’s All That. Equal parts heartwarming and cringe...aka perfect balance. The nostalgia was big for this Xennial, and honestly… sometimes rest looks like laughing at bad remakes (while secretly loving them).

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 2d

It’s 9:17 pm EDT and if you’re thinking “I didn’t do enough,” please delete that thought like spam. You breathed. You cared. You survived a society allergic to rest. That’s the work. Take your gold star and get cozy.

#GoodEnough #CollectiveCare

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 3d

Becoming disabled can shatter everything you thought you knew about yourself. You don’t have to go through this alone. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 anytime. If outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com for local support. There are people who will hold this with you until it gets lighter.

Find A Helpline | Free emotional support in 130+ countries

Global vetted directory of helplines, hotlines and crisis lines. Chat, text or phone support with suicide, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, gender& sexual identity and more.

findahelpline.com

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 3d

Because of Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, Patrisha Wright, Stacey Park Milbern, and all those who risked it...we get to push for access today. This NDEAM, their names matter. Their fights matter. Let’s move through their doors with courage.
#NDEAM #DisabilityJustice #LegacyOfActivism
#SocialWorkRewind

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 3d

Disability is the only marginalized group you can join at any time. One accident. One illness. One shift in your body. Growing older. That’s not fear... it’s perspective. Inclusion isn’t “for them.” It’s for all of us.
#NDEAM #DisabilityJustice #AccessForAll

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 3d

Did you know: workers with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed vs non-disabled peers. They face attitudinal, structural, and logistical barriers: lack of access, biases, hidden costs of accommodations. Disability inclusion isn’t charity... it’s equity.
#NDEAM #DisabilityInclusion

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 3d

Today's email is brought to you by the letter S for sarcasm. My Rep is a GOP sending out more spin at the Dems. I'm pretty sure the point will go over his head but it made me feel better.

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 4d

Omg! I legit lol'd. They are great. Now off to TT to follow for more.

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 4d

Because if we don’t laugh at the absurdity, we’ll cry. Or rage. Or both. Your turn: which meme wins the week? #LaughterThroughTears

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 4d

Trump brags about Project 2025 meetings, Cruz says “let’s stop attacking pedophiles,” and Johnson doesn't deny Trump is “unwell.” The GOP? Just one long Picard facepalm.

Alt text: Captain Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation sits in uniform with his face in his hand in exasperation. Overlaid text lists recent GOP quotes — Trump bragging about Project 2025, Cruz defending pedophiles, Johnson admitting Trump is “unwell” — with the punchline: “GOP wishing their leaders would STFU.”

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 4d

Government’s shut down? Perfect time for Nicolas Cage to finally steal the Declaration of Independence.

Alt text: Actor Nicolas Cage stares intensely at the camera. Caption reads: “Now that the government is shut down, I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.”

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Kirsten Grady @mrskgrady.bsky.social · 4d

Trump: “I know nothing about Project 2025.” Maury: That was a lie. (Peak GOP facepalm moment of the week.)

Alt text: A screenshot of Maury Povich holding a card, overlaid text says: “Trump said he knew nothing about Project 2025. Trump determined that was a lie.” Beside him are screenshots of Trump’s conflicting social media posts denying and admitting involvement.

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