Sign in

accountabilityji.bsky.social

@accountabilityji.bsky.social
0 followers 0 following 0 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 10h
NEW from @accountabilityji.bsky.social and @assignedmedia.org: Reporter @billiejsweeney.bsky.social has an important story on the changing dynamics of the politics around transgender rights and issues. www.importantcontext.news/democrats-lo...
importantcontext.news
Democrats Lose by Punching Down on Trans Issues, Strategists Say
Insiders, including at centrist think tank Third Way, are cautioning Democratic candidates against echoing Republican talking points on trans rights.
414648
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Big stuff on the way.
040
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This is a must-read story from @billiejsweeney.bsky.social on anti-trans ballot measures we’re seeing around the country. This report was done in partnership with @assignedmedia.org www.importantcontext.news/p/transphobi...
importantcontext.news
Transphobic Ballot Questions Reveal the Right's Anti-Girl, Anti-Kid Agenda
Seven initiatives in five states would exploit trans people to promote a gender-policing surveillance state.
082
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
HHS has released its second report attacking transgender people this month. First was a report on gender-affirming care, claiming it was rife with abuse and fraud. Now, it’s a report 10 days later, claiming acceptance of the medical consensus on transgender care is linked to political violence.
importantcontext.news
HHS Releases Another Report Attacking Transgender Americans and Their Allies
“In my opinion, all the authors have done in this farce of a survey is measured political affiliation.”
063
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
A new HHS report claiming that gender-affirming care is a hotbed of abuse is full of falsehoods. @walkerbragman.bsky.social and @billiejsweeney.bsky.social report for us and @assignedmedia.org: www.importantcontext.news/p/new-hhs-re...
importantcontext.news
New HHS Report on Gender-Affirming Care Rife With False Information
“As soon as you politicize any sort of healthcare it's a really slippery slope.”
0228
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
NEW: Last week, HHS released a new report alleging that gender-affirming care is a hotbed of fraud by predatory doctors. @billiejsweeney.bsky.social and I dug into it and found numerous problems. This piece was done in partnership between @accountabilityji.bsky.social and @assignedmedia.org.
importantcontext.news
New HHS Report on Gender-Affirming Care Rife With False Information
“As soon as you politicize any sort of healthcare it's a really slippery slope.”
10276124
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Assigned Media @assignedmedia.org · 19/08/2026
The HHS released a report on gender affirming care last week that attacks providers and is steeped in anti-trans rhetoric. Read the story here, produced in partnership with @accountabilityji.bsky.social, written by @walkerbragman.bsky.social and @billiejsweeney.bsky.social
assignedmedia.org
New HHS Report on Gender-Affirming Care Rife With False Information - Assigned Media
“As soon as you politicize any sort of healthcare it's a really slippery slope.”
515478
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Anti-vax other right-wing voices are trying to deflect blame from the Trump administration and RFK Jr. over the epidemic of explosive diarrhea gripping the country. www.importantcontext.news/p/trump-alli...
importantcontext.news
Trump Allies Deflect From Explosive Diarrhea Epidemic
“The real epidemic here is the relentless legacy media effort to attack Trump and Kennedy on public health issues.”
061
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Assigned Media @assignedmedia.org · 30/06/2026
NEW: An unprecedented assault on American nonprofits is underway, and it all started when the Trump admin convened a slate of anti-trans activists for a workshop on gender-affirming care. Important investigation by @billiejsweeney.bsky.social for Assigned and @accountabilityji.bsky.social.
assignedmedia.org
MAGA Attacks Nonprofits. It Took Lessons From Authoritarians. - Assigned Media
The right wing has gone all in on assaulting nonprofits, following the playbooks of authoritarian regimes the world over.
216681
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Billie Jean Sweeney @billiejsweeney.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Support independent media, @assignedmedia.org and @accountabilityji.bsky.social
0132
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
This is what happens when anti-vaccine groups turn tragedy into propaganda before the facts are known. Read the full story from our investigative newsroom ⬇️ www.importantcontext.news/p/plaintiff-...
importantcontext.news
Plaintiff in Children’s Health Defense Lawsuit Charged With Murder
A mother who blamed vaccines for the deaths of her toddler twins and joined the anti-vax group’s lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics has been charged with murdering her children.
050
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The Trump administration’s attack on nonprofits more than culture war noise. It’s an authoritarian playbook: isolate civil society, punish dissent, and make institutions afraid to defend the people they serve. New from Billie Jean Sweeney: www.importantcontext.news/p/maga-attac...
importantcontext.news
MAGA Attacks Nonprofits. It Took Lessons From Authoritarians.
“The Trump administration is really the first to all-out attack nonprofits.”
0122
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Help science fight back! Subscribe to the AJI newsletter for our latest investigations, science policy updates, and notes from our Scientific Advisory Board. www.accountabilityjournalism.org
121
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
MJ Nabuurs @mjnabuurs.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The problem w accurate reporting, like that of @accountabilityji.bsky.social & @walkerbragman.bsky.social, is that sometimes you learn things that burst your bubble! Alas, we know it’s better to be aware & as @coopspeak.bsky.social jokingly says in this epi, maybe LIAM needs to be “taken” 😝:
297
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Experts are sounding the alarm on a deeply flawed new paper promoting ivermectin for cancer, co-authored by the head of the President’s Cancer Panel. ✍️ @walkerbragman.bsky.social www.importantcontext.news/p/chair-of-p...
importantcontext.news
Chair of President’s Cancer Panel Co-Authors Ivermectin Cancer Study Backed By Supplements Company
“It’s marketing disguised as science.”
43718
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Hantavirus is rare. Its pandemic potential is low. But that hasn’t stopped public health opponents from using the outbreak to spread conspiracies, attack institutions, and push unsupported treatments. www.importantcontext.news/p/public-hea...
importantcontext.news
Public Health Opponents Leverage Hantavirus Outbreak to Spread Conspiracies and Misinformation
Many familiar faces from the COVID-19 pandemic are back.
0127
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
NEW: With the departure of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and CDER Director Tracy Beth Høeg last week—which follow the exit of CBER Director Vinay Prasad last month—the list of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vax allies in high-ranking roles at HHS has shrunk considerably. Our report.
importantcontext.news
MAHA Officials Out At FDA
Kennedy vaccine skeptical allies are dropping fast as the White House prepares for midterms.
48631
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
NEW from Important Context: @origgio.bsky.social reports how right-wing and anti-vaccine groups and talking heads are using the hantavirus outbreak to undermine public health. Peddling conspiracy theories and stoking fears of COVID-era mitigations. www.importantcontext.news/p/public-hea...
importantcontext.news
Public Health Opponents Leverage Hantavirus Outbreak to Spread Conspiracies and Misinformation
Many familiar faces from the COVID-19 pandemic are back.
12515
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
MAHA is crumbling. Early on in the administration, @derekberes.bsky.social wrote a piece for @accountabilityji.bsky.social in which he noted the inherent contradiction at the heart of the movement: its emphasis on industry deregulation and its promise to impose higher standards for drug/vax approval
12810
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
A major shakeup at FDA could signal the White House is getting nervous about RFK Jr.’s vaccine politics. But the anti-vaccine agenda isn’t going away. www.importantcontext.news/p/maha-offic...
importantcontext.news
MAHA Officials Out At FDA
Kennedy vaccine skeptical allies are dropping fast as the White House prepares for midterms.
070
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
ScubaSuzyQ💙🦋 @susanmcgraw88.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
#ImportContext @accountabilityji.bsky.social The Heritage Foundation is gearing up to attack the vulnerable people who most need protection from the radical right - #ProudBlue #Pinks #DV1 open.substack.com/pub/importan...
open.substack.com
The Heritage Foundation Has a Radical New Project
The rights of women, people of color, gay people, disabled people and trans people—a vast majority of the country—are being targeted by a billionaire-funded network.
24435
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The Heritage Foundation’s new “family” document gives the game away. This isn’t just about abortion. It’s about enforcing a narrow vision of who gets rights, who gets care, and who gets to live freely. www.importantcontext.news/p/heritage-f...
importantcontext.news
The Heritage Foundation Has a Radical New Project
The rights of women, people of color, gay people, disabled people and trans people—a vast majority of the country—are being targeted by a billionaire-funded network.
13017
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
This is what institutional capture looks like in real time. RFK Jr. has added anti-vaccine-aligned groups as liaisons to ACIP, the CDC committee that helps shape vaccine recommendations open.substack.com/pub/importan...
open.substack.com
Anti-Vaccine Groups Given Unprecedented Access to CDC Vaccine Panel
Robert Kennedy Jr. has added new liaisons to ACIP, tapping old allies from the anti-vaccine movement.
085
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Scientific mis- and disinformation is among the greatest threats to our society.
scientificamerican.com
‘Staggering’ number of people believe unproven claims about vaccines, raw milk and more
Survey results suggest a rise in questioning of scientific evidence
46419147
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
The leading candidate to run the FDA's vaccine office is a MAHA-aligned ophthalmologist who views mRNA shots as "experimental" & mask mandates as "religious" extremism. A deep dive into Dr. Houman David Hemmati & the total overhaul of U.S. public health. 🧬🧪 www.importantcontext.news/p/fda-vaccin...
importantcontext.news
FDA Vaccine Chief Front-Runner Called mRNA Vaccines “Experimental Genetic Technology,” Compared Pandemic Response to Iranian Rule
Dr. Houman David Hemmati is closely aligned with the MAHA movement.
194
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
NEW: As Donald Trump’s HHS messages about restoring “gold standard science” and combating politicization of public health, top officials from the department are embracing right-wing political advocacy. Last month, a number of them even appeared at CPAC. www.importantcontext.news/p/as-hhs-rai...
importantcontext.news
As HHS Rails Against Science Politicization, Leading Agency Officials Embrace Right-Wing Political Action
The suprising number of public health officials at CPAC earlier this month highlights what critics say is a disturbing trend.
514860
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Thanks to Editor & Publisher for the feature on AJI. We started this work to go beyond debunking falsehoods and expose the people, money, and networks behind them. www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/insi...
editorandpublisher.com
Inside AJI’s fight against disinformation - Editor and Publisher
Investigative journalist Walker Bragman isn’t interested in simply debunking misinformation. He wants to identify the people funding it, the networks spreading it and the political forces benefiting f...
073
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
We got profiled in Editor & Publisher! Give this a read and follow @accountabilityji.bsky.social www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/insi...
Inside AJI’s fight against disinformation
24918
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
An early-career NIH researcher says he was told to “rewrite all of your woke science” to keep funding alive. His work on discrimination in health care was already approved. Now he says politics are overruling science. @walkerbragman.bsky.social has the story open.substack.com/pub/importan...
open.substack.com
“Rewrite All of Your Woke Science”: Early-Career Researcher Says NIH’s Anti-DEI Agenda is Undermining Agency’s Mission
Dr. Michael D. Green says his work is being censored to fit an “amorphous political agenda.”
07338
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
We are proud to welcome Billy Jean Sweeney to our Board of Directors! www.marketwatch.com/press-releas...
marketwatch.com
Accountability Journalism Institute Appoints New Members to Its Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board
1133
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
NEW: In January the Trump administration released new dietary guidelines that prompted the consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy products. Federal lobbying disclosures reveal that the meat and dairy industries spent big money lobbying USDA and HHS, which were responsible for the guidelines.
importantcontext.news
Meat and Dairy Industries Spent Big Money Lobbying Ahead of Trump Dietary Guideline Changes
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize red meat and dairy.
20333154
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
The Trump administration says its new dietary guidelines reject corporate influence.Lobbying disclosures tell a different story. Meat and dairy interests spent heavily ahead of major changes to federal nutrition advice. New from @walkerbragman.bsky.social www.importantcontext.news/p/meat-and-d...
importantcontext.news
Meat and Dairy Industries Spent Big Money Lobbying Ahead of Trump Dietary Guideline Changes
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize red meat and dairy.
0104
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
To support our enterprise journalism, please subscribe to Important Context or donate to @accountabilityji.bsky.social.
0193
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
How did an ousted vaccine skeptic get his job back at the FDA in just two weeks? Inside the growing turf war between RFK Jr. and Laura Loomer over the nation's public health agencies: www.importantcontext.news/p/vinay-pras...
importantcontext.news
Vinay Prasad Returns to FDA
Within two weeks of his unceremonious departure, the COVID vaccine skeptic is back as the nation’s top vaccine regulator.
1163
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Prasad allegedly left to spend more time with his family. But Makary came to his aid and got him back two weeks later. Enough family time! www.importantcontext.news/p/vinay-pras...
importantcontext.news
Vinay Prasad Returns to FDA
Within two weeks of his unceremonious departure, the COVID vaccine skeptic is back as the nation’s top vaccine regulator.
0133
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Jay Bhattacharya is now acting CDC director— and his record raises major questions about where vaccine policy is headed next. Read the latest reporting from @walkerbragman.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/importan...
061
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
NEW from me in Important Context: NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya is now the acting CDC director. Bhattacharya has long cast doubt on vaccine safety, and his appointment may signal more changes to the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. www.importantcontext.news/p/new-cdc-di...
importantcontext.news
New CDC Director Has Questioned Vaccine Safety
Jay Bhattacharya’s recent new appointment may suggest more changes to the vaccine schedule.
610650
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
This new book review by @wendyorent.bsky.social is a must read. Wendy read the recent COVID lab leak book “Muddy Waters” for @accountabilityji.bsky.social and wrote a devastating critique, demolishing the hysteria and wild speculation. www.accountabilityjournalism.org/insights/4nd...
accountabilityjournalism.org
A Dazzling Tower of Inference: A Review of Muddy Waters — AJI
AJI’s own Wendy Orent offers a critical review of Muddy Waters , a recent book arguing that COVID-19 emerged from a laboratory.
13013
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Who’s writing HHS’s talking points? A Project 2025–linked Christian Right think tank. They’re calling trans care “sex-denying procedures.” www.importantcontext.news/p/nih-direct...
importantcontext.news
NIH Director Declines to Fully Rule Out Vaccine-Autism Link During Senate Hearing
Jay Bhattacharya would not categorically denounce the discredited narrative that vaccines cause autism.
030
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Stuff like this has become so normalized, but it shouldn’t be. The National Institutes of Health director leaving room for anti-vax narratives or participating in conferences of anti-vax groups is, frankly, outrageous. www.importantcontext.news/p/nih-direct...
importantcontext.news
NIH Director Declines to Fully Rule Out Vaccine-Autism Link During Senate Hearing
Jay Bhattacharya would not categorically denounce the discredited narrative that vaccines cause autism.
111231
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Minneapolis is living under “a state of siege.” Important Context spoke with attorney Will Stancil, part of a decentralized community network tracking ICE/CBP movements. www.importantcontext.news/p/the-entire...
importantcontext.news
“The Entire City's in This Sort of State of Siege:” A Conversation With A Minneapolis ICE Tracker
Important Context spoke with attorney Will Stancil, who has been tracking ICE in his city.
0177
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
NEW piece from my @accountabilityji.bsky.social colleague @origgio.bsky.social published in FAIR: fair.org/home/with-us...
fair.org
With US’s Measles-Free Status in Danger, ABC Fails to Mention Trump and MAHA as Cause
When ABC reported on reluctance to vaccinate and its consequences, it failed to call out the administration sowing much of this doubt and confusion.
29037
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
RFK Jr.’s former org Children’s Health Defense just filed a RICO lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics—accusing the 67k-member group of a pharma-backed “conspiracy.” www.importantcontext.news/p/rfk-jrs-fo...
importantcontext.news
RFK Jr.‘s Former Anti-Vax Org Launches RICO Suit Against Leading Pediatrics Group
The lawsuit by Children’s Health Defense comes as the American Academy of Pediatrics wages its own legal battle against Kennedy’s HHS.
0163
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
In this video from Maine obtained by @accountabilityji.bsky.social, an ICE agent repeatedly threatens a protester with pepper spray and ends the encounter by saying “Make America Great Again.”
22350157
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
NEW: This week, Daily Show host Jon Stewart introduced his audience to Jenin Younes, describing her as a courageous civil rights attorney who had been canceled by both the right and left and therefore “must be doing something right.” Really, she spent years undermining public health—and Democrats.
importantcontext.news
Jon Stewart Praises Attorney Behind Years of Anti-Vaccine and Anti-Lockdown Lawfare
“You’re a civil rights attorney who has been canceled by both the right and the left, which means you must be doing something right.”
1111664486
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
Jon Stewart says being "canceled by both sides" means you’re doing something right. Does that apply to promoting vaccine skepticism and suing researchers? A look at the record Stewart ignored: www.importantcontext.news/p/jon-stewar...
importantcontext.news
Jon Stewart Praises Attorney Behind Years of Anti-Vaccine, Anti-Public Health Lawfare
“You’re a civil rights attorney who has been canceled by both the right and the left, which means you must be doing something right.”
36213
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
ICYMI: Genocide scholars are sounding the alarm about the worsening attacks on the trans-community. Read our latest story: www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
importantcontext.news
Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans
Genocide scholars say policies targeting transgender Americans match early warning signs of mass atrocity.
1105
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
There’s a big story everyone is missing—but this article hits on it. We aren’t just seeing public health dismantled bc we’ve been taken over by conspiracy theorists and lunatics. What we’re really seeing is the giant, predatory, underegulated wellness industry come to Washington.
arstechnica.com
FDA deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies
The agency used to warn of chelation, used by RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine ally David Geier.
18686023130
Reposted by Accountability Journalism Institute
Walker Bragman @walkerbragman.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
This work is reader supported. Please consider subscribing to Important Context or donating to @accountabilityji.bsky.social to help us continue covering stories like this. This year, we are trying to raise enough to fund a 3-person newsroom full-time. That’s the goal.
1123
Accountability Journalism Institute @accountabilityji.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
"The objective here is literally, physically to destroy this group." Experts in genocide prevention warn that current U.S. policies toward the trans community match historical patterns of mass atrocity. www.accountabilityjournalism.org/trump-admini...
accountabilityjournalism.org
Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans — AJI
Genocide scholars say policies targeting transgender Americans match early warning signs of mass atrocity. Written By:  Walker Bragman Originally Published: Jan 05, 2026 This piece has...
7192108