Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 27/08/2026This is awful. A few weeks ago, I spoke to an MP about this very issue. At the time, they were optimistic about changes likely to address mega donor funding of political parties. What an enormous mis-step by Burnham and Labour. 020
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAlan Jagolinzer @jagolinzer.bsky.social · 23/08/2026Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at the 2026 Cambridge Disinformation Summit: “Murdoch has done more damage to democracy in the English-speaking countries than any other individual alive.” youtube.com/shorts/riRrb...youtube.comMalcolm TurnbullYouTube video by Cambridge Disinformation Summit 9328108
Reposted by Brendan ThomasRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 17/08/2026An Open Letter to Scott Bessent robertreich.substack.com/p/an-open-… 451393409
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 12/08/2026The Trump administration is shutting down key anti-corruption measures by reducing shell company transparency. internationalpolicy.org/publications...internationalpolicy.orgTrump Shuts Down Anti-Corruption Tool - CIPShell company registration was a powerful tool in the fight against corruption, and ending that registry makes corruption easier. 000
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 04/08/2026@samtlevin.bsky.social The 'worm-like creatures' are almost certainly mosquito larvae, and they are found in bodies of still water left open to the air. They are harmless to drink, but their presence suggests poor maintenance of facilities - open water tanks etc. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...theguardian.comICE detainee reveals video of drinking water apparently contaminated with worm-like creatures‘Disturbing’ footage shared by California detainee surfaces amid wider complaints about conditions in ICE detention 120
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAnne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 15/07/2026The State Department has just put out a tender, offering funding of up to $3 million to European organizations who want to fight against "Supra-national institutions" - presumably the EU - and governments who seek to regulate the internet and end Western Civilization. www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...state.govDRL NOFO Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe - United States Department of StateNotice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in EuropeBureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, Department of StateOpportunity number: ... 1601258696
Reposted by Brendan ThomasJim 🔥 @jim.chat · 09/07/2026🇬🇧 for those complacent enough to think that Thiel & Palantir are US-only problems … or that Reform is a cheap joke … Thank you @nafeez.bsky.social @peterjukes.bsky.social @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social … for shining your light. bylinetimes.com/2026/07/09/p...bylinetimes.comPalantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK's Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project RevealedThe world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation by Byline Times raising serious concerns about the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at... 28752
Reposted by Brendan ThomasJosiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Cambridge University has consistently ignored confidential queries about the concerns raised by James Orr’s activities. Instead, its press office has passed them on directly to Orr’s lawyers. The University has offered no explanation of, or comment on, the extensive findings of this investigationbylinetimes.comPalantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK's Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project RevealedThe world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation by Byline Times raising serious concerns about the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at... 3252104
Reposted by Brendan ThomasCarole Cadwalladr @carolecadwalla.bsky.social · 16/06/2026A) This a properly brilliant piece of investigative journalism by BBC & @hopenot.bsky.social Huge kudos to all involved for doing the job the UK police & CPS failed to do: naming the alleged spymaster & clearly showing Kremlin’s role. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukRussia was behind arson attacks targeting PM, BBC revealsEvidence shows Russians directing the plot and stoking tensions with fake far-right and Muslim groups. 442012966
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 17/05/2026@theguardian.com I guess this is a known issue, but pages fail to render on your app when they load. This article for instance www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m... Only when you scroll down do you see the content, but scrolling up hides the content again. I'm on a modern Android device. 010
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 09/05/2026Far too little attention is being paid to Russia's war against sanctions, with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan playing a major part. See also the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is delivering essential components to Russia from China, India, and the EU. oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...oilprice.comThe Central Asian Corridor Powering Russia’s Wartime Trade | OilPrice.comA new watchdog report alleges that Central Asian states and Caucasus transit routes remain central to Russia’s efforts to evade Western sanctions and procure dual-use goods for its war machine. 100
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 26/04/2026I'm certain the scale of the systemic damage being done by the Trump administration is not being fully appreciated, and may not be for some time. The 24 sacked board members of The National Science Board were tasked with advocating for education and research. www.science.org/content/arti...science.orgTrump fires NSF's oversight boardDismissal of the National Science Board is widely seen as latest move to erase NSF’s independence 100
Reposted by Brendan ThomasJoshi Herrmann @joshih.bsky.social · 15/04/2026I have three court hearings to attend in three months. Two subjects of our reporting are suing us. Journalism is threatened by abusive legal threats aimed at silencing reporting. The Government needs to #StopSLAPPs. Please share and write to your MP. manchestermill.co.uk/three-courts... 25539
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Former lawyer, Jenny Cohn consistently produces clear, informative, well sourced, and detailed reporting that reflects her diligence and sharp mind. The links between Orban's Hungary and prominent MPs, academics, and think tanks is stark, and very much deserves to have more light shone on it. 120
Reposted by Brendan ThomasSwapna Krishna @swapnakrishna.com · 07/04/2026Earthset from Artemis II. I am overcome. 4862401550
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 03/04/2026An excellent explainer by Dr Aaron Thierry that covers the non-linear growth of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere. I have no idea how people can in good conscience invest in the fossil fuel industry. 010
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAlan Jagolinzer @jagolinzer.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Discussion of why we built the Cambridge Disinformation Summit. “Why do people listen to blatant liars who have a track record of bullshitting people? Why do people pay attention to, believe and defend what they say despite all the counter-evidence?" ccodactivity.substack.com/p/discussing...ccodactivity.substack.comDiscussing Disinformation #3 Professor Alan JagolinzerEarlier this year, the CCOD sat down with Alan Jagozlinzer – Professor of Financial Accounting at the University of Cambridge and organiser of the Cambridge Disinformation Summit. 1165
Reposted by Brendan ThomasElizabeth Warren @elizabeth-warren.bsky.social · 16/03/2026ABC, Meta, X, and Paramount promised as much as $63 million in donations to Trump's future Presidential Library. But now the Library Fund is dissolved, leaving the American people in the dark on the fate of millions of dollars. Where did that money go? I’m pushing for answers. 1530275
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 16/03/2026In 2018, Boris Johnson amongst others warned Trump against his decision to abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Advice given to Trump at the time was pertinent, but has somehow been forgotten. hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2018...hansard.parliament.ukIran Nuclear Deal - Hansard - UK ParliamentHansard record of the item : 'Iran Nuclear Deal' on Wednesday 9 May 2018. 110
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 11/03/2026On Farage becoming incensed during an interview this week, I recall seeing the administration of councils as a test Reform would likely fail. Rhetoric only takes you so far. I hope Farage, his followers, and his well resourced benefactors face increasing scrutiny. 011
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 03/03/2026A concise, compelling, and well written summary of the US war in Iran and of other foreign policy decisions in today's Times newspaper. I have not always agreed with William Hague, but I cannot fault this piece. www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...thetimes.comPrepare for chaos unleashed by Ayatollah Khamenei’s fallDeath of the Iranian dictator is undeniably positive but Trump’s great gamble pushes the world into an uncertain future 030
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 23/02/2026@tbenner.bsky.social Thanks for this excellent open article in IP Quarterly outlining the changing inport and export markets, the traps being put in place by China, the likely outcomes if little is done, and the opportunities that the EU has in trading with allies. ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-...ip-quarterly.comGermany’s China ShockFor a long time, Germany’s political and business elites have chosen to ignore the economic threat emanating from Xi Jinping’s China. It’s now time to confront it. 030
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 23/02/2026@dangoyal.bsky.social I saw you share this fascinating open access Nature article on X. Thank you. Research by Germain Gauthier, Roland Hodler, Philine Widmer, Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, at the Department of Economics, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland. www.nature.com/articles/s41...nature.comThe political effects of X’s feed algorithm - NatureAmong users initially on a chronological feed, 7 weeks of exposure to X’s algorithmic feed in 2023 shifted political attitudes and account-following behaviour in a more conservative direction compared... 010
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 21/02/2026This is such a pressing issue. It could be argued that the likes of Bamford, Ashcroft, Lebedev, and Hintze, who have all been given peerages, bough enormous power and impacted the decision to hold an EU referendum, its terms, and its outcome. This should also be a national security issue. 010
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 15/02/2026@preetbharara.bsky.social - Some interesting talking points here from the brilliant Jenny Cohn. Could you share an opinion? In these dynamic times, there is a strong interest in election integrity and the possible federalisation of elections in the US. 021
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAngry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 08/02/2026From what they’re saying, it’s someone close to Trump getting caught communicating with a foreign intelligence operative. I don’t know what it was related to, but I’m deeply concerned that the NSA Director and Deputy Director were both fired around the time of the complaint. 231921312
Reposted by Brendan ThomasSarah Kendzior @sarahkendzior.bsky.social · 04/02/2026I've been covering Trump and Epstein's rape cases for a decade. It takes a toll. I don't charge for my work because it's wrong to paywall in times of peril. But if you appreciate what I do, consider being a paying subscriber. Thank you. sarahkendzior.substack.com/p/jackhammer...sarahkendzior.substack.comJackhammering Into the SewerA look through the Epstein files. 421273
Reposted by Brendan ThomasJoel D. Anderson @joelanderson.bsky.social · 30/01/2026this headline is almost misleading because there's actually a handful of allegations against trump in here. am i living under a rock or something? is this just no longer a big deal? www.tmz.com/2026/01/30/t...tmz.comTrump Accused In Epstein Files of Forcing Underage Girl To Perform Oral SexBombshell allegation in the latest Epstein Files document release ... an underage girl claims she was forced to perform oral sex on Donald Trump approximately 35 years ago in New Jersey. 20684192
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 25/01/2026It would normally go without saying that public officials should be held to account, especially over something so blatantly egregious. (I'm watching all this unfold from the UK and am horrified. I also worry about the long term effects of connecting thousands of people with extreme views via ICE.) 000
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 08/01/2026This is an excellent thread and it is worth reading some of the deep dive articles within it that describe governance models increasingly being seen in autocratic leaning states. The term 'Neo-Royalism' seems especially appropriate. 031
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 28/12/2025Nuanced interview with @johnsipher.bsky.social on Secrets and Spies that seems especially pertinent. He discusses Congressional oversight, China, disinformation (see also 'reflexive control'), the realities of Russian aggression, oppression, and Russia's possible futures. youtu.be/EfRdJ98XJz8?...youtu.beHow Good Are Vladimir Putin's Spies?YouTube video by Secrets & Spies: Espionage | Global Issues 44413
Reposted by Brendan ThomasLe Monde in English @english.lemonde.fr · 23/12/2025Israel NGO registration rules could lead to collapse of aid into Gazalemonde.frIsrael NGO registration rules could lead to collapse of aid into GazaNew administrative rules imposed on international organizations have already led to the exclusion of several groups from the Palestinian enclave. Humanitarian actors say they are deeply concerned for civilians. 0211
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 24/12/2025Enormous sums of money have been devoted to climate misinformation or disinformation and social media is awash with it. Alex Epstein and Bjorn Lomberg are just two of many perpetrators. The best sources of climate information come from experts not affiliated with the fossil fuel industry. See below. 020
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 21/12/2025Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House in person the day before the scheduled release of the Epstein files. I wonder whether the Trump administration, Jared Kushner included, is also protecting him. www.npr.org/2025/11/18/g... 010
Reposted by Brendan ThomasRachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 20/12/2025abc7chicago.com/post/bulgari...abc7chicago.comBulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for 'immediate investigation'A Bulgarian business owner who lived in Chicago for decades and was arrested during an immigration enforcement 'blitz' has died while in the custody of ICE at a private prison in Michigan, the ABC7 I-... 30263813271
Reposted by Brendan ThomasTerje Helland @terjehelland.bsky.social · 13/12/2025If the West wants leverage in Georgia, the path is proven: name names, sanction enablers, hit money and mobility. This system is fragile once loyalty becomes more dangerous than exit. 11/12 15119
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 04/12/2025In summary, Kushner's position in government does not qualify him to negotiate foreign peace treaties. "Private citizens are banned from unauthorized foreign negotiations under the Logan Act. Furthermore, accepting payments from foreign governments is restricted under the Foreign Emoluments Clause." 120
Reposted by Brendan ThomasPeter Jukes @peterjukes.bsky.social · 28/11/2025Just 13k more signatures and the call for a public inquiry into Russian interference has to be debate in Parliament petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...petition.parliament.ukPetition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracyWe are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig... 12338248
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAnne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 29/11/2025Time to ask: In whose interests is American foreign policy being conducted? 891864678
Reposted by Brendan ThomasAnne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 29/11/2025"By dangling multibillion-dollar rare-earth and energy deals, Moscow could reshape the economic map of Europe—while driving a wedge between America and its traditional allies" Read this excellent @wsj.com account of the business deals behind the "peace"negotiations www.wsj.com/world/russia...wsj.comMake Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in UkraineThe Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board. 911487709
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 27/11/2025@dekleptocracy.bsky.social Great to see your ideas gaining traction. Democratic countries have enormous leverage over Russia through sanctions, yet they need to be applied and enforced. I'm also reminded of the ball bearing crisis, which China helped avert. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...theguardian.comWest is ‘missing obscure sanctions that could set back Russia’s war machine’US group Dekleptocracy identifies additives for military vehicles’ lubricants and tyres as potential vulnerabilities 010
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 24/11/2025A gift article from The Atlantic authored by the very capable Anne Applebaum covering the latest US 'peace deal'. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...theatlantic.comThe Murky Plan That Ensures a Future WarWho will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine? 010
Reposted by Brendan ThomasIPES-Food @ipes-food.org · 19/11/2025🚨The global rise of #UltraProcessedFoods isn’t accidental – it’s powered by a corporate playbook. ⚕️A must-read @thelancet.com paper maps how junk food giants block regulation, control narratives & reshape food policy in their favour. And what we can do about it👇 👉 www.thelancet.com/journals/lan... 24036
Reposted by Brendan ThomasBrittany Trang @brittanytrang.com · 08/11/2025A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death. Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written." Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating. 🧪🧬🧫statnews.comJames Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peersJames Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers. 11060061963
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 01/11/2025Outstanding. I love London for its diversity and this confident advert by New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani gave me a sense of joy that has been rare in recent political discourse. This refreshing and unifying approach is likely to be projected much more widely if he wins on November 4th. 020
Reposted by Brendan ThomasRon Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 28/10/2025Trump Org’s income in the first half of 2024 was $51 million. In the first half of 2025 it rose to $864 million. A massive percentage came from foreigners. It should be the biggest scandal in the history of American politics. But few even care. www.reuters.com/investigatio...reuters.comInside the Trump family’s global crypto cash machineThe U.S. president’s family raked in more than $800 million from sales of crypto assets in the first half of 2025 alone, a Reuters examination found, on top of potentially billions more in unrealized “on paper” gains. Much of that cash came from foreign sources as Donald Trump's sons touted their business on an international investor roadshow. 22340842023
Reposted by Brendan ThomasJim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 24/10/2025this is a fearless, clear, alarming explainer by @edwardluce.bsky.social on how Trump is trampling over democratic norms in the USA www.ft.com/content/1377...ft.comThe Trump SupremacyOpponents in disarray, allies in line, followers enthralled — the US president is already on his way to building a new world order 1718678
Brendan Thomas @altostratus.bsky.social · 22/10/2025This is a cause I believe strongly in. Religious schools entrench segregation, discriminate against SEN children, and can constrain rather than open young minds. I support the work Humanists UK is doing. 020