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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙

@anitalynns.bsky.social
1.2K followers 797 following 130 posts

Wife & momma, progressive dem. YIMBY. Tired but caring. Posts are my own & not on behalf of anyone else or any org, obvi. Life is funnier in Pawnee. Bloomington, MN.

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Reposted by Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙
Jason Garcia for MPRB District 4 @jason4parks.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I have been following the story of St. Paul Mayor Kaoly Her’s repeated sexual harassment of city employees, and in light of this statement it is clearly time for her to resign her position as mayor. This is a breach of ethics and trust, and for Her to refer to it as “attempts at humor” is galling.
Text of St. Paul Mayor Kaoly Her’s statement on the allegations of sexual harassment as reported by Lou Raguse. It reads:
“Mayor Kaohly Her:
As Mayor, I take my responsibility to treat every employee with professionalism and respect very seriously. I recognize that some of my attempts at humor fell short of the standard I expect of myself. We have fully cooperated with the independent
investigation since it began in April and will continue to do so. I respect the investigative process and believe it is important to allow it to reach its conclusion. I remain confident that the full facts will come to light, and I will continue to focus on serving the people of St. Paul with integrity and dedication."
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Peggy Flanagan @peggyflanagan.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Minnesota deserves a real fighter and a real Democrat. Watch our new 📺 ad here:
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taylr @taylordahlin.com · 25/07/2026
minnesota state senator john hoffman revealed tonight at the peggy flanagan rally in st. paul that angie craig asked him for his endorsement for US senate while he was still in the ICU after vance boelter shot him really appalling anecdote!
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Matt Doll @mattjdoll.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
If you're as pissed about the wildfire smoke as I am, channel it toward climate action: help elect climate champion @peggyflanagan.bsky.social to the US Senate and a DFL trifecta in Minnesota!
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Jean P Satriale @dreams44.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
We now have cancer risk maps for both Twin Cities and it’s patently evident that living near a freeway leads to negative health outcomes. Ironically, both of these maps came from fights to close stationary polluters, HERC and the St. Paul Foundry.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Trans rights are human rights. Trans people deserve dignity, hope, love, life, joy. They deserve full rights. I’m disappointed that the SCOTUS has continued to codify discrimination. No one is free until we all are free. I’m sending love and strength to our transgender neighbors now and forever.
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Moth @walkingminnesota.com · 30/06/2026
In light of today’s heartbreaking Supreme Court ruling, A Bar of Their Own will be raising funds for Transforming Families tomorrow from 5-8pm 🏳️‍⚧️
****JULY 1
LET THEM PLAY!
today the Supreme Court ruled on trans sports bans; were coming together to support our trans and gender expansive athletes.
A Bar of Their Own
July 1|5-8pm
$1 from every drink goes to support
Transforming Families
OUT FRONT MINNESOTA
transforming families
A BAR OF
THEIR OWN
ALL WOMEN'S SPORTS
ALL
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Reposted by Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙
Daniel Suitor @danielsuitor.com · 19/05/2026
With permission from one of my habeas clients, I can share that the Bloomington Police Department is proactively cooperating with ICE to detain our neighbors. This is a screenshot of official ICE records which show that a BPD officer reached out to ICE to drop a dime on someone in local custody.
A screenshot of official ICE records reading

ARRESTED AT/NEAR
---------------------
BLOOMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, 1800 W OLD SHAKOPPEE RD, BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES

RECORD OF DEPORTABLE/EXCLUDABLE ALIEN
--------------------------------------------------
ENCOUNTER DATA
On 5/12/2026, at approximately 8:00am, Officer [REDACTED] from the Bloomington Police Department called the Immigration law enforcement phone number. DO [REDACTED] answered the phone and was informed by Officer [REDACTED] that [REDACTED] was a potential lead for immigration enforcement action. DO [REDACTED] verified by online immigration database systems that [REDACTED] was a [REDACTED]. DO [REDACTED]lodged an immigration  detainer(I-247A) and sent it to Bloomington PD.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Wild concept, but if it’s YOUR WHOLE JOB to talk about the sports happening and the people doing the sports, then all of your prep time needs to be spent making sure you can pronounce THE GOALIE’S name. If you can’t and won’t do that, you are objectively bad at your job.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
I’m thrilled to be an alternate delegate to the state convention, as I lead the Flanagan Fight Club ICE out subcaucus at my convention. Peggy is with the people!
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Eric Harris Bernstein @ehbinmn.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
HCMC — the most important safety net hospital in the Upper Midwest — is on the verge of collapse, while Mayo netted $1.5 billion in profit. It’s not just a struggling institution, it’s a broken system.
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taylr @taylordahlin.com · 24/03/2026
if minneapolis city council members are going to send emails pushing back on people calling the MPD training & wellness center "cop city" because it's different from atlanta, they should make sure city staff aren't going to give a presentation and list atlanta's cop city as part of "market" of these
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taylr @taylordahlin.com · 24/03/2026
a last minute staff revision for the minneapolis police training & wellness center - they are proposing taking less from traffic calming, and MORE from ADA ramp replacement! it is so disgusting to see crucial community needs like this bartered away in favor of shoveling more money at MPD
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Last night the Bloomington City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to put a one year moratorium (max allowed in state law) on secured detention facilities (such as ICE detention). Vote was 6-1, CM Rivas voting against. Here is my public comment from the meeting last night.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Bloomington MN City Council meeting tonight. There will be a public hearing regarding a moratorium on "certain government facilities that house or temporary hold 25 individuals under court or governmental custody" aka ICE facilities. Show up, folks. ICE OUT.
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taylr @taylordahlin.com · 21/03/2026
this is a must-read piece from rod adams of the new justice project on anders folk's career history as he runs for hennepin county attorney. meticulously researched, just a laundry list of reasons he can't be elected to succeed mary moriarty. it would set us back racketmn.com/dont-fall-fo...
racketmn.com
Don’t Fall for the Folk-Tales - Racket
For years, the watchdog group Revolving Door Project, which scrutinizes executive branch appointees, has raised concerns about Folk's career trajectory.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
The downtown renovation of U.S. Bancorp on the skyway level looks like a hospital in an uncomplimentary way. So sterile.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
I am deeply honored to have earned the endorsement of MAPE, in my campaign for State Senate in District 50 (Edina & Bloomington). MAPE members are the heartbeat and the engine of our state, and I am proud to have earned their support. 💙
An infographic in shades of blue and purple. Text says "Minnesota Association of Professional Employees endorses Anita Smithson for MN State Senate District 50.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
DFLers, I would be honored to earn your trust and support. As a mom, community organizer, and risk manager I have been fighting for our families for the last decade, and I look forward to fighting for our families as our next State Senator representing Edina and Bloomington in District 50.
A graphic with a picture of a white woma in a blue sweater. Text over it shares caucus information. Edina at Valley View Middle School, and Bloomington at Kennedy HS.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Precinct Caucuses are on Tuesday, Feb. 3! 1. Show up, doors open at 6:30. Locations posted at anitasmithsonmn.com/caucus 2. Raise your hand to be elected as a Senate District delegate! 3. Save the date: April 4 (all day) for our SD convention. We will train you & make sure you have food & snacks.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
😭😭😭 no one, NO ONE, is more dedicated to the wellbeing of the children of this community than Christin. I’m just in joyful tears knowing that she has stepped up to run for MPS At-Large. What a gift to know her. LFG!!
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Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti. "Please get the truth out about our son."
Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti
Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti

“We are heartbroken but also very angry.

Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.

I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. 

Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
My beautiful friend ❤️‍🩹 saved the life of a man who absolutely would not have done the same for her, and it's one of the many reasons I love her so, so much. I'm so deeply grateful that she's home with her family.
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Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · 23/01/2026
A few other quick shots from the protest:
Clergy at a protest kneel in prayer as police walk behind them.Clergy at a protest pray, their breath visible amid the blistering cold.Clergy at a protest kneel in prayer, their breath visible amid the blistering cold.A police officer, his back to the camera, stands behind a group of kneeling clergy.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
The Bloomington community has stepped up in a big way to support our vulnerable neighbors at this time, but we are still about $5,000 short to meet the "rent is due on 2/1" requests. Are you able to give to our Mutual Aid fund? Check your job for matching funds! givebutter.com/bloomingtonMA
givebutter.com
Bloomington Mutual Aid
Volunteer-led mutual aid in partnership with Oak Grove Presbyterian Church providing groceries, rent help, transportation, and basic necessities to families impacted by ICE activity in Bloomington, Mi...
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Please join me on Saturday, January 24 for a cup of coffee and conversation. When: Saturday, January 24, 9:30 - 11:00 am Where: Lunds & Byerlys, 7171 France Ave S, Bloomington MN Find me at a table in the first level cafe! anitasmithsonmn.com
Please join me on Saturday, January 24 for a cup of coffee and conversation. 

When: Saturday, January 24, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Where: Lunds & Byerlys, 7171 France Ave S, Bloomington MN

Find me at a table in the first level cafe! 

***

Anita Smithson is a mom, risk manager, and community organizer running to be our next State Senator in District 50. She will fight to ensure every person, no matter where they come from, who they love, or what they look like, has the freedom to live their lives to the fullest.

anitasmithsonmn.com
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Edina & Bloomington, I’m asking for your support! Save the date: Tues, Feb 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Edina at Valley View Middle School, and Bloomington at Kennedy High School. When we elect Delegates to our Senate District Convention - raise your hand! More info: www.anitasmithsonmn.com/caucus
A graphic illustration with caucus information
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
A family is missing their loved one, and neighbors are missing their packages, as ICE agents violently smashed open the driver’s window of the car, and abducted him while he was hard at work delivering packages in Bloomington. His immigration paperwork was in the car.
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Ian Coldwater 🧊🚫 @lookitup.baby · 11/01/2026
Minneapolis uterus havers: if you’re bleeding out of cycle and wondering why, it’s the tear gas. Really, it does that
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
This authortarian regime is occupying our community and abducting our neighbors. ICE agents are assaulting the core freedoms that we value as Minnesotans. A community member, Renee Good, was murdered last week. A community member on the Northside of Minneapolis was shot last night.
This authortarian regime is occupying our community and abducting our neighbors. ICE agents are assaulting the core freedoms that we value as Minnesotans. A community member, Renee Good, was murdered last week. A community member on the Northside of Minneapolis was shot last night. Neighbors have been tear gassed and pepper sprayed. Countless neighbors have been stolen from their families, their cars left at the gas pump or on the side of the road, horrifying evidence of where they were last seen. We don't need to live this way. 

Only by joining together can we push back on this cruel regime of bullies. I am working hard, alongside so many of our neighbors - delivering food, keeping each other safe, and documenting what we all know is an abuse of power from this Trump regime. 

We all deserve a safe, healthy future here in Minnesota. We can win back what we know we deserve. Together.
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Kelly Stuart @skyspider.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
This is the ICE agent who murdered a woman by shooting her multiple times in the face.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Trump has launched illegal strikes in Venezuela and claims to have kidnapped their President and First Lady. Most Americans are united in this: We do not want another war. No illegal wars. Fund our healthcare, not war. Fund our public schools, not bombs. Fund our futures, not warships.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Friends, I am excited to announce that I am running for MN Senate in District 50. From the Minnesota River to Morningside, we all deserve the freedom to thrive. I can't wait to get to work fighting for Edina & Bloomington. Learn more: AnitaSmithsonMN.com Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/anita...
A photo of a white woman with auburn hair and green glasses wears a blue sweater and leans against a white brick wall. She is smiling. Over the photo is an image: Anita Smithson State Senate District 50. The logo has a purple and gold coneflower on it.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
It’s open enrollment at my work. It’s costing me $700/paycheck for health, dental, vision, funding a health savings account at less than my OOP max, and a very modest dependent care account. Just tax us already and give us all single payer health coverage.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Bloomington! We voted early on Saturday. Proud to cast my votes for Danielle Robertson (Council At-Large), and for Bennett/Dymoke/Moore/Steigauf for School Board.
A white woman and man stand in front of a rainbow mural with an I Voted sticker
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
A few months old, but this piece on the impacts of the anti-democratic, anti-worker, anti-immigrant Laken Riley Act was a worth a read. onlabor.org/the-laken-ri...
onlabor.org
The Laken Riley Act Doesn’t Just Hurt Immigrants—It Harms All Workers ✦ OnLabor
In 2016 Rajdai Roopnarayan, an immigrant housekeeper in New York City, was arrested after a necklace and some rings went missing from an apartment she cleaned. Any relief Roopnarayan felt the next day...
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Day 1 of the Republican Government Shutdown. Remember: A Republican is in the White House, and Republicans control both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. They are literally in charge, but incapable at leading. They will try to blame Democrats; don’t fall for it.
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DeWayne Davis @handle.invalid · 29/09/2025
Right now, Minneapolis can choose a different story than the one people are telling about us – we can choose to believe in the power of us. Voting is open now until November 4. I hope you'll rank me first on your ballot because Minneapolis deserves better.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
At two DFL events over the weekend, U.S. Senate candidate Angie Craig said in her speech ‘we as democrats oppose taking away due process from undocumented immigrants.’ She voted for the Laken Riley Act, which does precisely that. I’m watching your votes, not your quotes, Angie. For shame.
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Doug Mack @douglasmack.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Onion headline from 2003:

"Women Now Empowered By Everything A Woman Does"
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Just a sports mom, standing in front of her child’s sports app(s), asking for an “add to calendar .ics” button.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Angie Craig missed the 1st day of the MN State Fair because she was the opening act for Eric Trump at a GOP Crypto-fest. When she made it to the fair she decided to court GOP voters that hate her by bringing cookies to their booth. Wild campaign choices from someone who wants to replace Tina Smith!
Minnesota's Angie Craig Lines Up With Crypto at GOP-Heavy
Conference
In the Minnesota Senate race, centrist Rep.
Angie Craig is facing populist Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The big campaign event up there is the State Fair, and Craig missed the opening day, apparently to be in Jackson Hole hobnobbing with the crypto crowd. She was the only elected Democrat to speak, and she warmed up the crowd for Eric Trump, who spoke just after her. Tim Scott, the head of the GOP's Senate reelection efforts, made news there by thanking the industry for defeating populist Sherrod Brown in Ohio's 2024 election. (He may now be running again.)
The crypto industry spent nearly $1 million last cycle backing Craig. Flanagan rallied with Sen.
Elizabeth Warren last week, the bane of crypto's existence.
dropsitenews.com
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Minnesota Senate DFL @senatedfl.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
A statement from Senator Zaynab Mohamed on the shooting Minneapolis.
“Our beautiful Southside was struck with horrifying gun violence this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I am absolutely devastated for our community. I am grateful for the response by law enforcement and EMTs to save the lives of victims. 
 
My heart is with the parishioners of the church, and the Annunciation students and their families. 
 
This is another tragedy in what was already been a painful period for our state and community. We must all condemn gun violence, and come together to work on real solutions to prevent future tragedy.”
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Omar Fateh @omarfatehmn.com · 21/08/2025
28 party insiders met privately and voted to overturn our endorsement. Let me be clear, we’re still in this fight. And we’re going to win. Donate and sign up for a shift today. www.fatehformayor.com/donate
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We keep us safe @thequeengeek.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Sometimes you serve the revolution by going to long boring meetings. LFG. Every open seat on every board OH, caucus, SCC, state committees.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Thinking about this. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
The science of why Tim Walz swears so much
And why we like it when politicians do.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Proud to be part of the team that drafted the DFL Progressive Caucus statement condemning structural and interpersonal transphobia. Please check it out and share, and even sign on if you agree with us! dfl-progressive-caucus.org/condemning-t...
dfl-progressive-caucus.org
The DFL Progressive Caucus condemns structural and interpersonal transphobia
The DFL Progressive Caucus strongly condemns the increasingly visible instances of transphobia that have occurred in our communities
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
My first choice ranking for Mayor goes to whoever will commit to painting the concrete under/around the light rail tracks a bright yellow color so cars stop driving on the tracks. (Does the mayor have input on this? Probably not. Is this still my position? Yes. Do I live in Mpls? No, but if I did!!)
A photo of the Blue/green line light rail tracks and 5th Street South from a 6th floor office window. Cars often drive on the tracks by mistake because the light rail tracks are poorly marked especially at the intersection.
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Anita (she/her) 🩷💜💙 @anitalynns.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
21 colleagues are laid off CEOs big raise Can I pay for camp next week?
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