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balsamroot.bsky.social

@balsamroot.bsky.social
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Musk staffers briefly published a list of 440 properties it planned to sell, deeming them “not core to government operations.” However, the list was removed after officials were alerted that it included a complex housing a CIA facility—often referred to as the “worst-kept secret in Springfield.”
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UAW @uaw.org · 11/03/2025
“This moment is about standing up for workers. The courts have upheld the rights of this independent agency, and we’re pleased to welcome Gwynne Wilcox back.” ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com
Labor board member returns to work six weeks after Trump fired her
Gwynne Wilcox was the first Black woman to chair the National Labor Relations Board
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 11/03/2025
NEW: The closure effectively hobbles the VA’s efforts to investigate and eliminate long-standing racial inequities that the department itself has acknowledged. “The consequences will be dire, wide-reaching and deadly,” an advocate for Black veterans said. By @vernalcoleman.bsky.social
propub.li
The Office That Investigates Disparities in Veterans’ Care Is Being “Liquidated”
The closure effectively hobbles the VA’s efforts to investigate and eliminate long-standing racial inequities that the department itself has acknowledged. “The consequences will be dire, wide-reaching...
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Fucking hell.
insidehighered.com
Education Department to reduce staff by half
Ahead of the announcement, the department told staff that DC offices would be closed on Wednesday and reopen Thursday for “security reasons.”
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
The Dept of Ed helps: - 26 million children from poor families - 7.5M children w/disabilities - 5M English language learners - 9M students go to college or trade school www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
msnbc.com
Opinion | Trump's cowardly betrayal of America's children
Diverting billions from our children to pay for tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy short-changes everyone.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
A gutted department means fewer teachers, more crowded classes and increased mental health and behavioral challenges for students. We’d most likely see increased absenteeism and decreased grad rates. Fewer students would be able to obtain the degrees or credentials www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
msnbc.com
Opinion | Trump's cowardly betrayal of America's children
Diverting billions from our children to pay for tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy short-changes everyone.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
This will hurt kids. This will hurt farmers. How do you explain to a hungry child or a family farmer that their president would rather give tax breaks to the billionaires than to support all Americans? www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
politico.com
USDA cancels $1B in local food purchasing for schools, food banks
States have been notified that they will not receive 2025 funding for schools to buy food from nearby farms.
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dell cameron @dell.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
"Prices" -- Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 11/03/2025
There’s a swell of activism in this country and we are feeding off of it. Thank you to these Montana Indivisibles for showing what our movement stands for.
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Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
US Education Department will fire 50% of its workforce.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
New — Absolute bloodbath at US Dept. of Education in light of today’s Reduction in Force (RIF) announcement. Hearing from department sources that offices in Dallas, Boston, New York, SF, Philly and Cleveland have all been shut down. Some staff in remaining offices fired, too.
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 12/03/2025
As prices continue to rise, the stock market keeps crashing, and Trump and Musk carry on with their coup, 216 of 217 House Republicans just voted to codify the harmful DOGE cuts that are a direct attack on working families, the economy, and the services everyday Americans rely on.
apnews.com
House passes bill to fund federal agencies through September, though prospects unclear in Senate
The House has passed legislation to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September.
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Ezra Levin ❌👑 @ezralevin.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
This week either ends with a shutdown or a bipartisan act of congress. This is my attempt to summarize what the GOP is doing, what leverage the Dems have, and all the ways this could play out. As always, we end the newsletter with lots of practical action items! open.substack.com/pub/ezralevi...
open.substack.com
How this shutdown showdown will play out
Indivisible's weekly newsletter with analysis and action
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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 12/03/2025
The world’s richest man doesn’t want you to criticize him. He’s using his puppet (the President of the United States) to threaten the tools of the state against peaceful Americans expressing their opinions. Trump & Musk are trying to outlaw dissent & silence regular people who threaten their power.
bloomberg.com
Trump Says That Attacks on Tesla Stores Are Domestic Terrorism
President Donald Trump said that protesters who are vandalizing Tesla’s showrooms and charging stations should be considered domestic terrorists.
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Emily Mullin @emilymullin.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Measles cases in Texas and New Mexico now number over 250, with two deaths being linked to the outbreak. (For comparison, the US had 285 cases of measles in all of 2024). Measles isn't just a rash. For @wired.com, I wrote about why the disease can be so deadly: www.wired.com/story/this-i...
wired.com
This Is How Measles Kills
Measles is known for its characteristic rash, but it can have serious respiratory and neurologic complications.
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balsamroot.bsky.social @balsamroot.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
First They Came For… open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
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Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
🚨🚨ALERT🚨🚨: If you want Democrats to hold the line on Musk's illegal funding/firing spree, **RIGHT NOW** is time to make your voice heard. This update below is about just that. Not clear how hard a line they're taking. GOPS are abt to shutdown the govt. Their leadership wants Dem help outmaneuver...
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David Sacerdote @davidsacerdote.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
The fact that a vote on a budget resolution is coming up means it's absolutely critical to call your congressional rep first thing in the morning, and remind them of the importance of not giving the Musk/Trump administration a pass.
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Kevin Collier @kevincollier.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
NEW: Some senior CISA officials were informed late last week that DOGE had been granted access to agency staffers' emails and Microsoft Teams chats. The agency at large has not been informed.
nbcnews.com
DOGE has gained access to CISA's emails and Teams chats: Source
Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has gained access to the internal emails and Microsoft Teams chats of employees at the country’s top cybersecurity
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Aaron Couch @aaronrcouch.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
"As an organization, Trails & Pathways has worked side by side with the Teton Basin Ranger District staff for more than twenty years. We are deeply concerned for the fate of the Forest Service and fallout from these decisions. Please call your representatives immediately."
mailchi.mp
Support & defend our partners at the Forest Service
Last week was very difficult for our partners at the Forest Service as they, like many other public agencies were subject to challenging cuts to staff. Undoubtedly, it will affect the level of service they can provide to support your experience in nature. Here are some facts regarding the cuts:
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Peter Sagal @petersagal.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
I heard my friend Dan here give a remarkable brief talk about this last month. Thankfully, he’s written it up at length to share.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
an unelected billionaire with no official job in the government thinks he can fire half the workforce for not replying to an email
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Janel Le Belle @janellebelle.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
I wish this was accurate for science funding but it's not: bsky.app/profile/josh...
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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Here's the executive order: www.whitehouse.gov/presidential... Among other entities Trump says he's ending are the United States African Development Foundation, Credit Union Advisory Council, Community Bank Advisory Council, and the HHS Secretary's Advisory Committee on Long COVID.
Sec. 2. Reducing the Scope of the Federal Bureaucracy. (a) The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law:
(i) the Presidio Trust;
(ii) the Inter-American Foundation;
(iii) the United States African Development Foundation; and (iv) the United States Institute of Peace.
(b) Within 14 days of the date of this order, the head of each unnecessary governmental entity listed in subsection (a) of this section shall submit a report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) confirming compliance with this order and stating whether the governmental entity, or any components or functions thereof, are statutorily required and to what extent.(f) Within 14 days of the date of this order, the following heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall take the following actions with respect to the following Federal Advisory Committees within their respective agencies:
(i) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall terminate the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid;
(ii) the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection shall terminate the Academic Research Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council; iii) the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall terminate the Community Bank Advisory Council;
(iv) the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall terminate the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Long COVID; and
(v) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shall terminate the Health Equity Advisory Committee.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Really scary situation at the Kansas State House today when a fierce debate over guns turned into accusations and fears of legislators being armed on the floor. Great reporting from @journalist-sherman.bsky.social:
kansasreflector.com
'Everyone needs to breathe': Intense confrontation on Kansas House floor forces two-hour recess • Kansas Reflector
An intense confrontation between a Republican and Democrat on the Kansas House floor Thursday during a gun debate forced the chamber into a two-hour recess as leadership worked to deescalate tensions.
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Brian Tyler Cohen @briantylercohen.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Lawyers at Twitter are reportedly threatening advertisers to spend more money on the platform “or else” Elon Musk will use his connections with Trump to hurt their companies.
wsj.com
Exclusive | X Hinted at Possible Deal Trouble in Talks With Ad Giant to Increase Spending
Interpublic Group recently signed an advertising agreement with the social-media platform; other agencies are also in negotiations.
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Ezra Levin ❌👑 @ezralevin.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Take note of the messaging - this is both accurate and *deeply* unpopular. It's the kind of thing that forces GOP House members to quietly tell their constituents that they too are concerned about Musk. Make them own this. Make them squirm.
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Congressman Don Beyer @beyer.house.gov · 19/02/2025
Musk and Trump got rid of one fifth of workers at the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides care to 9/11 first responders and survivors. ny1.com/nyc/all-boro... Those fired include people like Anthony Gardner, pictured below, whose brother was killed on 9/11. Disgusting beyond belief.
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Katherine Clark @whipkclark.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Yesterday, Trump promised he wouldn't touch Medicaid. Today, he endorsed the House Republican plan to slash Medicaid. Republicans will say anything in their plot to take money from you and give it to their billionaire donors. It's all lies and broken promises. www.yahoo.com/news/trump-s...
yahoo.com
Trump said in an interview with Elon Musk that he wouldn't touch Medicaid. Hours later he endorsed a GOP plan that could slash the program.
Donald Trump said he would "love and cherish" Medicaid. He's endorsed a House GOP proposal that would likely gut the program.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
No matter where Trump chooses to cut, the tax cuts he wants to give to millionaires and billionaires will hurt low-income kids and families the most - especially if those cuts come from SNAP or Medicaid. @epi.org www.epi.org/publication/...
epi.org
There will be pain: Continuing low tax rates for the rich and corporations will hurt working families
Extending Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will have painful trade-offs for the U.S. economy and most Americans.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
I can't believe I have to say this, but Elon Musk should not have access to our private financial data. www.highereddive.com/news/court-d...
highereddive.com
Court declines to block DOGE from accessing Education Department data
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss, an Obama appointee, said the student group failed to show it faced “irreparable harm” without emergency relief.
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balsamroot.bsky.social @balsamroot.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Just a reminder that this happened lat week www.wired.com/story/cisa-e...
wired.com
Top US Election Security Watchdog Forced to Stop Election Security Work
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has frozen efforts to aid states in securing elections, according to an internal memo viewed by WIRED.
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Leah Feiger @leahfeiger.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
don’t skip this story from @knibbs.bsky.social - especially if you were still laboring under the belief that DOGE really is trying to make the government more efficient and cost effective.
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balsamroot.bsky.social @balsamroot.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
“But another section of the order says the agencies must accept the views of Mr. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi on what the law means.” Gift link - 🎁 www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/u...
nytimes.com
A Trump order on agencies is part of a broader bid to centralize power.
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Katie Drummond @katie-drummond.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
"I can't imagine a better look at your competitors, outside being their IP general counsel." zeteo.com/p/musk-and-d...
zeteo.com
Musk and DOGE Might Soon Have Access to the Most Lucrative Defense-Contract Database of All
Ex-officials warn Zeteo that the USXports database is a means for Musk to undercut competitors to SpaceX in the defense sector.
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Joseph Cox @josephcox.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
New from 404 Media: a Musk ally has demanded administrative access to Notify.gov, a system that lets the government text the public. The access would give them large swathes of the publics' personal data too. A worker has resigned in protest rather than give access www.404media.co/musk-ally-de...
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Jeff Stein @jeffstein.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
25-year-old Marko Elez has been reinstated in the Trump administration and given an EOP email address, per source, as Musk had said would happen Elez left Treasury after the WSJ reported that he had tweeted last year: "Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool"
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Noah Shachtman @noahshachtman.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Going on @cnn.com soon to talk about this one.
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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This is HUGE. The administration is trying to dismantle the board so that government employees have nowhere to file termination grievances.
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makena kelly @makenakelly.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
NEW: Who is running DOGE? Don't ask its employees, because they haven't got a clue. Apparently, neither does the White House. More on the internal USDS/DOGE confusion over leadership here: www.wired.com/story/doge-e...
wired.com
Not Even DOGE Employees Know Who's Legally Running DOGE
Despite all appearances, the White House insists that Elon Musk is not in charge of DOGE. US Doge Service employees can't get a straight answer about who is.
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Dr. Courtney Gibbons (she/her/xlookup) @courtneygibbons.phd · 18/02/2025
Tag yourself! I was one of experts fired today.
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Senator Ed Markey @markey.senate.gov · 19/02/2025
The justification for granting Elon Musk keys to the agency that regulates his company—that others are welcome to provide expertise as well—is like walking a fox into a hen house and saying it’s fine because you invited sheep and pigs too.
Elon Musk post saying: The safety of air travel is a non-partisan matter. SpaceX engineers will help make air travel safer.
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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett @crockett.house.gov · 18/02/2025
Donald Trump is selling out our seniors to Elon Musk. He is handing over control to sensitive Social Security information to an UNELECTED billionaire. Is Trump too weak to tell Musk no? Is he using Musk to cut Social Security so he doesn't have to take the blame? www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/u...
nytimes.com
Top Social Security Official Leaves After Musk Team Seeks Data Access
The departure of the acting commissioner is the latest backlash to the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to access sensitive data.
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Rebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Our coup got coupier. Our authoritarianism got more authoritarian. And of course this is stupidity as a battering ram against what is legal and constitutional, because they weaponize stupidity.
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Keep On @captainvoyager.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
The Trump admin just axed 40% of FHA staff—one of the largest mortgage insurers for low-income households. HUD is cutting half its workforce too. Huge shakeups in housing—what’s next? #protests #FHA #bloomberg #housing #fightback news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com
Federal Mortgage Insurer to Lay Off About Half Its Workforce (2)
The Trump administration is planning to lay off at least 40% of the workers at the federal agency that provides mortgage insurance on loans for people who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for one, according...
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
It is perfectly legal to know your rights and to educate others about them, too. EVERYONE in the United States, citizen or not, has rights. I will not allow this administration to intimidate us from helping you know about them. Here’s our shareable guide ⬇️: (pt. 1/2)
KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS
IN CASE OF ICE:
CONOCE TUS DERECHOS
EN CASO DE ENCUENTRO CON ICE:DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR.
ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge.
Tell the agents to show you the warrant by sliding it under the door.
NO ABRAS TU PUERTA.
ICE no puede entrar a tu casa sin una orden firmada por un juez. Diles a los agentes que te muestren la orden deslizándola debajo de la puerta.ASK THEM
TO LEAVE.
If ICE doesn't have a warrant, tell them you do not consent for them to enter your home and ask them to leave. At work, ICE cannot enter employee-only areas without permission.
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PÍDALES QUE SE VAYAN.
Si ICE no tiene una orden judicial, diles que no das tu consentimiento para que entren a tu casa y pídeles que se vayan. En el trabajo, ICE no puede ingresar a áreas exclusivas para empleados sin permiso.REMAIN SILENT.
You have the right to remain silent.
If the agents ask you questions, tell them,
"I wish to remain silent."
PERMANECE EN SILENCIO.
Tienes derecho a permanecer en silencio.
Si los agentes te hacen preguntas, diles:
"Deseo permanecer en silencio".
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Go ahead. Let the people see you for what you are.
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