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Ben Brasch

@benbrasch.bsky.social
619 followers 349 following 102 posts

Local government reporter at City Cast DC (@citycastdc.bsky.social) but mostly other things

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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
There's been a lot of drama between D.C. and DoorDash recently. Catch up here at @citycastdc.bsky.social and see what this could all mean for the District's ability to govern itself. | dc.citycast.fm/dc-politics/...
dc.citycast.fm
D.C. Activists Boycott DoorDash Over Home Rule Snub · City Cast DC
A top House Republican says the delivery platform supports his bill to undo D.C.’s taxing power.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
An excellent read here from @candicenorwood.bsky.social.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
D.C. Council Slams Comer Bill to Seize Control of Local Taxes | dc.citycast.fm/dc-politics/...
dc.citycast.fm
D.C. Council Slams Comer Bill to Seize Control of Local Taxes · City Cast DC
Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) said he wants to stop “radical DC socialists” and require congressional approval over any new tax laws.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I had a lovely time talking with @bridgettodd.bsky.social about all things Waymo and autonomous vehicle right now in D.C. Give it a listen, and subscribe for daily @citycastdc.bsky.social podcasts! dc.citycast.fm/podcasts/dc-...
dc.citycast.fm
D.C. Fights Over Whether to Allow Waymo · City Cast DC
We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
We’ll share updates as bargaining progresses. Solidarity matters, and so does accountability. In the meantime, please send a letter to Washington Post management telling them you stand with Post Tech workers: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
actionnetwork.org
Tell The Washington Post: Follow the law!
Jeff Bezos is the 4th richest person in the world. The Washington Post is owned by him. And right now, The Post is trying to force out 76 members of the Washington Post Tech Guild through layoffs that...
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
To our colleagues: we’re fighting for you. To leadership: the path forward is clear. Work with us in good faith and do right by the people who make this work possible.
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
As we head into bargaining, we’re focused on outcomes that protect workers: fair severance, real options for those who want to remain, and dignity for everyone affected.
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Our members power the systems that keep journalism running — from publishing tools to infrastructure to reader experiences used by millions. They deserve transparency, respect, and good-faith negotiations.
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
These layoffs never should have been attempted in the first place. But now that we’re here, the company has a responsibility to do what’s right for the people who built and sustain The Post’s technology.
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The Washington Post Tech Guild @wapotechguild.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Tomorrow, the Washington Post Tech Guild enters effects and decisional bargaining over the company’s illegal attempted layoffs of 76 of our colleagues. Our goal is to secure the best possible deal for our members: both those who want to stay and those who choose to leave.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
From @cheesemanab.bsky.social and Lior Soroka | Israel confirms remains of last hostage, Rani Gvili, returned from Gaza www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
washingtonpost.com
Israel confirms remains of last hostage, Rani Gvili, returned from Gaza
The return of the last hostage’s remains brings the years-long saga over the fate of the captives, both Israeli and foreign, to a close.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
This is some stunning work from my colleagues. You can read it for free here. | Family of man shot by ICE in Minneapolis disputes key aspects of DHS account wapo.st/3ZhGfYM
wapo.st
Family of man shot by ICE in Minneapolis disputes key aspects of DHS account
Relatives say the shooting occurred at the door of the house, not out in the street amid a scuffle. They also say the victim was not the man targeted in a traffic stop.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Truly, @hannahnatanson.bsky.social is as talented as she is caring. Give this a read (for free) if you can. I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal. wapo.st/3KQ4N7S
wapo.st
I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal.
One reporter’s effort to show how Trump was transforming government brought her 1,168 new sources — and nearly broke her.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
I had a lot of fun working hard on this one, so I hope you give it a read. (Give it a look with this paywall-free link!) Shoutout to @lmorello.bsky.social for the great edits. | George Washington portrait that helped inspire $1 bill will go to highest bidder wapo.st/3KN6TFt
wapo.st
George Washington portrait that helped inspire $1 bill will go to highest bidder
This George Washington portrait by Gilbert Stuart, commissioned by James Madison, has a colorful history. Now Christie’s in New York will auction it in January.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
You should really read this.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Read (no paywall!) this @jackiepeiser.bsky.social piece with incredible facts and adorable illustrations! | Ozempic is changing how we spend money and time, plus what we eat wapo.st/3XXdDTZ
wapo.st
Ozempic is changing how we spend money and time, plus what we eat
As people’s bodies change because of GLP-1s, so does their spending across industries including fashion, restaurants, gyms and travel.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
This is far beyond "things happen." The CIA determined that MBS ordered the murder of a Washington Post contributing columnist. I agree with @rezaian.bsky.social that this injustice can't be forgotten. | Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
washingtonpost.com
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia was branded a pariah in 2018 after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Now, U.S.-Saudi relations are approaching a high point.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 18/11/2025
You can oversee the bloody dismemberment of a Washington Post journalist with a bone saw, and the president of the United States will smile, shake your hand and threaten to pull the license of a news outlet whose reporter asks you a question about it. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
washingtonpost.com
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
The de facto Saudi ruler was branded a pariah in 2018 after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Now, U.S.-Saudi relations are approaching a high point.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
If you care about D.C. or journalism or local control, read this. | Behind the scenes of the D.C. mayor’s battle to keep Trump at bay wapo.st/43thCLr
wapo.st
Behind the scenes of the D.C. mayor’s battle to keep Trump at bay
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has worked behind the scenes to appease President Trump more often than has been publicly known since his reelection.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 31/10/2025
What's new in our story, news-wise, is that Bushart's attorney told us for the first time that he's planning to sue; the city's police chief disputed the county sheriff's justification for the arrest; and (big scoop alert) Bushart told us about the wings and margaritas.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 31/10/2025
Bushart probably owes his release in part to excellent, persistent coverage of the case by several local Tennessee news outlets, plus this great deep dive by @lilianasegura.bsky.social @theintercept.com, which was in turn picked up by @brianstelter.bsky.social: theintercept.com/2025/10/23/c...
theintercept.com
The Absurd Prosecution of a Man Who Posted a Charlie Kirk Meme
Larry Bushart Jr. posted trolling memes on a Facebook thread about a vigil for Kirk. He’s been in a Tennessee jail ever since.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 31/10/2025
Larry Bushart, 61, spent over a month in jail over a liberal meme he posted on Facebook. He celebrated his freedom by eating wings, drinking margaritas — and posting a bunch more liberal memes on Facebook. Heart of a true boomer poster. Gift link: wapo.st/4qwXqSJ w/ @benbrasch.bsky.social
wapo.st
A retired policeman posted a Charlie Kirk meme. He spent a month in jail.
The 61-year-old Tennessee man plans to sue after authorities dropped charges over a political Facebook post. Free-speech advocates say it’s a symptom of a wider crackdown.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 31/10/2025
A 61-year-old Tennessee man posted a liberal meme on Facebook after Charlie Kirk's death. A conservative sheriff had him arrested. Bail was set at $2 million. He spent nearly 40 days in jail before charges were dropped. Now he's planning to sue. Our story: www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
A retired policeman posted a Charlie Kirk meme. He spent a month in jail.
The 61-year-old Tennessee man plans to sue after authorities dropped charges over a political Facebook post. Free-speech advocates say it’s a symptom of a wider crackdown.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
👀👀👀
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Matthew Hay Brown @matthewhaybrown.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Bodycam video shows off-duty ICE agent, stopped in Florida for suspected DUI, threatening to check the immigration status of a Haitian-born sheriff’s deputy and deport him if “not legit” He was charged with DUI with children in the car @benbrasch.bsky.social @bellwak.bsky.social wapo.st/4ovDPQU
washingtonpost.com
ICE agent threatens to check deputy’s status during DUI stop, asks if he’s Haitian
Scott Deiseroth told a Florida sheriff’s deputy that he would have his colleague deported if “not legit,” body camera video shows.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Incredible investigation here on the ACNA (read for free with this link) | U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power wapo.st/3WQGDMF
wapo.st
U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power
An attempted kiss, cash payments and other allegations roil the Anglican Church in North America.
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Jacob Bogage @jacobbogage.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Hi friends -- we're doing a live chat tomorrow at 11 a.m. to answer your questions about the government shutdown. Drop us questions now! And I hope you'll join us!
washingtonpost.com
When will federal workers get paid? Ask us your shutdown questions.
Our reporters covering the shutdown will answer your questions during a live chat on Thursday at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
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Drew Harwell @drewharwell.com · 14/10/2025
Sam Altman went from “AI will cure cancer" to "ChatGPT porn" in less than a month
ChatGPT boss predicts when AI could cure cancerWe made ChatGPT pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues. We realize this made it less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but given the seriousness of the issue we wanted to get this right.

Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases.

In a few weeks, we plan to put out a new version of ChatGPT that allows people to have a personality that behaves more like what people liked about 4o (we hope it will be better!). If you want your ChatGPT to respond in a very human-like way, or use a ton of emoji, or act like a friend, ChatGPT should do it (but only if you want it, not because we are usage-maxxing).

In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our “treat adult users like adults” principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.
12:02 PM · Oct 14, 2025
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
A must-read from @johnwoodrowcox.bsky.social | He supported the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Now he may be deported to the Taliban. wapo.st/3W4mySQ
wapo.st
He supported the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Now he may be deported to the Taliban.
He supported America’s war, escaped Afghanistan and started a family in the U.S. Then ICE arrested him. If he is deported, he expects the Taliban to kill him.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Another curtain raised. Enjoy showing your face, Tom. | Food critic Tom Sietsema (@tomsietsema.bsky.social) is stepping down — and dropping his anonymity t.co/IR7i31xHt6
washingtonpost.com
Column | Food critic Tom Sietsema is stepping down — and dropping his anonymity
After a quarter-century of reviewing restaurants, donning disguises and turning down photos, The Post’s food critic is ready for his next course.
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Scott Clement @sfcpoll.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Kinship. Apathy. Disgust. U.S. Jews on post-2023 Israel. Fascinating interviews with six Jewish Americans from our nationwide poll by @michelleboorstein.bsky.social @benbrasch.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/religion/202...
washingtonpost.com
Kinship. Apathy. Disgust. U.S. Jews on post-2023 Israel.
The past two years of war in Gaza and attacks in Israel, and the world’s reaction to them, have angered, confused, devastated and challenged many U.S. Jews.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
From Anumita Kaur and @efelton.bsky.social | Assata Shakur, Black Power militant who fled to Cuba, dies at 78 wapo.st/47ZnFKJ
wapo.st
Assata Shakur, Black Power militant who fled to Cuba, dies at 78
Convicted of murdering a New Jersey state trooper, she escaped prison and fled the country. She called herself “a 20th-century escaped slave.”
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
From @scottnover.bsky.social, @willoremus.com and Jeremy Barr | Trump’s media enforcer is relishing his Jimmy Kimmel moment wapo.st/4pxe2t0
wapo.st
Trump’s media enforcer is relishing his Jimmy Kimmel moment
Brendan Carr has become the personification of the president’s crusade against the mainstream media, and he’s just getting started.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
“The goal is control, not consistency.” | Kimmel’s cancellation confirms what many suspected after Colbert’s www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Kimmel’s suspension confirms what many suspected after Colbert’s
Media companies must punish Trump critics if they want their mega-mergers approved.
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Washington Post Guild @postguild.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
The right to speak freely is the ultimate personal liberty and the foundation of Karen’s 11-year career at The Post. We’re proud to call Karen a colleague and a longtime union sibling. The Post Guild stands with her and will continue to support her and defend her rights.
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Washington Post Guild @postguild.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
The Washington Post wrongly fired Opinions columnist Karen Attiah over her social media posts. The Post not only flagrantly disregarded standard disciplinary processes, it also undermined its own mandate to be a champion of free speech.
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Washington Post Guild @postguild.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Statement from Post Guild Leadership: The Washington Post Guild condemns the unjust firing of columnist Karen Attiah
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Read to the end of the @washingtonpost.com obituary of Charlie Kirk by Natalie Allison, Drew Harwell, Matt Viser and Cat Zakrzewski | www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Charlie Kirk, fiery voice in conservative politics, killed at 31
Charlie Kirk, 31, built one of the most influential organizations on the right, turning viral debate moments into fuel for Turning Point’s rapid growth.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Read to the end of the @washingtonpost.com obituary of Charlie Kirk by Natalie Allison, Drew Harwell, Matt Viser and Cat Zakrzewski | www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Charlie Kirk, fiery voice in conservative politics, killed at 31
Charlie Kirk, 31, built one of the most influential organizations on the right, turning viral debate moments into fuel for Turning Point’s rapid growth.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Welcome to Montgomery County in North Carolina, where teachers are struggling after getting caught up in the Trump/DOGE crusade against DEI. But let me tell y'all what didn't make it in the story or the new Post Reports podcast version. 🧵 Free link to my @washingtonpost.com story: wapo.st/45NPvql
wapo.st
This conservative county lost teachers after administration cut key grant
A cut to federal grants for teacher merit pay and training has left Montgomery County in North Carolina with fewer teachers and fewer resources to attract them.
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Michelle Ye Hee Lee @myhlee.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
BREAKING: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says he is stepping down as party leader, therefore the prime minister of Japan. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
washingtonpost.com
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba announces resignation after electoral defeats
Shigeru Ishiba’s move comes after his Liberal Democratic Party lost two elections, exacerbating an unusual period of political uncertainty in Japan.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
From @emilydavies.bsky.social, Natalie Allison and Meagan Flynn | www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Bowser welcomes federal law enforcement presence indefinitely
Bowser issued an executive order Tuesday requiring local coordination with federal law enforcement “to the maximum extent allowable by law.” The order gives no expiration date.
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leon @leyawn.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
rewarding my microwave by letting it heat up a fork as a treat
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Read more (for free) on this from Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Katie Mettler, @teoarmus.bsky.social and Emma Uber here. | Federal officers detain, tackle moped driver amid Trump D.C. police crackdown wapo.st/45Q2V6x
wapo.st
Federal officers detain, tackle moped driver amid Trump D.C. police crackdown
Six agents wearing police vests without clear identification of their agencies detained a man they later identified as a Venezuelan national in Northwest Washington.
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Ben Brasch @benbrasch.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
This is a must-read and an incredible piece of authoritative journalism.
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Maggie Astor @maggieastor.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
It's just completely looney-tunes to me that a huge number of flight attendants aren't paid until the plane is in the air. Like when you hear the announcement "flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for departure," they're being instructed to do a work task that they literally won't be paid for
nytimes.com
Air Canada Cancels Flights Ahead of Possible Crippling Strike
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Drew Harwell @drewharwell.com · 14/08/2025
Detainees in a Manhattan immigration holding facility sleep on concrete floors next to toilets with just blankets, no beds, no sleeping mats, but the government argues those conditions are not "subprime" www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/... @benbrasch.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
An ICE facility has detainees sleeping on the floor. A judge says no more.
A federal judge ordered ICE to let detainees of a Manhattan holding facility to speak with their legal counsel after complaints of “inhumane” conditions.
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Rachael Myrow @rachaelmyrow.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
OMG, AOL dial-up internet wasn't already dead?! www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/... via @benbrasch.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
End is near for the landline-based service that got America online in the ’90s
The landline-based service once played a dominant role in culture, exposing tens of millions to the internet and inspiring a movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 05/08/2025
The submersible implosion that killed five aboard a Titanic dive was “preventable,” the U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday. The investigation blames OceanGate for ignoring protocols, using “intimidation tactics” and exploiting regulatory loopholes.
washingtonpost.com
Titan submersible disaster was ‘preventable’ tragedy, Coast Guard says
The Titan submersible maker’s “intimidation tactics” and failure to follow established safety practices led to the disaster that killed five, a federal investigation finds.
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Will Oremus @willoremus.com · 30/07/2025
Here's a gift link to the @washingtonpost.com's virtually endless story today listing all the known names of the children killed in Gaza. wapo.st/3IRLZn6
wapo.st
60,000 Gazans have been killed. 18,500 were children. These are their names.
Palestinian children have been killed at a rate of more than one per hour since the war began.
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