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Brendan Kinney

@brendankinney.bsky.social
419 followers 645 following 405 posts

CEO of VTDigger. Husband. Dad. Runner. Vermonter.

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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
"The rate at which Black people experience use-of-force in Burlington is roughly six times greater than their share of the population." via @vtdigger.bsky.social vtdigger.org/2026/08/17/p...
vtdigger.org
Payouts soar as use of force by Burlington police on Black residents hits record high - VTDigger
“The fact that the data show record-high disparities in use-of-force on Black subjects demands our immediate attention and a meaningful response,” Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak said.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
VTDigger is your source for the primary election and results, tracking key races across #VT —> vtdigger.org/2026/08/11/t...
vtdigger.org
The latest results from Vermont’s 2026 primary election - VTDigger
VTDigger reporters are tracking key races across the state.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 11/08/2026
"It is noxious to American beliefs about freedom of speech and the First Amendment that the government should determine who should or shouldn’t get to own an outlet...due to the viewpoints of the owners."
lnk.thebulwark.com
The Government Shouldn’t Pick Winners and Losers in Media
The real reason to worry about the FCC’s latest move.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
“Once they are established, food co-ops tend to be anchors of their communities and the local economy, with an average of 30% of sales being local products, compared to 2-5% in supermarkets.” vtdigger.org/2026/08/09/i... via @vtdigger.bsky.social #coop #Vermont
vtdigger.org
‘I want to own a grocery store & café with my friends’: Food co-op initiative launches in downtown Newport - VTDigger
Vermont has a long tradition of food cooperatives, currently boasting 15 of the member-owned stores. The most recent addition, the Caledonia Food Co-op in St. Johnsbury, opened last month after eight ...
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
“Capital One instead argues that the basis for closing the accounts was the lengthy anti-money laundering analysis and review conducted by the bank.” abcnews.com/US/capital-c...
abcnews.com
Capital One says it closed hundreds of Trump's bank accounts in 2021 'for anti-money laundering reasons'
Capital One says it closed hundreds of accounts associated with President Trump and his businesses in 2021 "for anti-money laundering reasons," according to a filing.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Today, @vtdigger.bsky.social launches its 2026 Voter Guide! Find candidates, explore federal, statewide and county races, learn how to vote and access trusted election resources for Vermont’s August 11, 2026 primary election vtdigger.org/2026-primary...
vtdigger.org
2026 Primary Election Guide - VTDigger
Prepare for Vermont's Aug. 11, 2026, primary election. Find candidates, learn how to vote and explore races by county.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
So excited to share this news! vtdigger.org/2026/07/23/v... via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
VTDigger expands statewide news partnership with four southern Vermont newspapers - VTDigger
The growing network helps local newsrooms broaden coverage while bringing more stories from southern Vermont to readers statewide.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
VTDigger @vtdigger.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Vermont's primary elections are on August 11. Follow VTDigger for our 2026 election coverage, and keep an eye out for our voter guide launching at the end of July at vtdigger.org.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
“The sad part is, we knew something like this would happen." vtdigger.org/2026/07/17/t... via @vtdigger.bsky.social #ICE
vtdigger.org
The cumulative weight of standing there - VTDigger
What more than 100 hours of video reveal about police work during a March ICE raid in South Burlington
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The National Weather Service is forecasting enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this evening and tonight. vtdigger.org/2026/07/14/h... via @vtdigger #Vermont
vtdigger.org
High temps and high winds: What to know about Vermont’s possible severe weather today - VTDigger
The National Weather Service is forecasting enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this evening and tonight.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
BREAKING: “I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside." - Bernie Sanders I-Vt. vtdigger.org/2026/07/07/p... via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Platner’s last pillar of support falls as Sanders says: Drop out - VTDigger
Vermont’s congressional delegation called on the Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee to leave the race following the sexual assault allegation against him made public Monday.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Vermont lawmakers tried to curb license plate surveillance. Police found a way around it. vtdigger.org/2026/06/28/v... via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Vermont lawmakers tried to curb license plate surveillance. Police found a way around it. - VTDigger
Data obtained by VTDigger shows that police in Vermont have conducted over 100 searches in the last three years using Flock license plate cameras.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
“A decades-long rise in tick-borne illnesses is likely the result of suburbanization and climate change.” vtdigger.org/2026/06/26/l... via @vtdigger #Lyme #Vermont
A map of the United States showing the incidents of tick-borne disease in 2023
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
"...the latest turn in a string of six homicides across the country linked to the Zizians, a loosely connected small group that gained national attention following a shootout in Vermont that left a border patrol agent dead in January 2025." vtdigger.org/2026/06/25/z... via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Zizian member tied to border patrol agent killing in Vermont now charged in the deaths of her own parents - VTDigger
Michelle Zajko, a former resident of the Northeast Kingdom, faces two counts of first-degree murder as well as other criminal offenses, a Pennsylvania prosecutor announced this week.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
"The unveiling comes as Vermont has continued to see a major decline in Canadian tourism, a costly price to pay for President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and his talk of making the country the '51st state.'" vtdigger.org/2026/06/14/h... #Vermont #Canada via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Haskell library opens a new door to Canadians, but have they closed the door on Vermont? - VTDigger
Amid the gesture of local friendship, many Canadians still won’t travel to Vermont. It continues to take a toll on the state.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
“I take this fight to the First Circuit with love and faith — because the First Amendment is sacred, and I refuse to be silenced.” vtdigger.org/2026/06/11/v... #ICE #VT via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Vermont student activist Mohsen Mahdawi faces new deportation order - VTDigger
The Columbia University student, who has a green card and lives in the Upper Valley, is protected from being deported while he appeals his 2025 arrest, his lawyers said.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
BREAKING: The University of Vermont Health cut 142 positions across its Vermont and New York hospitals and hospice care network Tuesday. vtdigger.org/2026/06/09/u... #Vermont via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
UVM Health cuts 142 jobs — an estimated $9 million in staff positions - VTDigger
The cuts come as the hospital network faces an expected $300 million budget deficit and increasing pressure to cut costs.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Today only — every gift to @vtdigger.bsky.social is doubled, AND a new book gets donated to the Children’s Literacy Foundation. Two ways your dollars do more for #Vermont. Give before midnight: vtdigger.org/2026/06/05/a...
vtdigger.org
All gifts matched Saturday, June 6: Help send final books during VTDigger member drive - VTDigger
A generous Vermont donor is matching all donations received until midnight. Every donation sends one children’s book through CLiF.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Campos: While I want to thank CBS news for funding this generous gift towards my education, I want to acknowledge how the recent direction of the outlet stains the legacy of Mike Wallace, the namesake of this scholarship.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
“When you’re confronted with situations of injustice, you can ignore it, you can complain about it, or you can work on changing it. And personally, I prefer to do that.” vtdigger.org/2026/05/27/v...
vtdigger.org
Vermont Conversation: ‘Action is the antidote to despair.’ Ben Cohen fights to save the soul of Ben & Jerry’s. - VTDigger
The Vermont ice cream company co-founder reflects on what's become of his company's social mission and the socially responsible business movement that he spearheaded, how he and Jerry Greenfield are t...
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
“ICE agents in #Vermont arrested 54 immigrants between Trump’s January 2025 inauguration and March 10, 2026, the most recent date for which data is available. Of those, nearly half had no criminal record or pending criminal charges, according to ICE’s data.” www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
vermontpublic.org
Special Report: How ICE operates in Vermont
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has a skeleton crew in Vermont but uses U.S. Border Patrol and “collateral” encounters to drive a spike in arrests, Vermont Public found.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
“The species suffered a mass decline decades ago. Researchers are studying how to restore disease-resistant elm trees, with the goal of increasing biodiversity and flood resilience in the process.” vtdigger.org/2026/05/25/r... via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Researchers at Vermont orchard work to bring back the American elm tree in New England - VTDigger
The species suffered a mass decline decades ago. Researchers are studying how to restore disease-resistant elm trees, with the goal of increasing biodiversity and flood resilience in the process.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
“Sears is at least the fifth person to die in the custody of the Vermont Department of Corrections this year, according to the department’s press statements.” vtdigger.org/2026/05/21/s... #Vermont
vtdigger.org
Second Vermont man this year dies in Mississippi prison - VTDigger
Shawn Sears, 56, died Wednesday after he was found unresponsive in his cell, according to the Vermont Department of Corrections. He was suing the department for denying him access to prison programs.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
“I’m concerned about this approach that dehumanizes people based on their mistakes instead of understanding that even people who are accused of crimes are human beings and members of our community.” vtdigger.org/2026/05/21/p... #Vermont via @vtdigger.bsky.social
vtdigger.org
Police department’s social media tactics lead to arrests — and criticism - VTDigger
Morristown’s police department offers prizes for information. Some see its approach as dehumanizing.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
“Information is fragmented. Coverage can feel uneven. And many people, especially in rural communities, don’t see themselves reflected in the stories being told.” vtdigger.org/2026/05/19/v... @vtdigger.bsky.social #LocalNews
vtdigger.org
What 2,200 Vermonters told us about local news - VTDigger
More than 2,200 Vermonters shared how they get local news, revealing it’s often hard to find, unevenly distributed and not always relevant.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 30/12/2025
Vermont is set to receive a little over $195 million each year for five years from the federal government’s new Rural Health Transformation Fund — an unexpectedly massive sum, and one of the highest per-capita grants in the nation.
vermontpublic.org
Vermont set to receive nearly $1B over five years for health care reform
“I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this, frankly,” said Mike Del Trecco, the president and CEO of Vermont’s hospital association.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
“In the end, #Vermont could lose more than it gains under the law: KFF, a nonpartisan health care researcher, has estimated that Vermont could lose between $1 billion and $2 billion over 10 years from changes to Medicaid.” www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2... #healthcare
vermontpublic.org
Vermont set to receive nearly $1B over five years for health care reform
“I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this, frankly,” said Mike Del Trecco, the president and CEO of Vermont’s hospital association.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
“Lobbyists close to Trump say their going rate to advocate for a pardon is $1 million.” www.wsj.com/politics/pol... #Pardons
wsj.com
Inside the New Fast Track to a Presidential Pardon
Even some of the president’s closest advisers have been surprised by a number of the recent series of pardons.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
The Onion, 23 years ago. theonion.com/no-blood-for...
Point/Counterpoint: No Blood For Oil vs. Exactly How Much Oil Are We Talking About?
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 12/12/2025
The state of Vermont directs federal funding to higher ground — with new construction for housing far from flood prone areas. Plus, investigative reporting over the last several months reveals the human impact of the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts in Vermont.
vermontpublic.org
In review: Immigrant stories highlighted, flood recovery grants announced
Vermont's top journalists join moderator Mitch Wertlieb to delve into the most important news stories of the week.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
The attack on public media is far from over: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/... @npr.org @pbs.org
arstechnica.com
After NPR and PBS defunding, FCC receives call to take away station licenses
NPR and PBS stations targeted by group involved in Carr’s news-distortion probes.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
As an anti-vaccine group (with ties to RFK Jr.) calls for the FDA to "revoke COVID vaccine licenses," the CDC reports that last year, the vaccine reduced emergency room visits for children by 56% --> www.axios.com/2025/12/11/c... #COVID
axios.com
COVID-19 vaccine prevented kids' emergency room visits: CDC
The data comes amid intensifying calls from anti-vaccine groups to pull immunizations off the market.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
“I think here in the state of Vermont a lot of people do see us and they recognize our fight for human rights,” she said. “We know there are people here who have our backs.” www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2... @vermontpublic.org #ICE
vermontpublic.org
Trump’s deportation campaign has hit Vermont. Immigrants say they’re here to stay
In the last 10 months, federal agents have arrested more than 100 people in Vermont. Those arrests have upended the lives of individuals and the families they support, and sent shockwaves through thei...
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
More good news about the impact & effectiveness of vaccines! “…vaccinated individuals had a 74% lower risk of death from severe COVID-19 and no increased risk of all-cause mortality over a median follow-up of 45 months.” jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination and 4-Year All-Cause Mortality Among Adults in France
This cohort study uses the data from all adults aged 18 to 59 years living in France on November 1, 2021, to evaluate whether there is an association of receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with long-t...
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 05/12/2025
❄️ Eye on the Sky provides detailed weather information for Vermont and the surrounding region, powered by meteorologists from the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury. Check out the weekend forecast:
vermontpublic.org
Eye on the Sky: Vermont Weather
Eye on the Sky provides detailed weather information for Vermont and the surrounding region, powered by meteorologists from the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 03/12/2025
The department announced it was suing Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington over their "failure" to produce statewide voter registration lists.
vermontpublic.org
Justice Department sues Vermont in ongoing campaign to obtain voter data
The U.S. Justice Department announced it had sued Vermont and five other states over their "failure" to produce statewide voter registration lists.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 02/12/2025
Driving through snow and sleet might be something you’ve done your whole life. But it still calls for extra caution and car maintenance, especially if you're cruising around in an electric vehicle for the first time.
vermontpublic.org
How to maximize EV performance during a Northeastern winter
Local auto mechanics share what they know about EV battery life and winter maintenance for electric cars and trucks.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 03/12/2025
If you have ever sworn off social media for a week or two because you sensed it was feeding your anxiety or dampening your mood, you may be on to something.
vermontpublic.org
A short social media detox improves mental health, a study shows. Here's how to do it
Young adults who took just a one-week break from social media showed improvement in depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms, a new study says. Plus, tips for how to take a break from your feed.
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Nick Turse @nickturse.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
Trump’s new reporters-only enemies list www.whitehouse.gov/mediabias/
whitehouse.gov
Media Offenders
Explore the Media Bias Tracker that fact checks and holds Fake News accountable. False claims debunked, Hall of Shame for serial offenders, Leaderboard of networks ranked by Repeated Lies. Stay inform...
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
Just the latest example of an administration official using their position in government to enrich themselves —> www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/t... #AI #BigTech
nytimes.com
Silicon Valley’s Man in the White House Is Benefiting Himself and His Friends
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
NPR @npr.org · 24/11/2025
Gavin Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Thomas, 20, planned to take over Gonave Island and murder all men on the island, prosecutors alleged. n.pr/4puzyhb
n.pr
Texas men indicted in plot to take over Haitian island and enslave women and children
Gavin Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Thomas, 20, planned to take over Gonave Island and murder all men on the island, prosecutors alleged.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Got more ideas to share? Have a gift-giving conundrum? Call in to the annual Vermont Edition gift show on Dec. 3. www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2... #Holidays #Xmas #VT
vermontpublic.org
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-11-21/vermont-public-local-holiday-gift-guide-for-2025
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Vermont Public @vermontpublic.org · 21/11/2025
🎁 Here’s a gift guide from Vermonters, for Vermonters. We’re pretty confident you can check off your entire gift list without leaving the state.
vermontpublic.org
Vermont Public’s local gift guide 2025
Here’s a gift guide from Vermonters, for Vermonters. We’re pretty confident you can check off your entire gift list without leaving the state.
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Reposted by Brendan Kinney
Nick Turse @nickturse.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb concluded that President Donald Trump’s military takeover in Washington, D.C., violates the Constitution. www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-...
huffpost.com
Judge Orders Trump Administration To End National Guard Deployment In DC
A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to end its monthslong deployment of National Guard troops to help police the nation’s capital.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
“Heading into the 2026 midterm elections, there are some very big warning signs for Republicans in the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.” www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
npr.org
Democrats have an edge going into 2026 midterms, new poll shows : NPR
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
“I thought I was one of the few people who thought that what President Biden was doing was crazy,” he added. “But after having lived through that, it’s crazy to see another president make the same mistake.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Says America Is in ‘Golden Age,’ Straining to Address Affordability - The New York Times
Speaking at a gathering of McDonald’s franchise owners and operators, the president boasted that he had “normalized” inflation.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
You can watch The American Revolution, the highly anticipated new documentary from Ken Burns for FREE tonight at 8 pm EST. 📺 TV (over the air) 🖥️ Streaming on a Smart TV 📱Tablet/Smartphone Details: help.pbs.org/support/solu... #PBS @PBS
help.pbs.org
How to Watch Ken Burns' The American Revolution
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When can I watch Ken Burns' The American Revolution? Where can I watch The American Revolution? Will PBS Passport be required to watch The American Revolution? Will...
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Jason Meisner @jmetr22b.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
DEVELOPING: The DOJs own data, provided as part of an ongoing lawsuit, appeared to show only about 2.5% of 614 people arrested by ICE on immigration violations in the Chicago area before Oct. 7 had criminal histories Story here: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
chicagotribune.com
Only 2.5% on list of 614 ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ arrestees had criminal histories, DOJ records show
Meanwhile, the other 598 people on the list had no listed criminal history at all.
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
I’ll never understand why Big Tech was allowed to just steal all of the content on the Internet and then turn around and sell us monthly subscriptions to access it. www.theatlantic.com/category/ai-...
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Brendan Kinney @brendankinney.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
This will lead to “bad outcomes.“
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