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David Gambacorta

@dgambacorta.bsky.social
508 followers 309 following 83 posts

Writer @ The Philadelphia Inquirer and other fine publications. Send coffee. www.dgambacorta.com

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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In a recent letter to three members of Congress, a FanDuel executive wrote that the company has sent approximately 30 personalized videos of athletes and entertainers to customers over the last two years. The company said such loyalty rewards aren’t used to encourage more gambling. Read their note:
inquirer.com
FanDuel tells Congress it has sent about 30 personalized videos of athletes and entertainers to customers
The sportsbook said customer loyalty rewards and programs are not meant to encourage additional gambling.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
When Chris Christie was New Jersey’s governor, he ignited a legal saga that made the modern sports betting industry possible. Talked to Christie recently about that case, the Trump family’s involvement in prediction markets, and why Christie thinks pro sports owe him a thank you.
inquirer.com
Former N.J. Gov. Chris Christie discusses his legacy as the godfather of legal sports betting, prediction markets, and the Trumps
"I’m still waiting for the statue that they’re going to build of me, or the thank-you note."
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
👀👀
inquirer.com
LeBron James, Sixers agree to two-year, $8 million contract
LeBron James will join the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract. The news was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, and James’ agency, Klutch Sports, confirmed the deal in a tweet.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Pennsylvania lawmakers are working on a bill that could seek to ban in-game microbets, and curtail the kinds of VIP programs that were at the heart of the Bryce Harper/FanDuel controversy. A sportsbook advocacy group tells me the industry will likely oppose such restrictions.
inquirer.com
To reduce problem gambling, Pa. commission recommends enacting some strict prohibitions. Don’t bet on it, sportsbook alliance says.
State legislators want to curtail sportsbook products that some believe fuel addiction. The industry disputes such characterizations.
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Jason Nark @jasonnark.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
In Defense of a Little Loneliness: my essay on #maleloneliness for @outsidemag.bsky.social www.outsideonline.com/culture/essa...
outsideonline.com
Did I Find a Cure for Male Loneliness? No, But I Found a Way to Embrace Solitude in the Wild.
After my divorce, I traveled to Alaska for healing and inspiration, following the footsteps of a legendary outdoorsman. What I discovered about the “male loneliness epidemic” wasn’t a cure—it was a wa...
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Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 13/07/2026
Bryce Harper, the Phillies All-Star first basemen, claimed on Monday that he was deceived by FanDuel when he recorded a personalized video for a man with a gambling addiction who had placed millions of dollars in bets on the site. (1/3)
inquirer.com
Bryce Harper responds to controversy over his video that went to a FanDuel customer with a gambling addiction
The All-Star first baseman claims he didn't know FanDuel would use the video for commercial purposes. But he mentions the company in the 21-second video he made for a VIP gambler.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board is now taking an interest in a video of Bryce Harper that FanDuel sent to a VIP bettor who had an addiction. Meanwhile, a source familiar with the video said Friday that FanDuel obtained the recording from Cameo, where Harper charges $899 to film videos for fans.
inquirer.com
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board ‘reviewing’ Bryce Harper’s FanDuel video
It's unclear if the gaming control board has contacted FanDuel or Harper about the controversial video.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
A small update to our story on the video of Bryce Harper that FanDuel sent to a VIP bettor who was struggling with a gambling addiction:
inquirer.com
Harper declines to comment on FanDuel video to bettor who had addiction
How FanDuel obtained the video of Harper, and whether the nine-time All-Star was compensated, remains unclear.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
A Pennsylvania man earned VIP status at FanDuel by wagering large sums on sports bets. He developed a ruinous gambling addiction. The company rewarded him with enviable perks — champagne, Super Bowl tickets and, we found, a personal video from Phillies star Bryce Harper.
inquirer.com
FanDuel sent a personal message from Phillies star Bryce Harper to a customer with a gambling addiction
Terry Thompson lost $1.5 million on bets he placed with FanDuel. The company gave him VIP treatment — including a personalized video message from the Phillies' All-Star first baseman.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
During the last two years, the Philly Police Department has launched and quietly expanded a drone first responder program. We found its 21 drones operate without much oversight or transparency — and now the program might expand citywide.
inquirer.com
Philadelphia police expand drone use, but with little oversight from above
The Philadelphia Police Department has been operating a drone program for two years without the kind of transparency and oversight common in other major cities.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
The FBI wanted to catch a team of brazen Philly armored truck thieves before they struck again. That quest would end up including high-tech surveillance, a handwritten letter, Instagram chat threads, and separate investigation into a prolific car thief:
share.inquirer.com
From Instagram jokes to a suburban car chase: Inside the FBI’s hunt for a Philly armored truck-heist crew
Two members of the crew allegedly joked about the heists in a group chat with an NFL player, and used Cash App to purchase stolen cars for their getaways, court records show.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 24/11/2025
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com Caring for her aging father gave Michelle Cottle a firsthand look at America's caregiving crisis. "We had no idea what was coming," she writes.
nyti.ms
Opinion | America’s Caregivers Are in Crisis
Caregivers are at the brink of despair.
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Alex Coffey @byalexcoffey.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
K.C. Keeler is the first Temple HC to build a house in the area since Bruce Arians in the 80s. (This is notable at a school that has cycled through head coaches). A look at Keeler's culture, which stems from his commitment to his team —and his "grandpa" dance moves www.inquirer.com/college-spor...
inquirer.com
First-year coach K.C. Keeler is committed to Temple, Philly, and his ‘grandpa’ dance moves
Keeler has an established track record of building winning programs, and he won’t likely use Temple as a stepping stone. For the 66-year-old, the area has become his home.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Lairmore had testified that the sandwich “exploded all over” his chest and claimed he could smell mustard and onions. But a photo showed that the sandwich was still in its wrapper on the ground after it hit Lairmore in his bulletproof vest.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
“In del Toro’s films, the urge to narrate is always knotted together with a maternal body that holds life and death. In his telling, every story is, at its heart, the story of return.”
nytimes.com
‘Frankenstein’ Has Always Held Up a Mirror. What Does It Show Us Now?
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David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Forrest Smith, the only National Park Service engineer cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells, lost his contract, leaving 93 orphaned wells on park lands unmanaged. These leaking wells release methane and toxins, threatening human health and the environment.
nytimes.com
He Alone Tracked Leaky Oil Wells in National Parks. He Was Let Go.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
“A cabin is like a dream, a simple place where you can become the best version of yourself. You might whittle a walking stick by the fire or cook bacon on a skillet while your new buddy, a red fox, waits for scraps.” @jasonnark.bsky.social’s difficult journey to Dick Proenneke’s Alaskan home:
dwell.com
A Pilgrimage to the Original Viral Cabin: Dick Proenneke’s Alaska Home
The late naturalist’s remote lifestyle has captivated Americans—myself included—for decades. Would a visit to his off-grid wilderness shack live up to its beloved image?
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” Jeff said. “Everybody needs somebody. And she’s always there for those guys.” @byalexcoffey.bsky.social introduced us to Allison Stoutland, the Mama Bear to @philadelphiaeagles.bsky.social offensive line:
inquirer.com
Meet Allison Stoutland, a children’s book author and ‘Mama Bear’ to the Eagles
She has been by her husband’s side for 33 years as his coaching career has taken him to an array of places. Now, the former teacher brings comfort to the Eagles — and some baked goods, too.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
While Philadelphia was smothered this summer by triple-digit heat and the stench of a garbage strike, a team of armed crooks began stalking and robbing armored trucks across the city. A look at the heists, and the crew’s abrupt arrest earlier this month:
share.inquirer.com
Brazen armored truck robberies in Philadelphia marked a sweltering summer
While the city endured punishing heatwaves, a crew of armed thieves staged daring — and increasingly dangerous — daytime robberies.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Members of Philadelphia’s powerful police union are accusing its leaders of financial mismanagement. We dug through hundreds of pages of tax records and found plenty of questions about the union’s network of nonprofits: share.inquirer.com/XGgC8w
share.inquirer.com
Philly FOP faces intense scrutiny — this time by its own members
A gifted Chevy Tahoe and murky bookkeeping have put John McNesby and current president Roosevelt Poplar under fire — this time from the union's own members.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
“For Dick Allen,” said Fletcher, “his experience at Little Rock, Arkansas, was his superhero origin story, just like the planet Krypton for Superman.” Great read from @lochlahn.bsky.social:
inquirer.com
Playing in Arkansas scarred Dick Allen. Decades later, his son returned to honor his long journey to the Hall of Fame.
The 1963 season in Little Rock was brutal for Allen, and he never wanted to return. Five years after his father's death, Richard Allen Jr. did just that: “I was proud to be who I am."
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
A walk-off Phillies win is a good excuse to read @byalexcoffey.bsky.social’s thoughtful feature on the team’s Hot Pants Patrol, and the sisterhood its members formed in the 1970s and 80s:
inquirer.com
Revisiting the Phillies’ Hot Pants Patrol, a sisterhood still going strong
They became doctors, business owners, government employees, and — of course — longtime Phillies staffers.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
This is a enormous loss for the Inquirer and Philadelphia. @helenubinas.bsky.social pushed the city — its elected leaders, its community groups, its journalists — to better serve residents who needed the most and asked for the least: gun violence survivors and homicide victims’ relatives.
inquirer.com
Thank you, Philadelphia. It’s been a privilege to tell your stories | Helen Ubiñas
After 30 years in journalism, I'm dedicating some time to growing The Ñ Fund for Latinas in Journalism, among other projects.
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Elaine Godfrey @elainegodfrey.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
This week, I wrote about camp girls. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
theatlantic.com
Home of the Brave
Camp is a place where girls learn to be courageous. Can it stay that way?
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
“We lost him,” he told me. “We lost our light.” Heartbreaking column from @notesfromhel.bsky.social, who has written for years about Azir Harris, his family, and the long, endless toll of gun violence in Philadelphia:
inquirer.com
I met Azir Harris after he was paralyzed in a shooting in 2018. Gunfire early Monday claimed his life. | Helen Ubiñas
To learn he was one of four people killed early Monday, gunned down at a Grays Ferry block party, felt like a punch in the gut. This is the column I never wanted to write.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Recent E.P.A. news releases and newsletters have echoed some of President Trump’s comments on the environment, the letter said, citing agency statements describing coal as “beautiful” and “clean.” Coal is the dirtiest of the fossil fuels and is a significant source of greenhouse gases.
nytimes.com
E.P.A. Suspends 144 Employees After They Signed a Letter Criticizing Trump
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
“Although Parker cannot increase her own salary, she has doled out substantial pay raises to her closest advisers — far beyond what DC 33 is seeking for workers who earn an average annual wage of $46,000.” @ryanbriggs.bsky.social & Sean Walsh:
inquirer.com
No, Mayor Parker didn’t give herself ‘a 9% raise’ — but she did dole out big raises to aides
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker rejected a false claim from striking workers that she gave herself a 9% pay raise – although her pay has increased.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
“The word HOMICIDE was stripped across the room’s pebbled-glass door, but Steindler didn’t think anything of it, didn’t see the straight line linking those three things: the word and the woman and her father.”
inquirer.com
He was Burgess Meredith’s model for Mickey in ‘Rocky.’ His murder remains unsolved.
Howie Steindler was a respected manager in the Los Angeles boxing scene. He worked closely with Meredith and Sylvester Stallone on the film. His death is still a troubling mystery after 48 years.
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John Foley @2008philz.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Jesús Luzardo allowed: - 20 earned runs in 2 starts - 21 earned runs in his other 14 starts
Jesús Luzardo mid-pitch. He’s in pinstripes.
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Hannah Keyser @hannahrkeyser.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
it shouldn't be a radical position to believe that the average worker deserves to have a job, not just extra special influencer types www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/m...
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
The suspect police encountered at the home of Hortman, the lawmaker who was killed, was wearing a vest, taser, and badge, impersonating a police officer, according to Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park Police. “No question, if they were in this room, you would assume they were a police officer.”
nytimes.com
Live Updates: Man Impersonating Officer Kills Minnesota Lawmaker and Her Husband
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
“Internal 82nd Airborne Division communications reviewed by Military.com reveal a tightly orchestrated effort to curate the optics of Trump's recent visit, including handpicking soldiers for the audience based on political leanings and physical appearance.” From @militarydotcom.bsky.social:
military.com
Bragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance
As President Donald Trump viciously attacked his perceived political foes, he whipped up boos from the gathered troops directed at California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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Jonathan Tannenwald @jtannenwald.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
From @sprtswtr.bsky.social: Will Lincoln Financial Field have an ICE presence at Monday’s Club World Cup game? www.inquirer.com/soccer/club-...
inquirer.com
Will Lincoln Financial Field have an ICE presence at Monday’s Club World Cup game?
ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol are expected to be working alongside local law enforcement Saturday in Miami to double as security for the opener. It is unclear whether they will be at the Linc.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Did not expect to run across the phrase “sumptuous gambling casino” this week. Excellent work Gelb
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
“I think R.F.K. Jr is a conspiracy theorist, and that’s what this document is about,” said Dr. Paul Offit, who serves as an adviser to the Food and Drug Administration.
nytimes.com
Kennedy Removes All C.D.C. Vaccine Panel Experts
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NBC News @nbcnews.com · 04/06/2025
The 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who was burned in the Boulder attack has a message for America: "We are better than this."
nbcnews.to
Holocaust survivor who was burned in Boulder: 'We are better than this'
Two days after the attack on marchers calling for the return of Israeli hostages, Barbara Steinmetz, 88, says Americans should be kind and decent to one another.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
@willbunch.bsky.social on the looming existential crisis that we’re not paying enough attention to: www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Page One in Des Moines. @jemsinger.bsky.social
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Christine Emery worked for 34 years as a Philly neuroradiologist, helping to diagnose patients’ brain tumors. After retiring, she met a Rehoboth Beach family who had been devastated by twin tragedies — and was inspired to become a top brain cancer fundraiser.
inquirer.com
Motivated by tragedy, this former Philly neuroradiologist became a top brain cancer fundraiser
Christine Emery's nonprofit, the Brain Cancer Answer Foundation, has helped raise more than $200,000 for brain tumor research.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
“Soon, everyone entered a deeper state of listening, attuning their minds to the rustling treetops and tiny footfalls on the forest floor. They stopped every 20 yards or so and stood, in the silence, scanning the dark woods for birdsong.” @jasonnark.bsky.social:
inquirer.com
Go Birds: 24 hours inside the World Series of Birding
It's one of the nation’s premier bird-watching events, featuring teams including “Raven LunaChicks” and “Egrets, I’ve had a few."
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Sam Morris @sammorr.is · 28/05/2025
SEPTA amid a dire financial shortfall is planning deep service cuts. But those cuts won't just impact those who currently rely on SEPTA to get around. Drivers commuters will be impacted too. Thomas Fitzgerald and @jasen.bsky.social have the details. www.inquirer.com/transportati...
inquirer.com
SEPTA’s planned cuts could add 70,000 hours to the region’s morning commute
See how much longer it will take to get to get to work if the transit agency’s severe service cuts actually happen.
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Alex Coffey @byalexcoffey.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
“Some people think it’s crazy. That's fine. There are certainly elements of it that are crazy. But most of the people who think it’s crazy have probably never been to Philadelphia, you know?” The A’s moved over 70 years ago, but these Philadelphians are still fans: www.inquirer.com/phillies/phi...
inquirer.com
The A’s moved over 70 years ago, but these Philadelphians are still fans: ‘We’re gonna stick by them’
The A’s left Philadelphia in 1954, but they still have fans here who root for the team that has moved four times in 125 years. It runs in the family.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Doctors who screen former NFL players for neurological illnesses are still slow to turn in test results — hindering the players’ quest to be paid by the league’s billion dollar concussion settlement program.
inquirer.com
Timely medical reports remain a challenge for NFL’s concussion settlement program
A recent court evaluation of the league's billion-dollar compensation program shows that it has gotten more efficient, but still has some systemic flaws.
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David Gambacorta @dgambacorta.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
The trails of Wissahickon Valley Park are for hikers, runners, bikers, and horses. …Yet, there it was Monday morning, a Porsche. With some fiber pills inside and a probiotic shake, according to one hiker. The fun read you didn’t know you needed, via @wbender99.bsky.social @ryanbriggs.bsky.social
inquirer.com
The story of how a Porsche ended up on a hiking trail in the middle of Wissahickon Valley Park
On Monday morning, a Porsche Panamera was discovered on a narrow hiking trail alongside the Wissahickon Creek in Northwest Philly. Conspiracy theories emerged, online and on the trail.
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Helen Ubiñas @notesfromhel.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
After years of victims crying out for help and answers, has the Philadelphia Police Department finally answered their call? www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
inquirer.com
Philadelphia police finally created a sorely needed office for families of crime victims | Helen Ubiñas
After years of victims crying out for help and answers, the police department answers their calls.
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Longreads @longreads.com · 06/05/2025
"There may be much to fear in the near future, yet it could also be the most exciting time to be alive." —David Attenborough for @thetimes.com www.thetimes.com/life-style/c...
thetimes.com
David Attenborough at 99: ‘I will not see how the story ends’
The natural history presenter, who turns 99 this week, has an obsession with sea life that began in boyhood. Here he reflects on his most moving encounters
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Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Several Columbia Univ student journalists are suspended after covering protests (while wearing press ID) in the main library. Their access to campus is blocked, and they can't take final exams. Also: Columbia's acting president is a former ABC journalist www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/05...
columbiaspectator.com
Barnard suspends WKCR and Spectator reporters who covered Butler Library protest
Barnard and Columbia issued interim suspensions Thursday afternoon to four student journalists who covered a Wednesday pro-Palestinian protest in Butler Library, citing “information received” from Pub...
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pork, cheese, broccoli rabe @garlicbuffalo.gobirds.biz · 08/05/2025
THEY CALLED IT A “DESK POP” AND LINKED TO A CLIP FROM THE OTHER GUYS THATS MY NEWSPAPER
The Inquirer
The unintentional desk pop did not result in any other injuries.
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