Sign in

erika owens

@erikaowens.com
1.8K followers 510 following 573 posts

tech, journalism, music, TV, wandering, biking, and laughing way too loudly. newly based in sheffield, previously philadelphia banner image is by www.instagram.com/harshadisfree via atlas obscura

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by erika owens
Tina Vasquez @tinavasquez.bsky.social · 18h
NEW: H-2A worker Carlos Vargas Moreno experienced a catastrophic heat stroke when his employer, Florida Orange Gold, subjected him to unsafe working conditions. The same company was cited two years prior for the heat-related death of H-2A worker Carmen Sebastian Hernandez Mosqueda.
prismreports.org
Despite farmworker death and another disabled by heat stroke, employer keeps sending people to fields
Florida Orange Gold has exposed workers on H-2A visas to extreme heat, but continues to bring hundreds of migrants to North Carolina
2231141
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 10h
just wrapping up my master's program, and the staff is on strike because of appalling program and staffing cuts while the university sits on a £3B endowment. solidarity also to the other universities in the UK also on strike www.ucuedinburgh.org.uk/blog/five-we...
ucuedinburgh.org.uk
Staff at the University of Edinburgh start five-week strike — UCU Edinburgh
UCU SCOTLAND PRESS RELEASE Monday 28 September 2026 Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the University of Edinburgh today (Monday) start five-weeks of strikes in a dispute over £140...
021
Reposted by erika owens
André Natta @acnatta.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
An update from last week (and even from when this graphic was made): we've received $4,058 in donations and pledges so far — THANK YOU!
Grey text on a yellow background, saying, "Thanks for $3,558 in support so far, Birmingham! Donate today to help power journalism for the City Built to Change the South." The logo for BirminghamWatch, a silhouette of the city's skyline, sits in the middle of the image.
111
Reposted by erika owens
Will Craft @wcraft.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I have been working on this story in one way shape or form since the Guardian investigations team got a leak of deportation manifests in the first months of the Trump admin In the data were records of kids as young as a few weeks old loaded onto flights.
theguardian.com
Plane to purgatory: how Trump’s deportation program shuttles immigrants into lawless limbo
44,000 immigrants, 1,700 flights, 100 days: a Guardian investigation of leaked flight data and government detention data reveals the inhumane journey of immigrants shuttled around and outside the US
12113
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 10/09/2026
amazing to see someone talking sense on immigration on the top of the homepage of the guardian! i hope to see many more stories like this, and that the government will listen. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘Fundamentally unfair’: Burnham must overhaul migration reforms, says TUC general secretary
Paul Nowak says changes to immigration rules risk overstretching social care and fuelling far-right sentiment
030
Reposted by erika owens
Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 17/08/2026
This letter is now at nearly 90,000 signatures. Please add your name.
316367
Reposted by erika owens
Mc Nelly Torres ☕️ @watchdogdiva.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
1/2 🧵 I got some professional news! Last week I began my new role as interim editor at Investigate Midwest. I’m thrilled to be working on an investigative nonprofit with such an important mission and focus on big agribusiness and institutions. Corporate media is broken. mailchi.mp/investigatem...
mailchi.mp
A note from Erin: What's new at Investigate Midwest
143
Reposted by erika owens
The TRiiBE @thetriibe.com · 03/08/2026
YOU'RE INVITED — On Aug. 29–30, join The TRiiBE for a FREE two-day community summit exploring memory, land and belonging. ✨ Day 1 includes a fireside chat with Mayor Brandon Johnson exploring the Great Migration and what environmental justice means today. RSVP today: luma.com/bi38i7u4
1116
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 31/07/2026
"mi bisabuela!!!!" (few other things i remember from high school as well, or as frequently, as that)
010
Reposted by erika owens
Michael Morisy @morisy.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Newsletter nerds! Social media geeks! People who want to run MKULTRA but for subliminally encouraging a love for government transparency! Still time to apply for our engagement lead role. Remote! Benefits! Employee discounts at the Swag Store! Lots of PDFs!
001
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 24/07/2026
was thinking about this again with growing up surrounded by cigarette smoke everywhere and the health effects we just accepted and never even thought about. (chronic headaches, for me) totally mind boggling
141
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 21/07/2026
we need prism! let's keep showing up for movement journalism!
032
Reposted by erika owens
TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Congratulations Andy Burnham. This is your chance for a reset in Government.
Text reads:  Congratulations Andy Burnham

 This is your chance for a reset in Government.

Will you follow in the steps of the previous government and continue attacking the hard won rights of the LGBTQ+ community? Or will you change course and lead a government that stands for the human rights of all?

We encourage you to speak with the trans community, to understand where your predecessor got it wrong, and to undo the internationally condemned decisions of the last government.

Your legacy is yours to write.
819466
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 19/07/2026
this whole system is fascinating coming from the US where lobbyists have kept it so (nearly) _everyone_ has to do tax returns. but if there's one thing the UK could learn: estimated tax payments. quarterly, due 2wks after that quarter closes so you actually know what you made! monthly? gtfo
110
Reposted by erika owens
The Pudding @pudding.cool · 08/07/2026
We’ve revamped our pitch guidelines to help us surface the best ideas faster! 📢 Have a data story you're obsessed with telling? We want to hear it. pudding.cool/pitch/
pudding.cool
Pitch a Story
How to collaborate on a story with The Pudding.
0139
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 08/07/2026
ooh, this is extremely relevant to my interests. (and if it is to yours as well, always happy to chat about these complicated feelings!)
051
Reposted by erika owens
Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 03/07/2026
Over 6000 signatories in just a few hours. I am hoping we could make a massive statement with this. This is the kind of thing you need to get your mum to sign 👇
118788
Reposted by erika owens
Auburn Scallon @wsauburn.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Hi aspiring authors! 👋 Want thoughts on theme/structure? grammar feedback? some secret third thing? Bidding starts at $5 for 25 pages of customizable editing help via @romancingthevote.com Proceeds go to @voteriders.bsky.social and @scsjofficial.bsky.social And there’s tons more fun stuff 🧵
32auctions.com
Developmental Edits for Aspiring Authors
Auction item 'Developmental Edits for Aspiring Authors' hosted online at 32auctions.
114
Reposted by erika owens
J. Nathan Matias @natematias.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
So grateful to @unsrapporteurfoaa.bsky.social for raising the erosion of people's willingness to assemble and form connections. In addition to surveillance, I fear gen AI is interrupting cooperation & that fear of social media harms also cut people off from our collective capacity as humans.
1107
Reposted by erika owens
Lena V. Groeger @lenagroeger.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
📣 Excited to announce a new design position on my team! Come work with us!
grnh.se
Interactive Story Designer
Remote, United States
151
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 04/06/2026
this piece was so great. really thorough overview of an issue, valuable on its own, and at the end: it's introducing a new investigative, public service series. hell freakin yeah!! www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
theguardian.com
Why are US consumers so angry? It’s not just high prices
There’s a stew of factors at work behind the rise in consumer rage – but there are potential solutions, too
041
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 04/06/2026
let's get this campaign across the finish line!
122
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 27/05/2026
it was probably about a year into living in the UK that it finally clicked that "don't delete the kisses" by wolf alice refers to the XXs british people inexplicably use to sign off of text messages
100
Reposted by erika owens
Newmark J+ @newmarkjplus.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
You have little over a week to apply for the 4th cohort of the Nonprofit News Business certificate program 👇 www.journalism.cuny.edu/j-plus/nonpr...
journalism.cuny.edu
Nonprofit News Business Certificate - Newmark J-School
Apply to the Nonprofit News Business Certificate, developed by J+ at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
111
Reposted by erika owens
Auburn Scallon @wsauburn.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
$5000 travel-writing grant for women journalists anywhere in the world. Got a story based in your hometown? Ori magazine publishes local writers as destination experts. Applications close June 3, 2026. #TravelWriting ori-mag.com/pages/ori-x-...
ori-mag.com
Ori x Arc'teryx Women's Storytelling Grant
Ori is a premium print publication for people who travel. We're exploring where we come from, and where we’re going. We work with talented journalists to tell local stories on a global scale, inspirin...
001
Reposted by erika owens
The TRiiBE @thetriibe.com · 21/05/2026
NEW — Three years into his term, The TRiiBE checks in with Mayor Brandon Johnson on some of the political challenges that he’s facing in his fight for working people. thetriibe.com/2026/05/prog...
thetriibe.com
Progressive governance is a constant struggle, a 3-year check-in with Mayor Johnson • The TRiiBE
Q&A: Johnson reflects on governing Chicago through political warfare, Trump’s immigration operation, and relentless opposition from the city’s elite.
1146
Reposted by erika owens
Alex Ip 葉清霖 @alexip718.com · 18/05/2026
If you're reading this, my cat and I have boarded a one-way flight out of the United States. The Trump administration wrongfully denied my work permit renewal; after months of demanding that they follow the law, we have run out of legal recourse, and I have no choice but to leave the country. (🧵)
giveinmay.org
Support Alex's Emergency Relocation + Next Steps on Give In May
Alex is leaving the US after his work permit renewal was wrongfully denied by Trump's USCIS.
13935181500
Reposted by erika owens
The Objective @objectivejournos.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Have reporting you want to do looking at how journalism has made good on its 2020 promises around diversity and equity? We want your pitches for our upcoming print and digital magazine: tinyurl.com/since2020pitch
tinyurl.com
Airtable | Everyone's app platform
Airtable is a low-code platform for building collaborative apps. Customize your workflow, collaborate, and achieve ambitious outcomes. Get started for free.
156
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 11/05/2026
in case it is of interest, @thecurrent.org has a whole 20yrs-ago focused music stream www.thecurrent.org/playlist/cur...
thecurrent.org
130
Reposted by erika owens
EdSource Guild @edsourceguild.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
EdSource Guild members have unanimously voted to authorize a strike. We've been negotiating a contract for 16 months, and now management unilaterally changed our health plans without negotiating with us. Please sign to tell EdSource you won't cross our picket line: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
100% of EdSource Guild members have authorized a work stoppage. For 16 months, we have worked for a contract. Now, management has unilaterally changed health benefits without negotiation. FAIR CONTRACT NOW.
11413
Reposted by erika owens
Amy Qin @amyqin.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Local data reporters/researchers: immigration data that the Guardian had to sue for is publicly available for download here github.com/guardian/I-2... And while you're at it, read @maanvisingh.bsky.social and @wcraft.bsky.social heartbreaking story on family separation using the I-213 data
github.com
GitHub - guardian/I-213-Data: This is a repo for I-213 data, acquired and released by The Guardian.
This is a repo for I-213 data, acquired and released by The Guardian. - guardian/I-213-Data
01010
Reposted by erika owens
Will Craft @wcraft.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
We sued the govt for these records, and are now releasing them so that others can use the data too
theguardian.com
We sued the Trump administration for these immigration records
The Guardian wanted to know who, exactly, was pulled into the mass-deportation dragnet of Trump’s second term
03317
Reposted by erika owens
Newmark J+ @newmarkjplus.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
💥THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Applications for the News Product Management Certification are due by 11:59 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Friday, May 8). Are you ready to level up your tech and product expertise and craft your future as a leader in product development? ⤵️ newsproduct.org/npmc-applica...
newsproduct.org
NPMC applications are open! — News Product Alliance
011
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 03/05/2026
wait, ben, you said we need "more funding"???? but how will news organizations ever learn about sustainability if they keep receiving funding!? fundamentally, i just fail to understand why philanthropy+other funding sources are so frequently seen as "either/or" rather than "yes, and"
030
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 29/04/2026
i had chronic headaches as a kid, and tried everything to treat it. it only just dawned on me recently, after how physically ill being around smoking makes me these days, maybe that ALSO happened as a kid and no one considered it since you could smoke basically everywhere!
171
Reposted by erika owens
Jim MacMillan (he/him) @jimmacmillan.com · 28/04/2026
It's a great day at PCGVR! Eric is a builder and a connector, someone who understands systems and knows how to bring people together to create durable change. I feel incredibly fortunate be leaving PCGVR in such capable hands.
193
Reposted by erika owens
Auburn Scallon @wsauburn.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
leavesubstack.com
leavesubstack.com
You Should Probably Leave Substack
You should probably leave Substack. Here’s why and how.
012
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 14/04/2026
anyone want my spare ticket to saetia in leeds this friday? (SO EXCITED!!!!!!)
010
Reposted by erika owens
Al Shaw @shaw.al · 08/04/2026
If you registered to come to the event today on how to use the ProPublica Trump disclosures News app, the @propublicaguild.org is asking y’all NOT TO ATTEND in support of our strike today. We hate to do this, but management isn’t offering us a fair deal.
Promo for ProPublica news app event crossed out
19843
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 25/03/2026
nerdy note, but i only recently realized, there are a bunch more sticker packs on signal. they are so cute! aboutsignal.com/news/signal-...
aboutsignal.com
Signal adds five new sticker packs - AboutSignal.com
Signal has added three new animated sticker packs (Chug the Mouse, Rocky Talk, My Daily Life 2) and two non-animated sticker packs (Cozy Season, Croco's Feelings).
040
Reposted by erika owens
Stephen Stirling @sstirling.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
These are the paths that ICE detainees from the Philly-area traveled over an 18-month period. They are moved around a vast and growing network. “I’m traumatized...Every time I see a cop I’m shaking. I’m not the same guy.” More: www.inquirer.com/news/ice-det...
1810
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 18/03/2026
just the type of nerdery i love. also, learned that non-accountants can be professional tax preparers. very interesting...
040
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 10/03/2026
also www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i... from @tinavasquez.bsky.social about the pain of deportation. trauma upon trauma upon trauma
theguardian.com
They were teens when a parent was deported. They still feel the pain as adults
The Guardian spoke to adults now in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to reflect on the lasting impact of family separation in the US
1133
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 10/03/2026
the recent "rebuilding local news" report had me thinking more about democratizing information sharing _with journalists_ than what foundations should do differently: erikaowens.com/blog/a-corol...
erikaowens.com
A corollary to the "Rebuilding Local Journalism" report?
110
Reposted by erika owens
Maanvi Singh @maanvisingh.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Nuestro artículo fue publicado en español por @documentedny.bsky.social ! Dylan López Contreras fue detenido por ICE en mayo. The Guardian lo invitó a él y a sus compañeros a compartir un poco de sus vidas y sueños...
documentedny.com
Esto es lo que un estudiante detenido por ICE quiere que sepas - Documented
A Dylan López Contreras, un estudiante, el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas, ICE, se lo llevó en mayo. The Guardian lo invitó a él y a cinco de sus compañeros a compartir un poco de sus vi...
186
Reposted by erika owens
Ann Marie Awad @anntastic.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
hi are you a journalist who has just started freelancing, either by choice or necessity? or are you thinking about making the jump because of...well, everything? i am helping to put on this conference next week designed with freelancers in mind and you should check it out! theiij.com/sessions-26
theiij.com
2026 Conference Sessions — The Institute for Independent Journalists
1510
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 11/02/2026
one more day to give feedback on the atrocious set of proposed immigration settlement changes in the UK, many of which are proposed _to be retroactive_
221
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 05/02/2026
"The difference is in what practically every worker I spoke to mentioned: a workplace that puts its workers over profits." was just today heralding the nonprofit coop accelerator project! so much opportunity to share lessons, show alternate paths are actually possible (even if nothing is perfect).
041
erika owens @erikaowens.com · 28/01/2026
have rarely read a piece with so much concrete, actionable advice. so great! jacobin.com/2026/01/minn... h/t @tansyhoskins.org
jacobin.com
Minneapolis Is Going on Offense Against ICE
We spoke to a Minneapolis organizer about the community-organizing infrastructure there in response to ICE, why targeting corporations that profit from ICE is working, and how other cities could do th...
021