iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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John Farrell @johnffarrell.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A city taxing large retailers 1% to fund community solar, free AC for low-income households, and clean energy job training. Turns out when communities design the policy, they build things that actually help people. vist.ly/55wve via Monica Samayoa at WGLT

wglt.org

How one Oregon city has raised a billion dollars for climate change

The Portland Clean Energy Fund has raised a billion dollars for climate change action via a retail tax on large corporations in the city. Other cities are starting to shape similar funds.

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Inequality.org @inequality.org · 08/05/2026

A new podcast from @ilsr.bsky.social takes listeners to the communities that the data center boom is upending. inequality.org/article/i-st...

inequality.org

I Was Already Suspicious of the Data Center Boom. Then I Stood In Data Center Alley

Pockets of opposition to the data center boom are emerging all over the country.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Can you guess how much Amazon paid to sponsor the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Week? Take a guess. Seriously. Before you read further, reply with your guess.

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

1. Amazon has built powerful pricing algorithms that have learned how to steer prices upward — not just on Amazon, but across the web. I have a new piece on how these algorithms work, and how they help sustain Amazon’s monopoly.

washingtonmonthly.com

How Amazon’s AI Algorithms Raise the Prices You Pay

Amazon can steer market-wide prices without ever colluding—exposing a gap in antitrust law that the FTC is now fighting to close.

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The Forge: Organizing Strategy and Practice @forgeorganizing.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

We organized a special issue w/ @liberation-gen.bsky.social "The Corporate Power of It All" — and it's now live! Seven conversations with organizers, researchers, and frontline leaders on how corporate power shapes our lives and how we fight back. Read it here: forgeorganizing.org/issues/corpo...

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Who is the constituency demanding we let Live Nation and Ticketmaster keep robbing everyone with the ridiculous fees and terrible service? Kudos to the states for taking up the mantle and not selling the people out.

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Post Growth Institute @postgrowth.org · 15/01/2026

People around the world are hungry for economic systems change. Reclaim the Economy Week is a new moment for us to amplify and showcase the many ways we can redesign our economies. Find events near you, communication kits, and more at: www.reclaimtheeconomy.org #postgrowthalliance

Black and white cut-outs of three people against a blue and black background with white text reading, "Reclaim the Economy, 26 Jan - 1 Feb 2026, Join us for our online launch event on Monday 26 Jan"

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

1. New York’s affordability crisis flows from a deeper problem: essential systems — groceries, energy, Internet, banking, healthcare — have consolidated in the hands of distant corporations. Today, ILSR sent the Mamdani team a memo laying out policies to reclaim local control.

ilsr.org

A Local Self-Reliance Agenda for New York City: ILSR's Memo to Mamdani |

The Mamdani administration has a crucial opportunity to reverse New York City's affordability crisis; this ILSR policy memo suggests strategies to do so.

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

1. For at least 10 years, Pepsi has conspired with Walmart to force up grocery prices. That’s the shocking evidence made public today in an unsealed FTC lawsuit. The suit was abandoned in May by the Trump FTC just before it was to be un-redacted. We went to court to get it unsealed & won.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

This morning, we drove around and checked the price of a 12-pack of Pepsi at three different places. At an independent grocery store in Columbus, Ohio, it was $11.99. At a nearby Kroger, it was $10.99. Then, at the closest Walmart, it was $7.28. No surprise, right? But why the discrepancies? 🧵 1/

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Athena Coalition @athenaforall.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Too many state and local governments blindly trust Amazon to offer low prices on things like school supplies. In reality, the site's dynamic pricing means schools can pay wildly different prices for items purchased on the same day. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

theguardian.com

US schools face big price swings for basics under Amazon’s ‘dynamic pricing’, report claims

Amazon calls the report ‘flawed and misleading’ and says it offers lower prices than competitors

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

1. Amazon has become a major force in how cities, counties & schools buy basic supplies. Our new report finds Amazon is using opaque pricing algorithms to drive up costs and eliminate transparency—while harming competition by pushing out better-performing independent suppliers.

ilsr.org

Turning Public Money into Amazon’s Profits | Independent Business

Amazon has quietly captured a growing share of government purchasing. This major report explains how, and what to do about it.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Why did 19 rural communities in Western Massachusetts collectively create the most geographically dense cluster of municipal fiber networks in the United States, resulting in world-class Internet access, often at a fraction of the price charged by telecom monopolies? 🧵 1/

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Longtime California bookstore chain Books Inc. filed for bankruptcy in January 2025. In September, Barnes & Noble announced plans to acquire Books Inc., keeping the store's brand identity intact and retaining employees. This is good news, right? Well, it's complicated. 🧵 1/

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Our Local Energy Policy Toolkit is now available to all lawmakers and advocates who want to build clean energy economies in their community — without waiting for Congress. Check it out: ilsr.org/energy/local...

ilsr.org

Local Energy Policy Toolkit | ILSR Energy Democracy Initiative

Find policy tools, examples, and interactive stories from cities and towns taking action to promote local, clean energy and fight corporate control.

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The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs @hope4college.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Students shouldn’t have to park outside McDonald’s to access WiFi. Reliable internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic need. Read our Q&A with @ilsr.bsky.social on "connection insecurity," the growing digital divide leaving too many college students behind. hope.temple.edu/hope-blog/ke...

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

As @wired.com points out in a new cover story, Big Tech has abandoned any semblance of progressive culture and politics in favor of bending the knee to the Trump administration. It's as if Facebook went from leaning in to bowing down. 🧵 1/ www.wired.com/politics-iss...

wired.com

ALL HAIL THE TECHNOCRACY

Tech went all in on Trump this year. It's just the beginning.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Are local governments capable of handling something as complex as building and maintaining broadband networks? If history is any indication, they absolutely are. For more than a century, local governments have managed and maintained significant engineering projects.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

What does the Jimmy Kimmel saga have to do with corporate consolidation? Quite a bit, turns out. 🧵 1/

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Superior, Wisconsin, recently launched its ConnectSuperior broadband infrastructure to bring more reliable, more affordable Internet connectivity to the city. How it works: Superior provides the infrastructure for the network, and private companies compete to provide customers with access. 1/

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

72 percent of electricity customers in the United States are served by monopoly investor-owned Utilities. Aside from being stuck with high rates and poor service, what else does electricity provided by an investor-owned utility get you? 1/

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Reposted by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

1. Today, ILSR filed a motion in federal court to unseal the FTC’s antitrust complaint against PepsiCo. The case bears directly on high grocery prices and food deserts — and would've marked a crucial revival of the long-neglected Robinson-Patman Act. But the public may never get to see it.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Deadline extended! Make sure to get your application in by Friday, August 1 ➡️ bit.ly/C4Cminigrants

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American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) @aapbroadband.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

A new law made it harder for low-income families to stay connected, cutting internet costs from SNAP eligibility. As @gbsohn.bsky.social says in @prospect.org: this bill forces families to choose between food and internet. More from @ilsr.bsky.social's Sean Gonsalves: prospect.org/health/2025-...

prospect.org

The Big Beautiful Bill’s Ugly Choice: Internet or Food?

The Republican budget bill cuts food assistance benefits to households that pay for internet access.

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John Farrell @johnffarrell.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Public power advocates! @ilsr.bsky.social just released our Public Power Handbook, with step-by-step guidance on how to municipalize (take over) a private electric utility: ilsr.org/articles/pub...

ilsr.org

A Handbook For Public Power Campaigns - ILSR Energy Democracy Initiative

A one-stop resource for public power advocates preparing campaigns to take over their electric utility.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Calling all climate advocates and activists! If you’re fighting for clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate legislation in your community, you’re probably facing resistance from a monopoly utility company. 1/2

Virtual Event | Climate Inaction: How Utility Monopoly Power Crushes Climate Progress
Thursday, July 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Panelists: Bill McKibben, Third Act; Mark Ellis, American Economic Liberties Project; Shelley Welton, University of Pennsylvania Kleinman Center for Energy Policy

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350 US @350us.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Don’t miss @ilsr.bsky.social's July 17 webinar featuring climate activist @billmckibben.bsky.social on how electric utilities are using their monopoly power to block climate progress — and how to fight back. ilsr.org/articles/how...

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Ron Knox @ronmknox.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Trump's "MAGA antitrust" enforcers seem more interested in unserious culture war grievances than enforcing the law. But don't worry: The states - our original trustbusters - are fighting for workers, shoppers and small businesses. New from me in @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/soci...

thenation.com

As Federal Chaos Ensues, Trustbusters Rise in the States

With Trump’s antitrust appointees more concerned with scoring points in MAGA culture wars than restraining corporate abuses, officials in the states are keeping up the fight.

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Susan Holmberg @susanrholmberg.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

A beautiful tribute to the late founder of @ilsr.bsky.social. He profoundly shaped how to think about the intersection of place, power, and policy. ilsr.org/articles/rem...

ilsr.org

A Letter from ILSR’s Co-Directors: Remembering David Morris - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Visited 105 times, 105 visit(s) today

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Jessica David @jdinri.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

The research team at @ilsr.bsky.social point out: “Even though Amazon claims that roughly 60 percent of its sales are made by small businesses that sell products on its marketplace platform, it competes against them and charges them such exorbitant fees that some of them actually go broke.“

ilsr.org

It's Time to Break Up with Amazon. Here's How. - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Shop Local, Amazon Alternatives

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

The social, environmental, and economic benefits of local composting can transform neighborhoods. That’s why we’re awarding $10,000 grants to up to 15 composting projects serving historically excluded communities in New England and NYC! Apply by July 25 ➡️ bit.ly/C4Cminigrants

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

By dismissing its price discrimination lawsuit against PepsiCo, the FTC has chosen to “abandon communities that depend on fair competition to maintain access to essential goods and services,” says @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social. Read the full statement ⬇️

ilsr.org

Stacy Mitchell Condemns FTC’s Dismissal of Case Against PepsiCo for Advantaging Walmart

The FTC has chosen to "abandon communities that depend on fair competition to maintain access to essential goods and services," says Stacy Mitchell.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Happy International Compost Awareness Week! 🌱 We’re kicking things off with a reminder that composting is more than a trend — it’s a powerful tool for building climate resilience, healthy soils, and community power. 1/2

Why compost? (1) To reduce waste: >50% of municipal garbage is compostable. You can compost food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, wood waste & more! (2) To enhance your soil: Compost increases soil fertility & suppresses plant disease, improves soil structure, increases microbial activity & water retention capacity.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

@ronmknox.bsky.social’s new zine, out now from @microcosm.bsky.social, examines the growing movement to reject monopoly control and serves as a practical guide to help you — and your friends, neighbors, and coworkers — join the fight for a more democratic future. 1/2

Zine titled “Resist Monopolies!: How to Fight Corporate Control and Support an Economy That Matters” on an orange background. Cartoon illustration on the zine’s cover depicts a group of community members standing up to rich businessmen who are attempting to dismantle Main Street. Text reads “New! Order online from Microcosm Publishing or request at your local independent bookstore!”

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Ron Knox @ronmknox.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

1. If you’re feeling despondent about the state of the world, you’re not alone. But there are folks out there taking the fight to corporate oligarchs and monopolies, and winning - thousands of Davids beating back our economic Goliaths. I wrote a little book about it. Let me show you!

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

📢 ILSR is hiring! 📢 We’re looking for an Operations Associate to help manage day-to-day organizational functions and support a productive, efficient work environment. This is a full-time, remote, union position with excellent benefits. Apply now ⬇️

ilsr.org

Careers at ILSR

Help reverse today’s extreme levels of corporate concentration and advance policies to rebuild the social and economic fabric of local communities.

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

1. Walmart is set to be a big winner from Trump’s tariffs. It will gain even more market share, despite relying heavily on China imports. It will do this by flexing its power over suppliers — insisting that they give it deals while shifting the tariff costs onto other retailers.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

For decades, dominant corporations have abused their size and power to bully rivals, suppliers, workers, and customers. Now, it’s time for states to strengthen monopoly laws and get enforcement back on track. Our new policy brief explains how. ⬇️

ilsr.org

The State(s) of Antitrust - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

ILSR's issue brief describes how states can step in to overcome shortfalls in our ability to combatmonopoly power — as they have many times before.

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Ron Knox @ronmknox.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

2. Today, ILSR is publishing a package of products that show how state enforcers and lawmakers can turn back the tide of outsized corporate power and support strong, equitable economies within their borders. ilsr.org/independent-...

ilsr.org

Strengthening State Antimonopoly Laws - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

States have a history as frontline defenders against the threat of powerful corporations. Learn how states can use their power to promote vibrant economies.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

📢 Starting soon! 📢 Don’t miss this timely discussion about how communities can maximize the benefits of clean energy through local ownership. Tune in at 3 p.m. ET: ilsr.org/articles/communities-taking-control-of-clean-energy-local-ownership/

ilsr.org

Virtual Event: How Communities Can Maximize Clean Energy Benefits for All - ILSR

Join ILSR for a free virtual event on how to maximize the benefits of clean energy for communities through local ownership

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

President Trump’s illegal attempt to fire FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter is “a corrupt bid to allow dominant corporations to prey on American consumers, workers, and small businesses with impunity,” says Stacy Mitchell. Read our full statement ⬇️

ilsr.org

Stacy Mitchell Statement on Attempted Firings of FTC Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter

"This is a corrupt bid to allow dominant corporations to prey on American consumers, workers, and small businesses with impunity," says Stacy Mitchell

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Matt Stoller @matthewstoller.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Trump just tried to fire FTC Democrats even though he doesn't have the authority to do so. Why? Well, as it turns out, the White House official who sent the letter is Trent Morse, an ex-corporate lobbyist whose firm repped Amazon on antitrust matters. www.thebignewsletter.com/p/why-trump-....

thebignewsletter.com

Why Trump Tried to Fire Federal Trade Commission Democrats

Donald Trump picked a fight over firing officials at the Federal Trade Commission. If he wins, Federal Reserve independence is next. And an Amazon lobbying firm, Ballard Partners, may be involved.

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Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Trump's illegal attempt to fire FTC Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter is a corrupt bid to allow Big Tech and other dominant corporations to prey on Americans with impunity. ILSR's statement:

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

The question of who owns, controls, and benefits from clean energy projects is too often overlooked in public conversation and policy planning. Join us next week to learn how local ownership can help your community maximize the benefits of clean energy. ⬇️

ilsr.org

Virtual Event: How Communities Can Maximize Clean Energy Benefits for All - ILSR

Join ILSR for a free virtual event on how to maximize the benefits of clean energy for communities through local ownership

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John Farrell @johnffarrell.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

New report from @ilsr.bsky.social reveals a complicated patchwork of permitting red tape that can add weeks to a rooftop solar project and home battery project. Many Minnesota families pay thousands of additional dollars to navigate unnecessary and frustrating permitting requirements. 🔌💡

ilsr.org

Overcoming Permitting Barriers for Rooftop Solar in Minnesota - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Interviews with solar installers show how inconsistent and resource-intensive local government permitting processes make it harder for Minnesotans to go solar.

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Institute for Local Self-Reliance @ilsr.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

“If you follow the money, you can understand a lot about how our grid works. For-profit utilities like Xcel make their money by investing capital into infrastructure... Community solar poses a powerful competitive threat,” ILSR’s @johnffarrell.bsky.social tells @minnesotareformer.com. Read more ⬇️

minnesotareformer.com

Community solar amid a newly hostile federal government: Reformer Q&A with John Farrell • Minnesota Reformer

These federal policy shifts have “inserted a huge amount of uncertainty” into the environmental and energy policy atmosphere.

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John Farrell @johnffarrell.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

New report from @ilsr.bsky.social reveals persistent and expensive barriers Minnesota families face when trying to #gosolar. We need solar to meet our growing energy needs – instant permitting will help cut costs and save time on each installation. Read more: vist.ly/3mw2hb8 🔌💡

mnseia.org

Minnesota Families Face Time-Consuming and Expensive Barriers to Installing Rooftop Solar

New Report Reveals Inconsistent and Unnecessary Solar Permitting Requirements

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