Brennan Barber
@brennanb.bsky.social
Fan of good reads, bikes, urbanism and SF sports teams. Longtime Hill Staffer. CA born and bred. Cat Dad. Views are my own.
(he/him)
(he/him)
Reposted by Brennan Barber
I feel like every day I sound more and more like a censorious, self-righteous prude, but for the record I think the way sports betting has insinuated itself into everything is another sign of societal decadence and profound moral rot.
Wtf are we doing?
"CNN partners with Kalshi to integrate prediction markets into its global newsroom. The first major news network to embrace Kalshi prediction markets."
"CNN partners with Kalshi to integrate prediction markets into its global newsroom. The first major news network to embrace Kalshi prediction markets."
December 4, 2025 at 11:47 PM
I feel like every day I sound more and more like a censorious, self-righteous prude, but for the record I think the way sports betting has insinuated itself into everything is another sign of societal decadence and profound moral rot.
This is a very smart piece, really good food for thought.
Do you find yourself in conversations with people who like to talk about how "they would never ride a bus" or who worry about "bus stigma"? I was just reminded of this 2017 article of mine, which tries to blow all that nonsense away. Hope you find it useful.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Why We Should Stop Talking About 'Bus Stigma'
Obsessing over trying to serve different economic classes on mass transit misses the point.
www.bloomberg.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
This is a very smart piece, really good food for thought.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
For First Time in Decades, Child Deaths Will Rise This Year
www.wsj.com/health/for-f...
www.wsj.com/health/for-f...
For First Time in Decades, Child Deaths Will Rise This Year
Almost a quarter of a million more children around the world are projected to die in 2025 than in 2024.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:20 PM
For First Time in Decades, Child Deaths Will Rise This Year
www.wsj.com/health/for-f...
www.wsj.com/health/for-f...
Reposted by Brennan Barber
I know we could spend eternity conjuring up "should have been the end of it" moments, but fuck do I wish we hadn't memory-holed so quickly the months this fascist buffoon & his VP wannabe spent spinning the most racist & ludicrous fantasies imaginable about Haitian Americans in Ohio.
Trump, continued: "What the Somalian people have done to Minnesota is not even believable. It’s not even believable. And a lot of it starts with the governor. A lot of it starts with Barack HUSSEIN Obama, because that’s when people started coming in... They want to kiss our country good night."
December 3, 2025 at 9:52 PM
I know we could spend eternity conjuring up "should have been the end of it" moments, but fuck do I wish we hadn't memory-holed so quickly the months this fascist buffoon & his VP wannabe spent spinning the most racist & ludicrous fantasies imaginable about Haitian Americans in Ohio.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
What’s depressing isn’t the higher levels of federal expenditures & DOGE’s failure—it’s that the feds replaced expenditures on foreign assistance, research & the environment with spending on ICE personnel & national guard deployments.
Meanwhile, the rich got tax cuts so the deficit worsened.
Meanwhile, the rich got tax cuts so the deficit worsened.
November 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
What’s depressing isn’t the higher levels of federal expenditures & DOGE’s failure—it’s that the feds replaced expenditures on foreign assistance, research & the environment with spending on ICE personnel & national guard deployments.
Meanwhile, the rich got tax cuts so the deficit worsened.
Meanwhile, the rich got tax cuts so the deficit worsened.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
DDOT continues to publish before/after analyses of safety projects. The numbers for the 9th street NW bike lanes suggest that we should be doing these projects everywhere we can. Crashes plummeted, pedestrian and bike traffic skyrocketed, and vehicle travel times dropped.
December 2, 2025 at 2:39 PM
DDOT continues to publish before/after analyses of safety projects. The numbers for the 9th street NW bike lanes suggest that we should be doing these projects everywhere we can. Crashes plummeted, pedestrian and bike traffic skyrocketed, and vehicle travel times dropped.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
US public transit advocates: Don't just envy Europe. Start by envying Canada.
Great piece on Montreal's remarkably cheap new rapid transit system.
macleans.ca/society/mont...
Great piece on Montreal's remarkably cheap new rapid transit system.
macleans.ca/society/mont...
Montreal's New Rail Line Is the Future - Macleans.ca
Canada has forgotten how to build fast, cheap transit. A new megaproject has the fix.
macleans.ca
November 30, 2025 at 9:02 PM
US public transit advocates: Don't just envy Europe. Start by envying Canada.
Great piece on Montreal's remarkably cheap new rapid transit system.
macleans.ca/society/mont...
Great piece on Montreal's remarkably cheap new rapid transit system.
macleans.ca/society/mont...
Reposted by Brennan Barber
Lower-income people are less likely to vote than higher-income people, across racial groups - and that gap has been growing.
That’s a real problem for the future of US democracy.
It’s not apathy or ignorance - for many, it’s a sense that politics is not for or about them.
In a report out in Jan +
That’s a real problem for the future of US democracy.
It’s not apathy or ignorance - for many, it’s a sense that politics is not for or about them.
In a report out in Jan +
December 1, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Lower-income people are less likely to vote than higher-income people, across racial groups - and that gap has been growing.
That’s a real problem for the future of US democracy.
It’s not apathy or ignorance - for many, it’s a sense that politics is not for or about them.
In a report out in Jan +
That’s a real problem for the future of US democracy.
It’s not apathy or ignorance - for many, it’s a sense that politics is not for or about them.
In a report out in Jan +
Reposted by Brennan Barber
I thought I mentally prepared myself for how bad this was gonna be, and then the next post in the thread bodyslammed me.
I don't think I've ever talked on Bluesky about why I hate the Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl.
Don't read any further unless you're prepared for uncomfortable truths about the "Nicest Guy in Rock", and his very substantial body count & subsequent cover-up.
Don't read any further unless you're prepared for uncomfortable truths about the "Nicest Guy in Rock", and his very substantial body count & subsequent cover-up.
December 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I thought I mentally prepared myself for how bad this was gonna be, and then the next post in the thread bodyslammed me.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
That the richest man in the world is determined to jam fascist misinformation into mainstream discourse is an emergency. I don't know how else we can talk about it.
www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-mu...
www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-mu...
November 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
That the richest man in the world is determined to jam fascist misinformation into mainstream discourse is an emergency. I don't know how else we can talk about it.
www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-mu...
www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-mu...
Reposted by Brennan Barber
It is not the end of history, but it also isn't the end of politics:
The key here is that SSDI recipients are a sympathetic group, and a picture was painted for the Commissioner: disabled people dying in the streets, but as they're doing it, they'll be telling everyone about *you*
The key here is that SSDI recipients are a sympathetic group, and a picture was painted for the Commissioner: disabled people dying in the streets, but as they're doing it, they'll be telling everyone about *you*
The Trump Administration is abandoning plans for the biggest-ever cut to Social Security Disability Insurance, which would have hit older workers hardest.
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
The rule would have devastated up to 1.5 million workers' financial stability, retirement security & access to health care.
wapo.st/4o48J24
Social Security scraps plan to limit disability benefits after uproar
The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider.
wapo.st
November 19, 2025 at 10:36 PM
It is not the end of history, but it also isn't the end of politics:
The key here is that SSDI recipients are a sympathetic group, and a picture was painted for the Commissioner: disabled people dying in the streets, but as they're doing it, they'll be telling everyone about *you*
The key here is that SSDI recipients are a sympathetic group, and a picture was painted for the Commissioner: disabled people dying in the streets, but as they're doing it, they'll be telling everyone about *you*
Reposted by Brennan Barber
Pretty much all affordability discourse could benefit from just posting this chart.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Pretty much all affordability discourse could benefit from just posting this chart.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
If you're in the better off America, all the luxury goods you want in excess are for the most part much cheaper. If you're in the poorer America, most of the shit you need to live/grow is more expensive.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
worth applying to politics as well. when you're criticizing an action people take "taking the better action next time" is only one of the alternatives people will consider, and worth remembering that "not bothering at all" is another.
October 26, 2025 at 12:55 PM
worth applying to politics as well. when you're criticizing an action people take "taking the better action next time" is only one of the alternatives people will consider, and worth remembering that "not bothering at all" is another.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
MAHA!
SCOOP: CDC officials on Monday linked for the first time the measles outbreak that began in Texas with another in Utah and Arizona, a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
(Gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
C.D.C. Links Measles Outbreaks in Multiple States for the First Time
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
MAHA!
what perfect album came out the year you turned 16
November 17, 2025 at 8:57 PM
what perfect album came out the year you turned 16
Reposted by Brennan Barber
Can you imagine escaping from the Nazis only to find yourself shackled by Trump’s stormtroopers?
79-year-old Paul Bojerski was born to Polish parents in a WWII German refugee camp. His family legally emigrated to the U.S. when he was 5.
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
Sanford grandfather, born in refugee camp, nabbed by ICE after 70 years in U.S.
Paul Bojerski never gained official residency, but he checked in regularly with ICE for years. Then in July, at age 79, he was detained and sent to Alligator Alcatraz.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Can you imagine escaping from the Nazis only to find yourself shackled by Trump’s stormtroopers?
Reposted by Brennan Barber
“whatever club he’s invited to join has been devalued by the invitation”
November 11, 2025 at 3:05 AM
“whatever club he’s invited to join has been devalued by the invitation”
don’t forget married an heiress!
Bari Weiss, a woman who grew up rich, doesn't like unions and crosses picket lines. What else is new paydayreport.com/bari-weiss-c...
Bari Weiss Crosses Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Picket Line
This week, Bari Weiss, the controversial new right-wing head of CBS News, crossed the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette picket line to participate in a front-page puff piece that painted her as a scrappy “Pitts...
paydayreport.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
don’t forget married an heiress!
Reposted by Brennan Barber
"When I picked up my granddaughter from the federal agents, she had a dirty diaper, a bruise on her face, and was developing a rash. She was exhausted and cried… My heart aches knowing this could happen to others, to my kids, or even me, despite being U.S. citizens.”
November 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
"When I picked up my granddaughter from the federal agents, she had a dirty diaper, a bruise on her face, and was developing a rash. She was exhausted and cried… My heart aches knowing this could happen to others, to my kids, or even me, despite being U.S. citizens.”
Reposted by Brennan Barber
Kinda similar energy
November 6, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Kinda similar energy
Reposted by Brennan Barber
The Trump administration moved on Friday to deny swift and full food stamp payments to millions of low-income Americans, as it asked a federal appeals court to halt a judge’s recent order that would preserve those benefits during the shutdown.
Trump Administration Seeks Immediate Halt to Court Order to Pay Food Stamps
The appeal comes one day after a judge sharply attacked the White House for politicizing the anti-hunger program
nyti.ms
November 7, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The Trump administration moved on Friday to deny swift and full food stamp payments to millions of low-income Americans, as it asked a federal appeals court to halt a judge’s recent order that would preserve those benefits during the shutdown.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
That header is something else.
November 7, 2025 at 1:05 PM
That header is something else.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
Whenever secret police kidnap and disappear people, atrocities are happening behind the scenes.
Her husband told her that detainees at Broadview had to get up at 5am to get in line for one bathroom. He often peed himself. One time he had to wait until 2pm to use the bathroom. You could only use the bathroom once a day. He said the agents would beat you if you used the bathroom on yourself.
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Whenever secret police kidnap and disappear people, atrocities are happening behind the scenes.
Reposted by Brennan Barber
While US venture capitalists were buying monkey jpegs, and DOGE coins, and figuring out how to get Black women fired, and tweeting about white birthrates, and trying to mandate which bathroom trans kids should use, China was making progress on climate change and taking the lead in a real industry.
China has made cheap, clean energy available in huge quantities. The world should take the win econ.st/4oqFszB
Photo: Eyevine
Photo: Eyevine
November 7, 2025 at 11:22 AM
While US venture capitalists were buying monkey jpegs, and DOGE coins, and figuring out how to get Black women fired, and tweeting about white birthrates, and trying to mandate which bathroom trans kids should use, China was making progress on climate change and taking the lead in a real industry.
This is absolutely horrific.
It also puts the Trump Administration’s death toll in the range of the Bush’s based on the Iraq War. Just stunning.
It also puts the Trump Administration’s death toll in the range of the Bush’s based on the Iraq War. Just stunning.
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 1:07 PM
This is absolutely horrific.
It also puts the Trump Administration’s death toll in the range of the Bush’s based on the Iraq War. Just stunning.
It also puts the Trump Administration’s death toll in the range of the Bush’s based on the Iraq War. Just stunning.