Michelle Boorstein
@michelleboorstein.bsky.social
curious religion reporter. cockapoo-obsessed. I have questions.
Vouchers/school choice is the #1 goal of many religious conservative advocates. This may be the deepest profile of the billionaire behind the cause, Jeff Yass. By @laurameckler.bsky.social @bethreinhard.bsky.social @ence.bsky.social of The @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Meet the billionaire pushing taxpayer-funded school vouchers
How one of the richest people on the planet presses his pet issue: school choice
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Vouchers/school choice is the #1 goal of many religious conservative advocates. This may be the deepest profile of the billionaire behind the cause, Jeff Yass. By @laurameckler.bsky.social @bethreinhard.bsky.social @ence.bsky.social of The @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Opinion: Are the jokes the White House and its allies make about killing shipwrecked men like the savagery of ancient gladiator games?
"It’s worth considering what President Trump and his administration are doing to the soul of the nation"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
"It’s worth considering what President Trump and his administration are doing to the soul of the nation"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
Opinion | What Trump Is Really Doing With His Boat Strikes
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Opinion: Are the jokes the White House and its allies make about killing shipwrecked men like the savagery of ancient gladiator games?
"It’s worth considering what President Trump and his administration are doing to the soul of the nation"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
"It’s worth considering what President Trump and his administration are doing to the soul of the nation"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/o...
Woah, Lilly is giving $649 MILLION to try and rejuvenate theological education in the US -- which has been collapsing. Grants seem to be going mostly to Catholic and mainline schools, with some evangelical ones too philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/lilly-e...
Lilly Endowment awards $649 million to Christian seminaries, groups
Lilly Endowment awards $649 million to Christian seminaries, groups. The Indianapolis-based endowment awarded $416.1 million to 45 theological schools in the United States and Canada to boost the ordi...
philanthropynewsdigest.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Woah, Lilly is giving $649 MILLION to try and rejuvenate theological education in the US -- which has been collapsing. Grants seem to be going mostly to Catholic and mainline schools, with some evangelical ones too philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/lilly-e...
The examples on the White House's new "media bias" site "is too silly to be worthy of extensive scrutiny. But here are some absurd examples of what earned the White House’s ire"
Prominent longtime factchecker @GlennKesslerWP on journalism under attack
glennkessler.substack.com/p/the-white-...
Prominent longtime factchecker @GlennKesslerWP on journalism under attack
glennkessler.substack.com/p/the-white-...
The White House’s New War on Journalism
A name-and-shame website, faux “fact checks,” and pressure campaigns show how far Trump officials will go to delegitimize balanced reporting.
glennkessler.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:54 PM
The examples on the White House's new "media bias" site "is too silly to be worthy of extensive scrutiny. But here are some absurd examples of what earned the White House’s ire"
Prominent longtime factchecker @GlennKesslerWP on journalism under attack
glennkessler.substack.com/p/the-white-...
Prominent longtime factchecker @GlennKesslerWP on journalism under attack
glennkessler.substack.com/p/the-white-...
Three Jewish liaisons to the White House say "obscene" ideas are being wrongly attributed to Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz.
www.jta.org/2025/12/02/i...
www.jta.org/2025/12/02/i...
In defense of the Sarah Hurwitz we know — and the nuance we all need in this moment - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Three former White House liaisons to the American Jewish community decry online attacks over remarks their friend and former colleague made about the Holocaust and antisemitism.
www.jta.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Three Jewish liaisons to the White House say "obscene" ideas are being wrongly attributed to Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz.
www.jta.org/2025/12/02/i...
www.jta.org/2025/12/02/i...
1,000 US evangelical pastors are in Israel this week on an Israel-backed tour to show support. It's being billed as the biggest trip of US Christian leaders ever, and reflects some evangelical leaders' concern that support for/focus on Israel is waning in their community 1/3
December 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
1,000 US evangelical pastors are in Israel this week on an Israel-backed tour to show support. It's being billed as the biggest trip of US Christian leaders ever, and reflects some evangelical leaders' concern that support for/focus on Israel is waning in their community 1/3
Reposted by Michelle Boorstein
The Defense Department under Pete Hegseth has been co-opted into President Trump's norm-shattering bid to exploit what are supposed to be the nonpartisan tools of government to crush political foes.
Hegseth conscripts the Pentagon for Trump’s ‘retribution campaign’
In threatening to deploy the military justice system against Democrats, Hegseth has joined Trump’s norm-shattering bid to punish political foes.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The Defense Department under Pete Hegseth has been co-opted into President Trump's norm-shattering bid to exploit what are supposed to be the nonpartisan tools of government to crush political foes.
Reposted by Michelle Boorstein
This is a lot of words to say, “Yikes! That Washington Post story about us illegally killing survivors on the open seas was 100% correct!”
November 29, 2025 at 12:46 AM
This is a lot of words to say, “Yikes! That Washington Post story about us illegally killing survivors on the open seas was 100% correct!”
In major shift, Mormon Church lowers mission age for women to 18.
Experts say the change will impact education, marriage, child-rearing trends in the LDS Church
www.washingtonpost.com/religion/202...
Experts say the change will impact education, marriage, child-rearing trends in the LDS Church
www.washingtonpost.com/religion/202...
In major shift, Mormon Church lowers mission age for women to 18
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said women who are 18 years old can now participate in its mission work worldwide, a shift 15 years coming.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In major shift, Mormon Church lowers mission age for women to 18.
Experts say the change will impact education, marriage, child-rearing trends in the LDS Church
www.washingtonpost.com/religion/202...
Experts say the change will impact education, marriage, child-rearing trends in the LDS Church
www.washingtonpost.com/religion/202...
“We live in a tough time” - women cheering for students, federal workers, anyone just randomly exiting subway in DC this morn
November 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
“We live in a tough time” - women cheering for students, federal workers, anyone just randomly exiting subway in DC this morn
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
NEW PROJECT: The rate of homicides has plummeted nationwide and, in 2025, is trending toward its lowest level in decades. @washingtonpost.com reporters take you to five cities that help explain why
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/inter...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/inter...
These five cities help explain why homicide rates are down across the U.S.
Homicides are down nearly 20 percent this year in 52 of America’s largest cities, a decline that spans both red states and blue states.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:56 PM
NEW PROJECT: The rate of homicides has plummeted nationwide and, in 2025, is trending toward its lowest level in decades. @washingtonpost.com reporters take you to five cities that help explain why
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/inter...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/inter...
Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince MBS over the killing of Washington Post columnist, saying “things happen.” Gives chummy welcome to man who approved the dismemberment of a journalist.
"You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that."
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
"You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that."
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia was branded a pariah in 2018 after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Now, U.S.-Saudi relations are approaching a high point.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince MBS over the killing of Washington Post columnist, saying “things happen.” Gives chummy welcome to man who approved the dismemberment of a journalist.
"You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that."
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
"You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that."
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
"Anger destroys you..division destroys us. We must find what brings us together" -- Avinatan Or, one of the last Israeli hostages freed, speaking to major N American Jewish conference @jfederations.bsky.social
He said he focused on three things:
_ This too shall pass
_ Patience
_ Let it be
He said he focused on three things:
_ This too shall pass
_ Patience
_ Let it be
November 16, 2025 at 10:19 PM
"Anger destroys you..division destroys us. We must find what brings us together" -- Avinatan Or, one of the last Israeli hostages freed, speaking to major N American Jewish conference @jfederations.bsky.social
He said he focused on three things:
_ This too shall pass
_ Patience
_ Let it be
He said he focused on three things:
_ This too shall pass
_ Patience
_ Let it be
The US Catholic bishops spoke out against Trump's immigration crackdown -- without naming him. Longtime church expert @thomasreesesj.bsky.social lays out theories of why
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/c...
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/c...
Catholic bishops decry treatment of migrants without mentioning Trump
(RNS) — The bishops sent words of solidarity and comfort to the migrants without condemning those responsible for rounding them up and deporting them.
religionnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The US Catholic bishops spoke out against Trump's immigration crackdown -- without naming him. Longtime church expert @thomasreesesj.bsky.social lays out theories of why
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/c...
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/c...
Reposted by Michelle Boorstein
"The viral success of the TikTok campaign, he said, reflects how for many, trying to reconcile different interpretations of Christianity — one more about managing behavior and the other more about service — hits at an emotional nerve."
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity.
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity
An influencer’s test of churches went viral, rewarding the generous and shaming the stingy
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:46 PM
"The viral success of the TikTok campaign, he said, reflects how for many, trying to reconcile different interpretations of Christianity — one more about managing behavior and the other more about service — hits at an emotional nerve."
Reposted by Michelle Boorstein
NEW: With SNAP benefits paused, one TikToker started calling churches and asking if they'd help with a can of baby formula.
Most said no. Then their responses went viral.
from me and @michelleboorstein.bsky.social
wapo.st/4oJywOk
Most said no. Then their responses went viral.
from me and @michelleboorstein.bsky.social
wapo.st/4oJywOk
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity
An influencer’s test of churches went viral, rewarding the generous and shaming the stingy.
wapo.st
November 13, 2025 at 6:53 PM
NEW: With SNAP benefits paused, one TikToker started calling churches and asking if they'd help with a can of baby formula.
Most said no. Then their responses went viral.
from me and @michelleboorstein.bsky.social
wapo.st/4oJywOk
Most said no. Then their responses went viral.
from me and @michelleboorstein.bsky.social
wapo.st/4oJywOk
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity.
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity
An influencer’s test of churches went viral, rewarding the generous and shaming the stingy
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:41 PM
This pastor fell for a TikTok stunt and sparked a debate on Christian charity.
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Fascinating reporting with me and @tatumhunter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
MORE: There have been many individual Catholic bishop statements about immigration enforcement but no one collective statement/vote. Today the bishops will vote on a rare "special message" on the topic -- it needs 2/3 to pass and the draft is not public. Watch here for updates
NEW: US Catholic bishops just took their first step since Trump returned to act collectively in support of immigrants. The new program “You Are Not Alone" lays out ways for Catholics across the country to provide direct aid & solidarity to immigrants.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
Catholic bishops launch new program in defense of migrants
At their first business meeting since the Trump administration crackdown began, church leaders resolved to combat the fear they detect among their adherents.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:26 PM
MORE: There have been many individual Catholic bishop statements about immigration enforcement but no one collective statement/vote. Today the bishops will vote on a rare "special message" on the topic -- it needs 2/3 to pass and the draft is not public. Watch here for updates
NEW: US Catholic bishops just took their first step since Trump returned to act collectively in support of immigrants. The new program “You Are Not Alone" lays out ways for Catholics across the country to provide direct aid & solidarity to immigrants.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
Catholic bishops launch new program in defense of migrants
At their first business meeting since the Trump administration crackdown began, church leaders resolved to combat the fear they detect among their adherents.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NEW: US Catholic bishops just took their first step since Trump returned to act collectively in support of immigrants. The new program “You Are Not Alone" lays out ways for Catholics across the country to provide direct aid & solidarity to immigrants.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
For an organization that spent millions over decades on a single issue, the response to real terror in our streets and government-driven deprivation of basic needs has been embarrassingly inadequate.
What does it mean to be a US Catholic today?
www.ncronline.org/opinion/edit...
What does it mean to be a US Catholic today?
www.ncronline.org/opinion/edit...
What is American Catholicism in this moment of political crisis?
U.S. bishops have spent untold millions to influence national politics on abortion, but their response to real terror in our streets and government-driven deprivation of basic needs has been embarrass...
www.ncronline.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:12 AM
For an organization that spent millions over decades on a single issue, the response to real terror in our streets and government-driven deprivation of basic needs has been embarrassingly inadequate.
What does it mean to be a US Catholic today?
www.ncronline.org/opinion/edit...
What does it mean to be a US Catholic today?
www.ncronline.org/opinion/edit...
The Washington Post Got 21,000 Emails After It Didn’t Endorse. I Read Them All.
Reading and editing letters gave me a theory about what is wrong with America — and how it could be fixed.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
Reading and editing letters gave me a theory about what is wrong with America — and how it could be fixed.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
The Washington Post Got 21,000 Emails After It Didn't Endorse. I Read Them All.
Reading and editing letters gave me a theory about what is wrong with America — and how it could be fixed.
www.notus.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The Washington Post Got 21,000 Emails After It Didn’t Endorse. I Read Them All.
Reading and editing letters gave me a theory about what is wrong with America — and how it could be fixed.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
Reading and editing letters gave me a theory about what is wrong with America — and how it could be fixed.
www.notus.org/perspectives...
Traditional media never took the Christian Right seriously, argues longtime investigative religion reporter Sarah Posner
Trump has been propelled to power by a radical religious movement that is a minority in America
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/tradi...
Trump has been propelled to power by a radical religious movement that is a minority in America
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/tradi...
Traditional Media Never Took the Christian Right Seriously
Back in the early 2000s, when we were outraged by the excesses...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Traditional media never took the Christian Right seriously, argues longtime investigative religion reporter Sarah Posner
Trump has been propelled to power by a radical religious movement that is a minority in America
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/tradi...
Trump has been propelled to power by a radical religious movement that is a minority in America
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/tradi...
EXCLUSIVE: The secretive donor circle that lifted Vance is now re-writing MAGA’s future:
Chris Buskirk put tech elites at the power center of Trump’s DC. His efforts are grounded in the belief that an “aristocracy” is needed to move the country forward.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Chris Buskirk put tech elites at the power center of Trump’s DC. His efforts are grounded in the belief that an “aristocracy” is needed to move the country forward.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
The secretive donor circle that lifted JD Vance is now re-writing MAGA’s future
Chris Buskirk put tech elites in power in Trump’s Washington. His efforts are grounded in a controversial theory — an ‘aristocracy’ is needed to move the country forward.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
EXCLUSIVE: The secretive donor circle that lifted Vance is now re-writing MAGA’s future:
Chris Buskirk put tech elites at the power center of Trump’s DC. His efforts are grounded in the belief that an “aristocracy” is needed to move the country forward.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Chris Buskirk put tech elites at the power center of Trump’s DC. His efforts are grounded in the belief that an “aristocracy” is needed to move the country forward.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
NEW POLL: Majorities of Americans say Trump is not committed to protecting freedom of speech, ensuring a fair criminal justice system or preserving free and fair elections.
They rank Democrats higher than Trump on protecting the freedom of religion
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
They rank Democrats higher than Trump on protecting the freedom of religion
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Poll finds most Americans doubt Trump’s commitment to free speech, fair justice
The American people also don’t seem to know quite what to make of the criminal cases against two of Trump’s perceived opponents.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
NEW POLL: Majorities of Americans say Trump is not committed to protecting freedom of speech, ensuring a fair criminal justice system or preserving free and fair elections.
They rank Democrats higher than Trump on protecting the freedom of religion
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
They rank Democrats higher than Trump on protecting the freedom of religion
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...