Allison Torres Burtka
@allisonburtka.bsky.social
Freelance writer and editor in metro Detroit. Words in National Geographic, The Guardian, Outside, Parents, Audubon, Harvard Public Health, WebMD & more.
writing portfolio: https://atburtka.journoportfolio.com/
writing portfolio: https://atburtka.journoportfolio.com/
If only there were *something* Target could do differently!
This article doesn't acknowledge that the company's sudden abandonment of DEI (and then doubling down on it every time they had an opportunity to reconsider) is the main reason people are staying away.
This article doesn't acknowledge that the company's sudden abandonment of DEI (and then doubling down on it every time they had an opportunity to reconsider) is the main reason people are staying away.
Target investors brace for market share drop, weak sales due to US shutdown reut.rs/44hsnk2
Target investors brace for market share drop, weak sales due to US shutdown
Target's third‑quarter results on Wednesday are expected to lay bare the retailer’s struggles amid mounting economic uncertainty, and as cash-strapped Americans slashed discretionary spending during the prolonged government shutdown.
reut.rs
November 19, 2025 at 1:53 PM
If only there were *something* Target could do differently!
This article doesn't acknowledge that the company's sudden abandonment of DEI (and then doubling down on it every time they had an opportunity to reconsider) is the main reason people are staying away.
This article doesn't acknowledge that the company's sudden abandonment of DEI (and then doubling down on it every time they had an opportunity to reconsider) is the main reason people are staying away.
Reposted by Allison Torres Burtka
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
This is perfect.
She did it all for love
November 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
This is perfect.
Reposted by Allison Torres Burtka
This is what's wrong with journalism, the NYT, politicians, health care--all of it.
Do I want to read about this journalist's infatuation with this imbecile who's bringing back preventable diseases? I sure don't. Reading just part of this breathless article is more than enough.
Do I want to read about this journalist's infatuation with this imbecile who's bringing back preventable diseases? I sure don't. Reading just part of this breathless article is more than enough.
November 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
This is what's wrong with journalism, the NYT, politicians, health care--all of it.
Do I want to read about this journalist's infatuation with this imbecile who's bringing back preventable diseases? I sure don't. Reading just part of this breathless article is more than enough.
Do I want to read about this journalist's infatuation with this imbecile who's bringing back preventable diseases? I sure don't. Reading just part of this breathless article is more than enough.
Color me unsurprised that these rich white people abusing their power are also vicious racists.
Maybe Epstein donated to democrats in the past or was registered as a Dem, but he was awfully excited about DT’s presidency and had no problem enjoying the most vile racist jokes made about Obama.
Also having reviewed hundreds of emails, it’s wild how often DT is mentioned. The Trumpstein Files.
Also having reviewed hundreds of emails, it’s wild how often DT is mentioned. The Trumpstein Files.
November 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Color me unsurprised that these rich white people abusing their power are also vicious racists.
This is the true story of millions of Americans forced to find out what happens when this reality TV star stops being polite and starts getting real.
Sean Duffy threatens "action" against air traffic controllers who didn't come to work during the shutdown: "I'm concerned about their patriotism."
November 11, 2025 at 10:02 PM
This is the true story of millions of Americans forced to find out what happens when this reality TV star stops being polite and starts getting real.
Right--a skincare routine is just what every 3 year old needs! Toddlers really need to take their beauty regimens more seriously.
The brand launched over the weekend with a line of face masks for children, though social media commenters have accused the company of exposing kids to unnecessary skin products.
The Controversy Over New Skincare Brand Rini Marketing Products To Children, Explained
The brand launched over the weekend with a line of face masks for children, though social media commenters have accused the company of exposing kids to unnecessary skin products.
www.forbes.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Right--a skincare routine is just what every 3 year old needs! Toddlers really need to take their beauty regimens more seriously.
Veterans are among the people ICE is terrorizing. Veterans are among the people who depend on SNAP benefits. Veterans are among the people who need affordable health care.
This administration is attacking the people who put their lives on the line for this country.
This administration is attacking the people who put their lives on the line for this country.
This Veterans Day, I’m thinking of the millions of Americans who have served in uniform — and how our government is failing them right now.
Words aren’t enough, we need actions. Fund the VA. Fund mental healthcare. And end endless wars.
Words aren’t enough, we need actions. Fund the VA. Fund mental healthcare. And end endless wars.
November 11, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Veterans are among the people ICE is terrorizing. Veterans are among the people who depend on SNAP benefits. Veterans are among the people who need affordable health care.
This administration is attacking the people who put their lives on the line for this country.
This administration is attacking the people who put their lives on the line for this country.
I'm happy to see that this @jama.com report includes both direct measures, like stronger licensing laws, and indirect ones, like cleaning and greening urban blight.
Research has shown that "greening" vacant lots can reduce gun violence: www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/...
Research has shown that "greening" vacant lots can reduce gun violence: www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/...
November 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
I'm happy to see that this @jama.com report includes both direct measures, like stronger licensing laws, and indirect ones, like cleaning and greening urban blight.
Research has shown that "greening" vacant lots can reduce gun violence: www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/...
Research has shown that "greening" vacant lots can reduce gun violence: www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/...
Another example of an abortion ban making doctors stay away is Tennessee.
There, the number of applicants for OB-GYN residency spots in 2024 decreased 20.9 percent from the previous year. For other medical specialties, it decreased 12.7 percent.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
There, the number of applicants for OB-GYN residency spots in 2024 decreased 20.9 percent from the previous year. For other medical specialties, it decreased 12.7 percent.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
November 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Another example of an abortion ban making doctors stay away is Tennessee.
There, the number of applicants for OB-GYN residency spots in 2024 decreased 20.9 percent from the previous year. For other medical specialties, it decreased 12.7 percent.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
There, the number of applicants for OB-GYN residency spots in 2024 decreased 20.9 percent from the previous year. For other medical specialties, it decreased 12.7 percent.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
Jurors Serve Up Justice
A sandwich, Shroff said, cannot be a weapon hurled with force anywhere near enough to justify federal charges, and a bulletproof vest, she said, “is definitely going to keep you safe from a sandwich thrown at you.”
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Jury chews over fate of 'sandwich guy,' who became a D.C. hero after chucking a sub at a federal officer
Defense attorney Sabrina Shroff told the jury that "a footlong from Subway could not and certainly did not inflict bodily harm."
www.nbcnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Jurors Serve Up Justice
Reposted by Allison Torres Burtka
November 5, 2025 at 11:09 PM
I wrote this because abortion bans are harming health care in widespread ways, and this research shows how these bans are getting in the way of pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Patients are dying because of these bans.
Patients are dying because of these bans.
Excellent reporting from @rewirenewsgroup.com on the impacts of abortion bans across medicine, including covering our research examining the effects in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
Abortion Bans Can Hinder Life-Saving Care for Pregnant Patients with Lung Disease or Medical Crises—Study
Pulmonologists, critical care doctors, even rheumatologists are struggling to adequately treat pregnant patients in states that restrict reproductive rights, new research reveals.
rewirenewsgroup.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
I wrote this because abortion bans are harming health care in widespread ways, and this research shows how these bans are getting in the way of pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Patients are dying because of these bans.
Patients are dying because of these bans.
Abortion bans are worsening health care across the board, not just pregnancy and abortion care. They're preventing doctors from providing the standard of care and making them avoid states with bans--which will exacerbate existing problems with access to care.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
Abortion Bans Can Hinder Life-Saving Care for Pregnant Patients with Lung Disease or Medical Crises—Study
Pulmonologists, critical care doctors, even rheumatologists are struggling to adequately treat pregnant patients in states that restrict reproductive rights, new research reveals.
rewirenewsgroup.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Abortion bans are worsening health care across the board, not just pregnancy and abortion care. They're preventing doctors from providing the standard of care and making them avoid states with bans--which will exacerbate existing problems with access to care.
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
rewirenewsgroup.com/2025/10/31/a...
They are trying to deport a CHILD who's been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Endangering a vulnerable child on purpose.
BREAKING: ICE unlawfully arrested E.J.C.C., a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler with protective SIJ status. ICE agents illegally detained him when he appeared for a mandatory, routine check in. Now, ICE is attempting to deport him to dangerous conditions in Ecuador.
We are filing for his release.
We are filing for his release.
October 24, 2025 at 9:52 PM
They are trying to deport a CHILD who's been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Endangering a vulnerable child on purpose.
As a freelance writer, I interview experts a lot. Today's the first day someone declined because they're an immigrant and they're afraid of having their name in an article that's critical of a government initiative. This is a professor. He loves living here and wants to be able to stay, he said.
October 24, 2025 at 9:47 PM
As a freelance writer, I interview experts a lot. Today's the first day someone declined because they're an immigrant and they're afraid of having their name in an article that's critical of a government initiative. This is a professor. He loves living here and wants to be able to stay, he said.
How are these kids--and their parents--ever going to get over this trauma?
Educators and advocates say a growing number of schools are stepping in to support students who have had one or both parents detained by ICE.
How NYC schools become lifelines for children after ICE arrests their parents
Educators and advocates say a growing number of schools are stepping in to support students who have had one or both parents detained by ICE.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
How are these kids--and their parents--ever going to get over this trauma?
Reposted by Allison Torres Burtka
This list is full of major companies like Apple and Microsoft. Other than retreating to the wilderness and going off the grid, I don't even know how to boycott the scores of corporations that have collaborated with this regime.
www.cnn.com/2025/10/23/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/10/23/p...
White House releases list of donors for Trump’s multi-million-dollar ballroom | CNN Politics
Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Google, Coinbase, Comcast and Meta are just some of the major companies who have made donations to build President Donald Trump’s proposed 90,000-square-foot...
www.cnn.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This list is full of major companies like Apple and Microsoft. Other than retreating to the wilderness and going off the grid, I don't even know how to boycott the scores of corporations that have collaborated with this regime.
www.cnn.com/2025/10/23/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/10/23/p...
Even the formerly enthusiastic UT Austin hasn't agreed to it yet.
@uarizona.bsky.social Rejects Compact, Others Leave Options Open
Monday’s deadline to provide feedback on the Trump administration’s proposed deal passed with no signatories and silence from some university leaders invited to join. https://bit.ly/3Wk8cOe
#EDUSky #AcademicSky #HigherEd
Monday’s deadline to provide feedback on the Trump administration’s proposed deal passed with no signatories and silence from some university leaders invited to join. https://bit.ly/3Wk8cOe
#EDUSky #AcademicSky #HigherEd
October 21, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Even the formerly enthusiastic UT Austin hasn't agreed to it yet.
This includes 20 children.
Americans have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by immigration agents.
They’ve had their necks kneeled on.
They’ve been held outside in the rain while in their underwear.
At least three citizens were pregnant when agents detained them.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social
They’ve had their necks kneeled on.
They’ve been held outside in the rain while in their underwear.
At least three citizens were pregnant when agents detained them.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
www.propublica.org
October 20, 2025 at 12:35 PM
This includes 20 children.
Reposted by Allison Torres Burtka
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist
October 19, 2025 at 10:19 PM
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist
That's 6 out of 6 so far! Now that the compact is open to other universities, I'm sure some will sign on, but it matters that 6 (of the 9 initially asked) have taken a stand.
Opening it to others is a little like inviting the whole class to a party after the first few kids you invited said no.
Opening it to others is a little like inviting the whole class to a party after the first few kids you invited said no.
DARTMOUTH OUT!
We are at 6 rejections. Vanderbilt is the only private left standing "considering" the compact along with UT Austin and the University of Arizona.
We are at 6 rejections. Vanderbilt is the only private left standing "considering" the compact along with UT Austin and the University of Arizona.
Dartmouth is OUT! Thank goodness... a friend at U of A and I have been playing "Who will be the last of the 9 standing?" and it's not gonna be us!
October 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
That's 6 out of 6 so far! Now that the compact is open to other universities, I'm sure some will sign on, but it matters that 6 (of the 9 initially asked) have taken a stand.
Opening it to others is a little like inviting the whole class to a party after the first few kids you invited said no.
Opening it to others is a little like inviting the whole class to a party after the first few kids you invited said no.
This gives me hope for the future of journalism.
The Purdue student paper, which owns its own presses, printed the planned print version of Indiana U's paper that that had been censored by the university. Full text of the image in alt text.
#censorship #solidarity #resist #freedomofthepress #printmedia
#censorship #solidarity #resist #freedomofthepress #printmedia
October 19, 2025 at 7:08 PM
This gives me hope for the future of journalism.
That's 5 out of 5! I'd like to see a more forceful rejection from one of these schools, but any rejection will do.
So far, Brown's is the most forceful, and USC's is the most polite and diplomatic.
So far, Brown's is the most forceful, and USC's is the most polite and diplomatic.
M.I.T.
Brown.
Penn.
USC.
Now UVA — “the fifth school to rebuff a White House proposal to give universities preferential treatment if they uphold a set of White House demands.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Brown.
Penn.
USC.
Now UVA — “the fifth school to rebuff a White House proposal to give universities preferential treatment if they uphold a set of White House demands.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
October 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
That's 5 out of 5! I'd like to see a more forceful rejection from one of these schools, but any rejection will do.
So far, Brown's is the most forceful, and USC's is the most polite and diplomatic.
So far, Brown's is the most forceful, and USC's is the most polite and diplomatic.
Here, USC is the most diplomatic friend in your friend group. The one everybody nominates to tell your train wreck friend that she's been treating everybody like shit and things need to change--but without hurting her feelings.
October 16, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Here, USC is the most diplomatic friend in your friend group. The one everybody nominates to tell your train wreck friend that she's been treating everybody like shit and things need to change--but without hurting her feelings.