David Moore
@davidrussellmoore.bsky.social
Money-in-politics newsletter: @Sludge.bsky.social // Get: @flaminghydra.com // https://www.davidrussellmoore.net // Signal: davidrussellmoore.52
Reposted by David Moore
To top off a ridiculous week, I wrote for @flaminghydra.com about the concept of the "fern bar," which it turns out was not just a phrase my mom came up with as an insult. (although, that too) flaminghydra.com/the-fabulous...
The Fabulous Fern Bar
a fiery writer-owned cooperative
flaminghydra.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:29 AM
To top off a ridiculous week, I wrote for @flaminghydra.com about the concept of the "fern bar," which it turns out was not just a phrase my mom came up with as an insult. (although, that too) flaminghydra.com/the-fabulous...
The @democrats-judiciary.house.gov put out a report on Trump companies accumulating billions of dollars in crypto wealth this year. In 2021, House Dems passed the For the People Act, which contained parts of the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act.
But Schumer didn't move to change filibuster...
But Schumer didn't move to change filibuster...
New Report Exposes the Trump Family’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Crypto Empire, Fueled by Self-Dealing and Corrupt Foreign Interests
Washington, D.C. (November 25, 2025)—Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released a new staff report revealing how President Donald Trump and his family have transforme...
democrats-judiciary.house.gov
November 26, 2025 at 1:45 AM
The @democrats-judiciary.house.gov put out a report on Trump companies accumulating billions of dollars in crypto wealth this year. In 2021, House Dems passed the For the People Act, which contained parts of the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act.
But Schumer didn't move to change filibuster...
But Schumer didn't move to change filibuster...
Reposted by David Moore
TODAY: Carrie Frye has some VERY good news about the archives of The Hairpin after a "horrifying zombie afterlife"!!!! flaminghydra.com/women-laughi...
Women Laughing Again On The Internet
Sometime last year the online archives of The Awl—the influential blog that ran from 2009-2018, and former home of many a Flaming Hydra contributor—went out, like a light switching off. Meanwhile, the...
flaminghydra.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:26 AM
TODAY: Carrie Frye has some VERY good news about the archives of The Hairpin after a "horrifying zombie afterlife"!!!! flaminghydra.com/women-laughi...
On @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social , Rep. Jeffries said he receives only a small per-cycle amount from AIPAC's PAC.
FEC data shows: AIPAC PAC earmarked donations have quickly made it his top career donor. AIPAC is the top-contributing PAC to all of Congress.
FEC data shows: AIPAC PAC earmarked donations have quickly made it his top career donor. AIPAC is the top-contributing PAC to all of Congress.
Jeffries Misleads on AIPAC PAC Money
Though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said that AIPAC PAC gives him only the per-cycle maximum, the group has flooded his campaign with more than a million dollars in earmarked donations.
readsludge.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:02 PM
On @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social , Rep. Jeffries said he receives only a small per-cycle amount from AIPAC's PAC.
FEC data shows: AIPAC PAC earmarked donations have quickly made it his top career donor. AIPAC is the top-contributing PAC to all of Congress.
FEC data shows: AIPAC PAC earmarked donations have quickly made it his top career donor. AIPAC is the top-contributing PAC to all of Congress.
Reposted by David Moore
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on WNYC that he receives only $10,000 from AIPAC's PAC, but FEC records show the group has flooded his campaign with more than $1 million in earmarked donations.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
Jeffries Misleads on AIPAC PAC Money
Though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said that AIPAC PAC gives him only the per-cycle maximum, the group has flooded his campaign with more than a million dollars in earmarked donations.
readsludge.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on WNYC that he receives only $10,000 from AIPAC's PAC, but FEC records show the group has flooded his campaign with more than $1 million in earmarked donations.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
Plenty of rumblings about "no bailouts" for the AI industry.
Big Tech is already loaded with $100M + for a super PAC network that aims to do for AI what the crypto industry did last cycle. Its staff even includes a crypto-industry-Fairshake spokesperson, former Schumer press secretary Josh Vlasto.
Big Tech is already loaded with $100M + for a super PAC network that aims to do for AI what the crypto industry did last cycle. Its staff even includes a crypto-industry-Fairshake spokesperson, former Schumer press secretary Josh Vlasto.
AI Industry Picks up Crypto’s Big Money Playbook
A new AI industry group, Leading the Future, has amassed $100 million from heavy hitters like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI with aims to knock off candidates who favor stricter regulation.
readsludge.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Plenty of rumblings about "no bailouts" for the AI industry.
Big Tech is already loaded with $100M + for a super PAC network that aims to do for AI what the crypto industry did last cycle. Its staff even includes a crypto-industry-Fairshake spokesperson, former Schumer press secretary Josh Vlasto.
Big Tech is already loaded with $100M + for a super PAC network that aims to do for AI what the crypto industry did last cycle. Its staff even includes a crypto-industry-Fairshake spokesperson, former Schumer press secretary Josh Vlasto.
Reposted by David Moore
TODAY: @zeets.bsky.social on coming to Tai Chi in a turbulent youth. “I could imagine the person that I wanted to be, and each practice was an opportunity to work towards that person. I would lose, come back and refine myself, and try again.” flaminghydra.com/r/d42f6c21?m...
Freedom flowing
Zito Madu reflects on a turbulent youth
flaminghydra.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
TODAY: @zeets.bsky.social on coming to Tai Chi in a turbulent youth. “I could imagine the person that I wanted to be, and each practice was an opportunity to work towards that person. I would lose, come back and refine myself, and try again.” flaminghydra.com/r/d42f6c21?m...
On @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social, @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social claims that he only accepts $10k in AIPAC PAC donations. He doesn't explain earmarked PAC donations from AIPAC, which have given him $850k this cycle.
Even the public-facing AIPAC portal explains, candidates will see AIPAC's name.
Even the public-facing AIPAC portal explains, candidates will see AIPAC's name.
November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
On @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social, @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social claims that he only accepts $10k in AIPAC PAC donations. He doesn't explain earmarked PAC donations from AIPAC, which have given him $850k this cycle.
Even the public-facing AIPAC portal explains, candidates will see AIPAC's name.
Even the public-facing AIPAC portal explains, candidates will see AIPAC's name.
Reposted by David Moore
The pace at which NYC has turned temporary measures for boosting livable streets into more permanent solutions has been incredibly slow. Mayor Adams didn't fully seize the opportunity to turn paint into protection — but Mayor Mamdani might.
'The Permanence Agenda': Paint and Plastic Won’t Deliver Real Street Safety - Streetsblog New York City
Rather than continuing New York's quick-build approach to redesigning streets with temporary materials, Zohran Mamdani should aim for permanent.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The pace at which NYC has turned temporary measures for boosting livable streets into more permanent solutions has been incredibly slow. Mayor Adams didn't fully seize the opportunity to turn paint into protection — but Mayor Mamdani might.
On the shoreline — by @sirosenbaum.bsky.social
Part 1 (Free, and subscribe!)
flaminghydra.com/issue-444/#t...
Part 1 (Free, and subscribe!)
flaminghydra.com/issue-444/#t...
On the shoreline
S.I. Rosenbaum debuts a new graphic memoir of devastation and love
flaminghydra.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
On the shoreline — by @sirosenbaum.bsky.social
Part 1 (Free, and subscribe!)
flaminghydra.com/issue-444/#t...
Part 1 (Free, and subscribe!)
flaminghydra.com/issue-444/#t...
People are upset about Trump corruption!
In 2021, Dems introduced the sweeping For the People Act, which included parts of Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, forcing the president to divest financial assets.
Options existed to vote on it, like a return to a "talking filibuster," but no dice.
In 2021, Dems introduced the sweeping For the People Act, which included parts of Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, forcing the president to divest financial assets.
Options existed to vote on it, like a return to a "talking filibuster," but no dice.
Restoring the Senate: Key Facts as the Senate Considers Rules Reform
History demonstrates that there is ample precedent to changing the rules around the filibuster to allow the chamber to function as the Founders intended.
www.brennancenter.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:14 PM
People are upset about Trump corruption!
In 2021, Dems introduced the sweeping For the People Act, which included parts of Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, forcing the president to divest financial assets.
Options existed to vote on it, like a return to a "talking filibuster," but no dice.
In 2021, Dems introduced the sweeping For the People Act, which included parts of Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, forcing the president to divest financial assets.
Options existed to vote on it, like a return to a "talking filibuster," but no dice.
People are noting Brazil managed to jail their former president for attempting a coup, while the U.S. has not.
Biden's AG Merrick Garland waited until Nov. 18, 2022 to appoint Jack Smith as special counsel, for two cases starting with low-level suspects.
Trump could have stood trial *before* 2024.
Biden's AG Merrick Garland waited until Nov. 18, 2022 to appoint Jack Smith as special counsel, for two cases starting with low-level suspects.
Trump could have stood trial *before* 2024.
Avoiding Merrick Garland’s Mistakes the Next Time Democrats Hold Power
A new book offers five vital lessons for how Democrats should pursue accountability in the next post-Trump era.
www.politico.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
People are noting Brazil managed to jail their former president for attempting a coup, while the U.S. has not.
Biden's AG Merrick Garland waited until Nov. 18, 2022 to appoint Jack Smith as special counsel, for two cases starting with low-level suspects.
Trump could have stood trial *before* 2024.
Biden's AG Merrick Garland waited until Nov. 18, 2022 to appoint Jack Smith as special counsel, for two cases starting with low-level suspects.
Trump could have stood trial *before* 2024.
Reposted by David Moore
In rural Louisiana, white and Black churches see the company's plan to build North America's biggest AI complex very differently. https://capitalbnews.org/meta-richland-parish-ai-data-center/
Meta’s AI Data Center Sparks a Divide Among the Faithful in the Bible Belt
In rural Louisiana, white and Black churches see the company's plan to build America's biggest AI complex very differently.
capitalbnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM
In rural Louisiana, white and Black churches see the company's plan to build North America's biggest AI complex very differently. https://capitalbnews.org/meta-richland-parish-ai-data-center/
News is dizzying but still pales in comparison to the December 2006 dismissal of seven U.S. attorneys #kylesampson
November 22, 2025 at 3:28 PM
News is dizzying but still pales in comparison to the December 2006 dismissal of seven U.S. attorneys #kylesampson
Reposted by David Moore
did a little report on yesterday’s Starbucks strike action for @moreperfectunion.bsky.social!
www.instagram.com/reel/DRS8QTd...
www.instagram.com/reel/DRS8QTd...
More Perfect Union on Instagram: "Hundreds of Starbucks baristas and labor organizers blockaded Starbucks’ largest distribution center in York, Pennsylvania, halting distribution of syrups, beans, pap...
A group of Starbucks workers have blocked the largest distribution center in the world, disrupting supply chain operations for the entire northeast. The blockade is part of an ongoing labor dispute ov...
www.instagram.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:35 PM
did a little report on yesterday’s Starbucks strike action for @moreperfectunion.bsky.social!
www.instagram.com/reel/DRS8QTd...
www.instagram.com/reel/DRS8QTd...
Reposted by David Moore
Buried in this must-read story about the rise of billionaire power is the ex-chair of the DCCC saying the quiet part out loud: access to $$ was a core factor in their candidate recruitment.
Needless to say: This is not how @runforsomething.net operates!
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Needless to say: This is not how @runforsomething.net operates!
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
November 22, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Buried in this must-read story about the rise of billionaire power is the ex-chair of the DCCC saying the quiet part out loud: access to $$ was a core factor in their candidate recruitment.
Needless to say: This is not how @runforsomething.net operates!
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Needless to say: This is not how @runforsomething.net operates!
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Pity for Hakeem Jeffries. He has to knock every door at Brevoort Senior Center in #NY08 and explain that after his vote denouncing socialism, he'll be removing the socialist features from their Social Security and Medicare benefits. The #BedStuy safety net is about to get a lot less universal.
November 22, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Reposted by David Moore
“The contrasting responses serve as a reminder of car culture’s dominance in the Garden State. An estimated 92,000 drivers entered the congestion zone from New Jersey every day,... That’s less than half the daily ridership on the PATH train.” gothamist.com/news/nj-lead...
NJ leaders who hated on congestion pricing notably silent on PATH fare hikes
The PATH fare is set to rise from $3 to $4 over the next four years.
gothamist.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:02 AM
“The contrasting responses serve as a reminder of car culture’s dominance in the Garden State. An estimated 92,000 drivers entered the congestion zone from New Jersey every day,... That’s less than half the daily ridership on the PATH train.” gothamist.com/news/nj-lead...
Reposted by David Moore
TODAY: @felipedlh.bsky.social tracks a sad trend; “a deep-seated regret, among immigrants, for having come to the United States at all.” flaminghydra.com/r/fc898c29?m... r
Bill of goods / Feline fame
Felipe De La Hoz on immigrants’ regrets; Ace and Jack on Hollywood cats
flaminghydra.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:22 PM
TODAY: @felipedlh.bsky.social tracks a sad trend; “a deep-seated regret, among immigrants, for having come to the United States at all.” flaminghydra.com/r/fc898c29?m... r
Reposted by David Moore
We've broken some big stories this year, and now we need your support during the NewsMatch.
Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
November 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
We've broken some big stories this year, and now we need your support during the NewsMatch.
Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
Reposted by David Moore
Yakkin' with @katz.theracket.news about the weird club of rich and prominent people who can't write
(and one person who unexpectedly can)
flaminghydra.com/issue-447/
(and one person who unexpectedly can)
flaminghydra.com/issue-447/
Settling accounts
Jonathan M. Katz and Maria Bustillos connect the geopolitico-cultural dots
flaminghydra.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Yakkin' with @katz.theracket.news about the weird club of rich and prominent people who can't write
(and one person who unexpectedly can)
flaminghydra.com/issue-447/
(and one person who unexpectedly can)
flaminghydra.com/issue-447/
When the internet was full of promise, nearly two decades ago, there was a debate in what was called #opengov about using the term "corruption" in describing lawmaking favors.
When an industry gets exact text included in an omnibus, how to describe that?
We pushed for corruption, vs. influence...
When an industry gets exact text included in an omnibus, how to describe that?
We pushed for corruption, vs. influence...
Big Tech Poised to Win Immunity Shield From State AI Regulation - The American Prospect
The Trump administration is readying an executive order preempting constraints on AI. It could become a much more wide-ranging deregulatory tool.
prospect.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
When the internet was full of promise, nearly two decades ago, there was a debate in what was called #opengov about using the term "corruption" in describing lawmaking favors.
When an industry gets exact text included in an omnibus, how to describe that?
We pushed for corruption, vs. influence...
When an industry gets exact text included in an omnibus, how to describe that?
We pushed for corruption, vs. influence...
Reposted by David Moore
I got hundreds of pages of records about a controversial deal to offer millions in state + local subsidies to Raytheon (Pratt & Whitney) for a new plant in Asheville, NC.
The company produces the engine for the F-35, which Israel has used during the Gaza genocide
inkstickmedia.com/special-trea...
The company produces the engine for the F-35, which Israel has used during the Gaza genocide
inkstickmedia.com/special-trea...
November 20, 2025 at 6:52 PM
I got hundreds of pages of records about a controversial deal to offer millions in state + local subsidies to Raytheon (Pratt & Whitney) for a new plant in Asheville, NC.
The company produces the engine for the F-35, which Israel has used during the Gaza genocide
inkstickmedia.com/special-trea...
The company produces the engine for the F-35, which Israel has used during the Gaza genocide
inkstickmedia.com/special-trea...
Many, many antisemitic videos getting millions of views on Instagram Reels.
If you remember what used to be #civictech, there was a division called Facebook Civic Integrity. Look them up on LinkedIn and ask them if they thought, at the time, they were being richly rewarded by an ethical company.
If you remember what used to be #civictech, there was a division called Facebook Civic Integrity. Look them up on LinkedIn and ask them if they thought, at the time, they were being richly rewarded by an ethical company.
Mark Zuckerberg’s hate-speech gamble fuels Gen Z radicalization on Instagram as millions watch Hitler speeches and Holocaust denial clips | Fortune
The hottest far-right influencer right now isn’t Nick Fuentes—it’s Hitler. And his videos are appearing next to JPMorgan and U.S. Army ads
fortune.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Many, many antisemitic videos getting millions of views on Instagram Reels.
If you remember what used to be #civictech, there was a division called Facebook Civic Integrity. Look them up on LinkedIn and ask them if they thought, at the time, they were being richly rewarded by an ethical company.
If you remember what used to be #civictech, there was a division called Facebook Civic Integrity. Look them up on LinkedIn and ask them if they thought, at the time, they were being richly rewarded by an ethical company.