James Fallows
@jfallows.bsky.social
Reporter and writer: https://fallows.substack.com/ and https://www.ourtownsfoundation.org/ One-time speechwriter, long-time pilot, longer-time husband of linguist/writer Deborah Fallows. Note same wristwatch in the two photos, more than 50 years apart.
Flight restrictions, day one, evening update:
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
November 8, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Flight restrictions, day one, evening update:
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
We *did* make it to DCA, National Airport in DC, starting from Sioux Falls. Quite late, but we're fortunate.
Here was the arrival board:
—Red is cancelled flights.
—Yellow lettering, delayed flights.
—I count only three saying "on time."
Flight restrictions, day one, road report.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
November 7, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Flight restrictions, day one, road report.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
—Notices like one at left all over O'Hare, for flights headed to major hubs. (Several flights to small cities just took off w/o delay.)
—Updates like one at right in United app.
I actually appreciate the frankness. Also, good to see how they list DCA.
This is what every single person with any experience in China has been warning about from the start.
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
November 7, 2025 at 4:20 AM
This is what every single person with any experience in China has been warning about from the start.
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
Very good WaPo story by Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1... And good, clear headline!
Never change, NYT politics staff!
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
November 5, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Never change, NYT politics staff!
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
Hint: Main thing Calif voters were thinking yesterday was *not* "Hmmm, what does this mean for Gavin Newsom?" But that is clearly main/only thing on mind of politics staff, or unnamed people laying out front page.
Voters: Doing their job! Media: .... sigh.
In my Gmail inbox just now.
These people are really razor-sharp in their recruitment targeting. /s
Must by an old photo-shoot for the ad. Shows one of CBP's finest not wearing a mask.
These people are really razor-sharp in their recruitment targeting. /s
Must by an old photo-shoot for the ad. Shows one of CBP's finest not wearing a mask.
November 2, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In my Gmail inbox just now.
These people are really razor-sharp in their recruitment targeting. /s
Must by an old photo-shoot for the ad. Shows one of CBP's finest not wearing a mask.
These people are really razor-sharp in their recruitment targeting. /s
Must by an old photo-shoot for the ad. Shows one of CBP's finest not wearing a mask.
And this is what she looked like back then.
November 1, 2025 at 10:18 PM
And this is what she looked like back then.
I almost never write on the 'What should the Dems do???' front. Involving strategy, tactics, 'messaging.'
I recommend this @pbump.com column on why so much of that discussion is pointless, and what else to think and talk about. www.pbump.net/o/politics-i...
I recommend this @pbump.com column on why so much of that discussion is pointless, and what else to think and talk about. www.pbump.net/o/politics-i...
October 29, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I almost never write on the 'What should the Dems do???' front. Involving strategy, tactics, 'messaging.'
I recommend this @pbump.com column on why so much of that discussion is pointless, and what else to think and talk about. www.pbump.net/o/politics-i...
I recommend this @pbump.com column on why so much of that discussion is pointless, and what else to think and talk about. www.pbump.net/o/politics-i...
Nothing tendentious in this framing!
/s
And—apologies for saying this for 627th time—we see the reporter's byline. But we have no idea who decided to present the piece this way, wrote the headlline and subhed, promoted it through 'social sell.'
/s
And—apologies for saying this for 627th time—we see the reporter's byline. But we have no idea who decided to present the piece this way, wrote the headlline and subhed, promoted it through 'social sell.'
October 29, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Nothing tendentious in this framing!
/s
And—apologies for saying this for 627th time—we see the reporter's byline. But we have no idea who decided to present the piece this way, wrote the headlline and subhed, promoted it through 'social sell.'
/s
And—apologies for saying this for 627th time—we see the reporter's byline. But we have no idea who decided to present the piece this way, wrote the headlline and subhed, promoted it through 'social sell.'
Cosplay in modern life.
One photo: the American who commanded millions of troops at D-Day.
Other photo: the ICE kapo in charge of the current assault on Chicago.
(ICE photo via CNN www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/p... )
One photo: the American who commanded millions of troops at D-Day.
Other photo: the ICE kapo in charge of the current assault on Chicago.
(ICE photo via CNN www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/p... )
October 28, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Cosplay in modern life.
One photo: the American who commanded millions of troops at D-Day.
Other photo: the ICE kapo in charge of the current assault on Chicago.
(ICE photo via CNN www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/p... )
One photo: the American who commanded millions of troops at D-Day.
Other photo: the ICE kapo in charge of the current assault on Chicago.
(ICE photo via CNN www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/p... )
Important column in @economist.com by @palfrey.org, head of MacArthur Foundation, on how foundations, NGOs, nonprofits, etc are standing up against MAGA attacks.
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
Paywalled, but here's a sample:
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
Paywalled, but here's a sample:
October 27, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Important column in @economist.com by @palfrey.org, head of MacArthur Foundation, on how foundations, NGOs, nonprofits, etc are standing up against MAGA attacks.
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
Paywalled, but here's a sample:
www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
Paywalled, but here's a sample:
This is the company, ACECO, whose equipment and employees demolished East Wing of the White House this week.
They've redefined their own reputation, that's for sure. Check them out: acecoworld.com
And don't forget Clark Construction, "Building What Matters."
www.clarkconstruction.com
They've redefined their own reputation, that's for sure. Check them out: acecoworld.com
And don't forget Clark Construction, "Building What Matters."
www.clarkconstruction.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:05 PM
This is the company, ACECO, whose equipment and employees demolished East Wing of the White House this week.
They've redefined their own reputation, that's for sure. Check them out: acecoworld.com
And don't forget Clark Construction, "Building What Matters."
www.clarkconstruction.com
They've redefined their own reputation, that's for sure. Check them out: acecoworld.com
And don't forget Clark Construction, "Building What Matters."
www.clarkconstruction.com
You hardly ever see these things in the wild any more.
(Jacksonville FL today.)
(Jacksonville FL today.)
October 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
You hardly ever see these things in the wild any more.
(Jacksonville FL today.)
(Jacksonville FL today.)
People of DC-land:
Next Tues night, hear Nicholas Thompson—writer, editor, publisher, tech guy, and world-class distance runner—talk about his revealing and riveting new book, The Running Ground. Politics & Prose, Nov 28, 7pm.
I've known Nick for decades and will be interviewing him. Join us!
Next Tues night, hear Nicholas Thompson—writer, editor, publisher, tech guy, and world-class distance runner—talk about his revealing and riveting new book, The Running Ground. Politics & Prose, Nov 28, 7pm.
I've known Nick for decades and will be interviewing him. Join us!
October 23, 2025 at 1:18 AM
People of DC-land:
Next Tues night, hear Nicholas Thompson—writer, editor, publisher, tech guy, and world-class distance runner—talk about his revealing and riveting new book, The Running Ground. Politics & Prose, Nov 28, 7pm.
I've known Nick for decades and will be interviewing him. Join us!
Next Tues night, hear Nicholas Thompson—writer, editor, publisher, tech guy, and world-class distance runner—talk about his revealing and riveting new book, The Running Ground. Politics & Prose, Nov 28, 7pm.
I've known Nick for decades and will be interviewing him. Join us!
October 22, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Kai, to be fair, it would be almost a 10 minute walk.
October 20, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Kai, to be fair, it would be almost a 10 minute walk.
Local news:
Last time behind the wheel of our plucky and timeless-classic 2000 Audi A4, stalwart for the past 25 years and with plates from WA, CA, and DC, going off to its next owner.
Fortunately, a car hobbyist who's going to restore it! And lives nearby, so we'll catch gimpses.
Last time behind the wheel of our plucky and timeless-classic 2000 Audi A4, stalwart for the past 25 years and with plates from WA, CA, and DC, going off to its next owner.
Fortunately, a car hobbyist who's going to restore it! And lives nearby, so we'll catch gimpses.
October 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Local news:
Last time behind the wheel of our plucky and timeless-classic 2000 Audi A4, stalwart for the past 25 years and with plates from WA, CA, and DC, going off to its next owner.
Fortunately, a car hobbyist who's going to restore it! And lives nearby, so we'll catch gimpses.
Last time behind the wheel of our plucky and timeless-classic 2000 Audi A4, stalwart for the past 25 years and with plates from WA, CA, and DC, going off to its next owner.
Fortunately, a car hobbyist who's going to restore it! And lives nearby, so we'll catch gimpses.
Lead front-page story in today's NYT
Time-travel dept:
-I don't remember front-page NYT stories "It's 1993, and GOP Is Still Running Against Clinton." That's what they did, for huge mid-term win.
-Nor "It's 2009, and GOP Is Still Running Against Obama." Which they did, for huge win.
Weird.
Time-travel dept:
-I don't remember front-page NYT stories "It's 1993, and GOP Is Still Running Against Clinton." That's what they did, for huge mid-term win.
-Nor "It's 2009, and GOP Is Still Running Against Obama." Which they did, for huge win.
Weird.
October 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Lead front-page story in today's NYT
Time-travel dept:
-I don't remember front-page NYT stories "It's 1993, and GOP Is Still Running Against Clinton." That's what they did, for huge mid-term win.
-Nor "It's 2009, and GOP Is Still Running Against Obama." Which they did, for huge win.
Weird.
Time-travel dept:
-I don't remember front-page NYT stories "It's 1993, and GOP Is Still Running Against Clinton." That's what they did, for huge mid-term win.
-Nor "It's 2009, and GOP Is Still Running Against Obama." Which they did, for huge win.
Weird.
2/2
Bonus question! What do we learn from the NYT's online play of yesterday's events?
Bonus question! What do we learn from the NYT's online play of yesterday's events?
October 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
2/2
Bonus question! What do we learn from the NYT's online play of yesterday's events?
Bonus question! What do we learn from the NYT's online play of yesterday's events?
Those with sharp eyes might detect a subtle difference in NYT play last month of an event in one city, w 100,000+ attendees, versus play this morning of some 2500+ events w many millions of attendees, in all 50 states.
See if you can spot it! /s
Then you can find today's story on p A23
See if you can spot it! /s
Then you can find today's story on p A23
October 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Those with sharp eyes might detect a subtle difference in NYT play last month of an event in one city, w 100,000+ attendees, versus play this morning of some 2500+ events w many millions of attendees, in all 50 states.
See if you can spot it! /s
Then you can find today's story on p A23
See if you can spot it! /s
Then you can find today's story on p A23
Where we stand, in long arc of history:
-Story on left, adding race as a factor when that favors white people.
-Story on right, banning race as a factor when that favors non-whites.
I often complain about NYT headlines and story-play. But these are strong. Including "If Court Guts 1965 Law."
-Story on left, adding race as a factor when that favors white people.
-Story on right, banning race as a factor when that favors non-whites.
I often complain about NYT headlines and story-play. But these are strong. Including "If Court Guts 1965 Law."
October 16, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Where we stand, in long arc of history:
-Story on left, adding race as a factor when that favors white people.
-Story on right, banning race as a factor when that favors non-whites.
I often complain about NYT headlines and story-play. But these are strong. Including "If Court Guts 1965 Law."
-Story on left, adding race as a factor when that favors white people.
-Story on right, banning race as a factor when that favors non-whites.
I often complain about NYT headlines and story-play. But these are strong. Including "If Court Guts 1965 Law."
Sorry to harp on this, but another almost-unbelievably terrible unsigned editorial from WaPo. This one has a crucial "tell" that Murdoch's Fleet Street team is in full control.
The tell: Would any US writer refer to Trump as "the American," the way the WaPo does in passage below?
The tell: Would any US writer refer to Trump as "the American," the way the WaPo does in passage below?
October 16, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Sorry to harp on this, but another almost-unbelievably terrible unsigned editorial from WaPo. This one has a crucial "tell" that Murdoch's Fleet Street team is in full control.
The tell: Would any US writer refer to Trump as "the American," the way the WaPo does in passage below?
The tell: Would any US writer refer to Trump as "the American," the way the WaPo does in passage below?
When I stop reading articles about China (where I lived for four years):
When they start out with a "Hey, wait a minute" premise. Namely, that anyone who knew anything about China ever thought that engagement would "integrate it into a US-led world order."
But good enough for WaPo these days.
When they start out with a "Hey, wait a minute" premise. Namely, that anyone who knew anything about China ever thought that engagement would "integrate it into a US-led world order."
But good enough for WaPo these days.
October 16, 2025 at 1:12 AM
When I stop reading articles about China (where I lived for four years):
When they start out with a "Hey, wait a minute" premise. Namely, that anyone who knew anything about China ever thought that engagement would "integrate it into a US-led world order."
But good enough for WaPo these days.
When they start out with a "Hey, wait a minute" premise. Namely, that anyone who knew anything about China ever thought that engagement would "integrate it into a US-led world order."
But good enough for WaPo these days.
Adventures in framing:
Headline presenting this as a real-world question. Rather than as another sign of deepening vortex of narcissistic delusion and detachment from reality.
Headline presenting this as a real-world question. Rather than as another sign of deepening vortex of narcissistic delusion and detachment from reality.
October 10, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Adventures in framing:
Headline presenting this as a real-world question. Rather than as another sign of deepening vortex of narcissistic delusion and detachment from reality.
Headline presenting this as a real-world question. Rather than as another sign of deepening vortex of narcissistic delusion and detachment from reality.
A columnist still at WaPo.
October 10, 2025 at 12:48 AM
A columnist still at WaPo.
