Rainer Fehrenbacher
@rainer.tech
Career IT admin
Slightly obsessed with bicycles
Local news publisher with @langleyunion.ca
I prefer Mastodon to Bluesky, yet here we are 🫂
He/him
Slightly obsessed with bicycles
Local news publisher with @langleyunion.ca
I prefer Mastodon to Bluesky, yet here we are 🫂
He/him
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Flying around with her side piece in a private jet to photo ops at concentration camps, all on the taxpayer dime
Firing a pilot for leaving Kristi Noem's blanket behind. Berating staff when she's not on TV enough. Inside the constant chaos at DHS.
A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem’s Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS
Secretary faces fire for confrontational immigration crackdown and self-promotional style; White House to wind down Minnesota operations.
on.wsj.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Flying around with her side piece in a private jet to photo ops at concentration camps, all on the taxpayer dime
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Our adversaries are organizing while we ignore the issue.
I'm shouting into the void here. But if you can't think of 5 things the UCP or US can do to tilt the scales here, you aren't thinking hard enough.
I'm shouting into the void here. But if you can't think of 5 things the UCP or US can do to tilt the scales here, you aren't thinking hard enough.
Canadian separatists optimistic after meetings with Trump officials
U.S. officials tamped down on the meetings with the Alberta separatists, saying no senior staffers were present and no commitments were made.
www.nbcnews.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Our adversaries are organizing while we ignore the issue.
I'm shouting into the void here. But if you can't think of 5 things the UCP or US can do to tilt the scales here, you aren't thinking hard enough.
I'm shouting into the void here. But if you can't think of 5 things the UCP or US can do to tilt the scales here, you aren't thinking hard enough.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
This is the guy trying to set national standards for trans youth care.
RFK Jr: I'm not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats.
February 12, 2026 at 9:19 PM
This is the guy trying to set national standards for trans youth care.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
A Reuters photographer captured this image of a page from Pam Bondi's "burn book," which she used to counter any questions from Democratic lawmakers during an unhinged hearing today.
It looks like the DOJ monitored members of Congress’s searches of the unredacted Epstein files.
Just wow.
It looks like the DOJ monitored members of Congress’s searches of the unredacted Epstein files.
Just wow.
February 11, 2026 at 11:06 PM
A Reuters photographer captured this image of a page from Pam Bondi's "burn book," which she used to counter any questions from Democratic lawmakers during an unhinged hearing today.
It looks like the DOJ monitored members of Congress’s searches of the unredacted Epstein files.
Just wow.
It looks like the DOJ monitored members of Congress’s searches of the unredacted Epstein files.
Just wow.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Bondi Spying On Congressional Epstein Searches Should Be A Major Scandal
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims who were in the audience to stand up…
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims who were in the audience to stand up…
Bondi Spying On Congressional Epstein Searches Should Be A Major Scandal
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims who were in the audience to stand up and indicate whether Bondi's DOJ had ever contacted them about their experiences. None of them had heard from the Justice Department. Bondi wouldn't even look at the victims as she frantically flipped through her prepared notes.
www.techdirt.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Bondi Spying On Congressional Epstein Searches Should Be A Major Scandal
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims who were in the audience to stand up…
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. Among the more notable exchanges was when Rep. Pramila Jayapal asked some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims who were in the audience to stand up…
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
That is absolutely insane.
“When Citizens United was decided in 2010, billionaires had spent $18 million on the 2000 election, $13M 2004 and $16M in 2008. Then came the deluge. In 2012 it was $231M, and nearly doubled again in next three election cycles —to $682M in 2016, $1.2 billion in 2020 and $2.6 billion in 2024.” Gift:
Opinion | Affordability and the ‘Epstein Class’ Will Define American Politics
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:23 PM
That is absolutely insane.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Made an annotated version of "Something Big Is Coming" for all of you to enjoy. I hate this guy's writing so much
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qw6k5...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qw6k5...
February 12, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Made an annotated version of "Something Big Is Coming" for all of you to enjoy. I hate this guy's writing so much
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qw6k5...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qw6k5...
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
I know cis people don't realize the cruelty, so with gentleness and empathy for them, let me try to explain.
Being trans is difficult. Instinctively, you already know this because you think it would be better not to be trans.
Being trans is difficult. Instinctively, you already know this because you think it would be better not to be trans.
“We would expect support for full social transition to be agreed very rarely”
There you have it, the gov wants trans kids to rot in the closet
There you have it, the gov wants trans kids to rot in the closet
This explicit transphobia is spelled out in excruciating detail. Direct from Cass again.
February 12, 2026 at 5:31 PM
I know cis people don't realize the cruelty, so with gentleness and empathy for them, let me try to explain.
Being trans is difficult. Instinctively, you already know this because you think it would be better not to be trans.
Being trans is difficult. Instinctively, you already know this because you think it would be better not to be trans.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
i went to minneapolis and wrote about what i saw (a massive, robust mutual aid network that is ultimately just a bunch of regular people) and what i didn’t see (thousands of people who are terrified to leave their homes)
ICE is pushing Minneapolis underground
Scenes from a city under siege
www.theverge.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:38 PM
i went to minneapolis and wrote about what i saw (a massive, robust mutual aid network that is ultimately just a bunch of regular people) and what i didn’t see (thousands of people who are terrified to leave their homes)
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
really interesting to me how many professional political commentators have basically retconned the draconian immigration enforcement policies of Obama and Biden out of existence and have completely swallowed the right wing narrative of immigration enforcement
Not going to read them all because jesus fucking christ but this is nasty work from Friedersdorf
February 12, 2026 at 4:29 PM
really interesting to me how many professional political commentators have basically retconned the draconian immigration enforcement policies of Obama and Biden out of existence and have completely swallowed the right wing narrative of immigration enforcement
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
The other day I pulled one of the drawers in the kitchen out and it must’ve come off track and I knew something was wrong with it but I just pushed it in and walked away, later on in the day my wife fixed it and I was like “I thought something was wrong there. Good job”
Minnesotans stood together, stared down ICE, and never blinked.
February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The other day I pulled one of the drawers in the kitchen out and it must’ve come off track and I knew something was wrong with it but I just pushed it in and walked away, later on in the day my wife fixed it and I was like “I thought something was wrong there. Good job”
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
A really good statement about today.
It affirms every caveat about how Homan can't be believed, how vigilance must be maintained, and how the work continues... while also having the tone of a movement that is winning. The appearance of victory can be demobilizing; this is a call to keep showing up.
It affirms every caveat about how Homan can't be believed, how vigilance must be maintained, and how the work continues... while also having the tone of a movement that is winning. The appearance of victory can be demobilizing; this is a call to keep showing up.
I am proud of you and our immigrant residents. Your resiliency, strength, and dedication have led to the announcement that “Operation Metro Surge” will end soon. 1/
February 12, 2026 at 3:34 PM
A really good statement about today.
It affirms every caveat about how Homan can't be believed, how vigilance must be maintained, and how the work continues... while also having the tone of a movement that is winning. The appearance of victory can be demobilizing; this is a call to keep showing up.
It affirms every caveat about how Homan can't be believed, how vigilance must be maintained, and how the work continues... while also having the tone of a movement that is winning. The appearance of victory can be demobilizing; this is a call to keep showing up.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Excellent thread on Minnesota from a *true* representative of the People.
I am proud of you and our immigrant residents. Your resiliency, strength, and dedication have led to the announcement that “Operation Metro Surge” will end soon. 1/
February 12, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Excellent thread on Minnesota from a *true* representative of the People.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
If you have read even a single history of fascism, you are already aware that one thing that its rise has in common in every case is an opposition party that refuses to intervene for fear of looking weak or putting the left into power
To quote one source:
“They’re terrified of being labeled anti–law enforcement. They want this to go away so they can talk about the cost of living more. Problem is, it’s not going away.”
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
“They’re terrified of being labeled anti–law enforcement. They want this to go away so they can talk about the cost of living more. Problem is, it’s not going away.”
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
Jeffries Won’t Whip Vote Against ICE Funding - The American Prospect
While the House Democratic leader announced personal opposition to a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, he won’t pressure his colleagues to do the same.
prospect.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:46 PM
If you have read even a single history of fascism, you are already aware that one thing that its rise has in common in every case is an opposition party that refuses to intervene for fear of looking weak or putting the left into power
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Why did Bad Bunny climb a utility pole? A deep dive into Puerto Rico’s power grid
san.com/cc/why-did-b...
san.com/cc/why-did-b...
Why did Bad Bunny climb a utility pole? A deep dive into Puerto Rico’s power grid
When Bad Bunny climbed a utility pole during the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, he reminded us that Puerto Rico’s power grid isn’t fixed.
san.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:11 AM
Why did Bad Bunny climb a utility pole? A deep dive into Puerto Rico’s power grid
san.com/cc/why-did-b...
san.com/cc/why-did-b...
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
North Minneapolis is resilient. They have been rallying together to support one another in a completely grassroots and community-led effort to keep one another safe.
They asked me to share this hoping to prevent the displacement of more families in North Minneapolis.
gofund.me/ca75a5b42
They asked me to share this hoping to prevent the displacement of more families in North Minneapolis.
gofund.me/ca75a5b42
Donate to Stand with HIA Northside Families, organized by Nou Vang
Hmong International Academy (HIA) is more than just a school; it is a pillar of the North M… Nou Vang needs your support for Stand with HIA Northside Families
gofund.me
February 12, 2026 at 6:12 AM
North Minneapolis is resilient. They have been rallying together to support one another in a completely grassroots and community-led effort to keep one another safe.
They asked me to share this hoping to prevent the displacement of more families in North Minneapolis.
gofund.me/ca75a5b42
They asked me to share this hoping to prevent the displacement of more families in North Minneapolis.
gofund.me/ca75a5b42
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Extremely important article. Please share.
"These numbers matter because they dismantle a myth that has shaped public safety for generations: that without armed authority, chaos will follow."
"These numbers matter because they dismantle a myth that has shaped public safety for generations: that without armed authority, chaos will follow."
New on Knock: activists are transforming LA’s response to mental health. In its first year, the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response program has diverted 6,900 calls away from the police, avoiding violent escalation and connecting people in need to services.
knock-la.com/how-local-ac...
knock-la.com/how-local-ac...
How Local Activists Are Reshaping LA’s Response to the Mental Health Crisis - Knock LA
Los Angeles organizers and community voices are leading the fight for interventions that do not involve the police.
knock-la.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Extremely important article. Please share.
"These numbers matter because they dismantle a myth that has shaped public safety for generations: that without armed authority, chaos will follow."
"These numbers matter because they dismantle a myth that has shaped public safety for generations: that without armed authority, chaos will follow."
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
HEY FRIENDS
Two fun and goodnewsy pieces for @thepointau.bsky.social - grid-scale batteries are just over-performing when it comes to pushing fossil gas out of the grid 🥂🍾
Read:
1-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
2-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
Watch ->
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWq...
Two fun and goodnewsy pieces for @thepointau.bsky.social - grid-scale batteries are just over-performing when it comes to pushing fossil gas out of the grid 🥂🍾
Read:
1-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
2-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
Watch ->
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWq...
Big grid batteries are killing gas on Australia's power grid
YouTube video by Ketan Joshi
www.youtube.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:16 PM
HEY FRIENDS
Two fun and goodnewsy pieces for @thepointau.bsky.social - grid-scale batteries are just over-performing when it comes to pushing fossil gas out of the grid 🥂🍾
Read:
1-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
2-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
Watch ->
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWq...
Two fun and goodnewsy pieces for @thepointau.bsky.social - grid-scale batteries are just over-performing when it comes to pushing fossil gas out of the grid 🥂🍾
Read:
1-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
2-> thepoint.com.au/explainers/2...
Watch ->
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWq...
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
This is the second account - the first being in Chicago - of DHS agents mass detaining people and then *sorting them by race*.
More than 400 people, including hundreds of citizens, were “sorted” at gun point into racial and ethnic groups by 200 ICE agents who fired flash-bang grenades into cars with people inside, pointed guns at children & demanded their zip tied parents not comfort them. apple.news/Ausdx6kWtT0e...
Idaho families sue over immigration raid that swept up hundreds, including U.S. citizens — NBC News
About 400 people, including children and U.S. citizens, were detained for four hours while they were denied food and water in the raid, according to the lawsuit.
apple.news
February 12, 2026 at 2:26 AM
This is the second account - the first being in Chicago - of DHS agents mass detaining people and then *sorting them by race*.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Stories about what ICE's presence in Minnesota has done to kids — something I'm seeing firsthand — are hard to read. It's unfathomable that kids have to go through this. www.startribune.com/ice-children...
Yuen: Even if ICE left tomorrow, the damage to kids is already done
“They’re all suffering,” says one Minnesota immigrant dad who has been sheltering in place with his children.
www.startribune.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Stories about what ICE's presence in Minnesota has done to kids — something I'm seeing firsthand — are hard to read. It's unfathomable that kids have to go through this. www.startribune.com/ice-children...
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
I'm sure this was a fair decision reached entirely on the merits without a hint of political interference.
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
US decides SpaceX is like an airline, exempting it from Labor Relations Act
US labels SpaceX a common carrier by air, will regulate firm under railway law.
arstechnica.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:48 PM
I'm sure this was a fair decision reached entirely on the merits without a hint of political interference.
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
No one has seriously said LLMs aren’t important or that AI is categorically junk.
Some of us have said that there is something bigger than tech. It’s called power — governance, civic norms, etc — & refusal is absolutely part of how we think soberly about that power. Who has it & how they use it.
Some of us have said that there is something bigger than tech. It’s called power — governance, civic norms, etc — & refusal is absolutely part of how we think soberly about that power. Who has it & how they use it.
February 11, 2026 at 5:53 PM
No one has seriously said LLMs aren’t important or that AI is categorically junk.
Some of us have said that there is something bigger than tech. It’s called power — governance, civic norms, etc — & refusal is absolutely part of how we think soberly about that power. Who has it & how they use it.
Some of us have said that there is something bigger than tech. It’s called power — governance, civic norms, etc — & refusal is absolutely part of how we think soberly about that power. Who has it & how they use it.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
one thing that comes across in these clips is that bondi is totally out of her depth. just an absolute lightweight. barely sentient.
holy shit -- Bondi's new tactic is refusing to answer Democratic questions, then using time during the next Republican questioner to smear the previous Democratic member and accuse them of being complicit in violence crimes
February 11, 2026 at 7:07 PM
one thing that comes across in these clips is that bondi is totally out of her depth. just an absolute lightweight. barely sentient.
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
Video shows a man pinned to the ground as Australian police strike him repeatedly during an arrest. The man appears already subdued as blows continue. The incident occurred at protests in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Video: Jared Kimpton via X (@jared_kimpton)
Video: Jared Kimpton via X (@jared_kimpton)
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Video shows a man pinned to the ground as Australian police strike him repeatedly during an arrest. The man appears already subdued as blows continue. The incident occurred at protests in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Video: Jared Kimpton via X (@jared_kimpton)
Video: Jared Kimpton via X (@jared_kimpton)
Reposted by Rainer Fehrenbacher
The footage out of Sydney overnight is abhorrent.
Peaceful protesters set upon by an army of police, punches thrown at people with raised hands, people praying ripped from their knees.
Is this violence the social cohesion that Labor wanted?
Peaceful protesters set upon by an army of police, punches thrown at people with raised hands, people praying ripped from their knees.
Is this violence the social cohesion that Labor wanted?
February 9, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The footage out of Sydney overnight is abhorrent.
Peaceful protesters set upon by an army of police, punches thrown at people with raised hands, people praying ripped from their knees.
Is this violence the social cohesion that Labor wanted?
Peaceful protesters set upon by an army of police, punches thrown at people with raised hands, people praying ripped from their knees.
Is this violence the social cohesion that Labor wanted?