Aidan O’Shea
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aidanboshea.bsky.social
Aidan O’Shea
@aidanboshea.bsky.social
DC. Communicate about building a fair food system for a living @farmstand.bsky.social. Into urbanism/housing and the future of journalism on here.
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Inspired by a bunch of you, I'll be keeping a thread of every book I finished in 2026.

I let these dreamlike, surreal satirical short stories set mostly about 15 years ago wash over me in the best way. Could see myself rereading this yearly.

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/254787...
An Oral History of Atlantis by Ed Park: 9780812998993 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
Gilt-edged stories that slice clean through the mundanity of modern life, from the author of Same Bed Different Dreams, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
On account of their name, Chock & Bates should only be allowed to appear on USA Network
February 10, 2026 at 1:04 AM
As a comms professional daily longing to “retreat to the monastery,” I want to quote you nearly every line from @mattdpearce.com (and Italo Calvino) here: mattdpearce.substack.com/p/the-millen...
The Millennial reader to medieval priest pipeline
When reading wins, what does the reader lose?
mattdpearce.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Many are rightly noting that clicks alone is a terrible way to make coverage decisions. But it’s also just not true these cuts reflect reader interest. Some of the Post’s most popular writers were cut. The most read stories this week were written, edited and designed by people who lost their jobs.
Jeff Bezos' statement, his first since last week's layoffs: "The Post has an essential journalistic mission and an extraordinary opportunity. Each and every day our readers give us a roadmap to success. The data tells us what is valuable and where to focus."
February 8, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
In 2016, when Post reporter Jason Rezaian was freed after spending 1.5 years in Iranian prison, Jeff Bezos personally flew him back on his private plane. Bezos used it as a photo op.

Now, Bezos is leaving people he laid off overseas in a lurch.

bsky.app/profile/myhl...
We have launched a new fundraiser to support The Washington Post's courageous international employees and local staff who were laid off, who are not eligible for Guild protections, and who face additional logistical challenges and security risks.

Please give & share widely:
gofund.me/e765aab9f
Donate to Support for Washington Post international employees, organized by Michelle Lee
Among the hundreds of journalists laid off by The Washington Post on … Michelle Lee needs your support for Support for Washington Post international employees
gofund.me
February 8, 2026 at 5:22 AM
The Myth of Normal
Hill
when you have to keep insisting it's the normal hill...what are you trying to hide
February 7, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
February 7, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Gold Zone commentator on an Italian women’s speed skating gold: “If Federico Fellini were alive today, this is the movie he’d be making” (???)

He went on to say “there’ll be a lot of Chianti going down tonight.”

I’m convinced this man has the Wikipedia page for “Italy” open
February 7, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai is incredible.

He was supported by civil rights organizations because of his defense of workers’ rights and because of his commitment to making courts more inclusive and accessible. In 2024 he became the first Asian American and first Muslim lifetime judge to serve in Oregon.
Federal judge: "The presumption of regularity that has previously extended to [the United States Government] that it could be taken at its word—with little doubt about its intentions and stated purposes—no longer holds."

This is in a case where the Trump admin sued Oregon.
February 6, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Favorite player of my youth!
February 5, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
A lot of people cannot just start a paid newsletter or become freelancers to sustain their careers. The sports, metro, and international desks did work that requires *team* resources, like legal checks, documents, access to archives, and long-term beat experience.
February 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Whatever you think of the Washington Post at this moment, here's a chance to support the dedicated, hard-working journalists who were just laid off. If you have the means, your donation is most welcome. If you don't, a kind thought and maybe spreading the word to others is support enough 💙
Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund
www.gofundme.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Every time I opened up the Arts and Books sections on Sunday, it was a little taste of a different, better world, and reaffirmed my pride in supporting the Post despite it all. No longer
I consider 2025 my finest professional year. The Post just laid me off.
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Seems like this will be my last story for the Washington Post. A handful of my colleagues will still be covering local news in the DMV and I know they’ll do great work, but they and this region deserve so much better.
February 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
And if you're an un- or under-employed journalist with an eye for things that pop online feel free to drop me a line
February 4, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
The GOP is trying to override a DC funding law passed by the city’s elected council. DC's finances and right to self-govern shouldn't be in the hands of politicians who don’t represent its people. Tell your Members of Congress to reject Republicans’ power grab in DC.
DC’s money belongs to DC — Free DC
In December, DC Council opted to keep our local tax code independent from drastic federal tax changes that would have led to shortfalls without quick action. Every state has the option to do this, and...
freedcproject.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
If many people hold a left-wing opinion they are a mob and should be ignored; if few people hold a left wing opinion they are fringe and should be ignored. The substance or correctness of the opinion is irrelevant. This is the reactionary centrist credo bsky.app/profile/eliv...
Imagine writing these words, in February 2026, regarding the most vicious McCarthyite of the modern era: "Bari Weiss Hates cancel culture"
February 3, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
⚠️ Potential danger: “Snowcrete” sliding off slanted roofs ❄️🧊

With temps rising above 32 today, be especially alert for snow and ice shedding from roofs of homes, schools, and businesses, it can pose a serious hazard.

Be alert for this and avoid prone areas.

Photo by Laurie McCartney Wehmeyer.
February 3, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Yeah but what if the Melania movie was called Seven Samurai instead? And then when you went to see it they just showed you Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 masterpiece Seven Samurai? I bet you liberals would *love* it then. Typical.
January 30, 2026 at 11:37 PM
DC is at a scary equilibrium in which every road is now easily passable for cars, and sidewalks and especially sidewalks at crosswalks are in crazy shape.

Always notable how big single family house owners are most likely to pretend they have no responsibility to their sidewalks
January 30, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
UPDATE:

Metro Rail & Bus service will be suspended at midnight tonight.

Tomorrow, rail will run on a Sun schedule. Bus service will start at 6AM with plans to increase routes as road conditions permit. Metro Access will reopen at 8AM for all trips.

➡️ wmata.com/about/news/M...
January 26, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Inspired by a bunch of you, I'll be keeping a thread of every book I finished in 2026.

I let these dreamlike, surreal satirical short stories set mostly about 15 years ago wash over me in the best way. Could see myself rereading this yearly.

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/254787...
An Oral History of Atlantis by Ed Park: 9780812998993 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
Gilt-edged stories that slice clean through the mundanity of modern life, from the author of Same Bed Different Dreams, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:33 AM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
My group chats are full of Minnesotans reacting to today’s murder by figuring out ways they can help.

We need people outside of the state to do the same thing. Whatever you wish everyone else was doing right now? Do it today.

Let’s make a list of things that could help.
January 24, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Reposted by Aidan O’Shea
Every single one of them is risking their lives against death squads to prove that the fascist vision of America, a country where we hate everyone different than ourselves, is a fucking lie
I am trying not to post on these events in this state of mind but: I hope people understand what the observers are doing is brave and dangerous.
January 24, 2026 at 4:54 PM