Branch Donovan
@branchdonovan.bsky.social
Writer|Traveller|Thinker - I aim to be an eternal learner. Always seeking to expand my horizon through interesting and challenging thoughts. Also, sometimes, it's just about having fun.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
"To live through this moment is to feel that some essential component of our shared humanity is being slowly leached out of the world. Spend enough time online, and you will see that not only is this cheaply rendered synthetic content everywhere; it is quietly shaping culture"
Hi. I wrote an essay about AI slop: How it feels like an invasive species for the internet. How its boosters describe building a future that’s devoid of craft. How frictionlessness can be nihilistic & how this stuff seems to leach part of our shared humanity out of the world. I hope you'll read it.
AI’s Invasive Species
The slop is winning.
www.theatlantic.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:01 AM
"To live through this moment is to feel that some essential component of our shared humanity is being slowly leached out of the world. Spend enough time online, and you will see that not only is this cheaply rendered synthetic content everywhere; it is quietly shaping culture"
Right, because the tough white supremacist thugs (ICE) that are afraid of pronouns perpetrating the moronic will of the weaklings in power need protection now that true Americans are pushing back against #Magamerika. Slow clap and well done, reckoning can’t come quick enough.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she is deploying agents from the Justice Department to ICE facilities to protect ICE agents and facilities.
DOJ agents will be deployed to ICE facilities to protect federal agents, Bondi says | CNN Politics
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday she is deploying agents from the Justice Department to Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents ...
www.cnn.com
September 27, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Right, because the tough white supremacist thugs (ICE) that are afraid of pronouns perpetrating the moronic will of the weaklings in power need protection now that true Americans are pushing back against #Magamerika. Slow clap and well done, reckoning can’t come quick enough.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
Tatiana Maslany posted an image on Instagram “with text overlaid that says “cancel your @disneyplus @hulu @espn subscriptions!”
Marisa Tomei, who played Aunt May in Spider-Man movies distributed by Sony & Avengers movies from Disney, reposted a call to “unsubscribe and boycott” Disney platforms.”
Marisa Tomei, who played Aunt May in Spider-Man movies distributed by Sony & Avengers movies from Disney, reposted a call to “unsubscribe and boycott” Disney platforms.”
Even Disney stars are joining calls to boycott the media giant after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show | Fortune
The internet was already lighting up with users sharing screenshots of canceled subscriptions to Disney-owned streaming services or canceled vacations at Disney properties.
fortune.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Tatiana Maslany posted an image on Instagram “with text overlaid that says “cancel your @disneyplus @hulu @espn subscriptions!”
Marisa Tomei, who played Aunt May in Spider-Man movies distributed by Sony & Avengers movies from Disney, reposted a call to “unsubscribe and boycott” Disney platforms.”
Marisa Tomei, who played Aunt May in Spider-Man movies distributed by Sony & Avengers movies from Disney, reposted a call to “unsubscribe and boycott” Disney platforms.”
Reposted by Branch Donovan
Far-right fight nights are events bringing together combat fighting, extremist bands and merch, in an attempt to bring in new recruits and solidify existing relationships. @colborne.bsky.social locates the latest event for a California-based group: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/09...
Geolocating an Active Club 'Fight Night' in San Diego
An orange wall helped Bellingcat identify the location of an annual far-right event attended by neo-Nazis and white nationalists.
www.bellingcat.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Far-right fight nights are events bringing together combat fighting, extremist bands and merch, in an attempt to bring in new recruits and solidify existing relationships. @colborne.bsky.social locates the latest event for a California-based group: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Branch Donovan
This is a really important thread.
With the Kirk assassination becoming clearer, we need to talk about the radicalized, Right Wing subculture that carries out terrorism and mass shootings.
They’re an essential part of MAGA and so people really don’t want to see what is undeniable.
jaredyatessexton.substack.com/p/the-threat...
They’re an essential part of MAGA and so people really don’t want to see what is undeniable.
jaredyatessexton.substack.com/p/the-threat...
The Threat No One Wants to Talk About
As details emerge in the Kirk Assassination, the picture is becoming much clearer
jaredyatessexton.substack.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
This is a really important thread.
If adversarial states use disinformation as a weapon, shouldn’t society treat countering it as a public good? I’m glad initiatives like this exist, but are we investing enough in our collective defense?
On Thursday Ben Dalton and Candace Rondeaux from @newamerica.org join us to share how they track down militia networks on social media- from discovering key communities on VK and Telegram to developing research tools to aid their analysis. Join us live at 11am EDT/5pm CEST discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
September 14, 2025 at 2:04 PM
If adversarial states use disinformation as a weapon, shouldn’t society treat countering it as a public good? I’m glad initiatives like this exist, but are we investing enough in our collective defense?
This is the sad part, the far right is too engrossed within their cult to even realize they are being played by their “king” and manipulated by state actors. This is all going according to plan. Russia and China’s plan for the US that is…
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Russian and Chinese bots are stoking “violence” online in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination.
Russian and Chinese Bots Fueling Online ‘Violence’ After Charlie Kirk Shooting
Official warns of a “tremendous amount” of the online activity after the shooting.
trib.al
September 12, 2025 at 11:34 AM
This is the sad part, the far right is too engrossed within their cult to even realize they are being played by their “king” and manipulated by state actors. This is all going according to plan. Russia and China’s plan for the US that is…
Reposted by Branch Donovan
While speaking to reporters, Congresswoman @aoc.bsky.social addressed the killing of Charlie Kirk and spoke about the urgent need for political action to confront America’s gun violence crisis.
#BlueCrew #GunControl #America #Congress
#BlueCrew #GunControl #America #Congress
September 12, 2025 at 10:40 AM
While speaking to reporters, Congresswoman @aoc.bsky.social addressed the killing of Charlie Kirk and spoke about the urgent need for political action to confront America’s gun violence crisis.
#BlueCrew #GunControl #America #Congress
#BlueCrew #GunControl #America #Congress
Reposted by Branch Donovan
President Donald Trump’s administration announced the start of a deportation campaign in Chicago. We spoke with experts who shared what businesses and workers should know. trib.al/ylCukSD
Here's what to know if ICE comes to your workplace
President Donald Trump’s administration announced the start of a deportation campaign in Chicago. The Sun-Times and WBEZ spoke with experts who shared what businesses and workers should know.
trib.al
September 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration announced the start of a deportation campaign in Chicago. We spoke with experts who shared what businesses and workers should know. trib.al/ylCukSD
For those of you that may be interested in factual information in this “post truth era”…
Have you heard? You can now find Bellingcat on WhatsApp! Have our latest investigations come straight to your phone so you can easily share them with family or friends. Follow our live channel via this link: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
September 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
For those of you that may be interested in factual information in this “post truth era”…
Reposted by Branch Donovan
We need €300/month to keep OSINTukraine running. We have 4 months of expenses secured, but maintenance of past storage archives needs your help. Donate now:
Donate
Contribute to OSINTukraine by any donation you can
osintukraine.com
August 31, 2025 at 12:01 PM
We need €300/month to keep OSINTukraine running. We have 4 months of expenses secured, but maintenance of past storage archives needs your help. Donate now:
Reposted by Branch Donovan
A week ago the Supreme Court, in an unexplained shadow docket order, allowed the Trump administration to “de-document” as many as 350,000 people. But since then, the administration has not made any clear statement that all those people are now undocumented. Read @daralind.bsky.social on this.
Supreme Court “De-Documents” 350,000 Venezuelans – And Keeps Everyone In The Dark About What’s Next
The Supreme Court achieved what law professors believe to be the biggest instantaneous “de-documentation” of immigrants in U.S. history.
immigrationimpact.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:23 PM
A week ago the Supreme Court, in an unexplained shadow docket order, allowed the Trump administration to “de-document” as many as 350,000 people. But since then, the administration has not made any clear statement that all those people are now undocumented. Read @daralind.bsky.social on this.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
Excellent piece from Prof. (& @strictscrutiny.bsky.social co-host) @kateshaw.bsky.social . The Court’s emergency docket decision on the President’s power to fire the NLRB head is one of its worst. It deserves more attention.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/o...
Opinion | Why Is This Supreme Court Handing Trump More and More Power?
www.nytimes.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Excellent piece from Prof. (& @strictscrutiny.bsky.social co-host) @kateshaw.bsky.social . The Court’s emergency docket decision on the President’s power to fire the NLRB head is one of its worst. It deserves more attention.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/o...
Reposted by Branch Donovan
Study begun pre-COVID finds remote work increased sleep by 1/2 hr/night, decreased commute by 4.5 hr/week replaced with work, family & leisure and led to healthier eating. Remote and hybrid employees report higher job satisfaction and well-being. farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/16/s...
Scientists have been studying remote work for four years and have reached a very clear conclusion: "Working from home makes us happier."
An Australian study, conducted over four years and starting before the pandemic, has come up with some enlightening conclusions about the impact of working from home. The researchers are unequivocal: ...
farmingdale-observer.com
May 18, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Study begun pre-COVID finds remote work increased sleep by 1/2 hr/night, decreased commute by 4.5 hr/week replaced with work, family & leisure and led to healthier eating. Remote and hybrid employees report higher job satisfaction and well-being. farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/16/s...
Reposted by Branch Donovan
"Do you want a good government or a country that's in ruins?"
This interview was too good not to share in its entirety. So meet Grant, a 15-year-old student from Princeton, New Jersey, who spoke to our reporter at the #HandsOff rally there.
He has some thoughts.
This interview was too good not to share in its entirety. So meet Grant, a 15-year-old student from Princeton, New Jersey, who spoke to our reporter at the #HandsOff rally there.
He has some thoughts.
April 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
"Do you want a good government or a country that's in ruins?"
This interview was too good not to share in its entirety. So meet Grant, a 15-year-old student from Princeton, New Jersey, who spoke to our reporter at the #HandsOff rally there.
He has some thoughts.
This interview was too good not to share in its entirety. So meet Grant, a 15-year-old student from Princeton, New Jersey, who spoke to our reporter at the #HandsOff rally there.
He has some thoughts.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
March 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Imagine devoting your life to public service—only to be flagged on a partisan list and exposed to harassment for doing your job.
This isn’t just a policy failure. It’s a failure of principle.
This isn’t just a policy failure. It’s a failure of principle.
new scoop for @rollingstone.com from @andrewperez.bsky.social and me just now: www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
'Lives Are In Danger' After a Trump Admin Spreadsheet Leak, Sources Say
Donald Trump’s State Department was going to keep sensitive information about foreign grants private, despite Musk’s meddling. It all leaked.
www.rollingstone.com
March 29, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Imagine devoting your life to public service—only to be flagged on a partisan list and exposed to harassment for doing your job.
This isn’t just a policy failure. It’s a failure of principle.
This isn’t just a policy failure. It’s a failure of principle.
Free expression is becoming riskier—especially for independent writers. That’s why I found it heartening to see FIRE and Substack team up to offer legal support for writers in the U.S. who face free speech threats.
This kind of backing matters more than ever.
This kind of backing matters more than ever.
#BREAKING: To preserve America’s tradition as a home for fearless writing, FIRE and Substack are partnering to support writers residing lawfully in this country targeted by the government for the content of their writing. If you fit this category, we urge you to get in touch immediately.
Defending free speech: FIRE and Substack partner to protect writers in America
America has recently sent a message to foreigners lawfully residing in the country: You can stay here — but only if you give up your freedom of speech
www.thefire.org
March 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Free expression is becoming riskier—especially for independent writers. That’s why I found it heartening to see FIRE and Substack team up to offer legal support for writers in the U.S. who face free speech threats.
This kind of backing matters more than ever.
This kind of backing matters more than ever.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
IN ONE WEEK: We’re mobilizing to show the strength of our movement — because the fight against President Musk and Kennedy Center chairman Trump is just starting. Please join us next Saturday: handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible
March 29, 2025 at 6:23 PM
IN ONE WEEK: We’re mobilizing to show the strength of our movement — because the fight against President Musk and Kennedy Center chairman Trump is just starting. Please join us next Saturday: handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible
Reposted by Branch Donovan
Huge Raucous Tesla Takedown today in Manhattan
#teslatakedown
#teslatakedown
March 29, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Huge Raucous Tesla Takedown today in Manhattan
#teslatakedown
#teslatakedown
Reposted by Branch Donovan
We will not be distracted.
We will not be discouraged.
We’ve got our eyes on the prize.
And we will build the prosperous, free nation for all that we deserve.
The time to organize is now.
OcasioCortez.com
We will not be discouraged.
We’ve got our eyes on the prize.
And we will build the prosperous, free nation for all that we deserve.
The time to organize is now.
OcasioCortez.com
March 28, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We will not be distracted.
We will not be discouraged.
We’ve got our eyes on the prize.
And we will build the prosperous, free nation for all that we deserve.
The time to organize is now.
OcasioCortez.com
We will not be discouraged.
We’ve got our eyes on the prize.
And we will build the prosperous, free nation for all that we deserve.
The time to organize is now.
OcasioCortez.com
Enough with the chaos aesthetic.
I’m choosing competence over this circus. We don’t need the perfect candidates, we need serious ones.
Let’s get serious. Let’s show up.
Let’s stand up against this nonsense. And please, if nothing else, speak up through your voting rights and power.
I’m choosing competence over this circus. We don’t need the perfect candidates, we need serious ones.
Let’s get serious. Let’s show up.
Let’s stand up against this nonsense. And please, if nothing else, speak up through your voting rights and power.
From Hopium:
- Signalgate, more bad econ news, disappearing students, more crappy polls, PA state Senate shock, Stefanik retreat- been an ugly political week for Trump
- Washington Dems found a higher gear this week, was encouraging to see
More 👇
www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/besides-th...
- Signalgate, more bad econ news, disappearing students, more crappy polls, PA state Senate shock, Stefanik retreat- been an ugly political week for Trump
- Washington Dems found a higher gear this week, was encouraging to see
More 👇
www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/besides-th...
Besides The Bluster, The Blather And Fascistic Bloodlust, There Is Also Failure, Incompetence, Weakness, A Worsening Economy And A Public Rapidly Losing Faith
Last Days of Hopium's March Anniversary Sale - 10% off An Annual Paid Subscription Through Monday
www.hopiumchronicles.com
March 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Enough with the chaos aesthetic.
I’m choosing competence over this circus. We don’t need the perfect candidates, we need serious ones.
Let’s get serious. Let’s show up.
Let’s stand up against this nonsense. And please, if nothing else, speak up through your voting rights and power.
I’m choosing competence over this circus. We don’t need the perfect candidates, we need serious ones.
Let’s get serious. Let’s show up.
Let’s stand up against this nonsense. And please, if nothing else, speak up through your voting rights and power.
Reposted by Branch Donovan
I have struggled with how to respond to Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook's descent into toxic masculinity and Neo-Nazi madness. While I have thought about quitting Facebook, I find great value in the connections and friends I have here, and it doesn't seem fair that I should lose that 1/4
January 13, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I have struggled with how to respond to Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook's descent into toxic masculinity and Neo-Nazi madness. While I have thought about quitting Facebook, I find great value in the connections and friends I have here, and it doesn't seem fair that I should lose that 1/4
1/2 The stakes are way too high for “experiments” like Musk’s on platforms like X. People like him claim to know better, but often their views are driven by confirmation bias, not real insight.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The evolution of X: How Musk transformed the social media giant in 2024
New users? New algorithms? Or something else going on behind the scenes? The story behind the new changes on the social media site
www.bbc.com
December 27, 2024 at 11:58 AM
1/2 The stakes are way too high for “experiments” like Musk’s on platforms like X. People like him claim to know better, but often their views are driven by confirmation bias, not real insight.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Branch Donovan
6. Follow independent news outlets and local news outlets instead of the big billionaire owned national political press outlets. Less outrage bait, more actual, usable, actionable info. Here's a starter pack of local outlets: go.bsky.app/FzSc9z
December 18, 2024 at 1:01 AM
6. Follow independent news outlets and local news outlets instead of the big billionaire owned national political press outlets. Less outrage bait, more actual, usable, actionable info. Here's a starter pack of local outlets: go.bsky.app/FzSc9z