Ellen Hokanson
@ellenhokanson.bsky.social
She/her.
Writing a #HistoricalNovel for #MiddleGrade + about cross-cultural friendship and misunderstanding in 1824 London.
Alt text:
A white woman on a seashore.
A 1950s photo of a mom reading a book (unseen) to 4, 2, and 6-year-old kids.
Writing a #HistoricalNovel for #MiddleGrade + about cross-cultural friendship and misunderstanding in 1824 London.
Alt text:
A white woman on a seashore.
A 1950s photo of a mom reading a book (unseen) to 4, 2, and 6-year-old kids.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
Rahham Borjesteh was 11.
While the world debates narratives, the regime in Iran keeps burying its youth.
But what’s harder to understand is the silence, from many who claim to care about human rights above all else.
If human rights are universal, outrage should be too.
While the world debates narratives, the regime in Iran keeps burying its youth.
But what’s harder to understand is the silence, from many who claim to care about human rights above all else.
If human rights are universal, outrage should be too.
February 18, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Rahham Borjesteh was 11.
While the world debates narratives, the regime in Iran keeps burying its youth.
But what’s harder to understand is the silence, from many who claim to care about human rights above all else.
If human rights are universal, outrage should be too.
While the world debates narratives, the regime in Iran keeps burying its youth.
But what’s harder to understand is the silence, from many who claim to care about human rights above all else.
If human rights are universal, outrage should be too.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
The Heritage Foundation is now calling for the overturn of Plyler vs. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that banned states from denying an education to the children of undocumented immigrants.
February 18, 2026 at 5:14 PM
The Heritage Foundation is now calling for the overturn of Plyler vs. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that banned states from denying an education to the children of undocumented immigrants.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
Hey folks, DJI at @americanprogress.bsky.social is focused on gathering stories from disabled voters in every state. If you are willing to share how accessibility affects your ability to vote. We're looking for both positive and negative stories.
The Disability Justice Initiative @americanprogress.bsky.social is gathering stories from disabled voters about voting accessibility (particularly looking for folks from IN, MO, RI, TX, UT, & WY).
Please complete this Google form if you're interested in sharing your story:
Please complete this Google form if you're interested in sharing your story:
Share Your Voting Story
The Center for American Progress (CAP) is seeking to understand disabled people's voting experiences. Rarely are disabled voters highlighted when talking about their right to vote. CAP's Disability Ju...
docs.google.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Hey folks, DJI at @americanprogress.bsky.social is focused on gathering stories from disabled voters in every state. If you are willing to share how accessibility affects your ability to vote. We're looking for both positive and negative stories.
Making life better for Texans and preserving their voting rights means electing a Democratic state legislature. This is the path to turning one of our most populous states blue.
📣 #TEXAS Democrats need your help!
--Donations go directly to the candidates
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me
--You can opt out of sharing email/phone w/the campaigns
📣 This page lists COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/txblu...
--Donations go directly to the candidates
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me
--You can opt out of sharing email/phone w/the campaigns
📣 This page lists COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/txblu...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 18, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Making life better for Texans and preserving their voting rights means electing a Democratic state legislature. This is the path to turning one of our most populous states blue.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
What the fuck?
NEW: The FDA has removed a webpage warning about dangerous therapies claiming to treat autism. It’s part of a series of actions the agency has taken under RFK Jr. to discredit long-established science.
By @megomatz.bsky.social
By @megomatz.bsky.social
Chlorine Dioxide, Raw Camel Milk: The FDA No Longer Warns Against These and Other Ineffective Autism Treatments
The FDA has taken down a webpage warning about therapies and products making “false claims” of treating autism. It’s part of a series of actions the agency has taken under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy ...
www.propublica.org
February 18, 2026 at 3:11 PM
What the fuck?
This is a gigantic relief to me.
If you haven’t been upset about the FDA ditching mRNA vaccine development (after decades, with the finish line in sight), it has to be that you aren’t aware of what miseries these vaccines will protect us from.
If you haven’t been upset about the FDA ditching mRNA vaccine development (after decades, with the finish line in sight), it has to be that you aren’t aware of what miseries these vaccines will protect us from.
#FDA backs down on #Moderna: The agency had refused to review the company's licensure application for an mRNA flu vaccine, but after significant pushback has relented. www.statnews.com/2026/02/18/f...
FDA reverses course, agrees to review Moderna’s flu vaccine
The FDA reversed course and told Moderna it would review its application for a new flu vaccine, the company announced Wednesday.
www.statnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 5:06 PM
This is a gigantic relief to me.
If you haven’t been upset about the FDA ditching mRNA vaccine development (after decades, with the finish line in sight), it has to be that you aren’t aware of what miseries these vaccines will protect us from.
If you haven’t been upset about the FDA ditching mRNA vaccine development (after decades, with the finish line in sight), it has to be that you aren’t aware of what miseries these vaccines will protect us from.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
When I told another teacher I was postponing quiz day for the walkout she said “I’m not. The ones who do leave are just gonna go home and not actually protest” I’m like you want our Mexican-American kids out protesting?!? Jesus. Let them go home, stay safe, but FEEL a little empowered for once.
Can we please make sure we keep this in mind when everyone decides to make fun of people concerned about their safety in regard to civil disobedience.
"Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman shot by federal agents last fall, was already on the government's radar before an agent opened fire, identified as a threat after a social media post."
February 17, 2026 at 7:52 PM
When I told another teacher I was postponing quiz day for the walkout she said “I’m not. The ones who do leave are just gonna go home and not actually protest” I’m like you want our Mexican-American kids out protesting?!? Jesus. Let them go home, stay safe, but FEEL a little empowered for once.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
📣 #NORTHCAROLINA Democrats need your help!
🚨 This is an #UnlikelyHeroes page *deliberately* featuring Dems running in RED districts to boost statewide turnout & force Republicans to defend their turf.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/nc26h...
🚨 This is an #UnlikelyHeroes page *deliberately* featuring Dems running in RED districts to boost statewide turnout & force Republicans to defend their turf.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/nc26h...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:13 PM
📣 #NORTHCAROLINA Democrats need your help!
🚨 This is an #UnlikelyHeroes page *deliberately* featuring Dems running in RED districts to boost statewide turnout & force Republicans to defend their turf.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/nc26h...
🚨 This is an #UnlikelyHeroes page *deliberately* featuring Dems running in RED districts to boost statewide turnout & force Republicans to defend their turf.
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/nc26h...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
Our ICE and criminal “criminal justice system” revictimizing a man who served 43 years on false charges by immediately detaining him for deportation
www.willitsnews.com/2026/02/17/m...
www.willitsnews.com/2026/02/17/m...
Pennsylvania man cleared after 43 years in prison for murder denied bail during deportation fight
Subramanyam Vedam will remain in custody while he appeals a 1999 deportation order.
www.willitsnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Our ICE and criminal “criminal justice system” revictimizing a man who served 43 years on false charges by immediately detaining him for deportation
www.willitsnews.com/2026/02/17/m...
www.willitsnews.com/2026/02/17/m...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
“What are you without racism? Are you any good? Are you still strong? You still smart? You still like yourself?”- Toni Morrison
Remembering Toni Morrison on her birthday (February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019) 🩷💚🕊
Remembering Toni Morrison on her birthday (February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019) 🩷💚🕊
February 18, 2026 at 1:57 PM
“What are you without racism? Are you any good? Are you still strong? You still smart? You still like yourself?”- Toni Morrison
Remembering Toni Morrison on her birthday (February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019) 🩷💚🕊
Remembering Toni Morrison on her birthday (February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019) 🩷💚🕊
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
My guess is that the goal here is not only to punish the children for turning more people against ICE/DHS, but also to make news outlets think twice about reporting on kids' suffering at the hands of ICE/DHS, out of concern that doing so might lead to retaliation against the kids.
ProPublica published children's letters and drawings documenting their sadness and suffering at Dilley. And Dilley staff are now retaliating by confiscating kids' letters and drawings.
www.sacurrent.com/news/san-ant...
www.sacurrent.com/news/san-ant...
February 18, 2026 at 1:17 PM
My guess is that the goal here is not only to punish the children for turning more people against ICE/DHS, but also to make news outlets think twice about reporting on kids' suffering at the hands of ICE/DHS, out of concern that doing so might lead to retaliation against the kids.
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
🙈 🙉 🙊
For months I've banged the drum that "not sure" has become the safe harbor answer for "Republicans who know Trump's probably wrong, but don't want to admit it."
Today's Economist/YouGov Poll: Is Donald Trump racist?
41% of Republicans have No Opinion.
d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/ec...
Today's Economist/YouGov Poll: Is Donald Trump racist?
41% of Republicans have No Opinion.
d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/ec...
February 18, 2026 at 4:08 PM
🙈 🙉 🙊
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
"It's not artificial intelligence. It's African intelligence."
Michael Geoffrey Asia, the secretary general of the Data Labelers Association in Kenya tells @jasonkoebler.bsky.social about the notoriously brutal and underpaid work of training AI.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH65...
Michael Geoffrey Asia, the secretary general of the Data Labelers Association in Kenya tells @jasonkoebler.bsky.social about the notoriously brutal and underpaid work of training AI.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH65...
February 17, 2026 at 2:59 PM
"It's not artificial intelligence. It's African intelligence."
Michael Geoffrey Asia, the secretary general of the Data Labelers Association in Kenya tells @jasonkoebler.bsky.social about the notoriously brutal and underpaid work of training AI.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH65...
Michael Geoffrey Asia, the secretary general of the Data Labelers Association in Kenya tells @jasonkoebler.bsky.social about the notoriously brutal and underpaid work of training AI.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH65...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
People out here acting like James Talarico is a brand new type of politician—a sincere Christian on the liberal-left.
I wonder why they ignore Senator Warnock. SMH
I wonder why they ignore Senator Warnock. SMH
Warnock: "Jesus is a victim of identity theft in American politics and culture"
February 18, 2026 at 3:16 PM
People out here acting like James Talarico is a brand new type of politician—a sincere Christian on the liberal-left.
I wonder why they ignore Senator Warnock. SMH
I wonder why they ignore Senator Warnock. SMH
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
Turnout for state Rep. Scott Bottoms news conference on his bill to ban gender-affirming surgery for children and his claims (made without evidence) that there are pedophile rings at the Colorado Capitol. Bottoms is running for governor and has declared himself the front runner. #copolitics #coleg
February 18, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Turnout for state Rep. Scott Bottoms news conference on his bill to ban gender-affirming surgery for children and his claims (made without evidence) that there are pedophile rings at the Colorado Capitol. Bottoms is running for governor and has declared himself the front runner. #copolitics #coleg
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
An ethics waiver is for when you waive ethics
The current person in charge of ICE's procurement for detention is a GEO Group executive who ran the company's immigration detention portfolio. He was granted an "ethics waiver" from DHS allowing him to hand out contracts to GEO in his new role.
February 18, 2026 at 2:04 AM
An ethics waiver is for when you waive ethics
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
Corrections Officers and ICE goons have started patrolling the Dilley, Texas ICE Concentration Camp, confiscating children’s drawings, letters, and arts and crafts materials to prevent further leaks of the abhorrent conditions in the camp (February 17, 2026).
February 17, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Corrections Officers and ICE goons have started patrolling the Dilley, Texas ICE Concentration Camp, confiscating children’s drawings, letters, and arts and crafts materials to prevent further leaks of the abhorrent conditions in the camp (February 17, 2026).
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
📣 STATE EDUCATION OFFICES get overshadowed by higher-profile races, but they have a major impact on society.
Donate to help keep & flip STATE SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD seats blue! #Blue26
--Donations go to the candidates listed
--Nothing goes to me
secure.actblue.com/donate/educa...
Donate to help keep & flip STATE SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD seats blue! #Blue26
--Donations go to the candidates listed
--Nothing goes to me
secure.actblue.com/donate/educa...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:54 PM
📣 STATE EDUCATION OFFICES get overshadowed by higher-profile races, but they have a major impact on society.
Donate to help keep & flip STATE SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD seats blue! #Blue26
--Donations go to the candidates listed
--Nothing goes to me
secure.actblue.com/donate/educa...
Donate to help keep & flip STATE SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD seats blue! #Blue26
--Donations go to the candidates listed
--Nothing goes to me
secure.actblue.com/donate/educa...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
📣 Elections for state Treasurer, Auditor, Comptroller, etc. don't get much attention, but they're vitally important (and are often stepping stones to higher-profile offices).
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/other...
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/other...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:49 PM
📣 Elections for state Treasurer, Auditor, Comptroller, etc. don't get much attention, but they're vitally important (and are often stepping stones to higher-profile offices).
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/other...
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/other...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
📣 ATTORNEYS GENERAL and SECRETARIES OF STATE are vital to protecting our elections and civil rights!
Donate today to help keep & flip them blue! #Blue26
--Opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/agsos...
Donate today to help keep & flip them blue! #Blue26
--Opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/agsos...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:29 PM
📣 ATTORNEYS GENERAL and SECRETARIES OF STATE are vital to protecting our elections and civil rights!
Donate today to help keep & flip them blue! #Blue26
--Opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/agsos...
Donate today to help keep & flip them blue! #Blue26
--Opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/agsos...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
📣 Democratic GOVERNOR and LT. GOVERNOR candidates need your help!
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue. #Blue26
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/govsl...
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue. #Blue26
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/govsl...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:26 PM
📣 Democratic GOVERNOR and LT. GOVERNOR candidates need your help!
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue. #Blue26
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/govsl...
Donate today to help keep & flip STATE EXECUTIVE seats blue. #Blue26
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/govsl...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
🚨 Flipping the Senate blue is an ABSOLUTE MUST this year. Donate today. #Blue26
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/senat...
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/senat...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:05 PM
🚨 Flipping the Senate blue is an ABSOLUTE MUST this year. Donate today. #Blue26
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/senat...
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--You can opt out of sharing your email/phone w/the campaigns.
--Not a dime of donations through this page go to me.
secure.actblue.com/donate/senat...
Reposted by Ellen Hokanson
🚨 Flipping the House blue is an ABSOLUTE MUST this year. Donate today. #Blue26
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me.
(Note: The "ICE 7" have been removed until at least after their primaries)
secure.actblue.com/donate/house...
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me.
(Note: The "ICE 7" have been removed until at least after their primaries)
secure.actblue.com/donate/house...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:59 PM
🚨 Flipping the House blue is an ABSOLUTE MUST this year. Donate today. #Blue26
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me.
(Note: The "ICE 7" have been removed until at least after their primaries)
secure.actblue.com/donate/house...
--"TBD" donations go to the eventual Dem nominee.
--Nothing donated via this page goes to me.
(Note: The "ICE 7" have been removed until at least after their primaries)
secure.actblue.com/donate/house...