erika owens
@erikaowens.com
tech, journalism, music, TV, wandering, biking, and laughing way too loudly.
newly based in sheffield, previously philadelphia
banner image is by https://www.instagram.com/harshadisfree/ via atlas obscura
newly based in sheffield, previously philadelphia
banner image is by https://www.instagram.com/harshadisfree/ via atlas obscura
are news organizations going to continue daily updates on the number of people who have lost health insurance when the ACA subsidies expire, like we've heard about every canceled flight?
November 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
are news organizations going to continue daily updates on the number of people who have lost health insurance when the ACA subsidies expire, like we've heard about every canceled flight?
jessica was one of those people always making connections between ideas and people, and who was extraordinarily generous in sharing her network and resources.
a tremendous loss. an inspiring legacy to honor.
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-j...
a tremendous loss. an inspiring legacy to honor.
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-j...
Donate to Honoring Jessica Clark, organized by Jennifer Brandel
Jessica Clark was an extraordinary innovator who passed away unexpectedly in late October. Her… Jennifer Brandel needs your support for Honoring Jessica Clark
www.gofundme.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:51 AM
jessica was one of those people always making connections between ideas and people, and who was extraordinarily generous in sharing her network and resources.
a tremendous loss. an inspiring legacy to honor.
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-j...
a tremendous loss. an inspiring legacy to honor.
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-j...
Reposted by erika owens
absolutely brilliant and sweet article, perfect election morning read
watching the Mamdani campaign from afar during the primary, so many things were impressive, among them the incredible work his online video team was doing to spread the message in fun, creative, educational, invigorating ways that spoke to people
this is my story about how they did it
this is my story about how they did it
Selling Zohran | Defector
On a cool Sunday in November, a few days after Donald Trump’s re-election, Zohran Mamdani stood on a street corner in Jamaica, Queens, holding up a hastily drawn cardboard sign that read “DID YOU VOTE...
defector.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
absolutely brilliant and sweet article, perfect election morning read
"Those who have leverage over the UAE, and therefore the RSF, but allow the violence to pass without urgent action or pressure have blood on their hands. The majority of El Fasher’s population is trapped in a killing field. Every minute counts."
Blood spilled in Sudan can be seen from space. Nobody can feign ignorance about what’s going on | Nesrine Malik
Blood spilled in Sudan can be seen from space. Nobody can feign ignorance about what’s going on | Nesrine Malik
The massacres carried out by the RSF in El Fasher, Darfur, with the support of its UAE sponsors, will only stop when the international community acts, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:55 PM
"Those who have leverage over the UAE, and therefore the RSF, but allow the violence to pass without urgent action or pressure have blood on their hands. The majority of El Fasher’s population is trapped in a killing field. Every minute counts."
Reposted by erika owens
We’re helping make the local-news ecosystem work better for everyone. Our new website shows how we connect funders with trusted publishers, and the new Poynter op-ed shows why that coordination matters.
Learn more → thepivotfund.org
Read the op-ed → shorturl.at/W6lbk
#localnews #philanthropy
Learn more → thepivotfund.org
Read the op-ed → shorturl.at/W6lbk
#localnews #philanthropy
The Pivot Fund: Shifting Power Through Equitable Journalism Funding
The Pivot Fund empowers independent, community-rooted news outlets serving under-resourced urban and rural areas. We provide funding and support that strengthen local news and build a more inclusive, ...
thepivotfund.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
We’re helping make the local-news ecosystem work better for everyone. Our new website shows how we connect funders with trusted publishers, and the new Poynter op-ed shows why that coordination matters.
Learn more → thepivotfund.org
Read the op-ed → shorturl.at/W6lbk
#localnews #philanthropy
Learn more → thepivotfund.org
Read the op-ed → shorturl.at/W6lbk
#localnews #philanthropy
a beacon of great cultural writing and important feminist reporting! sign up!
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!! Today is the last day of our Flytrap subscription drive. The goal for today is 159 subscriptions! THIS IS THE LAST CALL FOR THE 15% OFF DISCOUNT: the-flytrap.ghost.io/chomp
The Flytrap
Feminist cultural criticism against the algorithm
the-flytrap.ghost.io
November 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
a beacon of great cultural writing and important feminist reporting! sign up!
sorry to be missing the first ever #NPASummit, but excited to follow all the updates. congrats, @newsproduct.org team!
October 23, 2025 at 2:50 PM
sorry to be missing the first ever #NPASummit, but excited to follow all the updates. congrats, @newsproduct.org team!
Reposted by erika owens
I love the graphic below so much!
Gonna brag a lil - I came up with the idea of a Pac-Man shaped flytrap and our fabulous @theflytrapmedia.com artist Rommy Torrico ran with it, coming up with this whole retro 8-bit visual campaign. Isn’t it awesome?
Please renew or subscribe!
Gonna brag a lil - I came up with the idea of a Pac-Man shaped flytrap and our fabulous @theflytrapmedia.com artist Rommy Torrico ran with it, coming up with this whole retro 8-bit visual campaign. Isn’t it awesome?
Please renew or subscribe!
A reminder that your $$ will go towards paying for NEW feminist journalism and also reprinting Bitch Media classics! Isn't it a bargain? Get the deal at the link:
the-flytrap.ghost.io/feminist
the-flytrap.ghost.io/feminist
October 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I love the graphic below so much!
Gonna brag a lil - I came up with the idea of a Pac-Man shaped flytrap and our fabulous @theflytrapmedia.com artist Rommy Torrico ran with it, coming up with this whole retro 8-bit visual campaign. Isn’t it awesome?
Please renew or subscribe!
Gonna brag a lil - I came up with the idea of a Pac-Man shaped flytrap and our fabulous @theflytrapmedia.com artist Rommy Torrico ran with it, coming up with this whole retro 8-bit visual campaign. Isn’t it awesome?
Please renew or subscribe!
are any platforms making it easy for journalists to make portfolio sites these days? maybe even something like 1password's free for journalists tier? would love if it's open source and free or cheaper than $10/mo.
October 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM
are any platforms making it easy for journalists to make portfolio sites these days? maybe even something like 1password's free for journalists tier? would love if it's open source and free or cheaper than $10/mo.
Reposted by erika owens
it’s challenging being a Black-owned newsroom during this time of anti-DEI and political attacks, but we persevere. that’s what our ancestors did.
if you can, consider making a contribution — big or small — to fuel our reporting on Chicago.
if you know a $$$ person in your life, spread the word.
if you can, consider making a contribution — big or small — to fuel our reporting on Chicago.
if you know a $$$ person in your life, spread the word.
We’re so thankful to everyone who is spreading the word about our work at The TRiiBE.
This moment demands more revolutionary voices in journalism. Support independent, Black-owned journalism today.
Make a monetary contribution: buy.stripe.com/00w14n5ZRbhk...
This moment demands more revolutionary voices in journalism. Support independent, Black-owned journalism today.
Make a monetary contribution: buy.stripe.com/00w14n5ZRbhk...
October 5, 2025 at 5:25 PM
it’s challenging being a Black-owned newsroom during this time of anti-DEI and political attacks, but we persevere. that’s what our ancestors did.
if you can, consider making a contribution — big or small — to fuel our reporting on Chicago.
if you know a $$$ person in your life, spread the word.
if you can, consider making a contribution — big or small — to fuel our reporting on Chicago.
if you know a $$$ person in your life, spread the word.
Reposted by erika owens
What happens when AI and surveillance tech is used? Bosses monitor workers, landlords exploit tenants and SEPTA polices riders. Philly needs oversight and transparency! 📅 Mark your calendar for October 15 at 10am and turn out to demand accountability at the hearing on AI and surveillance.
September 23, 2025 at 7:54 PM
What happens when AI and surveillance tech is used? Bosses monitor workers, landlords exploit tenants and SEPTA polices riders. Philly needs oversight and transparency! 📅 Mark your calendar for October 15 at 10am and turn out to demand accountability at the hearing on AI and surveillance.
Reposted by erika owens
Along with the amazing Brechner Center, MuckRock is co-organizing the 2nd annual Sunshine Fest (March 16-17, 2026 in DC) and we’re looking for some great topics, panels and speakers. Deadline to submit ideas is today! ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
ufl.qualtrics.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Along with the amazing Brechner Center, MuckRock is co-organizing the 2nd annual Sunshine Fest (March 16-17, 2026 in DC) and we’re looking for some great topics, panels and speakers. Deadline to submit ideas is today! ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Reposted by erika owens
Good morning! It's Flytrap Tuesday and we have an amazing photoessay on rural feminists in Argentina--and their struggles with the current right-wing, libertarian government: the-flytrap.ghost.io/rural-femini...
Under Milei, Rural Feminists Fight for Rights and Resources
A feminist community radio station in Argentina has changed rural women's lives, but right-wing government threatens its existence.
the-flytrap.ghost.io
September 16, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Good morning! It's Flytrap Tuesday and we have an amazing photoessay on rural feminists in Argentina--and their struggles with the current right-wing, libertarian government: the-flytrap.ghost.io/rural-femini...
additional OJA congrats to @losowsky.com! so grateful to you and @blackamazon.bsky.social for your research and leadership on what commenting can (and should!) mean in news. have loved following the ways you link communities throughout your work and life!
awards.journalists.org/entries/andr...
awards.journalists.org/entries/andr...
Andrew Losowsky - Online Journalism Awards
Read More
awards.journalists.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:37 AM
additional OJA congrats to @losowsky.com! so grateful to you and @blackamazon.bsky.social for your research and leadership on what commenting can (and should!) mean in news. have loved following the ways you link communities throughout your work and life!
awards.journalists.org/entries/andr...
awards.journalists.org/entries/andr...
sorry to be missing celebrating in person this week but MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS to @webjournalist.bsky.social. you've shaped my experience of journalism from ONA to #wjchat. thank you for your leadership and tireless work for journalism to live up to its values.
journalists.org/profiles/rob...
journalists.org/profiles/rob...
Robert Hernandez – ONA Community Profile
Digital Journalism Professor at USC Annenberg focusing on emerging tech. Creator of JOVRNALISM™️ which is an award-winning, student org that producing immersive, journalism experiences. (@webjournalis...
journalists.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
sorry to be missing celebrating in person this week but MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS to @webjournalist.bsky.social. you've shaped my experience of journalism from ONA to #wjchat. thank you for your leadership and tireless work for journalism to live up to its values.
journalists.org/profiles/rob...
journalists.org/profiles/rob...
updated COVID boosters are available now in the UK, privately. (NHS vaccines for vulnerable groups begin October 1)
source: called local pharmacy and the person who answered said they aren't even allowed to use the old boosters anymore
source: called local pharmacy and the person who answered said they aren't even allowed to use the old boosters anymore
September 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
updated COVID boosters are available now in the UK, privately. (NHS vaccines for vulnerable groups begin October 1)
source: called local pharmacy and the person who answered said they aren't even allowed to use the old boosters anymore
source: called local pharmacy and the person who answered said they aren't even allowed to use the old boosters anymore
Reposted by erika owens
Tips for getting the most out of a self directed residency? I am starting one tomorrow and want to use the opportunity as best I can, but I have never done one of these before.
September 7, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Tips for getting the most out of a self directed residency? I am starting one tomorrow and want to use the opportunity as best I can, but I have never done one of these before.
a vital opportunity for journalists coming up in philly next month!
Did I mention that registration includes:
An opening reception and four meals?
A printed copy of: www.pcgvr.org/toolkit/
A screening of: thesecondtrauma.net
An introduction to: survivorconnection.org
And a free one-year (professional or associate) membership in: agvr.org
Register now: www.pcgvr.org
An opening reception and four meals?
A printed copy of: www.pcgvr.org/toolkit/
A screening of: thesecondtrauma.net
An introduction to: survivorconnection.org
And a free one-year (professional or associate) membership in: agvr.org
Register now: www.pcgvr.org
September 8, 2025 at 1:08 PM
a vital opportunity for journalists coming up in philly next month!
if you're in sheffield, on friday all day people will be reading names of children killed in gaza. www.instagram.com/sheffieldpsc...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Please don’t succumb to hopelessness over Palestine. Your voice can still make a difference | Arwa Mahdawi
As the war gets livestreamed to our phones, it is easy to be overwhelmed and feel helpless. But even small acts of activism add up, writes Arwa Mahdawi
www.theguardian.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:57 PM
if you're in sheffield, on friday all day people will be reading names of children killed in gaza. www.instagram.com/sheffieldpsc...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
this shouldn't have taken me so long, but in case anyone else is as stuck in their fizzy drink habits as i am...
erikaowens.com/blog/a-guide...
erikaowens.com/blog/a-guide...
A guide to boycotting Coke
erikaowens.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:22 PM
this shouldn't have taken me so long, but in case anyone else is as stuck in their fizzy drink habits as i am...
erikaowens.com/blog/a-guide...
erikaowens.com/blog/a-guide...
thanks (and congrats), @ryanpitts.bsky.social opennews.org/blog/thanks-...
Thanks, Ryan
OpenNews connects a network of developers, designers, journalists, and editors to collaborate on open technologies and processes within journalism. Alongside our community, our mission includes fighti...
opennews.org
August 14, 2025 at 5:47 PM
thanks (and congrats), @ryanpitts.bsky.social opennews.org/blog/thanks-...
Reposted by erika owens
Here it is, the call for submissions for my next anthology, ACT UP BEYOND NEW YORK: Stories and Strategies from a Movement to End the AIDS Crisis, to be published by @haymarketbooks.org! Please forward widely!⚡💕⚡💕⚡ Here's the link to the call: www.mattildabernsteinsycamore.com/other
August 14, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Here it is, the call for submissions for my next anthology, ACT UP BEYOND NEW YORK: Stories and Strategies from a Movement to End the AIDS Crisis, to be published by @haymarketbooks.org! Please forward widely!⚡💕⚡💕⚡ Here's the link to the call: www.mattildabernsteinsycamore.com/other
Reposted by erika owens
A Chicago woman went to immigration court. Her case was dismissed; she and her infant were taken by federal agents who turned her over to contractor MVM. They spent five days confined at the Sonesta O'Hare hotel without communication to the outside world.
My first byline at @injusticewatch.org:
My first byline at @injusticewatch.org:
ICE contractor locked an immigrant and her baby at an O’Hare hotel for five days
Valentina Galvis' detention at a hotel raises questions about the types of facilities being turned into de facto detention centers as the Trump administration ramps up immigration detention.
www.injusticewatch.org
August 7, 2025 at 6:27 PM
A Chicago woman went to immigration court. Her case was dismissed; she and her infant were taken by federal agents who turned her over to contractor MVM. They spent five days confined at the Sonesta O'Hare hotel without communication to the outside world.
My first byline at @injusticewatch.org:
My first byline at @injusticewatch.org:
Reposted by erika owens
So... how do we try to make sure our 401k funds aren't put into private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and other alternative assets. Any personal finance folks out there who can comment?
August 8, 2025 at 11:42 AM
So... how do we try to make sure our 401k funds aren't put into private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and other alternative assets. Any personal finance folks out there who can comment?
Reposted by erika owens
Starting this week with an impression I can't shake no matter how much I try to reason around it:
Nothing — *nothing* — will improve in British politics without first enacting serious, sweeping reforms to the British press.
Nothing — *nothing* — will improve in British politics without first enacting serious, sweeping reforms to the British press.
Am I reading things correctly here? The papers this morning led with the <1000 xenophobes protesting outside migrant hotels, while largely ignoring the 100k people who marched in London yesterday supporting trans rights?
Did I get that right?
Did I get that right?
July 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Starting this week with an impression I can't shake no matter how much I try to reason around it:
Nothing — *nothing* — will improve in British politics without first enacting serious, sweeping reforms to the British press.
Nothing — *nothing* — will improve in British politics without first enacting serious, sweeping reforms to the British press.