John Carter
@jcarter5.bsky.social
Husband, grandfather, care giver, educator, 26.2 x 5, RPCV.
Reposted by John Carter
With tax season in full swing, here's our reminder that TurboTax owner Intuit spent two decades fighting to prevent Americans from filing their taxes online for free.
(Published 2019)
(Published 2019)
Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free
Using lobbying, the revolving door and “dark pattern” customer tricks, Intuit fended off the government’s attempts to make tax filing free and easy, and created its multi-billion-dollar franchise.
www.propublica.org
February 8, 2026 at 4:00 AM
With tax season in full swing, here's our reminder that TurboTax owner Intuit spent two decades fighting to prevent Americans from filing their taxes online for free.
(Published 2019)
(Published 2019)
Reposted by John Carter
"The Professor Is in," is my attempt to step back from the news cycle and teach a bit of economics. This week: AI and the labor market. There's always more to say, but hopefully it lays out the key issues
Full clip is on my youtube channel (subscribe!) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGN6...
Full clip is on my youtube channel (subscribe!) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGN6...
AI Will Reshape Work—But Not The Way You Think, Says Justin Wolfers
Will AI take your job—or make you better at it? This latest episode of "The Professor Is In" analyzes how AI will shape your job prospects.
Today’s wave of layoffs is being linked to AI, but most of…
www.youtube.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:15 AM
"The Professor Is in," is my attempt to step back from the news cycle and teach a bit of economics. This week: AI and the labor market. There's always more to say, but hopefully it lays out the key issues
Full clip is on my youtube channel (subscribe!) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGN6...
Full clip is on my youtube channel (subscribe!) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGN6...
Reposted by John Carter
I served with the U.S. Attorneys Office in LA for almost 6 years.
It was a great office, professional and apolitical.
My heart breaks for the many hundreds of dedicated prosecutors who have been forced to leave rather than engage in unethical conduct.
But they have made the right decision.
It was a great office, professional and apolitical.
My heart breaks for the many hundreds of dedicated prosecutors who have been forced to leave rather than engage in unethical conduct.
But they have made the right decision.
Demanding Support for Trump, Justice Dept. Struggles to Recruit Prosecutors
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:24 AM
I served with the U.S. Attorneys Office in LA for almost 6 years.
It was a great office, professional and apolitical.
My heart breaks for the many hundreds of dedicated prosecutors who have been forced to leave rather than engage in unethical conduct.
But they have made the right decision.
It was a great office, professional and apolitical.
My heart breaks for the many hundreds of dedicated prosecutors who have been forced to leave rather than engage in unethical conduct.
But they have made the right decision.
Reposted by John Carter
NEW: A baby held in immigration detention became so sick, she had to be rushed to a hospital in severe respiratory distress.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
Toddler hospitalized with respiratory failure was returned to ICE detention without prescribed medication, lawsuit says
The 18-month-old was sent back to a South Texas facility after days in intensive care with severe respiratory distress, according to a federal lawsuit.
www.nbcnews.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:25 PM
NEW: A baby held in immigration detention became so sick, she had to be rushed to a hospital in severe respiratory distress.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
Reposted by John Carter
Reposted by John Carter
American workers just took home their smallest share of the nation's wealth since 1947 — even as corporate profits soar.
Why? This chart has the answer.
Why? This chart has the answer.
February 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
American workers just took home their smallest share of the nation's wealth since 1947 — even as corporate profits soar.
Why? This chart has the answer.
Why? This chart has the answer.
Reposted by John Carter
Why are the comedy team of Witkoff and Kushner the lead negotiators on …. ANYTHING???
No Senate approval. No confirmation process.
The only expertise these two have is the ability to enrich themselves.
No Senate approval. No confirmation process.
The only expertise these two have is the ability to enrich themselves.
February 7, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Why are the comedy team of Witkoff and Kushner the lead negotiators on …. ANYTHING???
No Senate approval. No confirmation process.
The only expertise these two have is the ability to enrich themselves.
No Senate approval. No confirmation process.
The only expertise these two have is the ability to enrich themselves.
Reposted by John Carter
Why are so many undocumented immigrants being held in detention for so long instead of being deported?
Simple. The billionaires who own the detention centers get paid for keeping people here. They don't get paid for people who get deported.
It's not about the law, it's about taking your money.
Simple. The billionaires who own the detention centers get paid for keeping people here. They don't get paid for people who get deported.
It's not about the law, it's about taking your money.
February 7, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Why are so many undocumented immigrants being held in detention for so long instead of being deported?
Simple. The billionaires who own the detention centers get paid for keeping people here. They don't get paid for people who get deported.
It's not about the law, it's about taking your money.
Simple. The billionaires who own the detention centers get paid for keeping people here. They don't get paid for people who get deported.
It's not about the law, it's about taking your money.
Reposted by John Carter
This is scathing. Kash Patel and anyone else involved in this must be impeached.
Gift article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/us/renee-good-investigation-minnesota-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KVA.pAnP.FE6p37Nwd1TA&smid=nytcore-ios-share
Gift article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/us/renee-good-investigation-minnesota-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KVA.pAnP.FE6p37Nwd1TA&smid=nytcore-ios-share
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:46 AM
This is scathing. Kash Patel and anyone else involved in this must be impeached.
Gift article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/us/renee-good-investigation-minnesota-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KVA.pAnP.FE6p37Nwd1TA&smid=nytcore-ios-share
Gift article:
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/us/renee-good-investigation-minnesota-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.KVA.pAnP.FE6p37Nwd1TA&smid=nytcore-ios-share
Reposted by John Carter
If you believe this, I have 49% of a bridge to sell you.
February 7, 2026 at 3:59 PM
If you believe this, I have 49% of a bridge to sell you.
Reposted by John Carter
Use of Irish airport for US deportation flights to Israel called ‘reprehensible’
Use of Irish airport for US deportation flights to Israel called ‘reprehensible’
Irish politicians condemn use of Shannon airport by ICE-chartered private jet owned by Trump donor
Politicians in Ireland have said the use of an airport in County Clare by planes deporting Palestinians from the United States is to Israel “reprehensible”.
A private jet owned by the Donald Trump donor Gil Dezer was chartered by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for two separate flights that took detainees to Israel, a Guardian investigation revealed this week. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Use of Irish airport for US deportation flights to Israel called ‘reprehensible’
Reposted by John Carter
Under Donald Trump’s administration, the National Institutes of Health have slashed more than half a billion dollars in medical research on some of the leading causes of death in America. trib.al/5rogxp8
February 6, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Under Donald Trump’s administration, the National Institutes of Health have slashed more than half a billion dollars in medical research on some of the leading causes of death in America. trib.al/5rogxp8
Reposted by John Carter
Rep. Vargas talk about ICE's Otay Mesa detention center:
"It's almost like one of those bad movies where they're throwing things over the fence and saying 'help me, this is the terror that I'm going through.'
We have every right to go see and they're not allowing us in."
[Video via his office]
"It's almost like one of those bad movies where they're throwing things over the fence and saying 'help me, this is the terror that I'm going through.'
We have every right to go see and they're not allowing us in."
[Video via his office]
February 6, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Rep. Vargas talk about ICE's Otay Mesa detention center:
"It's almost like one of those bad movies where they're throwing things over the fence and saying 'help me, this is the terror that I'm going through.'
We have every right to go see and they're not allowing us in."
[Video via his office]
"It's almost like one of those bad movies where they're throwing things over the fence and saying 'help me, this is the terror that I'm going through.'
We have every right to go see and they're not allowing us in."
[Video via his office]
Reposted by John Carter
I will not amplify the disgusting racist image that Trump posted of the Obamas, but I will say that he has always been a disgusting racist. And it’s a terrible blight on our country that the poison of racism continues to fuel the fortune of a low-life like him.
February 6, 2026 at 1:56 PM
I will not amplify the disgusting racist image that Trump posted of the Obamas, but I will say that he has always been a disgusting racist. And it’s a terrible blight on our country that the poison of racism continues to fuel the fortune of a low-life like him.
Reposted by John Carter
Let's go, Team USA! 🇺🇸
California is proud to have 19 incredible athletes representing the Golden State at the #MilanoCortina2026 Winter Olympics.
Bring home the gold!🥇
California is proud to have 19 incredible athletes representing the Golden State at the #MilanoCortina2026 Winter Olympics.
Bring home the gold!🥇
February 6, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Let's go, Team USA! 🇺🇸
California is proud to have 19 incredible athletes representing the Golden State at the #MilanoCortina2026 Winter Olympics.
Bring home the gold!🥇
California is proud to have 19 incredible athletes representing the Golden State at the #MilanoCortina2026 Winter Olympics.
Bring home the gold!🥇
Reposted by John Carter
A federal court cleared way for us @democracydefendersfund.org to depose Elon Musk over the unconstitutional shutdown of USAID
Our case now moves into discovery
As our Legal Director Tianna Mays explains: accountability starts w/ facts👇 - TN
Our case now moves into discovery
As our Legal Director Tianna Mays explains: accountability starts w/ facts👇 - TN
Elon Musk Will Be Deposed Over What He Did With DOGE
The former DOGE head will have to answer for what happened at USAID.
newrepublic.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:05 PM
A federal court cleared way for us @democracydefendersfund.org to depose Elon Musk over the unconstitutional shutdown of USAID
Our case now moves into discovery
As our Legal Director Tianna Mays explains: accountability starts w/ facts👇 - TN
Our case now moves into discovery
As our Legal Director Tianna Mays explains: accountability starts w/ facts👇 - TN
Reposted by John Carter
Everyone has an opinion about the science of climate change.
Science does not care about opinions.
Science is based on the peer-reviewed evidence.
Until new evidence indicates otherwise, IF EVER, the current accepted science will remain the consensus view.
ClimateBrawl
Science does not care about opinions.
Science is based on the peer-reviewed evidence.
Until new evidence indicates otherwise, IF EVER, the current accepted science will remain the consensus view.
ClimateBrawl
February 7, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Everyone has an opinion about the science of climate change.
Science does not care about opinions.
Science is based on the peer-reviewed evidence.
Until new evidence indicates otherwise, IF EVER, the current accepted science will remain the consensus view.
ClimateBrawl
Science does not care about opinions.
Science is based on the peer-reviewed evidence.
Until new evidence indicates otherwise, IF EVER, the current accepted science will remain the consensus view.
ClimateBrawl
Reposted by John Carter
NBC editing out the booing of JD Vance is a disgrace. It’s an international event. Americans have the right to know what the world is saying. NBC has bowed down to Trump.
February 7, 2026 at 4:50 AM
NBC editing out the booing of JD Vance is a disgrace. It’s an international event. Americans have the right to know what the world is saying. NBC has bowed down to Trump.
Reposted by John Carter
Big picture: Unemployment is up half a point over the past year, suggesting that we're falling behind. Not a panic button, but definitely a warning light. Add in falling vacancies, spiking initial claims, and falling quits, and the dashboard is lit like a Christmas tree.
February 7, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Big picture: Unemployment is up half a point over the past year, suggesting that we're falling behind. Not a panic button, but definitely a warning light. Add in falling vacancies, spiking initial claims, and falling quits, and the dashboard is lit like a Christmas tree.
Reposted by John Carter
“Strength isn’t just about winning. It’s about courage, empathy and heart.”
—Kristy Coventry, International Olympic Committee president
—Kristy Coventry, International Olympic Committee president
February 7, 2026 at 3:31 AM
“Strength isn’t just about winning. It’s about courage, empathy and heart.”
—Kristy Coventry, International Olympic Committee president
—Kristy Coventry, International Olympic Committee president
Reposted by John Carter
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people's bodies. Her bosses halted her work.
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Toxic Gaslighting: How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in Human Blood Were Safe
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people’s bodies. Her bosses halted her work. As the EPA now forces the removal of the chemicals from drinking water, she wrestles wit...
www.propublica.org
February 7, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people's bodies. Her bosses halted her work.
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Reposted by John Carter
Super Bowl LX is just days away, and we're preparing on and off the field to throw an event only California can.
Stay safe and celebrate responsibly!
Stay safe and celebrate responsibly!
February 7, 2026 at 2:21 AM
Super Bowl LX is just days away, and we're preparing on and off the field to throw an event only California can.
Stay safe and celebrate responsibly!
Stay safe and celebrate responsibly!
Reposted by John Carter
This is what the most distant confirmed galaxy looks like. The light we're receiving was emitted when the Universe was ~15x smaller in linear size than today, and right now it's ~30 billion light-years away from us. The light was emitted when the Universe was <300 million years old. Pretty amazing!
News from the edge of the visible universe:
JWST has confirmed this galaxy, MoM-z14, as the most distant one yet studied. We're seeing it as it was 13.5 billion years ago, 98% of the way back to the beginning of time.
(MoM stands for "miracle or mirage.") 🧪🔭
science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
JWST has confirmed this galaxy, MoM-z14, as the most distant one yet studied. We're seeing it as it was 13.5 billion years ago, 98% of the way back to the beginning of time.
(MoM stands for "miracle or mirage.") 🧪🔭
science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
February 6, 2026 at 9:11 PM
This is what the most distant confirmed galaxy looks like. The light we're receiving was emitted when the Universe was ~15x smaller in linear size than today, and right now it's ~30 billion light-years away from us. The light was emitted when the Universe was <300 million years old. Pretty amazing!
Reposted by John Carter
Facebook launched 22 years ago this week.
In 2025, Meta paid an effective federal tax rate of 3.5% — its lowest on record.
Meanwhile, Meta is pumping at least $65 million into super PACs to stifle regulation of AI and tech.
Trickle-down economics isn't just a hoax, it's corrosive to democracy.
In 2025, Meta paid an effective federal tax rate of 3.5% — its lowest on record.
Meanwhile, Meta is pumping at least $65 million into super PACs to stifle regulation of AI and tech.
Trickle-down economics isn't just a hoax, it's corrosive to democracy.
February 6, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Facebook launched 22 years ago this week.
In 2025, Meta paid an effective federal tax rate of 3.5% — its lowest on record.
Meanwhile, Meta is pumping at least $65 million into super PACs to stifle regulation of AI and tech.
Trickle-down economics isn't just a hoax, it's corrosive to democracy.
In 2025, Meta paid an effective federal tax rate of 3.5% — its lowest on record.
Meanwhile, Meta is pumping at least $65 million into super PACs to stifle regulation of AI and tech.
Trickle-down economics isn't just a hoax, it's corrosive to democracy.