John McLaren
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johnmclaren.bsky.social
John McLaren
@johnmclaren.bsky.social
2.4K followers 870 following 1.8K posts

Economist, classical music nerd, and family man.

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Economics 44%
Political science 23%
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johnmclaren.bsky.social
John McLaren @johnmclaren.bsky.social · Apr 4
I'm seeing a huge spike in interest in tariffs from people who normally don't work in the economics of international trade. Here are a few useful things to know about them. (1/14)

Reposted by John McLaren

moviessilently.bsky.social
Movies Silently @moviessilently.bsky.social · 17h
My release of the 1917 adaptation of KIDNAPPED will be screened at Hippfest on March 19, its first big screen showing in over a century with music by the wonderful @silentsweeney.bsky.social

See New Jersey double for Scotland in Scotland

www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/hippfest/
HippFest
HippFest is Scotland’s first and only festival of silent film with live music, centred in and inspired by Scotland’s first and oldest cinema; featuring exceptional screenings, commissions, workshops, ...
www.hippodromecinema.co.uk

Reposted by John McLaren

virginiamercury.com
Virginia Mercury @virginiamercury.com · 21h
Virginia legislators are considering bills that would shift more grid connection and transmission costs from residential ratepayers to large data centers fueling the state’s power demand.

virginiamercury.com/2026/02/19/l...
Legislature considers shifting power line costs from residents to data centers • Virginia Mercury
Multiple measures working through the General Assembly could put more of the costs that are driving up residential power bills onto data centers.  They range from direct mandates to shift the costs of...
virginiamercury.com

Reposted by Elizabeth Saunders, Steve Peers, John McLaren , and 4 more

phillewis.bsky.social
Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 22h
King Charles has issued a statement following his brother Andrew’s arrest
ROYAL COMMUNICATIONS Thursday, 19th February 2026 A STATEMENT FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.

Reposted by John McLaren

dharmalee3.bsky.social
dharmalee3❌👑 @dharmalee3.bsky.social · 22h
King Charles' younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was on Thursday arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he ​sent confidential government ‌documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
UK police arrest former prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct • FRANCE 24 English
YouTube video by FRANCE 24 English
youtu.be

Reposted by Joe R. Feagin, John McLaren, Peter Holmes , and 1 more

antheabutler.bsky.social
Prof. Anthea Butler @antheabutler.bsky.social · 23h
Bolsonaro in prison, Yeon sentenced to prison, Andrew arrested on his birthday...and America still holding on to a 34 count felon as President.

Reposted by John McLaren

indivisiblecville.bsky.social
Indivisible Charlottesville @indivisiblecville.bsky.social · 1d
We know it's only Wednesday, but... #CVille folks, we have your weekend all lined up for you...Sat. afternoon: Join a community panel and town hall to discuss what we want the future of Cville to look like, and how collective bargaining will help us get there! #UnionStrong #UVA
Charlottesville's a Union Town: Collective Bargaining For All Town Hall
Public Sector Collective Bargaining builds stronger connections between public service workers and the communities we serve. Right now, our university presidents and legislators are trying to divide u...
actionnetwork.org

Reposted by John McLaren

tomperriello.bsky.social
Tom Perriello for Congress @tomperriello.bsky.social · 1d
The Nelson County Democrats were fired up tonight! This is a room full of folks who care deeply about our community and are ready to put in the work to win this seat.

This district is worth fighting for - and with this kind of energy, I know we can flip it. Let’s get to work!
Tom sits at the front of a room speaking to an audience, with an American flag behind him A wide view of a community hall with Tom seated at the front, speaking to a large audience. Tom stands and speaks into a microphone, gesturing with his hand while addressing an audience seated in folding chairs. Tom Perriello speaking to a woman

Reposted by John McLaren

indivisiblecville.bsky.social
Indivisible Charlottesville @indivisiblecville.bsky.social · 1d
One week from today! Join us Wednesday, February 25 - & BRING A FRIEND. What are you going to do when ICE shows up? Learn more about non-violent legal actions we can take to protect our neighbors.
Non-Violent Legal Actions to Protect Our Neighbors — Indivisible Charlottesville
This training will focus on non-violent legal actions we can take to protect our neighbors when ICE arrives. As a community, we need to know what to do when ICE shows up here. There is no such thing ...
www.indivisiblecharlottesville.org

johnmclaren.bsky.social
John McLaren @johnmclaren.bsky.social · 1d
“In honor of the late, great Jesse Jackson I’m going to name some Black people.”

Reposted by Shannon Vallor, Anna O. Law, John McLaren , and 12 more

lollardfish.bsky.social
David M. Perry @lollardfish.bsky.social · 1d
Thousands of institutions abandoned programs, ended or rewrote scholarships, closed down clubs and publications, all in pre-emptive compliance.

And you know why?

Mostly because they wanted to do it if they thought they could blame someone else for it.
aclu.org ACLU @aclu.org · 1d
BREAKING: The Department of Education has ended its directive that attempted to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools nationwide.

This is a victory for academic freedom and education equity.

Reposted by John McLaren

cvilletomorrow.bsky.social
Charlottesville Tomorrow @cvilletomorrow.bsky.social · 1d
The Jefferson School will celebrate its 100th anniversary this Friday, Feb. 20.
Four women changed the course of education for Black students in Charlottesville. A local musician composed a piece to honor them
Ivan Orr will debut his new composition during a 100th anniversary celebration of the opening of the Jefferson High School, which provided Black students with access to secondary education during…
www.cvilletomorrow.org

Reposted by John McLaren

headquartersnews.bsky.social
Headquarters @headquartersnews.bsky.social · 1d
Oh okay

Reposted by Richard E. Lenski, John McLaren, Dana R. Fisher , and 2 more

moworkers.org
Missouri Workers Center @moworkers.org · 1d
“I reject the lie that deporting my neighbor is how I win better pay and working conditions. We’re fighting for a country where families stay together without living in terror, so we’re ALL better off!”

Reposted by John McLaren

byjoshmoody.bsky.social
Josh Moody @byjoshmoody.bsky.social · 1d
The Virginia Senate rejected several lingering Youngkin board appointments yesterday. Those rejections included the entire Richard Bland College board, plus Eric Cantor at William & Mary.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
Richard Bland College Board Removed
Virginia lawmakers rejected seven lingering board picks from former governor Glenn Youngkin, effectively removing the entire Richard Bland College Board of Visitors.
www.insidehighered.com

Reposted by John McLaren

cvilledems.bsky.social
cvilledems.bsky.social @cvilledems.bsky.social · 2d
This is a big deal.

“Similar proposals have cleared the General Assembly in recent years — often with bipartisan backing — but were repeatedly vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin. This year, the political calculus has shifted.”

virginiamercury.com/2026/02/17/v...
Virginia General Assembly advances cannabis retail framework • Virginia Mercury
After years of false starts, vetoes and political stalemates, Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday approved legislation to finally stand up a legal, adult-use cannabis market — setting the stage for retail s...
virginiamercury.com

Reposted by John McLaren, David Darmofal

joshtpm.bsky.social
Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 2d
I mean, that about captures it www.axios.com/2026/02/17/t...

johnmclaren.bsky.social
John McLaren @johnmclaren.bsky.social · 2d
What a time to be alive. 

Reposted by John McLaren

indivisiblecville.bsky.social
Indivisible Charlottesville @indivisiblecville.bsky.social · 2d
From yesterday's action. To Representative McGuire (and his supporters): It’s okay to change your mind / Show us your courage / Leave this behind, It’s okay to change your mind / And you can join us / Join us here anytime. #itsoktochangeyourmind #voicesrising

Reposted by John McLaren

indivisiblecville.bsky.social
Indivisible Charlottesville @indivisiblecville.bsky.social · 2d
McGuire cannot hid the harm that he has caused: "this little whole in our healthcare system is just getting wider and wider" - McGuire has helped implement significant cuts to Medicaid and the ACA (in the coming years millions will lose their health coverage and see increasing healthcare costs)
Rep. McGuire holds campaign event in Albemarle County amid redistricting uncertainty
McGuire is running for reelection in Virginia's 5th district, which would see significant changes under state Democrats' redistricting push.
www.29news.com

Reposted by John McLaren

zysaidso.bsky.social
Zyahna Bryant. @zysaidso.bsky.social · 2d
Important things happening in cville. Add this to your calendar. I am looking forward to learning more about these efforts!

Reposted by John McLaren

govpritzker.illinois.gov
Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 2d
Today, I'm proud to announce that we've erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than half a million Illinoisans.

No one should be forced to choose between life-saving care and feeding their families.

Stay tuned for more news on affordability in Illinois tomorrow.

Reposted by John McLaren, Mary Jane Curry

governorwalz.mn.gov
Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 2d
Today the Minnesota House gaveled into session for the first time since we lost Speaker Hortman, Mark, and Gilbert.

In the spirit of Melissa, we commit to doing our work with humility, grace, and compassion.

Reposted by John McLaren

mtgillikin.bsky.social
Matthew Gillikin @mtgillikin.bsky.social · 2d
If you’re thinking “I’d like to learn more about this important topic from a national and local expert,” well have a I got a treat for you: events.humanitix.com/inclusionary...
Inclusionary Zoning: Making it Work in Charlottesville Webinar, presented by Livable Cville
Learn about making Inclusionary Zoning work in Charlottesville with national and local experts.
events.humanitix.com

Reposted by John McLaren

mtgillikin.bsky.social
Matthew Gillikin @mtgillikin.bsky.social · 2d
I’m at the city council meeting to listen to the Affordable Dwellings Unit Tax Abatement Program Proposal Presentation (yes that’s the title). Underneath all of this is the question of how to Charlottesville’s Inclusionary Zoning policies work well.
Charlottesville City Council meeting. Presentation on housing market study.

Reposted by John McLaren

pwcdanica.bsky.social
Sen. Danica Roem @pwcdanica.bsky.social · 2d
The Senate of Virginia just finished voting on Senate bills (other than the budget), including passing collective bargaining and paid family & medical leave, plus a bill to lower your electricity bills and increase those of the data centers.
Happy crossover, Richmond.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV-P...
D.R.I - Crossover (Full Album 1987)
YouTube video by JustAMetalHead
www.youtube.com

Reposted by John McLaren, Mary Jane Curry

governorwalz.mn.gov
Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · 2d
Gwen and I are joining Americans in mourning the loss of our friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

I could always pick up the phone for his wisdom and historic perspective.

johnmclaren.bsky.social
John McLaren @johnmclaren.bsky.social · 3d
Our beagle found a skunk on our block yesterday, and I had to pull on the leash with all my might to keep him from chasing after it.

“Believe me, you do not want to do this,” I kept saying.

Reposted by John McLaren

cvilledems.bsky.social
cvilledems.bsky.social @cvilledems.bsky.social · 3d
UVA Professor Ian Mullins is organizing a Town Hall this Saturday (2/21) to discuss the Collective Bargaining Bills currently being worked on in the House & Senate. It promises to be a highly informative event!
A poster with a photo of people holding up banners reading “SOLIDARITY FOREVER” and “RESTORE RIGHTS.” Text below the photo: CHARLOTTESVILLE'S A UNION TOWN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR ALL TOWN HALL & COMMUNITY PANEL Whether you're a UVA worker, student, or Charlottesville resident, come learn how you can use collective bargaining to get more of a say in UVA's impact on your life and raise the standards for all of us!- SATURDAY, February 21, 2-3:30pm Charlottesville Middle School Cafeteria 1000 Cherry Ave Child Care & Refreshments Provided (A QR code is displayed at the bottom of the poster for RSVP.)

Reposted by John McLaren

pwcdanica.bsky.social
Sen. Danica Roem @pwcdanica.bsky.social · 3d
Today, the Senate of Virginia’s Democrats passed SB 1 to raise the minimum wage from $12.77 this year to $15 in 2028 and index that to inflation.

I spoke about how a FT worker should be able to afford a studio apartment in Manassas Park. A minimum wage earner can’t even qualify for one right now.
Senate scoreboard showing 20-19 vote.

Reposted by John McLaren

stevenljohnson.org
Steven L. Johnson @stevenljohnson.org · 3d
This Thursday! Charlottesville included Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) in its new zoning code in hopes of stimulating the development of more affordable housing.

Attend our webinar to learn from national and local experts about making IZ work in Cville
livablecville.bsky.social Livable Cville @livablecville.bsky.social · 13d
Our next webinar is less than 2 weeks away! Join us on Thursday February 19th at 6:30pm.

We will be learning from @andersem.bsky.social from @sightline.org about how Inclusionary Zoning can make the Charlottesville area more affordable.

Sign up today!

events.humanitix.com/inclusionary...
Inclusionary Zoning: Making it Work in Charlottesville Webinar, presented by Livable Cville
Learn about making Inclusionary Zoning work in Charlottesville with national and local experts.
events.humanitix.com