Patrick Matthews
@matthewsp.bsky.social
Delawarean. Workforce management professional, quiz bowl enthusiast, and Microsoft Excel MVP. Philadelphia sports enjoyer. I left The Bad Place.
Pinned
California judge rules that a report on police in Vallejo bending their badges to mark fatal shootings can remain secret. The judge also closed the hearing to public and press and locked the door to the courtroom. openvallejo.org/2024/10/02/f...
From a locked courtroom, judge rules Vallejo badge bending report will remain secret
A Solano County Superior Court judge on Wednesday blocked the full release of an investigative report into Vallejo police badge bending in a hearing closed to the public and press.
openvallejo.org
Alternate headline: “Armed Gang Suppresses Details of Initiation Rituals”
Sad Ryan Day is the best Ryan Day
January 1, 2026 at 3:50 AM
Sad Ryan Day is the best Ryan Day
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Uh… check out what ChatGPT allegedly told a man before he killed his mother and then himself.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
December 31, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Uh… check out what ChatGPT allegedly told a man before he killed his mother and then himself.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Score one for “fuck you, make me”
BREAKING: After legal setbacks, President Trump says he's dropping push for the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland for now.
Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now
President Donald Trump says he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
bit.ly
December 31, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Score one for “fuck you, make me”
December 31, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr. thought @reedblankenship was @cooperdejean 😂
Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East available now on @hbomax
Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East available now on @hbomax
December 31, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr. thought @reedblankenship was @cooperdejean 😂
Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East available now on @hbomax
Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East available now on @hbomax
Vanderbilt unsuccessfully attempting the Zeno's paradox defense
December 31, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Vanderbilt unsuccessfully attempting the Zeno's paradox defense
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Elon Musk promised a lot of things by 2025
- colonists arriving on Mars
- xAI achieving AGI
- Tesla robotaxis serving half the U.S.
- completely driverless robotaxis
- a Tesla Roadster demo
- DOGE cutting trillions
none of them happened
mashable.com/article/elon-mus...
- colonists arriving on Mars
- xAI achieving AGI
- Tesla robotaxis serving half the U.S.
- completely driverless robotaxis
- a Tesla Roadster demo
- DOGE cutting trillions
none of them happened
mashable.com/article/elon-mus...
Everything Elon Musk promised in 2025, but didn't deliver
Musk is now infamous for his false promises, but even this is excessive.
mashable.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Elon Musk promised a lot of things by 2025
- colonists arriving on Mars
- xAI achieving AGI
- Tesla robotaxis serving half the U.S.
- completely driverless robotaxis
- a Tesla Roadster demo
- DOGE cutting trillions
none of them happened
mashable.com/article/elon-mus...
- colonists arriving on Mars
- xAI achieving AGI
- Tesla robotaxis serving half the U.S.
- completely driverless robotaxis
- a Tesla Roadster demo
- DOGE cutting trillions
none of them happened
mashable.com/article/elon-mus...
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
After receiving a commendation for exceptional services to the Russian state from President Putin, Biden accuser Tara Reade—seen here in her luxury Moscow condo—has now become a citizen of the Russian Federation... молодец!
December 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM
After receiving a commendation for exceptional services to the Russian state from President Putin, Biden accuser Tara Reade—seen here in her luxury Moscow condo—has now become a citizen of the Russian Federation... молодец!
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
DC does not have a triumphal arch, despite all its other Roman architecture, because they are an imperial and not a republican symbol. They became reserved for the Caesars, and the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to Napoleon. If this dumb thing gets built, the only acceptable course is to demolish it.
Congress should stop this.
Also, if Trump wants to enjoy an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe done in a style and at a place congenial to him, he can visit the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Also, if Trump wants to enjoy an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe done in a style and at a place congenial to him, he can visit the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Trump says construction of the ‘Triumphal Arch’ to begin in ‘2 months’
The monument would be a centerpiece of the White House’s plans for America’s 250th birthday.
www.politico.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
DC does not have a triumphal arch, despite all its other Roman architecture, because they are an imperial and not a republican symbol. They became reserved for the Caesars, and the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to Napoleon. If this dumb thing gets built, the only acceptable course is to demolish it.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Border czar Tom Homan didn't receive a normal background check for his role while his bribery probe was still ongoing:
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Border czar Tom Homan didn’t receive normal background check during bribery probe
President-elect Trump initially balked at submitting names of likely nominees to the FBI for background checks, a basic step intended to flag possible financial conflicts or ethical problems.
www.ms.now
December 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Border czar Tom Homan didn't receive a normal background check for his role while his bribery probe was still ongoing:
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
EXCLUSIVE: @laurenweberhp.bsky.social & I have spent the last year collecting school+county-level vaccination data from across the US and found that only about 28% of counties now have herd immunity for kindergartners from measles—that leaves about 5.2mn kids unprotected.
Gift link: wapo.st/49zDc43
Gift link: wapo.st/49zDc43
U.S. vaccination rates are plunging. Look up where your school stands.
Take a look to see what the kindergarten measles vaccination rates are in your area.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
EXCLUSIVE: @laurenweberhp.bsky.social & I have spent the last year collecting school+county-level vaccination data from across the US and found that only about 28% of counties now have herd immunity for kindergartners from measles—that leaves about 5.2mn kids unprotected.
Gift link: wapo.st/49zDc43
Gift link: wapo.st/49zDc43
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
The final Calvin and Hobbes, which appeared in papers 30 years ago today.
December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The final Calvin and Hobbes, which appeared in papers 30 years ago today.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Arrested for just watching ICE:
Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Twin Cities area resident Joseph Boman for "stalking and harassment" because he followed federal immigration agents while they were out on raids on Dec. 25 and 26.
A public outcry secured his release.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Twin Cities area resident Joseph Boman for "stalking and harassment" because he followed federal immigration agents while they were out on raids on Dec. 25 and 26.
A public outcry secured his release.
December 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Arrested for just watching ICE:
Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Twin Cities area resident Joseph Boman for "stalking and harassment" because he followed federal immigration agents while they were out on raids on Dec. 25 and 26.
A public outcry secured his release.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Twin Cities area resident Joseph Boman for "stalking and harassment" because he followed federal immigration agents while they were out on raids on Dec. 25 and 26.
A public outcry secured his release.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
“Flu vaccines only offer protection if people get them and in the U.S., only 42% of adults have gotten a flu shot this year. That leaves many people unprotected in face of a likely bad flu season, says Daskalakis. He'd like to see the CDC do more to encourage vaccination.”
Flu cases are surging and rates will likely get worse, new CDC data shows
Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to new CDC data. The virus is spreading faster than in previous years and the surge is likely to get worse. Here's what you need to know.
www.npr.org
December 31, 2025 at 1:25 PM
“Flu vaccines only offer protection if people get them and in the U.S., only 42% of adults have gotten a flu shot this year. That leaves many people unprotected in face of a likely bad flu season, says Daskalakis. He'd like to see the CDC do more to encourage vaccination.”
Rare instance of a media outlet using the active voice in a headline (and story) about a police shooting.
A man is in the hospital after police shot him in North Philadelphia early Wednesday morning.
A man is hospitalized after police shot him in North Philadelphia
www.inquirer.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Rare instance of a media outlet using the active voice in a headline (and story) about a police shooting.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
I gotta say I really don't mind the universe where right wing influencers encourage their most avid fans to commit tax fraud while simultaneously torpedoing any "no mens rea" defense
December 31, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I gotta say I really don't mind the universe where right wing influencers encourage their most avid fans to commit tax fraud while simultaneously torpedoing any "no mens rea" defense
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Have to admit I'd never heard of Compact Mag until like two weeks ago and both stories I've now heard about published in it are whining from white dudes who don't feel appreciated enough for being white dudes. And, as a white dude, gotta say, this all seems fucking stupid.
The reason this Harvard history professor decided he was done with one of the best and most privileged jobs in the world was, in his own words, because he was forced to lecture in a mask during peak Covid.
I’m not making this up.
I’m not making this up.
December 31, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Have to admit I'd never heard of Compact Mag until like two weeks ago and both stories I've now heard about published in it are whining from white dudes who don't feel appreciated enough for being white dudes. And, as a white dude, gotta say, this all seems fucking stupid.
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
[CW: prison rape, coercive rape]
1. Geo Group operates private prisons
2. Government is appalled at the "stunning indifference" to constant sexual abuse by guards of children as *young as 13*
3. Governors start trying to end private prisons
4. Geo tries to keep its prisons and grow ICE facilities
🤷🏿♂️
1. Geo Group operates private prisons
2. Government is appalled at the "stunning indifference" to constant sexual abuse by guards of children as *young as 13*
3. Governors start trying to end private prisons
4. Geo tries to keep its prisons and grow ICE facilities
🤷🏿♂️
December 31, 2025 at 12:10 PM
[CW: prison rape, coercive rape]
1. Geo Group operates private prisons
2. Government is appalled at the "stunning indifference" to constant sexual abuse by guards of children as *young as 13*
3. Governors start trying to end private prisons
4. Geo tries to keep its prisons and grow ICE facilities
🤷🏿♂️
1. Geo Group operates private prisons
2. Government is appalled at the "stunning indifference" to constant sexual abuse by guards of children as *young as 13*
3. Governors start trying to end private prisons
4. Geo tries to keep its prisons and grow ICE facilities
🤷🏿♂️
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
A SWAT team threw 30+ grenades into an innocent man’s business while chasing a suspect.
L.A. left him with a $60,000 bill. His livelihood was destroyed.
A federal court says he’s entitled to $0. Whatever your politics, that’s a travesty. reason.com/2025/12/29/i...
L.A. left him with a $60,000 bill. His livelihood was destroyed.
A federal court says he’s entitled to $0. Whatever your politics, that’s a travesty. reason.com/2025/12/29/i...
Innocent man sues for over $60,000 after police blew up his business. A court says he's entitled to nothing.
Carlos Pena sued Los Angeles for over $60,000 after law enforcement destroyed his printing shop in pursuit of a fugitive who had broken in.
reason.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
A SWAT team threw 30+ grenades into an innocent man’s business while chasing a suspect.
L.A. left him with a $60,000 bill. His livelihood was destroyed.
A federal court says he’s entitled to $0. Whatever your politics, that’s a travesty. reason.com/2025/12/29/i...
L.A. left him with a $60,000 bill. His livelihood was destroyed.
A federal court says he’s entitled to $0. Whatever your politics, that’s a travesty. reason.com/2025/12/29/i...
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his “full and complete endorsement” on Monday to a push to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” clearly linking the humorous pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort. @wttw.bsky.social
Mayor Johnson Backs ‘Abolish ICE’ to Win Annual Snowplow Naming Contest
Previous winners include “Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow,” “Casimir Plowaski” and “Snower Wacker.”
news.wttw.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his “full and complete endorsement” on Monday to a push to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” clearly linking the humorous pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Winnipeg's Yvonne Brill changed humanity's future in space when she invented the Electrothermal Hydrazine Thruster.
Her invention keeps satellites and spacecraft in orbit. She also worked on the Apollo program and the Space Shuttles.
This is her story.
🧵 1/10
Her invention keeps satellites and spacecraft in orbit. She also worked on the Apollo program and the Space Shuttles.
This is her story.
🧵 1/10
December 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Winnipeg's Yvonne Brill changed humanity's future in space when she invented the Electrothermal Hydrazine Thruster.
Her invention keeps satellites and spacecraft in orbit. She also worked on the Apollo program and the Space Shuttles.
This is her story.
🧵 1/10
Her invention keeps satellites and spacecraft in orbit. She also worked on the Apollo program and the Space Shuttles.
This is her story.
🧵 1/10
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
A COASTAL PLAYER COMES OFF THE BENCH AS THE PLAY WAS HAPPENING
December 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
A COASTAL PLAYER COMES OFF THE BENCH AS THE PLAY WAS HAPPENING
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
everyone thinks they’re a bayesian until they have to update their priors
December 30, 2025 at 10:29 PM
everyone thinks they’re a bayesian until they have to update their priors
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
Still mind-blowing that a top admin official was revealed to have taken $50,000 in cash in a paper bag from people looking for government favors, the reaction of the administration was "Whatever losers, this is how it works now" and bigshot news media said "If you say so, we'll forget about it"
Border czar Tom Homan didn't receive a normal background check for his role while his bribery probe was still ongoing:
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Justice officials felt sure Homan would not be able to obtain a security clearance based on the evidence gathered. It remains unclear how Homan was eventually granted clearance.
Border czar Tom Homan didn’t receive normal background check during bribery probe
President-elect Trump initially balked at submitting names of likely nominees to the FBI for background checks, a basic step intended to flag possible financial conflicts or ethical problems.
www.ms.now
December 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Still mind-blowing that a top admin official was revealed to have taken $50,000 in cash in a paper bag from people looking for government favors, the reaction of the administration was "Whatever losers, this is how it works now" and bigshot news media said "If you say so, we'll forget about it"
Reposted by Patrick Matthews
This is the key. You can win some elections, but you can't force people to like or respect you; ironically, Trump's people want that respect from people they claim to care nothing about. They don't hate the "elites" - they envy that club, and they're mad because money and power can't buy them in.
Trumpers have a howling void of angry insecurity where a soul should be. Unchecked power tastes like ashes in their mouth because they thought when they got it everyone would be forced to like and admire them even though they’re irredeemable assholes. But people still treat them like assholes.
Trump crony has embarrassing meltdown after more Kennedy Center performers quit www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
December 30, 2025 at 7:39 PM
This is the key. You can win some elections, but you can't force people to like or respect you; ironically, Trump's people want that respect from people they claim to care nothing about. They don't hate the "elites" - they envy that club, and they're mad because money and power can't buy them in.