Matt Sebastian
@mattsebastian.com
Managing Editor, @denverpost.com. "There's a bit of magic in everything, and then some loss to even things out" — Lou Reed
Two months after the Trump administration stripped "renewable energy" from NREL's name, the Colorado lab today laid off 134 workers "to adjust to existing and projected funding levels and alignment with DOE priorities."
National Laboratory of the Rockies, based in Golden, axes another 134 positions
The National Laboratory of the Rockies let go 134 employees on Monday, the second time in less than a year that the facility formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL, has…
www.denverpost.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Two months after the Trump administration stripped "renewable energy" from NREL's name, the Colorado lab today laid off 134 workers "to adjust to existing and projected funding levels and alignment with DOE priorities."
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
"Most confounding was the album’s seventh track, 'Monkey Gone To Heaven.' It sounded like something out of the Book of Revelation or a discarded end times obsessed Chick tract, an ecological drama dressed up with terrifying ascending Biblical numerology …"
If The Devil is Six, Then God Is Seven:
If The Devil is Six, Then God Is Seven:
If The Devil is Six, Then God Is Seven
The Pixies, Larry Norman, and Thrift Store Shopping
jasonpwoodbury.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:45 PM
"Most confounding was the album’s seventh track, 'Monkey Gone To Heaven.' It sounded like something out of the Book of Revelation or a discarded end times obsessed Chick tract, an ecological drama dressed up with terrifying ascending Biblical numerology …"
If The Devil is Six, Then God Is Seven:
If The Devil is Six, Then God Is Seven:
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Colorado drastically cut child poverty last year by giving $$ to low- and middle-income parents. @coltrain.bsky.social writes today about how that helped a Denver family -- and the problem the credits' costs pose for the budget. www.denverpost.com/2026/02/09/c... via @denverpost.com
Colorado’s family-oriented tax credits gave ‘light and hope’ to one mom — but costs make their future uncertain
A study led by researchers at Washington University and Appalachian State University found that the three tax credits helping families lifted more than 52,000 Colorado children out of poverty last …
www.denverpost.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Colorado drastically cut child poverty last year by giving $$ to low- and middle-income parents. @coltrain.bsky.social writes today about how that helped a Denver family -- and the problem the credits' costs pose for the budget. www.denverpost.com/2026/02/09/c... via @denverpost.com
The owners of Denver’s Underground Music Showcase are reviving the 25-year-old indie music festival this summer with a major new financial partner — and by moving the event from its South Broadway home to RiNo // Story by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Denver’s UMS indie music fest is back from the dead, but in a new location
The 25-year-old Underground Music Showcase previously took place along South Broadway in the Baker neighborhood.
www.denverpost.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:53 PM
The owners of Denver’s Underground Music Showcase are reviving the 25-year-old indie music festival this summer with a major new financial partner — and by moving the event from its South Broadway home to RiNo // Story by @johnwenzel.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Last year, a Democratic lawmaker readying a congressional run voted against a bill limiting state cooperation with ICE. This morning, the candidate, Shannon Bird, put out a plan to “hold ICE accountable.” On the shifting dynamics of Democrats’ immigration politics: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/08/c...
Colorado Democrats ramp up anti-ICE strategy after raids, killings: ‘The community’s been calling for it’
“The biggest change I’ve seen is they’re actually talking about (immigration), and they’re not scared,” an activist said of federal and state lawmakers. “It̵…
www.denverpost.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Last year, a Democratic lawmaker readying a congressional run voted against a bill limiting state cooperation with ICE. This morning, the candidate, Shannon Bird, put out a plan to “hold ICE accountable.” On the shifting dynamics of Democrats’ immigration politics: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/08/c...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
R.E.M. Live at Circle Pavilion - University of Illinois at Chicago 1987-11-04 https://archive.org/details/ajc02667_rem1987-11-04.aud
R.E.M. Live at Circle Pavilion - University of Illinois at Chicago 1987-11-04 : R.E.M. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
R.E.M.November 4, 1987Circle PavilionUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL, USARecording generously loaned from the Aadam Jacobs Audio Archive.Taper:...
archive.org
February 8, 2026 at 10:37 PM
R.E.M. Live at Circle Pavilion - University of Illinois at Chicago 1987-11-04 https://archive.org/details/ajc02667_rem1987-11-04.aud
"Ending SNAP funding for soft drinks has been a priority for Gov. Jared Polis for years, and aligns with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement and its opposition to added sugars."
Colorado wants to limit SNAP from paying for soft drinks. But the board that must finalize the plan is skeptical.
Under the proposal, people buying groceries in Colorado couldn’t use SNAP to pay for drinks containing sugar or artificial sweeteners, unless they contained milk, a milk substitute, or at lea…
www.denverpost.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:38 PM
"Ending SNAP funding for soft drinks has been a priority for Gov. Jared Polis for years, and aligns with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement and its opposition to added sugars."
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
A eulogy for the mass market paperback, "one of the most brilliant technologies in the history of the world."
So Long to Cheap Books You Could Fit in Your Pocket
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:26 PM
A eulogy for the mass market paperback, "one of the most brilliant technologies in the history of the world."
“On one level, ‘Left of the Dial’ celebrated the ’80s American indie scene and paid tribute to the tiny-watt college stations at the far end of the FM dial, where The Replacements got most of their airplay. But it was also a love song, an evocation of Paul Westerberg’s infatuation with Lynn Blakey”
Beloved Indie Rock Musician, Inspiration for the Replacements’ Alt-Rock Anthem ‘Left of the Dial,’ Dies
Lynn Blakey, who played in the bands Let's Active, Oh-OK and Tres Chicas, has died.
parade.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:18 AM
“On one level, ‘Left of the Dial’ celebrated the ’80s American indie scene and paid tribute to the tiny-watt college stations at the far end of the FM dial, where The Replacements got most of their airplay. But it was also a love song, an evocation of Paul Westerberg’s infatuation with Lynn Blakey”
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
NYT reporting that Trump, who will speak at the upcoming NGA meeting, specifically blocked Gov. Jared Polis from attending a dinner with the president, governors and their spouses. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was also blocked. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
Trump Is Hosting Governors at the White House, but Only Republicans
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:59 AM
NYT reporting that Trump, who will speak at the upcoming NGA meeting, specifically blocked Gov. Jared Polis from attending a dinner with the president, governors and their spouses. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was also blocked. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
RIP Fred Smith of Television — one of the coolest bassists of all time.
February 6, 2026 at 9:53 PM
RIP Fred Smith of Television — one of the coolest bassists of all time.
ICE repeatedly violated a court order by continuing to “indiscriminately” arrest people in Colorado without warrants and without first checking if they’re likely to flee, attorneys allege in a new legal filing // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
ICE has repeatedly violated Colorado court order restricting arrests of immigrants, lawyers allege
Federal immigration authorities have repeatedly violated a court order by continuing to “indiscriminately” arrest people in Colorado without warrants and without first checking if they&…
www.denverpost.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:59 PM
ICE repeatedly violated a court order by continuing to “indiscriminately” arrest people in Colorado without warrants and without first checking if they’re likely to flee, attorneys allege in a new legal filing // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Cherry Creek Schools remains largely silent about the resignation of its superintendent, the decision to place his wife — the district's HR director — on leave, and why it has frozen and is investigating administrative travel and contracts // Story by @jessicaseaman.bsky.social
Cherry Creek Schools won’t elaborate on decision to freeze travel, contracts after superintendent resigns
Superintendent Christopher Smith resigned last week and his wife, Brenda Smith, the district’s chief human resources officer, was placed on leave without explanation.
www.denverpost.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Cherry Creek Schools remains largely silent about the resignation of its superintendent, the decision to place his wife — the district's HR director — on leave, and why it has frozen and is investigating administrative travel and contracts // Story by @jessicaseaman.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
The Washington Post just laid off its entire award-winning photo team. They were our eyes in places we'll never see. It's a horrifying loss at a time when lying governments, propaganda and AI slop are on the rise.
February 6, 2026 at 6:59 PM
The Washington Post just laid off its entire award-winning photo team. They were our eyes in places we'll never see. It's a horrifying loss at a time when lying governments, propaganda and AI slop are on the rise.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
De La Soul released 3 Feet High and Rising on this day in 1989. Here’s a playlist featuring the LP and the tunes that it sampled
🌼🎧▶️ open.spotify.com/playlist/4Rs...
🌼🎧▶️ open.spotify.com/playlist/4Rs...
February 6, 2026 at 8:21 AM
De La Soul released 3 Feet High and Rising on this day in 1989. Here’s a playlist featuring the LP and the tunes that it sampled
🌼🎧▶️ open.spotify.com/playlist/4Rs...
🌼🎧▶️ open.spotify.com/playlist/4Rs...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
We reviewed more than 100 Minnesota license plates attached to immigration enforcement vehicles in recent weeks.
We found that nearly 60% were not registered with the state of Minnesota, including the Chevy Tahoe that federal agent Jonathan Ross traveled in the day he fatally shot Renee Good.
We found that nearly 60% were not registered with the state of Minnesota, including the Chevy Tahoe that federal agent Jonathan Ross traveled in the day he fatally shot Renee Good.
Swapped, covered and removed: The license plate tactics ICE is using in Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security defends secretive practices as safety measures.
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 5:39 PM
We reviewed more than 100 Minnesota license plates attached to immigration enforcement vehicles in recent weeks.
We found that nearly 60% were not registered with the state of Minnesota, including the Chevy Tahoe that federal agent Jonathan Ross traveled in the day he fatally shot Renee Good.
We found that nearly 60% were not registered with the state of Minnesota, including the Chevy Tahoe that federal agent Jonathan Ross traveled in the day he fatally shot Renee Good.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Benjamin Stapleton was known, for a while, for one of the stranger scenes in political — and baseball — history.
That time Denver’s Ku Klux Klan mayor fell on his face swinging at a Richard Nixon pitch
The slapstick incident preceded his exit from office but did not destroy his reputation. That came later.
denverite.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Benjamin Stapleton was known, for a while, for one of the stranger scenes in political — and baseball — history.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to authorize an unfair labor practice strike against the company, alleging illegal conduct at the bargaining table and inside the plant.
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
JBS workers in Greeley vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike
The timing of a potential walkout, which would be the first in the Greeley plant’s history, will be determined at a later date.
www.denverpost.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to authorize an unfair labor practice strike against the company, alleging illegal conduct at the bargaining table and inside the plant.
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/05/j...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Civil rights activist Medgar Evers was shot in the back by a Klansman in 1963.
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from Evers' museum and reportedly plans to remove references that call his murderer a “racist"
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from Evers' museum and reportedly plans to remove references that call his murderer a “racist"
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist - Mississippi Today
Among anticipated changes to a new visitor brochure for the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is no longer using "racist" to describe the killer of the civil rights leader.
mississippitoday.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Civil rights activist Medgar Evers was shot in the back by a Klansman in 1963.
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from Evers' museum and reportedly plans to remove references that call his murderer a “racist"
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from Evers' museum and reportedly plans to remove references that call his murderer a “racist"
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
"32 live performances of Sonic Youth’s 'The Diamond Sea' plunderphoniclly orchestrated by John Oswald (of Grateful Dead 'Grayfolded' fame) – providing two distinctly new experiences of the classic track from Washing Machine."
February 4, 2026 at 8:41 PM
"32 live performances of Sonic Youth’s 'The Diamond Sea' plunderphoniclly orchestrated by John Oswald (of Grateful Dead 'Grayfolded' fame) – providing two distinctly new experiences of the classic track from Washing Machine."
Six months after Colorado school shooting — and today's announcement that the shooter's parents won't be charged — the family's attorney tells @denverpost.com's Shelly Bradbury how he thinks the 16-year-old got the gun used to shoot 2 classmates and kill himself
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/e...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/e...
February 5, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Six months after Colorado school shooting — and today's announcement that the shooter's parents won't be charged — the family's attorney tells @denverpost.com's Shelly Bradbury how he thinks the 16-year-old got the gun used to shoot 2 classmates and kill himself
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/e...
www.denverpost.com/2026/02/04/e...
This, of course, is ridiculous — and designed to make it harder for members of the public to get public records.
In a letter to a lawyer for 9NEWS and Colorado Public Radio, Weld County defended a sheriff’s office requirement that records request forms be notarized.
Weld County defends sheriff’s office notarization requirement for records request forms - Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
In a letter to a lawyer for 9NEWS and Colorado Public Radio, Weld County defended a sheriff’s office requirement that records request forms be notarized.
coloradofoic.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:54 PM
This, of course, is ridiculous — and designed to make it harder for members of the public to get public records.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Following ICE to find and report news is, of course, journalism, but here's something the administration may not know: activism is also legal in this country!
Also, show us the part where law enforcement is in any way obstructed or impeded.
Also, show us the part where law enforcement is in any way obstructed or impeded.
February 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Following ICE to find and report news is, of course, journalism, but here's something the administration may not know: activism is also legal in this country!
Also, show us the part where law enforcement is in any way obstructed or impeded.
Also, show us the part where law enforcement is in any way obstructed or impeded.