Matt Dempsey
@mizzousundevil.bsky.social
Investigations editor at Spotlight PA |Former IRE Board member |AZR|AJC|HoustonChron|Pulitzer Finalist| Mizzou alum
❤️ my wife Rachael and our kid Will
Profile pic courtesy @kenduque.bsky.social
❤️ my wife Rachael and our kid Will
Profile pic courtesy @kenduque.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
One thing that makes you feel like you’re losing your grip on reality is constantly having to hear about the genius and brilliance of various Silicon Valley types while also reading headlines about how their businesses are losing sums of money so large that it’s almost impossible to comprehend
Meta's Reality Labs metaverse-focused arm generated $2.2 billion in revenue for the 12 months ending December 31st, 2025, but clocked up a $19.2 billion operational loss. Since the division was set up in 2020, the company has lost $83.6 billion on Reality Labs
www.gamesindustry.biz/metas-realit...
www.gamesindustry.biz/metas-realit...
January 29, 2026 at 1:08 PM
One thing that makes you feel like you’re losing your grip on reality is constantly having to hear about the genius and brilliance of various Silicon Valley types while also reading headlines about how their businesses are losing sums of money so large that it’s almost impossible to comprehend
Everyone's talking about the new Springsteen song but damn does Jesse Wells feel like this era's Dylan.
Just some simple strums and some cutting words that get right at the heart of the moment
Just some simple strums and some cutting words that get right at the heart of the moment
January 29, 2026 at 2:49 AM
Everyone's talking about the new Springsteen song but damn does Jesse Wells feel like this era's Dylan.
Just some simple strums and some cutting words that get right at the heart of the moment
Just some simple strums and some cutting words that get right at the heart of the moment
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
The City of Philadelphia has introduced legislation to limited ICE in the city. The Federal Agents can not be masked, must have ID visible, must have arrested warrants signed by federal judges. They can't attack people. If they can't do this, they will be arrested.
youtu.be/i5Yvg_HHfbE?...
youtu.be/i5Yvg_HHfbE?...
WATCH: Philadelphia lawmakers introduce 'ICE Out' legislation to restrict federal operations in city
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 3:47 PM
The City of Philadelphia has introduced legislation to limited ICE in the city. The Federal Agents can not be masked, must have ID visible, must have arrested warrants signed by federal judges. They can't attack people. If they can't do this, they will be arrested.
youtu.be/i5Yvg_HHfbE?...
youtu.be/i5Yvg_HHfbE?...
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
It’s not “self defense” it’s a tactic.
It permits offensive action by police.
ALTERNATIVELY federales are too stupid to get out from in front of vehicles.
www.ms.now/news/federal...
It permits offensive action by police.
ALTERNATIVELY federales are too stupid to get out from in front of vehicles.
www.ms.now/news/federal...
Federal immigration agents keep shooting at drivers. We tracked 15 cases since July.
After each shooting, federal agencies claimed the drivers tried to ram agents with their vehicles. But the claim often falls apart under scrutiny.
www.ms.now
January 25, 2026 at 3:25 PM
It’s not “self defense” it’s a tactic.
It permits offensive action by police.
ALTERNATIVELY federales are too stupid to get out from in front of vehicles.
www.ms.now/news/federal...
It permits offensive action by police.
ALTERNATIVELY federales are too stupid to get out from in front of vehicles.
www.ms.now/news/federal...
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
"They say they're coming to save us from some evil? They're talking about our neighbors who take care of us ... Alex was murdered while he was helping. Mr Rogers said look for the helpers, & right now the helpers have a target on our forehead ... Mr Rogers would be here right now too, so I'm here."
January 24, 2026 at 9:14 PM
"They say they're coming to save us from some evil? They're talking about our neighbors who take care of us ... Alex was murdered while he was helping. Mr Rogers said look for the helpers, & right now the helpers have a target on our forehead ... Mr Rogers would be here right now too, so I'm here."
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
Alex Pretti "used to tell people off when they made sexist comments to female physicians. He bought me coffee when I had a really bad day as an intern...I laughed alongside him daily. He made a point to teach medical residents without judgement, but with a smile on his face and a joke."
January 24, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Alex Pretti "used to tell people off when they made sexist comments to female physicians. He bought me coffee when I had a really bad day as an intern...I laughed alongside him daily. He made a point to teach medical residents without judgement, but with a smile on his face and a joke."
Very well written account of what's happening in MN right now
“What are you doing?” one woman yelled. “You just shot someone and now you’re terrorizing us. What more can we take?” www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
‘You ask us for peace, we get shot in the face’: Minneapolis in turmoil after federal agents kill second US citizen
Federal agents released chemicals into the air and arrested people after they had shot and killed a 37-year-old man
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Very well written account of what's happening in MN right now
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
Many of us have been pointing out that the readiness with which these agents have drawn weapons, and gotten their fingers anywhere near the trigger, is WILDLY contrary to best practices and the sort of thing that inevitably leads to people getting shot.
“Federal agents briefly detained our reporter at the scene, who says he was tackled to the ground and had a gun put in his face.”
BREAKING: Federal agent shoots man in south Minneapolis
A Bring Me The News reporter was near the scene, and recorded multiple gunshots.
bringmethenews.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Many of us have been pointing out that the readiness with which these agents have drawn weapons, and gotten their fingers anywhere near the trigger, is WILDLY contrary to best practices and the sort of thing that inevitably leads to people getting shot.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
There’s a video that’s as disturbing as you’d expect in the replies, with all necessary warnings.
Man shot by federal agent in south Minneapolis www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
January 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
There’s a video that’s as disturbing as you’d expect in the replies, with all necessary warnings.
The outlet owned by one of the richest dudes in the world.
The idea that Bezos must layoff more people, not send reporters to cover major events ...
What a ridiculous situation.
The idea that Bezos must layoff more people, not send reporters to cover major events ...
What a ridiculous situation.
According to an internal email to Washington Post sports staff, the paper isn't sending any reporters to cover the winter Olympics next month. The decision comes as major layoffs are expected in the coming weeks.
January 24, 2026 at 1:02 AM
The outlet owned by one of the richest dudes in the world.
The idea that Bezos must layoff more people, not send reporters to cover major events ...
What a ridiculous situation.
The idea that Bezos must layoff more people, not send reporters to cover major events ...
What a ridiculous situation.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
Power to the people of MPLS, as Prince once sang.
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Power to the people of MPLS, as Prince once sang.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
Breaking NYT:
The FBI agent who sought to investigate the federal immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned from the bureau, according to two people familiar with the matter, after leadership pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the officer.
The FBI agent who sought to investigate the federal immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned from the bureau, according to two people familiar with the matter, after leadership pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the officer.
F.B.I. Agent Who Tried to Investigate ICE Officer in Shooting Resigns
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Breaking NYT:
The FBI agent who sought to investigate the federal immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned from the bureau, according to two people familiar with the matter, after leadership pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the officer.
The FBI agent who sought to investigate the federal immigration officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned from the bureau, according to two people familiar with the matter, after leadership pressured her to discontinue a civil rights inquiry into the officer.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
hey guys, just to confirm this is my fundraiser. i didn't want to ask for help, but i do need it.
my cancer is back. i am going through a lobectomy next week, the same surgery Walter White undergoes. i can't express how grateful i am. thank you so much everyone.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ge...
my cancer is back. i am going through a lobectomy next week, the same surgery Walter White undergoes. i can't express how grateful i am. thank you so much everyone.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ge...
Donate to Support Gene Park's Cancer Surgery and Treatment, organized by Gene Park
Hi, my name is Gene Park. I’m a games critic at The Washington Post, and I’… Gene Park needs your support for Support Gene Park's Cancer Surgery and Treatment
www.gofundme.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:44 AM
hey guys, just to confirm this is my fundraiser. i didn't want to ask for help, but i do need it.
my cancer is back. i am going through a lobectomy next week, the same surgery Walter White undergoes. i can't express how grateful i am. thank you so much everyone.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ge...
my cancer is back. i am going through a lobectomy next week, the same surgery Walter White undergoes. i can't express how grateful i am. thank you so much everyone.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ge...
How did I miss that Trump rolled back the Biden executive order that prohibited medical debt from being reported to credit agencies?
Can't imagine the reasoning behind doing that.
Can't imagine the reasoning behind doing that.
January 21, 2026 at 8:02 PM
How did I miss that Trump rolled back the Biden executive order that prohibited medical debt from being reported to credit agencies?
Can't imagine the reasoning behind doing that.
Can't imagine the reasoning behind doing that.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
If the ring leader of a massive cheating scandal that stole a World Series is allowed into the Hall of Fame then the steroid guys should be in, too. Let’s be consistent! Put Bonds in!
January 20, 2026 at 11:25 PM
If the ring leader of a massive cheating scandal that stole a World Series is allowed into the Hall of Fame then the steroid guys should be in, too. Let’s be consistent! Put Bonds in!
We've been playing a family multiplayer game of Baldur's Gate 3 for months now. (Me, my wife, our teenager and my BIL).
We went to start the Counting House heist/quest and everything got weird.
1) guards went hostile for no reason.
2) everyone but wife PC died but hostiles refuse to attack her.
We went to start the Counting House heist/quest and everything got weird.
1) guards went hostile for no reason.
2) everyone but wife PC died but hostiles refuse to attack her.
January 18, 2026 at 9:27 PM
We've been playing a family multiplayer game of Baldur's Gate 3 for months now. (Me, my wife, our teenager and my BIL).
We went to start the Counting House heist/quest and everything got weird.
1) guards went hostile for no reason.
2) everyone but wife PC died but hostiles refuse to attack her.
We went to start the Counting House heist/quest and everything got weird.
1) guards went hostile for no reason.
2) everyone but wife PC died but hostiles refuse to attack her.
Seriously. A surge? Are these people just desperate to relive the early 00s?
“At the same time, the FBI is sending messages to its agents nationwide seeking volunteers to temporarily transfer to Minneapolis.”
US Readies FBI, Troops for Possible Minnesota Surge to Back ICE
The US is taking steps to vastly increase the number of law enforcement agents and potentially send military personnel to Minneapolis, where immigration agents have tangled with residents protesting t...
www.bloomberg.com
January 18, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Seriously. A surge? Are these people just desperate to relive the early 00s?
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
I'd rather be an X-Men as well
To describe the current state of the world as a daily show of deepening horrors is a massive understatement.
However, I read something today that I think more people should see and read.
I hope she doesn't mind my me sharing it here.
I'd rather be an X-Men by @gailsimone.bsky.social
However, I read something today that I think more people should see and read.
I hope she doesn't mind my me sharing it here.
I'd rather be an X-Men by @gailsimone.bsky.social
January 17, 2026 at 11:08 PM
I'd rather be an X-Men as well
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
The opposite. They're actually impossible to FOIA. Pitt isn't considered a public school under PA state open records law. Neither is Penn State or Temple.
Yes, I agree it is stupid!
Yes, I agree it is stupid!
@mattbrown.bsky.social trying to find Pitts head basketball coach’s contract info including buyout. They easy to FOIA?
January 16, 2026 at 7:16 PM
The opposite. They're actually impossible to FOIA. Pitt isn't considered a public school under PA state open records law. Neither is Penn State or Temple.
Yes, I agree it is stupid!
Yes, I agree it is stupid!
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
I talked about relearning how meritocracy is a lie, my life post-layoff, family support, what I learned from Heated Rivalry, and the difference between community and networking on the Past Due podcast with @anamariecox.bsky.social and Open Mike Eagle: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle
Society & Culture Podcast · Updated Weekly · Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle explore what it takes to survive as a creative today. From juggling side gigs to redefining success, we dive into the rea...
podcasts.apple.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:45 AM
I talked about relearning how meritocracy is a lie, my life post-layoff, family support, what I learned from Heated Rivalry, and the difference between community and networking on the Past Due podcast with @anamariecox.bsky.social and Open Mike Eagle: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
I've updated the 'On the Ground' list with reporters from the Star-Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio and MinnPost. List continues to include reporters in Chicago and Portland, plus DC reporters also covering the immigration crackdowns and court fights -- bsky.app/profile/ndha...
January 16, 2026 at 2:47 AM
I've updated the 'On the Ground' list with reporters from the Star-Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio and MinnPost. List continues to include reporters in Chicago and Portland, plus DC reporters also covering the immigration crackdowns and court fights -- bsky.app/profile/ndha...
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
Breaking News: A day after the Trump administration said it was cutting $2 billion in mental health funding, it reversed itself and reinstated the money.
H.H.S. Reverses Decision to Cut $2 Billion for Mental Health and Addiction Services
A day after funding termination notices went out to more than 2,000 programs nationwide, the administration reversed itself and reinstated the money.
nyti.ms
January 15, 2026 at 4:30 AM
Breaking News: A day after the Trump administration said it was cutting $2 billion in mental health funding, it reversed itself and reinstated the money.
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
BREAKING: Dan Ceisler, the new sheriff of Pennsylvania's Bucks County, just announced he has terminated his county's 287(g) contract with ICE.
Ceisler defeated GOP sheriff who'd joined the ICE program in November, & ran on quitting it; we reported then:
Ceisler defeated GOP sheriff who'd joined the ICE program in November, & ran on quitting it; we reported then:
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:07 PM
BREAKING: Dan Ceisler, the new sheriff of Pennsylvania's Bucks County, just announced he has terminated his county's 287(g) contract with ICE.
Ceisler defeated GOP sheriff who'd joined the ICE program in November, & ran on quitting it; we reported then:
Ceisler defeated GOP sheriff who'd joined the ICE program in November, & ran on quitting it; we reported then:
Reposted by Matt Dempsey
thinking a lot about the 2023 police newspaper raid in marion, kansas in light of the FBI searching a washington post reporter's home.
January 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
thinking a lot about the 2023 police newspaper raid in marion, kansas in light of the FBI searching a washington post reporter's home.
I've been tearing through NK Jemisin's excellent Broken Earth series.
It's a powerful read. Especially now.
She does an amazing job of conveying what it feels like to live in a society where no one believes you have the right to exist, unless of course you chose to be used for their benefit.
It's a powerful read. Especially now.
She does an amazing job of conveying what it feels like to live in a society where no one believes you have the right to exist, unless of course you chose to be used for their benefit.
January 14, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I've been tearing through NK Jemisin's excellent Broken Earth series.
It's a powerful read. Especially now.
She does an amazing job of conveying what it feels like to live in a society where no one believes you have the right to exist, unless of course you chose to be used for their benefit.
It's a powerful read. Especially now.
She does an amazing job of conveying what it feels like to live in a society where no one believes you have the right to exist, unless of course you chose to be used for their benefit.