Paul Demko
@pdemko.bsky.social
New York policy editor at Politico. Brooklyn.
Reposted by Paul Demko
A fresh 'Tokelahoma' story from @politico.com weed czar @pdemko.bsky.social just dropped! I know what I'm reading on the couch tonight.
Demko's Oklahoma narratives are always super deeply reported and well spun.
Demko's Oklahoma narratives are always super deeply reported and well spun.
Tokelahoma’s Cautionary Tale: How Weed Legalization Went Wrong in a Deep Red State
Higher costs, tougher enforcement, cratering prices and rampant criminal activity have eviscerated the once-booming medical marijuana market.
www.politico.com
September 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
A fresh 'Tokelahoma' story from @politico.com weed czar @pdemko.bsky.social just dropped! I know what I'm reading on the couch tonight.
Demko's Oklahoma narratives are always super deeply reported and well spun.
Demko's Oklahoma narratives are always super deeply reported and well spun.
Reposted by Paul Demko
contemplating the beauty of ozzy on his throne going out in his hometown. just in case anybody doesn't know the story:
July 5, 2025 at 10:52 PM
contemplating the beauty of ozzy on his throne going out in his hometown. just in case anybody doesn't know the story:
Already regretting omission of The Florida Project
July 5, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Already regretting omission of The Florida Project
“[Democrats] believe they have finally recruited a top contender to run against Fitzpatrick in a county commissioner named Bob Harvie, who has shown the ability to win the battleground county, which comprises most of the district.” www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
This Pennsylvania Republican withstood pressure on the megabill. Here’s why.
Brian Fitzpatrick, who won his seat in 2016, faces a serious Democratic challenger next year.
www.politico.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:08 PM
“[Democrats] believe they have finally recruited a top contender to run against Fitzpatrick in a county commissioner named Bob Harvie, who has shown the ability to win the battleground county, which comprises most of the district.” www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
“The second-term, free-range Trump has not even pretended to be interested in the details of lawmaking and is even less interested in forging bipartisan coalitions with people he sees criticizing him on the television shows he consumes by the hours.” www.politico.com/news/magazin...
In Today’s GOP, There Is No Choice at All
The “Big Beautiful Bill” proved that for Republicans, it’s MAGA or nothing.
www.politico.com
July 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
“The second-term, free-range Trump has not even pretended to be interested in the details of lawmaking and is even less interested in forging bipartisan coalitions with people he sees criticizing him on the television shows he consumes by the hours.” www.politico.com/news/magazin...
“Though lawyers for CBS News cited First Amendment protections in court filings, Paramount caved prematurely and completely, leaving the impression that our legal protections may not have been equal to the task. Is it possible to malign the First Amendment itself?” wapo.st/4le5PHF
Opinion | Paramount betrays ‘60 Minutes’ and the rest of us
Parent company caves to baseless suit by Donald Trump.
wapo.st
July 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
“Though lawyers for CBS News cited First Amendment protections in court filings, Paramount caved prematurely and completely, leaving the impression that our legal protections may not have been equal to the task. Is it possible to malign the First Amendment itself?” wapo.st/4le5PHF
Reposted by Paul Demko
Andrew Cuomo is scrambling to shore up backing for a general election run in the NYC mayoral campaign.
Andrew Cuomo is trying to hang on to support for a general election bid
The former governor has lost support from key constituencies since losing the Democratic primary.
www.politico.com
July 2, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Andrew Cuomo is scrambling to shore up backing for a general election run in the NYC mayoral campaign.
“As Jimmy Lee grew older and more certain he was on the path of the righteous, he prayed for the salvation of his first cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis, the early wild man of rock and roll” www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/u...
Jimmy Swaggart Dies at 90; Passionate Televangelist Was Ousted by Scandal
www.nytimes.com
July 2, 2025 at 12:50 PM
“As Jimmy Lee grew older and more certain he was on the path of the righteous, he prayed for the salvation of his first cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis, the early wild man of rock and roll” www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/u...
“The grocery business is one of the most hypercompetitive and efficient parts of our economy, with profit margins that have historically averaged around 1 percent to 3 percent.” wapo.st/3TgcxAB
Opinion | Zohran Mamdani has a seriously bad idea — for grocery stores
No, Zohran Mamdani, New York cannot run grocery stores better than private businesses do.
wapo.st
July 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
“The grocery business is one of the most hypercompetitive and efficient parts of our economy, with profit margins that have historically averaged around 1 percent to 3 percent.” wapo.st/3TgcxAB
Reposted by Paul Demko
Baltimore ended the first half of 2022 with 179 homicides, the worst first half of a year on record (since 1970).
Baltimore just ended the first half of 2025 with 68 homicides, which is the fewest on record.
That’s a 62 percent drop from 2022-2025
Baltimore just ended the first half of 2025 with 68 homicides, which is the fewest on record.
That’s a 62 percent drop from 2022-2025
July 1, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Baltimore ended the first half of 2022 with 179 homicides, the worst first half of a year on record (since 1970).
Baltimore just ended the first half of 2025 with 68 homicides, which is the fewest on record.
That’s a 62 percent drop from 2022-2025
Baltimore just ended the first half of 2025 with 68 homicides, which is the fewest on record.
That’s a 62 percent drop from 2022-2025
"Since we’re in tense times here, I feel obligated to clarify I am not suggesting that the governor has asked anyone to rid him of this meddlesome prosecutor." www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Cracks in the Cabinet
www.politico.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:14 PM
"Since we’re in tense times here, I feel obligated to clarify I am not suggesting that the governor has asked anyone to rid him of this meddlesome prosecutor." www.politico.com/newsletters/...
How much is $3.3 trillion?
“If distributed evenly, it would be enough to give every U.S. household more than $25,000.”
messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/dynamic/rend...
“If distributed evenly, it would be enough to give every U.S. household more than $25,000.”
messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/dynamic/rend...
The Morning: What is in Trump’s bill?
messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com
July 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM
How much is $3.3 trillion?
“If distributed evenly, it would be enough to give every U.S. household more than $25,000.”
messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/dynamic/rend...
“If distributed evenly, it would be enough to give every U.S. household more than $25,000.”
messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/dynamic/rend...
“Cuomo evinced little optimism, scowling as he portrayed NYC as a scary, dangerous hellscape, while a smiling Mamdani orated hopefully about a better future. Cuomo scolded him for having a thin resume — an accurate critique — but didn’t offer much vision of his own.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
‘This wasn’t Andrew Cuomo in his prime’ — how an ex-governor fell flat
The former governor was on track to win the New York City mayoralty but focused on the past and struggled against Mamdani’s digital skills.
www.politico.com
June 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM
“Cuomo evinced little optimism, scowling as he portrayed NYC as a scary, dangerous hellscape, while a smiling Mamdani orated hopefully about a better future. Cuomo scolded him for having a thin resume — an accurate critique — but didn’t offer much vision of his own.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
"It is illegal for Ukrainians to post images of strikes and air-defense systems firing, because Russia is known for hunting down air defenders and carrying out so-called double-tap attacks—striking the same place twice to kill first responders, journalists and civilians" www.wsj.com/world/gaming...
Gaming the Air Raids in Kyiv: A Night in a Capital at War
People in the Ukrainian capital spend their evenings clinging to the normal things of life—for as long as the air-raid sirens allow.
www.wsj.com
June 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
"It is illegal for Ukrainians to post images of strikes and air-defense systems firing, because Russia is known for hunting down air defenders and carrying out so-called double-tap attacks—striking the same place twice to kill first responders, journalists and civilians" www.wsj.com/world/gaming...
“It signals that falsehoods may have a place in shaping vaccine policy in America,” said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who has consulted for the CDC. “The ripple effects could undermine trust in vaccines, vaccine access globally & weaken pandemic preparedness.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Kennedy’s vaccine panel met for the first time. Here’s what to know.
The meeting offered a glimpse into how the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will operate — and how federal vaccine policy is beginning to reflect Kennedy’s personal views.
www.politico.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:06 PM
“It signals that falsehoods may have a place in shaping vaccine policy in America,” said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who has consulted for the CDC. “The ripple effects could undermine trust in vaccines, vaccine access globally & weaken pandemic preparedness.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
“‘Terror. Fear. Panic,’ Kathryn Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, a nonprofit that advocates for major corporations, said as she described the array of emotions her members are feeling.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Zohran Mamdani to face a pugnacious rival in the embattled Eric Adams
The New York City mayor is looking for redemption in November.
www.politico.com
June 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
“‘Terror. Fear. Panic,’ Kathryn Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, a nonprofit that advocates for major corporations, said as she described the array of emotions her members are feeling.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
"Despite the potty-mouthed parrot's ill manners, the rescue has already received over 50 adoption applications and is now in the process of choosing his new forever home." www.upi.com/Odd_News/202...
Watch: Rescue seeking forever home for parrot with 'rated R' vocabulary - UPI.com
A Rhode Island animal rescue group is seeking a new home for a 20-year-old parrot with a vocabulary politely described as "rated R."
www.upi.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
"Despite the potty-mouthed parrot's ill manners, the rescue has already received over 50 adoption applications and is now in the process of choosing his new forever home." www.upi.com/Odd_News/202...
“Cuomo wasn’t the only scandal-scarred politician who fell short in a comeback bid, either. As of late Tuesday night, former Rep. Anthony Weiner placed a distant fourth in a five-way Manhattan race” www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Mamdani’s night
www.politico.com
June 25, 2025 at 12:12 PM
“Cuomo wasn’t the only scandal-scarred politician who fell short in a comeback bid, either. As of late Tuesday night, former Rep. Anthony Weiner placed a distant fourth in a five-way Manhattan race” www.politico.com/newsletters/...
“More than 980,872 Democrats voted in the mayoral primary, an increase over the 942,031 who turned out in 2021, and the most since 1989, when more than 1 million New Yorkers turned out to nominate the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Zohran Mamdani topples Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayoral race
The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist lawmaker outpaced the ex-governor, who has conceded, in a stunning primary, signaling generational change in the Democratic Party.
www.politico.com
June 25, 2025 at 11:53 AM
“More than 980,872 Democrats voted in the mayoral primary, an increase over the 942,031 who turned out in 2021, and the most since 1989, when more than 1 million New Yorkers turned out to nominate the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins.” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
“Not to be outdone is state Sen. Zellnor Myrie. Behind in the polls, Myrie is leading in hydration: His team said Monday they have 5,000 bottles of water.” www.politico.com/newsletters/...
The heat is on
www.politico.com
June 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
“Not to be outdone is state Sen. Zellnor Myrie. Behind in the polls, Myrie is leading in hydration: His team said Monday they have 5,000 bottles of water.” www.politico.com/newsletters/...
“Sooner or later, we will have lunar bases, and cannabis, with its versatility, is the ideal plant to supply those projects,” he tells Wired.”It can be a source of food, protein, building materials, textiles, hemp, plastic and medicine.” www.wired.com/story/scient...
Scientists Are Sending Cannabis Seeds to Space
The versatile cannabis plant could, some scientists think, one day be useful for lunar and Martian colonists. For now, researchers will subject its seeds to radiation in orbit and see what happens.
www.wired.com
June 24, 2025 at 2:29 PM
“Sooner or later, we will have lunar bases, and cannabis, with its versatility, is the ideal plant to supply those projects,” he tells Wired.”It can be a source of food, protein, building materials, textiles, hemp, plastic and medicine.” www.wired.com/story/scient...
“Bernie, one time, quite famously said, ‘If we don’t plow the streets and fix the roads, the people aren’t going to put up with this socialism shit,’” said John Franco, who served in Sanders’ mayoral administration in Burlington. “You have a lot of persuasion to do” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Mamdani’s victory would signal seismic shift in national politics and test for socialist movement
The 33-year-old democratic socialist stands to seize one of the top political jobs in America.
www.politico.com
June 24, 2025 at 12:02 PM
“Bernie, one time, quite famously said, ‘If we don’t plow the streets and fix the roads, the people aren’t going to put up with this socialism shit,’” said John Franco, who served in Sanders’ mayoral administration in Burlington. “You have a lot of persuasion to do” www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
“I have now decided that come September, when I reach my 35-year milestone as a Post journalist, I shall strike my tent and silently move on into the night.” wapo.st/446ivc8
Opinion | After 35 years as a Post journalist, I’ve decided it’s time for a change
The thought doesn’t come easy.
wapo.st
June 21, 2025 at 11:35 AM
“I have now decided that come September, when I reach my 35-year milestone as a Post journalist, I shall strike my tent and silently move on into the night.” wapo.st/446ivc8
“Andrew Cuomo is not our asshole. Say it with me!” The crowd, soaked in the rain, yelled back: “Andrew Cuomo is not our asshole!"
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Cuomo the a--hole
www.politico.com
June 20, 2025 at 9:23 PM
“Andrew Cuomo is not our asshole. Say it with me!” The crowd, soaked in the rain, yelled back: “Andrew Cuomo is not our asshole!"
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
www.politico.com/newsletters/...