Thomas Leischner
@thomasleischner.bsky.social
Educator and Organizer | they/them
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Civic engagement is high this season
'Abolish ICE' Submitted 9,200 Times For Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest, Records Show
Anti-ICE sentiments made up nearly 80 percent of submissions. Voting for the top six names opens Sunday and runs through Feb. 14.
blockclubchicago.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Civic engagement is high this season
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Jesus Christ you freak, they’re just my neighbors
January 29, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Jesus Christ you freak, they’re just my neighbors
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
I will simply never recover from reading this sentence:
"Since Georgia implemented work requirements in 2020, they have spent twice as much on Deloitte consultants and administrative costs as on healthcare for people."
"Since Georgia implemented work requirements in 2020, they have spent twice as much on Deloitte consultants and administrative costs as on healthcare for people."
Today, Luke Farrell (@lukef.bsky.social) explains how complex eligibility requirements have turned America’s safety net into a lucrative revenue stream for monopolistic private contractors.
The Means-Testing Industrial Complex
As Republicans tightened work requirements and eligibility rules for Medicaid and SNAP last year, Equifax’s CEO openly celebrated the profits to be made from administering this deprivation.
lpeproject.org
January 28, 2026 at 4:33 PM
I will simply never recover from reading this sentence:
"Since Georgia implemented work requirements in 2020, they have spent twice as much on Deloitte consultants and administrative costs as on healthcare for people."
"Since Georgia implemented work requirements in 2020, they have spent twice as much on Deloitte consultants and administrative costs as on healthcare for people."
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
I know I’m a homer but this was the most quintessentially McQuade story. Perfect idea, perfect execution. Dan was the only person on Earth who could’ve written this.
How Far Did Rocky Go in His Training Run in 'Rocky II'?
Rocky wasn't just a boxer. He was a marathoner.
www.phillymag.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:55 AM
I know I’m a homer but this was the most quintessentially McQuade story. Perfect idea, perfect execution. Dan was the only person on Earth who could’ve written this.
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
RIP Dan Mcquade. A truly beautiful man who could do it all and he wrote like hell. My thoughts are with his infant son and his wife. He truly made Defector the special thing it is and is probably the one thing all of Philly could agree on. Love you buddy, fly to the moon
defector.com/dan-mcquade-...
defector.com/dan-mcquade-...
Dan McQuade, 1983–2026 | Defector
Dan McQuade, our friend and colleague, died this week at the age of 43. He is survived by his wife and young son. At the end of 2024, Dan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. The news of his diag...
defector.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:03 AM
RIP Dan Mcquade. A truly beautiful man who could do it all and he wrote like hell. My thoughts are with his infant son and his wife. He truly made Defector the special thing it is and is probably the one thing all of Philly could agree on. Love you buddy, fly to the moon
defector.com/dan-mcquade-...
defector.com/dan-mcquade-...
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
We need to talk about the rise of "smol bean fascism" where you have all the guns and the immunity but the really scary people are the ones with whistles and phone cameras and they're giving you generational trauma and ptsd by filming you killing people for no reason
January 28, 2026 at 9:25 PM
We need to talk about the rise of "smol bean fascism" where you have all the guns and the immunity but the really scary people are the ones with whistles and phone cameras and they're giving you generational trauma and ptsd by filming you killing people for no reason
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Reporting and analyzing from the ground in Philadelphia! People here are terrified we'll be Noem's next target.
But some city leaders, including DA Larry Krasner, have a plan to scare off ICE. I think it would work — if the mayor will allow it.
www.salon.com/2026/01/28/p...
But some city leaders, including DA Larry Krasner, have a plan to scare off ICE. I think it would work — if the mayor will allow it.
www.salon.com/2026/01/28/p...
Philadelphia's ambitious plan to scare off ICE
City leaders know how to shield the community — if the mayor has the guts
www.salon.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Reporting and analyzing from the ground in Philadelphia! People here are terrified we'll be Noem's next target.
But some city leaders, including DA Larry Krasner, have a plan to scare off ICE. I think it would work — if the mayor will allow it.
www.salon.com/2026/01/28/p...
But some city leaders, including DA Larry Krasner, have a plan to scare off ICE. I think it would work — if the mayor will allow it.
www.salon.com/2026/01/28/p...
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Not all heroes wear capes.
View of Love Park, Philly.
View of Love Park, Philly.
January 27, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Not all heroes wear capes.
View of Love Park, Philly.
View of Love Park, Philly.
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
The grandbabies 🥹
“I am disheartened and sad…that we cannot demonstrate our sympathy for the beleaguered, that we are told immigrants, which most of us are or descended from, are unwelcome, that we cannot show our frustration in peaceful demonstration, and that we can be attacked and even killed by Federal troops.”
Martha Stewart Issues Rare Political Statement After Stern Text From 14-Year-Old Granddaughter
'I'm not sure it's excusable to not be speaking up right now,' wrote Stewart's granddaughter, inspiring a heartfelt post from the lifestyle media mogul.
parade.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:14 PM
The grandbabies 🥹
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Also for those who want to talk about affordability more than anything else, your compromise is that ICE has $85 billion now. All of that money could go to people who need it!
Abolishing ICE is polling well and even polls positively with some Republicans at the moment. It could absolutely be a motivating and winning midterm issue that could flip control. Giving up before things even really start is a sure-fire way to keep people home.
January 27, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Also for those who want to talk about affordability more than anything else, your compromise is that ICE has $85 billion now. All of that money could go to people who need it!
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
rats that jump from the sinking ship are still rats, but at least the ship is sinking
January 26, 2026 at 7:29 PM
rats that jump from the sinking ship are still rats, but at least the ship is sinking
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
I know the idea of “better” policing is as old a demand as civil rights movements in this country, the impulse to call for it at this moment is so terribly cruel that it can only be understood as aligned with the terrorists.
January 24, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I know the idea of “better” policing is as old a demand as civil rights movements in this country, the impulse to call for it at this moment is so terribly cruel that it can only be understood as aligned with the terrorists.
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Doesn’t sound like a clash then!
Live on MS NOW:
Protesters are clashing right now with federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis. Agents are shooting tear gas. Agents have their weapons raised.
Protesters are chanting, "SHAME! SHAME!"
Protesters are clashing right now with federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis. Agents are shooting tear gas. Agents have their weapons raised.
Protesters are chanting, "SHAME! SHAME!"
January 24, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Doesn’t sound like a clash then!
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Look at this: @inquirer.com has digitally preserved the interpretative signage removed by NPS, and used annotations to explain what specifically was flagged before removal. This keeps the content publicly accessible (for now) while doing newsworthy reporting
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...
Here are the signs the Trump administration removed from Independence Park
Following last year’s review, every sign has been removed from the President’s House site.
www.inquirer.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Look at this: @inquirer.com has digitally preserved the interpretative signage removed by NPS, and used annotations to explain what specifically was flagged before removal. This keeps the content publicly accessible (for now) while doing newsworthy reporting
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Schools in Saint Paul were closed Tuesday and Wednesday as teachers prepared to do online and in-person teaching simultaneously due to safety concerns about ICE.
Kids in my daughter’s school refer to those two days off as Evil Break.
As in, “So what did you do over Evil Break?”
Kids in my daughter’s school refer to those two days off as Evil Break.
As in, “So what did you do over Evil Break?”
January 23, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Schools in Saint Paul were closed Tuesday and Wednesday as teachers prepared to do online and in-person teaching simultaneously due to safety concerns about ICE.
Kids in my daughter’s school refer to those two days off as Evil Break.
As in, “So what did you do over Evil Break?”
Kids in my daughter’s school refer to those two days off as Evil Break.
As in, “So what did you do over Evil Break?”
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Demand that the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) cut its ties to ICE
January 16, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Demand that the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) cut its ties to ICE
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
GOOD:
"Progressive effort to primary Sen. John Fetterman ramps up:
The Working Families Party launched a website where, among other efforts, voters can request refunds from Fetterman’s campaign."
"Progressive effort to primary Sen. John Fetterman ramps up:
The Working Families Party launched a website where, among other efforts, voters can request refunds from Fetterman’s campaign."
Progressive effort to primary Sen. John Fetterman ramps up
The Working Families Party launched a website where, among other efforts, voters can request refunds from Fetterman’s campaign.
www.nbcnews.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:40 PM
GOOD:
"Progressive effort to primary Sen. John Fetterman ramps up:
The Working Families Party launched a website where, among other efforts, voters can request refunds from Fetterman’s campaign."
"Progressive effort to primary Sen. John Fetterman ramps up:
The Working Families Party launched a website where, among other efforts, voters can request refunds from Fetterman’s campaign."
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
The best videos of ICE agents eating shit in the brutal Minneapolis winter
The Best Videos of ICE Busting Their Asses in the Brutal Minneapolis Winter
Watch out for that ice, you fascist clowns.
gizmodo.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:24 PM
The best videos of ICE agents eating shit in the brutal Minneapolis winter
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Good morning, I am once again reminding you all that we are going to keep pushing and we are going to win:
January 16, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Good morning, I am once again reminding you all that we are going to keep pushing and we are going to win:
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
The main bank account holding revenue from the Venezuelan oil sales is located in Qatar.
“There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
“There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Exclusive: US gets first $500 million Venezuelan oil deal, holding some proceeds in Qatar
The details shared with Semafor mark an initial milestone in the administration’s plan following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
www.semafor.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:42 AM
The main bank account holding revenue from the Venezuelan oil sales is located in Qatar.
“There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
“There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
The number of Philly police living outside the city has doubled in less than a decade, despite efforts from Mayor Parker and her predecessors to tighten residency requirements.
More Philadelphia police live outside the city than ever before
www.inquirer.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:31 PM
The number of Philly police living outside the city has doubled in less than a decade, despite efforts from Mayor Parker and her predecessors to tighten residency requirements.
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and an assault on the state by federal immigration forces, a labor-community coalition is calling for residents to refuse to work, shop or go to school on Januar...
inthesetimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
A nice interview with a Louisiana teenager
I think local news outlets could profit by doing a lot of these
youtu.be/8r4yJd5o_Og?...
I think local news outlets could profit by doing a lot of these
youtu.be/8r4yJd5o_Og?...
VIDEO: Store manager taunts, locks out Border Patrol agents part of 'Catahoula Crunch' operation
YouTube video by WGNO-TV / ABC26 / WNOL38
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 8:12 PM
A nice interview with a Louisiana teenager
I think local news outlets could profit by doing a lot of these
youtu.be/8r4yJd5o_Og?...
I think local news outlets could profit by doing a lot of these
youtu.be/8r4yJd5o_Og?...
Reposted by Thomas Leischner
of all the things going around today i do keep coming back to this one, in the sense of: how must one live their life such that everyone involved in an official my little pony comic agrees there's adequate gas in a joke at your expense that's not even a silly pun but just about how you're an asshole
Thinking about that time the My Little Pony comics, of all things, absolutely bodied Scott Adams.
January 13, 2026 at 6:48 PM
of all the things going around today i do keep coming back to this one, in the sense of: how must one live their life such that everyone involved in an official my little pony comic agrees there's adequate gas in a joke at your expense that's not even a silly pun but just about how you're an asshole