Torr 🧵
@torrleonard.bsky.social
Pinned
Torr 🧵
@torrleonard.bsky.social
· Mar 5
I’m worried that in the 2026 and 2028 elections, 49% of voters are gonna say “Trump and Musk turned out to be bad, but the rest of the GOP are fine.”
Which is why we need to tie all these bad things to the *entire GOP*.
Which is why we need to tie all these bad things to the *entire GOP*.
Reposted by Torr 🧵
... and again: www.cbsnews.com/news/high-pr...
High-profile Jan. 6 defendant facing charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting woman
John Banuelos' case was unique among Capitol riot prosecutions because he was the only defendant accused of pulling and firing a gun while on Capitol grounds.
www.cbsnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
... and again: www.cbsnews.com/news/high-pr...
Reposted by Torr 🧵
“there are foreign/international students at HBCUs, and thus it is quite plausible that some are Chinese nationals.
A research brief found that during the 2015-16 academic year, HBCUs collectively enrolled 9,361 international students.”
2019:
hechingerreport.org/hbcus-open-t...
A research brief found that during the 2015-16 academic year, HBCUs collectively enrolled 9,361 international students.”
2019:
hechingerreport.org/hbcus-open-t...
HBCUs open doors wider to international students
HBCUs are stepping up recruitment efforts in other countries and benefiting from the full-freight tuition that HBCU international students often pay
hechingerreport.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
“there are foreign/international students at HBCUs, and thus it is quite plausible that some are Chinese nationals.
A research brief found that during the 2015-16 academic year, HBCUs collectively enrolled 9,361 international students.”
2019:
hechingerreport.org/hbcus-open-t...
A research brief found that during the 2015-16 academic year, HBCUs collectively enrolled 9,361 international students.”
2019:
hechingerreport.org/hbcus-open-t...
Reposted by Torr 🧵
Reminder:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were first created because, before and for many decades after the Civil War, Black Americans were largely denied access to higher education at predominantly white institutions due to segregation laws and racial discrimination.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were first created because, before and for many decades after the Civil War, Black Americans were largely denied access to higher education at predominantly white institutions due to segregation laws and racial discrimination.
November 11, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Reminder:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were first created because, before and for many decades after the Civil War, Black Americans were largely denied access to higher education at predominantly white institutions due to segregation laws and racial discrimination.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were first created because, before and for many decades after the Civil War, Black Americans were largely denied access to higher education at predominantly white institutions due to segregation laws and racial discrimination.
Reposted by Torr 🧵
“Berk romanticizes post-WWII period, claiming the GI Bill opened the doors of elite universities to bright students “from all strata of society.”
But as Katznelson shows, GI Bill was administered locally — allowing southern officials to discriminate with impunity”
stanforddaily.com/2025/04/22/w...
But as Katznelson shows, GI Bill was administered locally — allowing southern officials to discriminate with impunity”
stanforddaily.com/2025/04/22/w...
What DEI threatens isn’t merit. It’s monopoly.
Political science professor Hakeem Jefferson argues for DEI's importance to de-monopolizing universities.
stanforddaily.com
April 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
“Berk romanticizes post-WWII period, claiming the GI Bill opened the doors of elite universities to bright students “from all strata of society.”
But as Katznelson shows, GI Bill was administered locally — allowing southern officials to discriminate with impunity”
stanforddaily.com/2025/04/22/w...
But as Katznelson shows, GI Bill was administered locally — allowing southern officials to discriminate with impunity”
stanforddaily.com/2025/04/22/w...
"How ‘The Office’ Memes Became the Language of the Internet -
Oh my God, OK, it’s happening!
From social-media posters to the FCC chair, we are all living in Michael Scott’s world."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/a...
Oh my God, OK, it’s happening!
From social-media posters to the FCC chair, we are all living in Michael Scott’s world."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/a...
How ‘The Office’ Memes Became the Language of the Internet
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:31 AM
"How ‘The Office’ Memes Became the Language of the Internet -
Oh my God, OK, it’s happening!
From social-media posters to the FCC chair, we are all living in Michael Scott’s world."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/a...
Oh my God, OK, it’s happening!
From social-media posters to the FCC chair, we are all living in Michael Scott’s world."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/a...
"Australian-built Hull 096 contains a 40 megawatt-hr energy storage system. Because of the ship's size & speed, it will only be enough for 90 mins travel.
It's designed to carry 2,100 passengers & 225 cars on a 40-mile journey between ports in Argentina & Uruguay before charging up again in 40 mins
It's designed to carry 2,100 passengers & 225 cars on a 40-mile journey between ports in Argentina & Uruguay before charging up again in 40 mins
Meet the World’s Largest Battery-Electric Ferry
Can Hull 096's massive battery system redefine maritime electrification?
spectrum.ieee.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
"Australian-built Hull 096 contains a 40 megawatt-hr energy storage system. Because of the ship's size & speed, it will only be enough for 90 mins travel.
It's designed to carry 2,100 passengers & 225 cars on a 40-mile journey between ports in Argentina & Uruguay before charging up again in 40 mins
It's designed to carry 2,100 passengers & 225 cars on a 40-mile journey between ports in Argentina & Uruguay before charging up again in 40 mins
"Amazon announced its first wholly owned transatlantic cable, as subsea infrastructure increasingly moves from public to private ownership.
The Fastnet cable, set to begin operation in 2028, will run from Maryland to Ireland’s west coast."
www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/tra...
The Fastnet cable, set to begin operation in 2028, will run from Maryland to Ireland’s west coast."
www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/tra...
AWS announces Fastnet, a dedicated high-capacity transatlantic cable connecting the US and Ireland
The subsea cable will create alternative data pathways between Maryland and County Cork, delivering fast and reliable cloud and AI services across the Atlantic.
www.aboutamazon.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
"Amazon announced its first wholly owned transatlantic cable, as subsea infrastructure increasingly moves from public to private ownership.
The Fastnet cable, set to begin operation in 2028, will run from Maryland to Ireland’s west coast."
www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/tra...
The Fastnet cable, set to begin operation in 2028, will run from Maryland to Ireland’s west coast."
www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/tra...
"An investigation into the alleged Nord Stream saboteurs is threatening to fracture Europe’s support for Ukraine.
German authorities have built a case implicating an elite Ukrainian unit in the 2022 pipeline explosions, opening diplomatic and political fissures:"
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
German authorities have built a case implicating an elite Ukrainian unit in the 2022 pipeline explosions, opening diplomatic and political fissures:"
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Exclusive | The Nord Stream Investigation That’s Splintering Europe Over Ukraine
German detectives have spent three years building their case. A Ukrainian veteran could soon be in the dock.
www.wsj.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:34 PM
"An investigation into the alleged Nord Stream saboteurs is threatening to fracture Europe’s support for Ukraine.
German authorities have built a case implicating an elite Ukrainian unit in the 2022 pipeline explosions, opening diplomatic and political fissures:"
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
German authorities have built a case implicating an elite Ukrainian unit in the 2022 pipeline explosions, opening diplomatic and political fissures:"
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
"Chinese builders said they’ve grown frustrated — particularly in Saudi Arabia — by strict contractual terms, fierce competition, and rules around local hiring requirements and ESG standards, which aren’t common in China."
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-11-10/c...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-11-10/c...
Chinese Builders Find Middle East Boom Fraught With High Risks and Low Margins
Chinese developers flocking to Saudi Arabia are grappling with fierce competition from domestic rivals, strict contracts and high localization costs that are squeezing profits
www.caixinglobal.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:33 PM
"Chinese builders said they’ve grown frustrated — particularly in Saudi Arabia — by strict contractual terms, fierce competition, and rules around local hiring requirements and ESG standards, which aren’t common in China."
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-11-10/c...
www.caixinglobal.com/2025-11-10/c...
"India 's energy grid isn’t keeping up with a surge in clean power.
The country wants to reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but “we won’t be able to exceed it because there’s not enough transmission,”
www.ft.com/content/9950...
The country wants to reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but “we won’t be able to exceed it because there’s not enough transmission,”
www.ft.com/content/9950...
India’s grid deadlock threatens green power rollout
Expansion of the country’s power network has not kept pace with a surge in renewable projects
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"India 's energy grid isn’t keeping up with a surge in clean power.
The country wants to reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but “we won’t be able to exceed it because there’s not enough transmission,”
www.ft.com/content/9950...
The country wants to reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, but “we won’t be able to exceed it because there’s not enough transmission,”
www.ft.com/content/9950...
Reposted by Torr 🧵
"Complaints filed with the state touched on the flying of a Palestinian flag on a school flagpole; a pro-Palestinian teach-in; and the distribution of a map of the Middle East that excluded Israel.
Marleen Sacks said antisemitism led dozens of Jewish families to transfer out of the district."
Marleen Sacks said antisemitism led dozens of Jewish families to transfer out of the district."
State finds Oakland Unified created ‘discriminatory environment’ for Jewish students
After investigating multiple complaints of antisemitism in Oakland Unified, the California Department of Education ruled they were valid. The district has belatedly pledged to take allegations of hat...
edsource.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:06 AM
"Complaints filed with the state touched on the flying of a Palestinian flag on a school flagpole; a pro-Palestinian teach-in; and the distribution of a map of the Middle East that excluded Israel.
Marleen Sacks said antisemitism led dozens of Jewish families to transfer out of the district."
Marleen Sacks said antisemitism led dozens of Jewish families to transfer out of the district."
Reposted by Torr 🧵
"Greenock Waterfront, Helen Street in Govan, and the Barrowfield area of Glasgow have the lowest tree equity scores.
A total of 607 neighbourhoods have a score of 100, meaning they have low inequality and a canopy cover around or in excess of 30%."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A total of 607 neighbourhoods have a score of 100, meaning they have low inequality and a canopy cover around or in excess of 30%."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Why your urban neighbourhood might be missing trees that keep you healthy
Woodland Trust Scotland says too many people in towns and cities don't have access to the benefits of trees
www.bbc.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
"Greenock Waterfront, Helen Street in Govan, and the Barrowfield area of Glasgow have the lowest tree equity scores.
A total of 607 neighbourhoods have a score of 100, meaning they have low inequality and a canopy cover around or in excess of 30%."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A total of 607 neighbourhoods have a score of 100, meaning they have low inequality and a canopy cover around or in excess of 30%."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
“How Air Disasters Actually Work -
When a plane begins to break apart in midair, survival depends on split-second decisions, mechanical precision & steady hand of the captain.
But what actually happens in the cockpit when things go catastrophically wrong — & how do pilots train for it?"
When a plane begins to break apart in midair, survival depends on split-second decisions, mechanical precision & steady hand of the captain.
But what actually happens in the cockpit when things go catastrophically wrong — & how do pilots train for it?"
How Air Disasters Actually Work | Authorized Account | Insider
YouTube video by Insider
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
“How Air Disasters Actually Work -
When a plane begins to break apart in midair, survival depends on split-second decisions, mechanical precision & steady hand of the captain.
But what actually happens in the cockpit when things go catastrophically wrong — & how do pilots train for it?"
When a plane begins to break apart in midair, survival depends on split-second decisions, mechanical precision & steady hand of the captain.
But what actually happens in the cockpit when things go catastrophically wrong — & how do pilots train for it?"
"in 2021, a presidential proclamation by Biden — applying a law more than a century old that had nothing to do w/ fishing when it was passed — banned commercial fishing across 3M acres of Georges Bank.
The livelihoods of Conrad & Green and countless others were harmed by the proclamation."
The livelihoods of Conrad & Green and countless others were harmed by the proclamation."
Opinion | A century-old law could cost these fishermen their livelihoods
The Antiquities Act is not a superpower.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:57 PM
"in 2021, a presidential proclamation by Biden — applying a law more than a century old that had nothing to do w/ fishing when it was passed — banned commercial fishing across 3M acres of Georges Bank.
The livelihoods of Conrad & Green and countless others were harmed by the proclamation."
The livelihoods of Conrad & Green and countless others were harmed by the proclamation."
This is a good piece.
"Why nostalgia needs a reality check -
I urge you to remember that these delightful snapshots of history are not the whole thing.
The inability to put history into perspective is not just deforming our perception of the past; it is deforming our politics."
"Why nostalgia needs a reality check -
I urge you to remember that these delightful snapshots of history are not the whole thing.
The inability to put history into perspective is not just deforming our perception of the past; it is deforming our politics."
Opinion | I love a 1950s oven. But this is serious.
Policy built on a longing for the past will doom the nation’s future.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:51 PM
This is a good piece.
"Why nostalgia needs a reality check -
I urge you to remember that these delightful snapshots of history are not the whole thing.
The inability to put history into perspective is not just deforming our perception of the past; it is deforming our politics."
"Why nostalgia needs a reality check -
I urge you to remember that these delightful snapshots of history are not the whole thing.
The inability to put history into perspective is not just deforming our perception of the past; it is deforming our politics."
"Voters approve digitized New York City map amid affordable housing push -
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects.
Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the five boroughs."
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects.
Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the five boroughs."
Voters approve digitized New York City map amid affordable housing push
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects. Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the...
www.route-fifty.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
"Voters approve digitized New York City map amid affordable housing push -
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects.
Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the five boroughs."
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects.
Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the five boroughs."
"The Dutch built a dementia village for elder care.
DC could too.
In DC, which has one of the nation’s highest dementia rates, health advocates are pushing for earlier detection and alternative care."
www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/int...
DC could too.
In DC, which has one of the nation’s highest dementia rates, health advocates are pushing for earlier detection and alternative care."
www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/int...
Why a dementia village in the Netherlands is fueling hope in D.C.
In D.C., which has one of the nation’s highest dementia rates, health advocates are pushing for earlier detection and alternative care
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:43 PM
"The Dutch built a dementia village for elder care.
DC could too.
In DC, which has one of the nation’s highest dementia rates, health advocates are pushing for earlier detection and alternative care."
www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/int...
DC could too.
In DC, which has one of the nation’s highest dementia rates, health advocates are pushing for earlier detection and alternative care."
www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/int...
"The NYC Transportation Crew Helping Preserve Its Cobblestone Streets -
Meet the specialty bricklayers helping to preserve a quaint remnant of New York City’s early days."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/n...
Meet the specialty bricklayers helping to preserve a quaint remnant of New York City’s early days."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/n...
In a Skyscraper City, They Fix Cobblestone Streets by Hand
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
"The NYC Transportation Crew Helping Preserve Its Cobblestone Streets -
Meet the specialty bricklayers helping to preserve a quaint remnant of New York City’s early days."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/n...
Meet the specialty bricklayers helping to preserve a quaint remnant of New York City’s early days."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/n...
"It is not clear which app the officer used.
ICE has a mobile facial recognition app known as Mobile Fortify that uses images of people's faces and fingerprints to try to identify people in the field.
A DHS doc says the app searches for matches against Customs & Border Protection databases..."
ICE has a mobile facial recognition app known as Mobile Fortify that uses images of people's faces and fingerprints to try to identify people in the field.
A DHS doc says the app searches for matches against Customs & Border Protection databases..."
Immigration agents have new technology to identify and track people
The Department of Homeland Security is adopting powerful new tools to monitor noncitizens. Privacy advocates are worried they erode privacy rights for all Americans.
www.npr.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
"It is not clear which app the officer used.
ICE has a mobile facial recognition app known as Mobile Fortify that uses images of people's faces and fingerprints to try to identify people in the field.
A DHS doc says the app searches for matches against Customs & Border Protection databases..."
ICE has a mobile facial recognition app known as Mobile Fortify that uses images of people's faces and fingerprints to try to identify people in the field.
A DHS doc says the app searches for matches against Customs & Border Protection databases..."
"The American Lung Association has ranked Bakersfield, California, worst in the nation for year-round particle pollution six years in a row and worst for short-term particle pollution for three.
The association’s 2025 State of the Air report also places Bakersfield in third for ground-level ozone."
The association’s 2025 State of the Air report also places Bakersfield in third for ground-level ozone."
What's it like to live in America's most polluted city?
Transportation, agriculture, energy production, geography — all these factors drive Bakersfield's air pollution. What does it mean for locals?
www.deseret.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
"The American Lung Association has ranked Bakersfield, California, worst in the nation for year-round particle pollution six years in a row and worst for short-term particle pollution for three.
The association’s 2025 State of the Air report also places Bakersfield in third for ground-level ozone."
The association’s 2025 State of the Air report also places Bakersfield in third for ground-level ozone."
"Two data center projects in Santa Clara, CA, may sit empty for years due to the local utility's inability to supply electricity.
Access to electricity is emerging as the biggest constraint due to aging power infrastructure and regulatory hurdles."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Access to electricity is emerging as the biggest constraint due to aging power infrastructure and regulatory hurdles."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Data Centers in Nvidia’s Hometown Stand Empty Awaiting Power
The fate of two facilities in Santa Clara, California, highlights a major challenge for the US tech sector and indeed the wider economy.
www.bloomberg.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
"Two data center projects in Santa Clara, CA, may sit empty for years due to the local utility's inability to supply electricity.
Access to electricity is emerging as the biggest constraint due to aging power infrastructure and regulatory hurdles."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Access to electricity is emerging as the biggest constraint due to aging power infrastructure and regulatory hurdles."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
"What Parades and Toilets Reveal About Planning for Public Space -
“Searching for Superpublics,” an exhibit at New York’s Center for Architecture, considers how super-sized events such as marathons reveal the underlying infrastructure of public space."
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
“Searching for Superpublics,” an exhibit at New York’s Center for Architecture, considers how super-sized events such as marathons reveal the underlying infrastructure of public space."
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
What Parades and Toilets Reveal About Planning for Public Space
“Searching for Superpublics,” an exhibit at New York’s Center for Architecture, considers how super-sized events such as marathons reveal the underlying infrastructure of public space.
www.bloomberg.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:24 PM
"What Parades and Toilets Reveal About Planning for Public Space -
“Searching for Superpublics,” an exhibit at New York’s Center for Architecture, considers how super-sized events such as marathons reveal the underlying infrastructure of public space."
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
“Searching for Superpublics,” an exhibit at New York’s Center for Architecture, considers how super-sized events such as marathons reveal the underlying infrastructure of public space."
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
"Some things have become much cheaper. A transistor cost $1 in 1965; now it costs a fraction of a millionth of a cent.
But we don’t, as a result, spend less on transistors. Instead, we put them in more things.
Phenomenon of spending more on things even as they get cheaper is called Jevons paradox"
But we don’t, as a result, spend less on transistors. Instead, we put them in more things.
Phenomenon of spending more on things even as they get cheaper is called Jevons paradox"
🟡 Semafor Flagship: Notable absences | Semafor
Notable absences at COP30 and G20, Democrats break ranks over the shutdown, and one of the discoverers of the DNA double helix dies.
www.semafor.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"Some things have become much cheaper. A transistor cost $1 in 1965; now it costs a fraction of a millionth of a cent.
But we don’t, as a result, spend less on transistors. Instead, we put them in more things.
Phenomenon of spending more on things even as they get cheaper is called Jevons paradox"
But we don’t, as a result, spend less on transistors. Instead, we put them in more things.
Phenomenon of spending more on things even as they get cheaper is called Jevons paradox"
"The bottleneck is partly down to more people attending the conference.
But there is also a trend towards private jet use among tech company founders. “It’s the new Lamborghini,” said a person who works in the sector.
Jet rental businesses have sought to cash in on entrepreneurs wanting to enjoy,"
But there is also a trend towards private jet use among tech company founders. “It’s the new Lamborghini,” said a person who works in the sector.
Jet rental businesses have sought to cash in on entrepreneurs wanting to enjoy,"
Tech moguls turned away as Lisbon airport hits private jet limit
Some delegates to Web Summit technology conference are being forced to land in Spain
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
"The bottleneck is partly down to more people attending the conference.
But there is also a trend towards private jet use among tech company founders. “It’s the new Lamborghini,” said a person who works in the sector.
Jet rental businesses have sought to cash in on entrepreneurs wanting to enjoy,"
But there is also a trend towards private jet use among tech company founders. “It’s the new Lamborghini,” said a person who works in the sector.
Jet rental businesses have sought to cash in on entrepreneurs wanting to enjoy,"
"Indonesia's president named the country’s late former ruler — whose time in power was characterized by corruption, rights abuses, and economic growth — a national hero.
Suharto, who is also the current leader’s father-in-law, came to power following brutal bloodletting in 1965..."
Suharto, who is also the current leader’s father-in-law, came to power following brutal bloodletting in 1965..."
Indonesia names former dictator Suharto a 'national hero'
The controversial legacy of Suharto's New Order regime has sparked heated protests against the move.
www.bbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
"Indonesia's president named the country’s late former ruler — whose time in power was characterized by corruption, rights abuses, and economic growth — a national hero.
Suharto, who is also the current leader’s father-in-law, came to power following brutal bloodletting in 1965..."
Suharto, who is also the current leader’s father-in-law, came to power following brutal bloodletting in 1965..."