Aimee Rawlins
@aimeerawlins.bsky.social
Seattle-based writer + editor covering climate, cities, housing, transportation, and all the ways they intersect.
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Aimee Rawlins
@aimeerawlins.bsky.social
· Aug 20
At 23, she set out to modernize the spice trade. Now she’s navigating Trump’s tariffs
Sana Javeri Kadri built a successful spice company by sourcing directly from south Asian producers. But new tariffs threaten her business model
www.theguardian.com
In my first piece for @theguardian.com, I chatted with Sana Javeri Kadri about Diaspora Co., the spice company she founded at just 23.
She's built a supply chain that prioritizes fair wages, sustainability & super fresh ingredients. But Trump's tariffs could hit her business hard.
She's built a supply chain that prioritizes fair wages, sustainability & super fresh ingredients. But Trump's tariffs could hit her business hard.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
As @people.com reported yesterday, more than 30,000 children in just one North Carolina district alone skipped class on Monday due to immigration raids: people.com/more-than-30...
November 19, 2025 at 9:44 PM
As @people.com reported yesterday, more than 30,000 children in just one North Carolina district alone skipped class on Monday due to immigration raids: people.com/more-than-30...
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Literally just lectured about this!
In the late 1960s, air quality was so bad in several cities they had to turn on the street lights during the day so drivers could see. And yeah, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted it literally caught on fire.
In the late 1960s, air quality was so bad in several cities they had to turn on the street lights during the day so drivers could see. And yeah, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted it literally caught on fire.
Oh, I don’t know. Our rivers no longer catch on fire and our air is far less poisonous than it used to be, even in smog bowls like Los Angeles. And I think those are good things.
If there’s no shale gas then there’s no shale gas, but I still think environmentalism is basically bad and politicians should focus more on material prosperity.
November 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Literally just lectured about this!
In the late 1960s, air quality was so bad in several cities they had to turn on the street lights during the day so drivers could see. And yeah, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted it literally caught on fire.
In the late 1960s, air quality was so bad in several cities they had to turn on the street lights during the day so drivers could see. And yeah, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted it literally caught on fire.
Loved this piece by @natanlast.bsky.social about the machinations and the politics behind crossword puzzles (and was belatedly grossed out by the NYT calling "clean coal" a "greener energy source").
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
The Hidden Politics of the Crossword Puzzle
Take it from me: A crossword clue can be debated with the kind of fervor normally reserved for corporatist propaganda and outright racism.
www.thenation.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Loved this piece by @natanlast.bsky.social about the machinations and the politics behind crossword puzzles (and was belatedly grossed out by the NYT calling "clean coal" a "greener energy source").
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Covering Jamal Khashoggi's murder was one of the most disturbing things I've worked on. Hearing Trump say he was "extremely controversial" and people "didn't like him" is chilling. Hard to take any other way than he thinks there is moral ambiguity in the murder of a journalist.
November 18, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Covering Jamal Khashoggi's murder was one of the most disturbing things I've worked on. Hearing Trump say he was "extremely controversial" and people "didn't like him" is chilling. Hard to take any other way than he thinks there is moral ambiguity in the murder of a journalist.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:09 PM
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Might you have missed some of the depth of Tuesday's results, beyond the big headline races?
I'd been watching roughly 200 races heading into Election Day, so here's a thread of some of what you don't want to skip over!
🧵
I'd been watching roughly 200 races heading into Election Day, so here's a thread of some of what you don't want to skip over!
🧵
November 9, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Might you have missed some of the depth of Tuesday's results, beyond the big headline races?
I'd been watching roughly 200 races heading into Election Day, so here's a thread of some of what you don't want to skip over!
🧵
I'd been watching roughly 200 races heading into Election Day, so here's a thread of some of what you don't want to skip over!
🧵
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
We are literally mad about your failure to fight the real dangers.
But there are real dangers out there that must be fought; and energy spent fighting each other is energy lost to that bigger fight.
November 11, 2025 at 1:37 AM
We are literally mad about your failure to fight the real dangers.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
okay, so, with Dems successfully keeping anyone up in 2026 for voting for this turd let's take a look at who's up in 2026 anyway:
1. Cory Booker - apparently involved behind the scenes, constantly looking for bipartisanship. I don't dislike him personally but he doesn't have what we need. Primary.
1. Cory Booker - apparently involved behind the scenes, constantly looking for bipartisanship. I don't dislike him personally but he doesn't have what we need. Primary.
November 10, 2025 at 2:20 AM
okay, so, with Dems successfully keeping anyone up in 2026 for voting for this turd let's take a look at who's up in 2026 anyway:
1. Cory Booker - apparently involved behind the scenes, constantly looking for bipartisanship. I don't dislike him personally but he doesn't have what we need. Primary.
1. Cory Booker - apparently involved behind the scenes, constantly looking for bipartisanship. I don't dislike him personally but he doesn't have what we need. Primary.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Listening to these 8 Dem Senators explain their vote convinces me that they are either idiots or liars. Either is plausible.
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Listening to these 8 Dem Senators explain their vote convinces me that they are either idiots or liars. Either is plausible.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
"If Norman Rockwell were alive today, he would be devastated to see ... that his own work has been marshalled for the cause of persecution toward immigrant communities and people of color," writes the family of late artist Norman Rockwell. bit.ly/47P4SQz
November 7, 2025 at 12:15 AM
"If Norman Rockwell were alive today, he would be devastated to see ... that his own work has been marshalled for the cause of persecution toward immigrant communities and people of color," writes the family of late artist Norman Rockwell. bit.ly/47P4SQz
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Trump: I'm dismantling the Constitution, building a paramilitary fascist army loyal only to me, demolishing the White House, and blowing up the US economy for my billionaire cronies
Schumer: Okay, but you have to extend subsidies for corporate health care
Trump: No
Schumer: Okay
Schumer: Okay, but you have to extend subsidies for corporate health care
Trump: No
Schumer: Okay
November 9, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Trump: I'm dismantling the Constitution, building a paramilitary fascist army loyal only to me, demolishing the White House, and blowing up the US economy for my billionaire cronies
Schumer: Okay, but you have to extend subsidies for corporate health care
Trump: No
Schumer: Okay
Schumer: Okay, but you have to extend subsidies for corporate health care
Trump: No
Schumer: Okay
Not sure where they are on the squishy scale today but I called both WA senators today. It felt especially salient bc after being laid off & going back on the exchange, I'm shocked at what even crummy healthcare costs right now.
Patty Murray:
(202) 224-2621
Maria Cantwell:
(202) 224-3441
Patty Murray:
(202) 224-2621
Maria Cantwell:
(202) 224-3441
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you with your senator's office.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
If you're represented by one of the squishier centrists, be sure to make a call. Now.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Not sure where they are on the squishy scale today but I called both WA senators today. It felt especially salient bc after being laid off & going back on the exchange, I'm shocked at what even crummy healthcare costs right now.
Patty Murray:
(202) 224-2621
Maria Cantwell:
(202) 224-3441
Patty Murray:
(202) 224-2621
Maria Cantwell:
(202) 224-3441
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Six people died from tampered Tylenol and the company pulled 30 million bottles off the market. ChatGPT is accused of urging seven people towards suicide, and OpenAI just assures us they’re still working out the kinks. Billions in investment, zero accountability.
OpenAI faces 7 lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide, delusions
OpenAI is facing seven lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide and harmful delusions even when they had no prior mental health issues.
apnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Six people died from tampered Tylenol and the company pulled 30 million bottles off the market. ChatGPT is accused of urging seven people towards suicide, and OpenAI just assures us they’re still working out the kinks. Billions in investment, zero accountability.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
“woke” is when you acknowledge that black people have contributed to the united states
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
November 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“woke” is when you acknowledge that black people have contributed to the united states
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
A List of Things Said to Have Been Ruined by Women
🧵
🧵
November 6, 2025 at 8:43 PM
A List of Things Said to Have Been Ruined by Women
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🧵
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
MAMDANI: "So Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words: 'Turn the volume up.'"
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 AM
MAMDANI: "So Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words: 'Turn the volume up.'"
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
One more plug for @boltsmag.org, as the night is coming to a close:
If you've enjoyed our work, consider: Our journalism at Bolts has no paywall, but it requires a lot of resources. We thrive with your support & subscriptions!
Right now is THE time to make your support multiply, here's why:
If you've enjoyed our work, consider: Our journalism at Bolts has no paywall, but it requires a lot of resources. We thrive with your support & subscriptions!
Right now is THE time to make your support multiply, here's why:
NEW: Today is a big day for us at Bolts! From today thru end of 2025, NewsMatch matches any gift you make.
In a nutshell: Your gift will be doubled. If you start a monthly subscription, your monthly amount is matched *x12*!
If you wish to support independent journalism, you can help us thrive:
In a nutshell: Your gift will be doubled. If you start a monthly subscription, your monthly amount is matched *x12*!
If you wish to support independent journalism, you can help us thrive:
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:22 AM
One more plug for @boltsmag.org, as the night is coming to a close:
If you've enjoyed our work, consider: Our journalism at Bolts has no paywall, but it requires a lot of resources. We thrive with your support & subscriptions!
Right now is THE time to make your support multiply, here's why:
If you've enjoyed our work, consider: Our journalism at Bolts has no paywall, but it requires a lot of resources. We thrive with your support & subscriptions!
Right now is THE time to make your support multiply, here's why:
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
AOC: We have a future to fight for, and we're either going to do that together or you're going to be left behind. It's not about Progressive. It's not moderate, it's not liberal. This is about do you understand the assignment of fighting fascism right now? And the assignment is you come together…
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM
AOC: We have a future to fight for, and we're either going to do that together or you're going to be left behind. It's not about Progressive. It's not moderate, it's not liberal. This is about do you understand the assignment of fighting fascism right now? And the assignment is you come together…
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
this is a reminder that we dont have to settle for newsom in 2028
November 5, 2025 at 2:44 AM
this is a reminder that we dont have to settle for newsom in 2028
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Mamdani cracks 1M votes, the first NYC mayor to do so since John Lindsay in 1969
November 5, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Mamdani cracks 1M votes, the first NYC mayor to do so since John Lindsay in 1969
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
RESULT: Democrats have flipped two seats on Georgia's utility commission.
The commission shapes Georgia's environmental future, determining the state's energy mix between clean energy and fossil fuel sources.
The commission shapes Georgia's environmental future, determining the state's energy mix between clean energy and fossil fuel sources.
In upset, Democrats win in PSC races that could affect Georgia Power bills
Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard won statewide elections, defeating Republican incumbents, for seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission.
www.ajc.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:09 AM
RESULT: Democrats have flipped two seats on Georgia's utility commission.
The commission shapes Georgia's environmental future, determining the state's energy mix between clean energy and fossil fuel sources.
The commission shapes Georgia's environmental future, determining the state's energy mix between clean energy and fossil fuel sources.
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
A pro-affordability, anti-Trump-corruption message unites the party. Every candidate can run on that, and every candidate can have their own take to fit that to their constituents. There's really no need to find fights to pick when the party agrees on more than it disagrees
Came here to say this, but Jamelle Bouie has this covered. 👇
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
When the Democratic tent includes candidates like Spanberger and Mamdani, there is no crisis, or fight, for the party. IT’S A COALITION, NOT A POINT ESTIMATE.
i want to repeat this: mamdani and spanberger have run similar campaigns tailored to their respective electorates and it is maddening to watch political journalists attempt to create some broad contrast where none exist
November 5, 2025 at 2:15 AM
A pro-affordability, anti-Trump-corruption message unites the party. Every candidate can run on that, and every candidate can have their own take to fit that to their constituents. There's really no need to find fights to pick when the party agrees on more than it disagrees
Reposted by Aimee Rawlins
Looks like the Dems will pick up 12 seats in the VA House of Delegates, which will go from 51-49 to 63-37 D-R. That's an honestly shocking result.
November 5, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Looks like the Dems will pick up 12 seats in the VA House of Delegates, which will go from 51-49 to 63-37 D-R. That's an honestly shocking result.