Caitlin Botsios
@caitlinbotsios.bsky.social
Chicago-based - Omaha born - Midwest Pride all-day
Co-founder Helix Education & Thome Advisors
I'm here for the politics, sports, media musings, and animal pics.
Co-founder Helix Education & Thome Advisors
I'm here for the politics, sports, media musings, and animal pics.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
This video a must watch. Gives you a good sense of what Elgin residents experienced today.
Federal agent involved in crash, 'chemical irritants' deployed in Elgin, police say
A federal agent was involved in a car crash in Elgin, and several people were later treated for exposure to "chemical irritants" deployed during an immigration enforcement operation, local police said...
abc7chicago.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:01 AM
This video a must watch. Gives you a good sense of what Elgin residents experienced today.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
After this, federal agents tear gassed the public on their way out of Elgin, per our photographer who was present. The Feds tear gassed eight Chicago neighborhoods this fall and now a suburb.
In Elgin, ICE agents have been in a standoff with the community as they’re trying to arrest a man. Here’s an altercation between the feds and residents ending with arrest and pepper spray. Video from Sophia Peterson
December 6, 2025 at 9:45 PM
After this, federal agents tear gassed the public on their way out of Elgin, per our photographer who was present. The Feds tear gassed eight Chicago neighborhoods this fall and now a suburb.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Since I haven’t seen anyone mention this: When the U.S. commits war crimes it puts our troops in danger also, as it gives a green light to other countries that they can do the same to us
December 2, 2025 at 4:27 AM
Since I haven’t seen anyone mention this: When the U.S. commits war crimes it puts our troops in danger also, as it gives a green light to other countries that they can do the same to us
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
In the richest city in the richest country on the planet, the thing we can’t afford is to forget those who are left hungry.
November 27, 2025 at 9:50 PM
In the richest city in the richest country on the planet, the thing we can’t afford is to forget those who are left hungry.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
“…community support made the difference. Donations collected through a GoFundMe allowed him to hire an attorney, who secured his mother’s release a week after her arrest. He drove to Indiana, near the Kentucky border, to bring her home.“
Good news. The tamale lady taken in Pilsen in Oct is home.
Good news. The tamale lady taken in Pilsen in Oct is home.
As ICE detains longtime Chicago street vendors with no criminal history, neighbors rally with emergency funds
As longtime vendors quietly disappear from the corners they’ve held for years, community organizations and neighbors are scrambling to support those taken, their families and those still working on…
www.chicagotribune.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:37 PM
“…community support made the difference. Donations collected through a GoFundMe allowed him to hire an attorney, who secured his mother’s release a week after her arrest. He drove to Indiana, near the Kentucky border, to bring her home.“
Good news. The tamale lady taken in Pilsen in Oct is home.
Good news. The tamale lady taken in Pilsen in Oct is home.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Gregory Bovino’s deposition is out. Check here and @chicagotribune.com for highlights. Throughout, Bovino was evasive and combative. In this, while being asked about a photo showing him throwing tear gas, Bovino said: “You said canister. I threw two. That’s plural.”
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Gregory Bovino’s deposition is out. Check here and @chicagotribune.com for highlights. Throughout, Bovino was evasive and combative. In this, while being asked about a photo showing him throwing tear gas, Bovino said: “You said canister. I threw two. That’s plural.”
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
New from me in @talkingpointsmemo.com: The generational divide of our moment isn’t about partisanship or social issues. It’s about how differently each generation experiences what it takes to build a good life.
talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/young-c...
talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/young-c...
Young Candidates Can Speak to the Affordability Crisis Because They’re Living It
This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
New from me in @talkingpointsmemo.com: The generational divide of our moment isn’t about partisanship or social issues. It’s about how differently each generation experiences what it takes to build a good life.
talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/young-c...
talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/young-c...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Opinion | Jamal Khashoggi: What the Arab world needs most is free expression
The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
CIA concludes Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination
Audio recordings, intercepted phone calls and other intelligence link Mohammed bin Salman to killing that Saudis say was conducted by rogue elements.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
I think Americans are realizing that democracy is a participation sport, and the the government is ours if we want it to be. I feel like we got complacent and hoped some other third party would do the work for us. Seems like we have to learn that lesson every generation.
November 18, 2025 at 3:19 AM
I think Americans are realizing that democracy is a participation sport, and the the government is ours if we want it to be. I feel like we got complacent and hoped some other third party would do the work for us. Seems like we have to learn that lesson every generation.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Looking for what you can do to make you voice heard? This campaign is gaining traction.
The enablers have to feel it.
weaintbuyingit.com
The enablers have to feel it.
weaintbuyingit.com
We Ain’t Buying It! - Economic Pressure on Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday - We Ain’t Buying It!
We Ain’t Buying It is an economic action and solidarity campaign designed to defend democracy and reclaim community power.
weaintbuyingit.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Looking for what you can do to make you voice heard? This campaign is gaining traction.
The enablers have to feel it.
weaintbuyingit.com
The enablers have to feel it.
weaintbuyingit.com
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
US citizen Maria Greeley, a Latina who was adopted, was walking home from work downtown when masked agents zip tied her. They said she “doesn’t look like a Greeley.” This is how the government treats people under current deportation policies.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
November 17, 2025 at 1:08 PM
US citizen Maria Greeley, a Latina who was adopted, was walking home from work downtown when masked agents zip tied her. They said she “doesn’t look like a Greeley.” This is how the government treats people under current deportation policies.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/15/l...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Securing defections from the authoritarian regime is the centerpiece of any successful pro-democracy resistance.
Politics isn’t fandom—when someone leaves the authoritarian coalition, we should take it as a win.
Politics isn’t fandom—when someone leaves the authoritarian coalition, we should take it as a win.
BASH: We have seen these attacks from the president at other people. It's not new. And I haven't heard you speak out about it until it was directed at you.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
November 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Securing defections from the authoritarian regime is the centerpiece of any successful pro-democracy resistance.
Politics isn’t fandom—when someone leaves the authoritarian coalition, we should take it as a win.
Politics isn’t fandom—when someone leaves the authoritarian coalition, we should take it as a win.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
TW: video showcasing a violent display of force by federal agents
From Charlotte, NC. Seen it shared on a few NC based IG pages. Based on this video, federal agents using the same tactics we’ve seen the last few months in Chicago.
From Charlotte, NC. Seen it shared on a few NC based IG pages. Based on this video, federal agents using the same tactics we’ve seen the last few months in Chicago.
November 16, 2025 at 12:59 AM
TW: video showcasing a violent display of force by federal agents
From Charlotte, NC. Seen it shared on a few NC based IG pages. Based on this video, federal agents using the same tactics we’ve seen the last few months in Chicago.
From Charlotte, NC. Seen it shared on a few NC based IG pages. Based on this video, federal agents using the same tactics we’ve seen the last few months in Chicago.
@couriernewsroom.bsky.social created a searchable tool of all the Epstein docs. Enjoy being a sleuth, and report anything interesting you find to them journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/sea...
Pinpoint - From the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein
journaliststudio.google.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
@couriernewsroom.bsky.social created a searchable tool of all the Epstein docs. Enjoy being a sleuth, and report anything interesting you find to them journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/sea...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
This is both A) incredibly suspicious, and B) within what I would accept as normal levels of government incompetence.
So, you know, we'll see how the judge takes it.
So, you know, we'll see how the judge takes it.
An interesting tidbit in the joint status report filed in the Broadview ICE facility case today:
ICE says video from inside the facility "between October 19, 2025, and October 31, 2025, has been irretrievably destroyed" and can't be produced in discovery.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71832...
ICE says video from inside the facility "between October 19, 2025, and October 31, 2025, has been irretrievably destroyed" and can't be produced in discovery.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71832...
November 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
This is both A) incredibly suspicious, and B) within what I would accept as normal levels of government incompetence.
So, you know, we'll see how the judge takes it.
So, you know, we'll see how the judge takes it.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
NEW: @propublica.org investigated the Chicago apartment raid where kids were zip-tied and citizens detained for hours. They find:
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
NEW: @propublica.org investigated the Chicago apartment raid where kids were zip-tied and citizens detained for hours. They find:
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
- NONE of the arrested were criminally charged
- NO evidence the building was "filled with TdA terrorists."
- ZERO legitimate reason for DHS to rappel from a Blackhawk.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Hey so “underage girls” are…children. The word you’re looking for is children. They’re not like, women-in-waiting or women-lite or whatever. They’re children. I think some of you are very uncomfortable with what that means for you but it is still true.
November 12, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Hey so “underage girls” are…children. The word you’re looking for is children. They’re not like, women-in-waiting or women-lite or whatever. They’re children. I think some of you are very uncomfortable with what that means for you but it is still true.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Today is a good day to remember, and to say, that the #MeToo movement was right, and was righteous, and has been vindicated over and over again. There was no overreach. There was no excess. There was no they-went-too-far.
So much work remains to be done.
So much work remains to be done.
November 12, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Today is a good day to remember, and to say, that the #MeToo movement was right, and was righteous, and has been vindicated over and over again. There was no overreach. There was no excess. There was no they-went-too-far.
So much work remains to be done.
So much work remains to be done.
The best lunch is one bought through community to support local vendors.
November 11, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The best lunch is one bought through community to support local vendors.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
Border Patrol Agents Pose At 'The Bean' For Apparent Photo Op
The photo op came after agents tear-gassed a Little Village street and were spotted in the area numerous times. At the Bean, one agent shouted, "Everyone say, Little Village!"
blockclubchicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Every single person in Chicago has more courage of their convictions than Dick Durbin
November 10, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Every single person in Chicago has more courage of their convictions than Dick Durbin
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
runforsomething.net/donate if you’re feeling similarly.
Anyway if you’re like me it’s a good night to cancel a bunch of recurring Democratic monthly donations and increase my monthly recurring donation to @runforsomething.net
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 AM
runforsomething.net/donate if you’re feeling similarly.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
The arrogance of a Senator who is not even running again to take the lead in undermining the Caucus and the voters.
Shaheen: So let me be clear. No one in the senate chamber wants to extend the ACA tax credits more than I do.
November 10, 2025 at 2:43 AM
The arrogance of a Senator who is not even running again to take the lead in undermining the Caucus and the voters.
Reposted by Caitlin Botsios
Any deal that counts on GOP being good faith partners in governance misunderstands the modern Republican Party. Idiotic and out of touch!
November 10, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Any deal that counts on GOP being good faith partners in governance misunderstands the modern Republican Party. Idiotic and out of touch!