Christine
@christineyablonski.bsky.social
Endurance runner, Jane-of-all-trades artistic dabbler, Blue Ridge Mountains dweller, and world traveler. She/Her
Reposted by Christine
A coalition of Jewish groups warns that the Trump administration stripping international students of visas under the guise of fighting antisemitism actually makes Jews less safe and undermines the rule of law.
Trump exploiting antisemitism fears to undermine rule of law, warns Jewish coalition
A coalition of Jewish groups warns that the Trump administration stripping international students of visas under the guise of fighting antisemitism actually makes Jews less safe and undermines the rul...
www.npr.org
April 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
A coalition of Jewish groups warns that the Trump administration stripping international students of visas under the guise of fighting antisemitism actually makes Jews less safe and undermines the rule of law.
Reposted by Christine
With Trump reportedly planning to end the IRS Direct File program, there's no better time to remember how TurboTax owner Intuit spent two decades fighting to prevent Americans from filing their taxes online for free.
(Published 2019)
(Published 2019)
Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free
Using lobbying, the revolving door and “dark pattern” customer tricks, Intuit fended off the government’s attempts to make tax filing free and easy, and created its multi-billion-dollar franchise.
www.propublica.org
April 17, 2025 at 12:00 AM
With Trump reportedly planning to end the IRS Direct File program, there's no better time to remember how TurboTax owner Intuit spent two decades fighting to prevent Americans from filing their taxes online for free.
(Published 2019)
(Published 2019)
Reposted by Christine
At least 19 states, all of whom with Democratic attorneys general, presented “undisputed evidence” they were not receiving FEMA funds already appropriated by Congress.
The Trump Administration Just Violated Another Court Order
It gets worse: The order found that the administration was covertly withholding millions in FEMA funds from blue states.
newrepublic.com
April 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
At least 19 states, all of whom with Democratic attorneys general, presented “undisputed evidence” they were not receiving FEMA funds already appropriated by Congress.
Reposted by Christine
Current and former U.S. military pilots expressed bewilderment after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to acknowledge that he should not have disclosed sensitive information in an unsecured group chat.
“If you can’t admit when you’re wrong, you’re going to kill somebody,” one pilot said.
“If you can’t admit when you’re wrong, you’re going to kill somebody,” one pilot said.
Signal Chat Leak Angers U.S. Military Pilots
Men and women who have taken to the air on behalf of the United States expressed bewilderment after the leak of attack plans. “You’re going to kill somebody,” one pilot said.
www.nytimes.com
March 27, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Current and former U.S. military pilots expressed bewilderment after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to acknowledge that he should not have disclosed sensitive information in an unsecured group chat.
“If you can’t admit when you’re wrong, you’re going to kill somebody,” one pilot said.
“If you can’t admit when you’re wrong, you’re going to kill somebody,” one pilot said.
Reposted by Christine
A new type of vaccine based on mRNA technology is seen by many as a potential breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
We sat down with oncologist Lennard Lee to discuss why he hopes these vaccines will prove to be the “silver lining of the pandemic.”
We sat down with oncologist Lennard Lee to discuss why he hopes these vaccines will prove to be the “silver lining of the pandemic.”
Covid Vaccines Have Paved the Way for Cancer Vaccines
The mRNA technology behind coronavirus vaccines is now being used to create bespoke vaccines for cancer patients.
wrd.cm
March 17, 2025 at 12:30 AM
A new type of vaccine based on mRNA technology is seen by many as a potential breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
We sat down with oncologist Lennard Lee to discuss why he hopes these vaccines will prove to be the “silver lining of the pandemic.”
We sat down with oncologist Lennard Lee to discuss why he hopes these vaccines will prove to be the “silver lining of the pandemic.”
Reposted by Christine
Consumers across the world are boycotting American products in protest of literally everything Donald Trump is doing.
The Entire World Is Pissed at Trump—and It May Cost the U.S. Big Time
There’s a growing global call to boycott American-made goods.
newrepublic.com
March 15, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Consumers across the world are boycotting American products in protest of literally everything Donald Trump is doing.
Reposted by Christine
Elon Musk said a “massive cyberattack” disrupted X on Monday and pointed to “IP addresses originating in the Ukraine area” as the source of the attack. Security experts say that’s not how it works.
What Really Happened With the DDoS Attacks That Took Down X
Elon Musk said a “massive cyberattack” disrupted X on Monday and pointed to “IP addresses originating in the Ukraine area” as the source of the attack. Security experts say that's not how it works.
wrd.cm
March 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Elon Musk said a “massive cyberattack” disrupted X on Monday and pointed to “IP addresses originating in the Ukraine area” as the source of the attack. Security experts say that’s not how it works.
Reposted by Christine
Materials on the Arlington National Cemetery website highlighting the graves of Black and female service members have vanished. The cemetery, which is operated by the Army, said it was working to restore the content. Among the obscured pages was material about civil rights.
Arlington Cemetery Website Loses Pages on Black Soldiers, Women in Military and Civil War
The cemetery, which is operated by the Army, said it was working to restore the content. Among the obscured pages was material about civil rights.
www.nytimes.com
March 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Materials on the Arlington National Cemetery website highlighting the graves of Black and female service members have vanished. The cemetery, which is operated by the Army, said it was working to restore the content. Among the obscured pages was material about civil rights.
Reposted by Christine
‘Ruined this place’: chorus of boos against JD Vance at Washington concert
‘Ruined this place’: chorus of boos against JD Vance at Washington concert
Attendance of vice-president – who once disbelieved that people listened to classical music for pleasure – strikes sour note at Kennedy Center in light of Maga takeover
JD Vance, the US vice-president, was booed by the audience as he took his seat at a…
www.theguardian.com
March 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM
‘Ruined this place’: chorus of boos against JD Vance at Washington concert
Reposted by Christine
NEW: National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede “memorable and meaningful experiences for all.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Curious How Trump’s Cost Cutting Could Affect Your National Park Visit? You Might Not Get a Straight Answer.
National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede…
propub.li
March 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
NEW: National Park Service staff have received talking points ordering them to describe layoffs as “workforce management actions” and to reassure visitors that changes resulting from the cuts won’t impede “memorable and meaningful experiences for all.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Reposted by Christine
SCOOP: These are the 10 DOGE operatives inside the Social Security Administration. The team appears to be among the largest DOGE units deployed to any government agency. This includes a number of young engineers whose presence has not been reported. Read the full story:
These Are the 10 DOGE Operatives Inside the Social Security Administration
The team working at the Social Security Administration appears to be among the largest DOGE units deployed to any government agency.
wrd.cm
March 14, 2025 at 12:01 AM
SCOOP: These are the 10 DOGE operatives inside the Social Security Administration. The team appears to be among the largest DOGE units deployed to any government agency. This includes a number of young engineers whose presence has not been reported. Read the full story:
Reposted by Christine
A president touting Musk’s cars from the White House shows this: the Tesla boycott really irks him | Gaby Hinsliiff
A president touting Musk’s cars from the White House shows this: the Tesla boycott really irks him | Gaby Hinsliiff
Trump has met a force he cannot control: people’s ability to parade their anger and distaste through consumer choice, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
www.theguardian.com
March 14, 2025 at 6:35 AM
A president touting Musk’s cars from the White House shows this: the Tesla boycott really irks him | Gaby Hinsliiff
Reposted by Christine
Breaking News: A judge ordered the rehiring of thousands of probationary workers across six federal agencies, saying their firings were based on a “sham.” Follow live updates. nyti.ms/422hhPg
March 13, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Breaking News: A judge ordered the rehiring of thousands of probationary workers across six federal agencies, saying their firings were based on a “sham.” Follow live updates. nyti.ms/422hhPg
Reposted by Christine
As the Office of Personnel Management oversaw the layoffs of thousands of federal workers and pressed others to justify their positions, the agency’s chief spokesperson repeatedly used her office for a side hustle: aspiring Instagram fashion influencer.
Read more: cnn.it/3R2MBai
Read more: cnn.it/3R2MBai
March 12, 2025 at 12:33 AM
As the Office of Personnel Management oversaw the layoffs of thousands of federal workers and pressed others to justify their positions, the agency’s chief spokesperson repeatedly used her office for a side hustle: aspiring Instagram fashion influencer.
Read more: cnn.it/3R2MBai
Read more: cnn.it/3R2MBai
Reposted by Christine
Many constitutional lawyers agree that there is a pending constitutional crisis, which will be definitively triggered if Trump refuses to obey a court order.
What Happens When an Executive Ignores the Law? Ask Constitutional Sheriffs.
Opinion | It’s not just about defiance of the law; it’s about reshaping the law to their own purposes.
www.democracydocket.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Many constitutional lawyers agree that there is a pending constitutional crisis, which will be definitively triggered if Trump refuses to obey a court order.
Reposted by Christine
Elon Musk has signaled to President Trump’s advisers in recent days that he wants to put $100 million into groups controlled by the Trump political operation, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.
Elon Musk Seeks to Put $100 Million Into Trump Political Operation
Elon Musk has signaled he wants to make some donations not just to his own super PAC, which is called America PAC and has spent heavily on President Trump in the past, but to an outside entity.
www.nytimes.com
March 12, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Elon Musk has signaled to President Trump’s advisers in recent days that he wants to put $100 million into groups controlled by the Trump political operation, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.
Reposted by Christine
Agencies from Social Security to the IRS store sensitive data on millions of Americans. Here's what the government knows about us – and what's at risk as DOGE seeks access to the data.
The government already knows a lot about you. DOGE is trying to access all of it
Agencies from Social Security to the IRS store sensitive data on millions of Americans. Here's what the government knows about us – and what's at risk as DOGE seeks access to the data.
www.npr.org
March 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Agencies from Social Security to the IRS store sensitive data on millions of Americans. Here's what the government knows about us – and what's at risk as DOGE seeks access to the data.
Reposted by Christine
"By rejecting passivity, Sanders is also doing more to actually put Republicans—who’ve recently been ordered to abandon town halls in the wake of mounting anger from their own voters—under pressure."
Bernie Sanders Is Showing Democrats How It’s Done
The Vermont senator is taking his anti-Trump tour to red America—and it’s a smash hit.
newrepublic.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:56 AM
"By rejecting passivity, Sanders is also doing more to actually put Republicans—who’ve recently been ordered to abandon town halls in the wake of mounting anger from their own voters—under pressure."
Reposted by Christine
‘I feel utter anger’: From Canada to Europe, a movement to boycott US goods is spreading
‘I feel utter anger’: From Canada to Europe, a movement to boycott US goods is spreading
Tesla sales are falling and apps and online groups are springing up to help consumers choose non-US items
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 9:34 AM
‘I feel utter anger’: From Canada to Europe, a movement to boycott US goods is spreading
Reposted by Christine
WIRED spoke to federal staffers across agencies about how Elon Musk's $1 spending limit is crippling their research, resources and more. In many cases, employees are already unable to carry out the basic functions of their job.
Elon Musk’s $1 Spending Limit Is Paralyzing Federal Agencies
The DOGE-mandated credit card freeze is delaying shipments of critical supplies, stalling travel, and stopping employees from doing their jobs.
wrd.cm
March 9, 2025 at 2:06 AM
WIRED spoke to federal staffers across agencies about how Elon Musk's $1 spending limit is crippling their research, resources and more. In many cases, employees are already unable to carry out the basic functions of their job.
Reposted by Christine
The world must learn to take Donald Trump literally
The world must learn to take Donald Trump literally
In his reckoning, there are not so much as sovereign states, but properties with tenants that can purchased
www.theguardian.com
March 9, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The world must learn to take Donald Trump literally
Reposted by Christine
The Bundestag’s top intelligence experts are calling for a European spy network, warning that Europe can’t rely on intelligence from the United States amid growing uncertainty.
German lawmakers float ‘Euro Eyes’ spy network amid uncertainty on US intel
Senior German lawmakers sound alarm bells that a sudden cutoff could leave Europe dangerously exposed.
www.politico.eu
March 9, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The Bundestag’s top intelligence experts are calling for a European spy network, warning that Europe can’t rely on intelligence from the United States amid growing uncertainty.
Reposted by Christine
“By firing us, you’re going to cut down on how much revenue the country brings in,” said an axed IRS specialist who’d been brought in to audit complex tax returns filed by large corporations and wealthy individuals. “This was not about saving money.”
By @andykroll.bsky.social
By @andykroll.bsky.social
How DOGE’s Cuts to the IRS Threaten to Cost More Than DOGE Will Ever Save
The Trump administration claims gutting federal agencies will save money, but cutting the IRS means the government collects less taxes. “If you’re interested in the deficit and curbing it, why would…
propub.li
March 9, 2025 at 4:00 AM
“By firing us, you’re going to cut down on how much revenue the country brings in,” said an axed IRS specialist who’d been brought in to audit complex tax returns filed by large corporations and wealthy individuals. “This was not about saving money.”
By @andykroll.bsky.social
By @andykroll.bsky.social
Beautiful rainbow closed out a warm and sunny yesterday. Today, I woke up to snow! #mountainlife #blueridgemountains
March 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Beautiful rainbow closed out a warm and sunny yesterday. Today, I woke up to snow! #mountainlife #blueridgemountains
Reposted by Christine
"Cuts have no apparent regard for civil society or opportunity costs or long-term strategic thinking. Their targets are Elon Musk’s and Project 2025’s targets. They have found no fraud, just democracy at work. They’re apparently eager to see what happens when it no longer does." Brian Barrett:
The DOGE Takeover Is Worse Than You Think
What’s happening to the US government right now is bad. What comes next is worse.
www.wired.com
February 27, 2025 at 3:21 PM
"Cuts have no apparent regard for civil society or opportunity costs or long-term strategic thinking. Their targets are Elon Musk’s and Project 2025’s targets. They have found no fraud, just democracy at work. They’re apparently eager to see what happens when it no longer does." Brian Barrett: