Christopher Whitaker
@civicwhitaker.com
Civic Technologist | Executive Director, Alliance of Civic Technologists | Army Veteran | Alumni of Code for America, Defense Digital Service and USDS #civictech #chicago
Really doesn’t like bullies
Signal: civicwhitaker.53
Really doesn’t like bullies
Signal: civicwhitaker.53
Pinned
Christopher Whitaker
@civicwhitaker.com
· Nov 10
Home
ACT is a decentralized network of civic tech volunteer organizations.
www.civictechnologists.org
#Introductions
Hi, I'm Christopher Whitaker & I'm a civic technologist w/ a hybrid background as a product manager & bureaucrat. I currently serve as director of the Alliance of Civic Technologists - a network of local #civictech volunteer groups. www.civictechnologists.org
Army vet / #chicago
Hi, I'm Christopher Whitaker & I'm a civic technologist w/ a hybrid background as a product manager & bureaucrat. I currently serve as director of the Alliance of Civic Technologists - a network of local #civictech volunteer groups. www.civictechnologists.org
Army vet / #chicago
Random thought: The monarch butterfly is Illinois’ state insect and features prominently in pro-immigrant and ICE/CBP imagery. I wonder if they did the flag vote today how it would fair?
November 20, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Random thought: The monarch butterfly is Illinois’ state insect and features prominently in pro-immigrant and ICE/CBP imagery. I wonder if they did the flag vote today how it would fair?
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
8 years ago, a billionaire laid us off + shuttered our newsroom.
We had no funding + no idea what nonprofit news was. But we had a dream to build @blockclubchi.bsky.social.
Today, we were named Editor & Publisher's Best News Site.
Never give up on your dream.✨ blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
We had no funding + no idea what nonprofit news was. But we had a dream to build @blockclubchi.bsky.social.
Today, we were named Editor & Publisher's Best News Site.
Never give up on your dream.✨ blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
Block Club Named Best Daily News Site In International Competition
Block Club Chicago has published more than 29,000 stories since it launched in 2018.
blockclubchicago.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
8 years ago, a billionaire laid us off + shuttered our newsroom.
We had no funding + no idea what nonprofit news was. But we had a dream to build @blockclubchi.bsky.social.
Today, we were named Editor & Publisher's Best News Site.
Never give up on your dream.✨ blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
We had no funding + no idea what nonprofit news was. But we had a dream to build @blockclubchi.bsky.social.
Today, we were named Editor & Publisher's Best News Site.
Never give up on your dream.✨ blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
'Not something we deserve' - Longtime Evanston resident describes 53 days in ICE custody - Evanston RoundTable evanstonroundtable.com/2025/11/19/n...
'Not something we deserve' - Longtime Evanston resident describes 53 days in ICE custody - Evanston RoundTable
Growing up, Jose Patino was like many kids in Evanston. He went to public schools, first attending Washington Elementary, then Chute Middle School and
evanstonroundtable.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:52 PM
'Not something we deserve' - Longtime Evanston resident describes 53 days in ICE custody - Evanston RoundTable evanstonroundtable.com/2025/11/19/n...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
NEW — An investigation by a group of Chicago-area newsrooms and independent journalists found that federal agents used chemical weapons on protesters at least 49 times across 18 incidents across Chicago and the suburbs since October 1.
thetriibe.com/2025/11/feds...
thetriibe.com/2025/11/feds...
Feds used chemical agents dozens of times in Chicago • The TRiiBE
An investigation by reporters from six newsrooms found that agents used chemical irritants nearly 50 times during Operation Midway Blitz.
thetriibe.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
NEW — An investigation by a group of Chicago-area newsrooms and independent journalists found that federal agents used chemical weapons on protesters at least 49 times across 18 incidents across Chicago and the suburbs since October 1.
thetriibe.com/2025/11/feds...
thetriibe.com/2025/11/feds...
The hardest part about avoiding a bailout to the AI companies is going to be on the defense side. So many people believe that we're in some sort of arms race with AI that they're willing to see contracts to nowhere as long as 'we're feeding the tiger'
November 19, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The hardest part about avoiding a bailout to the AI companies is going to be on the defense side. So many people believe that we're in some sort of arms race with AI that they're willing to see contracts to nowhere as long as 'we're feeding the tiger'
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Trump's economy is being held up by a massive AI bubble.
A recent study found that of 300 companies that owned generative AI tools, 95% reported zero return on their investments.
We will not entertain a bailout of these companies should this bubble pop.
A recent study found that of 300 companies that owned generative AI tools, 95% reported zero return on their investments.
We will not entertain a bailout of these companies should this bubble pop.
November 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Trump's economy is being held up by a massive AI bubble.
A recent study found that of 300 companies that owned generative AI tools, 95% reported zero return on their investments.
We will not entertain a bailout of these companies should this bubble pop.
A recent study found that of 300 companies that owned generative AI tools, 95% reported zero return on their investments.
We will not entertain a bailout of these companies should this bubble pop.
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Throwing it up again for people who may start making whistles for their communities - here is the collection I made of whistles we printed and tested that work great: makerworld.com/@Bibliogrrl/...
good whistles | Collection - MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models
makerworld.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Throwing it up again for people who may start making whistles for their communities - here is the collection I made of whistles we printed and tested that work great: makerworld.com/@Bibliogrrl/...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
I’m very proud of this collaboration—it’s yet another way Chicagoans came together and organized to defend our city.
Several Chicago newsrooms spent two months collecting and analyzing evidence of ICE & Border Patrol's use of tear gas and pepper spray in Chicago.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
Feds Used Chemical Agents Dozens of Times in Chicago
An investigation by reporters from six newsrooms found that agents used chemical irritants nearly 50 times during Operation Midway Blitz.
southsideweekly.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I’m very proud of this collaboration—it’s yet another way Chicagoans came together and organized to defend our city.
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
not only is Chicago lucky to have so many great independent newsrooms—but they collaborate!
@blockclubchi.bsky.social Cicero Independiente, the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, @invisible.institute @southsideweekly.bsky.social @thetriibe.com
chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social Cicero Independiente, the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, @invisible.institute @southsideweekly.bsky.social @thetriibe.com
chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
Feds used tear gas dozens of times in Chicago - Chicago Reader
An investigation by reporters from six newsrooms found that agents used chemical irritants nearly 50 times during so-called Operation Midway Blitz.
chicagoreader.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
not only is Chicago lucky to have so many great independent newsrooms—but they collaborate!
@blockclubchi.bsky.social Cicero Independiente, the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, @invisible.institute @southsideweekly.bsky.social @thetriibe.com
chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social Cicero Independiente, the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, @invisible.institute @southsideweekly.bsky.social @thetriibe.com
chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
just learned we won an award for our blog post about Tom Holland and stormwater management.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
What Tom Holland’s historic lip-sync showcase taught us about stormwater management
Grab your umbrella and your tights.
neorsd.medium.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:22 AM
just learned we won an award for our blog post about Tom Holland and stormwater management.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
They didn’t let anyone in Illinois know either
According to @ncgovernor.bsky.social, state officials aren't getting information about Border Patrol immigration enforcement activities in the Triangle and Charlotte. "We don't know pretty much anything. They're operating in the shadows."
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
NC Republican leaders backing immigration enforcement in Triangle, Charlotte, as Democrats oppose moves
As Border Patrol agents descend on Charlotte — and are reportedly active in Wake County and Durham too — the state's top Republican leaders are supportive of the immigration enforcement action.
www.wunc.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:49 PM
They didn’t let anyone in Illinois know either
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Do you or someone you know need assistance with the citizenship process?
Join me and my team for a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Organizations will be available to help you navigate your immigration journey. Call us to schedule your appointment!
Join me and my team for a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Organizations will be available to help you navigate your immigration journey. Call us to schedule your appointment!
November 18, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Do you or someone you know need assistance with the citizenship process?
Join me and my team for a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Organizations will be available to help you navigate your immigration journey. Call us to schedule your appointment!
Join me and my team for a Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Organizations will be available to help you navigate your immigration journey. Call us to schedule your appointment!
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
How should Mayor Mamdani make #govtech work for all New Yorkers?
@beta.nyc is presenting 8 actionable #CivicTech ideas for the incoming administration. Also, we have gathered community recommendations at the bottom of our ideas.
Read more on here.
www.beta.nyc/2025/11/18/d...
@beta.nyc is presenting 8 actionable #CivicTech ideas for the incoming administration. Also, we have gathered community recommendations at the bottom of our ideas.
Read more on here.
www.beta.nyc/2025/11/18/d...
Dear Mayor-Elect Mamdani, here are 8 gov tech ideas for your first 100 days. - BetaNYC
Dear Mayor-Elect Mamdani, here are 8 gov tech ideas for your first 100 days!
www.beta.nyc
November 18, 2025 at 4:14 PM
How should Mayor Mamdani make #govtech work for all New Yorkers?
@beta.nyc is presenting 8 actionable #CivicTech ideas for the incoming administration. Also, we have gathered community recommendations at the bottom of our ideas.
Read more on here.
www.beta.nyc/2025/11/18/d...
@beta.nyc is presenting 8 actionable #CivicTech ideas for the incoming administration. Also, we have gathered community recommendations at the bottom of our ideas.
Read more on here.
www.beta.nyc/2025/11/18/d...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
There are a lot of competing needs, I know. But I really would like to uplift these folks at the Midwest Bond Fund.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
A Midwest Bond Fund Is Helping Detained Chicago Immigrants Return To Their Families
The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund launched in 2020 to provide bond assistance to people navigating the complex immigration legal system. That mission has become more difficult under the second Trump a...
blockclubchicago.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:50 PM
There are a lot of competing needs, I know. But I really would like to uplift these folks at the Midwest Bond Fund.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/17/b...
This was an entirely predictable result of DOGE and the Fork. And trying to recruit people after a shutdown AND burning so many other talented professionals is going to be immensely difficult.
Scoop: CISA plans to embark on a hiring spree and change some workforce policies in an effort to rebuild its depleted ranks ahead of a possible conflict with China, according to a memo from its acting director that I obtained.
www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cisa-hi...
www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cisa-hi...
CISA, eyeing China, plans hiring spree to rebuild its depleted ranks
The agency will also change some of its workforce policies to avoid driving away talented staff.
www.cybersecuritydive.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
This was an entirely predictable result of DOGE and the Fork. And trying to recruit people after a shutdown AND burning so many other talented professionals is going to be immensely difficult.
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
SCOOP: Last week, the Social Security Administration published a notice saying it will be sharing "citizenship and immigration information” with DHS, confirming what WIRED reported months ago. Follow along with me below...
www.wired.com/story/social...
www.wired.com/story/social...
Social Security Data Is Openly Being Shared With DHS to Target Immigrants
For months, the Social Security Administration was quietly sharing sensitive data about immigrants with DHS. Now it’s official.
www.wired.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM
SCOOP: Last week, the Social Security Administration published a notice saying it will be sharing "citizenship and immigration information” with DHS, confirming what WIRED reported months ago. Follow along with me below...
www.wired.com/story/social...
www.wired.com/story/social...
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Message me to request whistles, or check out links to get you started on your own whistle operation!
linktr.ee/apwhistles
linktr.ee/apwhistles
November 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Message me to request whistles, or check out links to get you started on your own whistle operation!
linktr.ee/apwhistles
linktr.ee/apwhistles
Me running towards the mute button just as fast as I can
a close up of a cartoon character with a big smile on his face
Alt: a close up of a muppet running scared
media.tenor.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Me running towards the mute button just as fast as I can
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
I just want to reiterate that getting these migrants legal support + bail is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We gotta show up.
615 of the estimated 3,000+ detained immigrants who were kidnapped in Chicagoland during Midway Blitz are expected to be eligible for bond this week. The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund shows up for people in detention who need bond, but it costs, at minimum, $1,500 per person. Pls help them.
A Midwest Bond Fund Is Helping Detained Chicago Immigrants Return To Their Families
The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund launched in 2020 to provide bond assistance to people navigating the complex immigration legal system. That mission has become more difficult under the second Trump a...
blockclubchicago.org
November 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
I just want to reiterate that getting these migrants legal support + bail is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We gotta show up.
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
NEW: The Trump administration’s slickly produced videos of an immigration raid at a Chicago apartment building in September showed federal agents rappelling from a helicopter and banging down doors.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
What the Trump Administration’s Videos From a Chicago Immigration Raid Don’t Show
Detained and deported Venezuelans tell their stories of what happened when immigration agents raided their apartment building.
www.propublica.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
NEW: The Trump administration’s slickly produced videos of an immigration raid at a Chicago apartment building in September showed federal agents rappelling from a helicopter and banging down doors.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
These are the stories of the people who were inside.
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
A bond fund for people detained by federal immigration agents is seeking donations. blockclubchi.co/4r1ZFxu
November 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A bond fund for people detained by federal immigration agents is seeking donations. blockclubchi.co/4r1ZFxu
Reposted by Christopher Whitaker
Given how mercurial and impressionable Trump is, suggesting ways he could make life worse for people is enormously irresponsible.
November 17, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Given how mercurial and impressionable Trump is, suggesting ways he could make life worse for people is enormously irresponsible.