Erika D. Smith
@erika-d-smith.bsky.social
Politics & Policy Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion. Past: Los Angeles Times🦅, Sacramento Bee, IndyStar, Akron Beacon Journal. Ohioan by birth. Proud Californian by choice. ✊🏾🏳️🌈
Pinned
Newsom Isn’t the Best ‘Affordability’ Messenger
California Governor Gavin Newsom got a hero’s welcome last week when he arrived in Brazil for COP30. Because President Donald Trump basically boycotted the United Nations Climate Summit, it was Newsom...
www.bloomberg.com
In my latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com, I wrote on Gavin Newsom and Democrats’ grand plan to focus on “affordability” to beat Republicans.
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
A federal court shot down Texas’ bid to redraw its congressional districts, delivering a loss to President Donald Trump and closing a path for Republicans to gain five House seats in next year’s midterm elections. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Texas Redistricting Plan Blocked by Court, Upending GOP Strategy
A federal court shot down Texas’ bid to redraw its congressional districts, delivering a loss to President Donald Trump and closing a path for Republicans to gain five House seats in next year’s midte...
www.bloomberg.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:56 PM
A federal court shot down Texas’ bid to redraw its congressional districts, delivering a loss to President Donald Trump and closing a path for Republicans to gain five House seats in next year’s midterm elections. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Just wow.
FOX: Here's a viral video of landscapers who were being addressed by a CBP agent. What do you say to people who say that falls outside the purview of getting criminals out?
GREG BOVINO: Martha, do we know the criminal records of those so-called landscapers?
GREG BOVINO: Martha, do we know the criminal records of those so-called landscapers?
November 17, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Just wow.
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
New Mexico's free universal child care program is a model for the nation.
www.krqe.com/news/new-mex...
www.krqe.com/news/new-mex...
November 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
New Mexico's free universal child care program is a model for the nation.
www.krqe.com/news/new-mex...
www.krqe.com/news/new-mex...
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
“Short bursts indicate an ICE sighting. Long whistles indicate agents making arrests. If you hear the whistle and you’re undocumented, said [Whitney Hu, a community activist and organizer with South Brooklyn Mutual Aid], ‘you hide. And if you’re somebody who’s not, you go to the street.’”
As ICE Street Raids Ramp Up, New Yorkers Stock Up On Whistles
Taking a cue from Chicago, community groups have distributed thousands of whistles in recent weeks — a grassroots system people in other cities have adopted to help neighbors sound the alarm.
www.thecity.nyc
November 17, 2025 at 1:44 PM
“Short bursts indicate an ICE sighting. Long whistles indicate agents making arrests. If you hear the whistle and you’re undocumented, said [Whitney Hu, a community activist and organizer with South Brooklyn Mutual Aid], ‘you hide. And if you’re somebody who’s not, you go to the street.’”
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
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 Erika D. Smith
In my latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com, I wrote on Gavin Newsom and Democrats’ grand plan to focus on “affordability” to beat Republicans.
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Newsom Isn’t the Best ‘Affordability’ Messenger
California Governor Gavin Newsom got a hero’s welcome last week when he arrived in Brazil for COP30. Because President Donald Trump basically boycotted the United Nations Climate Summit, it was Newsom...
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
In my latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com, I wrote on Gavin Newsom and Democrats’ grand plan to focus on “affordability” to beat Republicans.
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
In my latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com, I wrote on Gavin Newsom and Democrats’ grand plan to focus on “affordability” to beat Republicans.
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Newsom Isn’t the Best ‘Affordability’ Messenger
California Governor Gavin Newsom got a hero’s welcome last week when he arrived in Brazil for COP30. Because President Donald Trump basically boycotted the United Nations Climate Summit, it was Newsom...
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
In my latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com, I wrote on Gavin Newsom and Democrats’ grand plan to focus on “affordability” to beat Republicans.
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California is many things, but cheap isn’t one.
This could mean problems for Newsom, the aspiring presidential candidate.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
This is like peak LA.
$1 billion dollars to build new roads into LAX. Meanwhile, the “people mover” train that’s supposed to connect the airport’s terminals, car rental center and Metro Transit Center has been beset by delays. And so it’s $880 million over budget.
🙄
laist.com/transportati...
$1 billion dollars to build new roads into LAX. Meanwhile, the “people mover” train that’s supposed to connect the airport’s terminals, car rental center and Metro Transit Center has been beset by delays. And so it’s $880 million over budget.
🙄
laist.com/transportati...
LAX officials vote unanimously to build new $1.5 billion road into airport
Critics have questioned the need for the project.
laist.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:54 PM
This is like peak LA.
$1 billion dollars to build new roads into LAX. Meanwhile, the “people mover” train that’s supposed to connect the airport’s terminals, car rental center and Metro Transit Center has been beset by delays. And so it’s $880 million over budget.
🙄
laist.com/transportati...
$1 billion dollars to build new roads into LAX. Meanwhile, the “people mover” train that’s supposed to connect the airport’s terminals, car rental center and Metro Transit Center has been beset by delays. And so it’s $880 million over budget.
🙄
laist.com/transportati...
Uh huh.
As I wrote for @opinion.bloomberg.com all told, 65,000 kids, or 10% of all Head Start, were at risk because of the shutdown.
It’s a moral issue, depriving the poorest children of care and food. But it’s also an economic issue Trump hasn’t addressed.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
As I wrote for @opinion.bloomberg.com all told, 65,000 kids, or 10% of all Head Start, were at risk because of the shutdown.
It’s a moral issue, depriving the poorest children of care and food. But it’s also an economic issue Trump hasn’t addressed.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
November 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Uh huh.
As I wrote for @opinion.bloomberg.com all told, 65,000 kids, or 10% of all Head Start, were at risk because of the shutdown.
It’s a moral issue, depriving the poorest children of care and food. But it’s also an economic issue Trump hasn’t addressed.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
As I wrote for @opinion.bloomberg.com all told, 65,000 kids, or 10% of all Head Start, were at risk because of the shutdown.
It’s a moral issue, depriving the poorest children of care and food. But it’s also an economic issue Trump hasn’t addressed.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
I guess Republicans are finally paying attention to polls — and recent election results — of Latino voters.
“The Trump administration accuses California of violating the Constitution by gerrymandering using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters in the new map.”
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
“The Trump administration accuses California of violating the Constitution by gerrymandering using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters in the new map.”
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Justice Department joins lawsuit over new California congressional districts
California redrew Congressional district boundaries in effort to combat Texas' new lines. Voters approved the new boundaries in November
www.usatoday.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I guess Republicans are finally paying attention to polls — and recent election results — of Latino voters.
“The Trump administration accuses California of violating the Constitution by gerrymandering using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters in the new map.”
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
“The Trump administration accuses California of violating the Constitution by gerrymandering using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters in the new map.”
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Interesting context…
“Of the seven Democrats and one independent who voted yes tonight, two, Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, are retiring. The remaining six are not up for reelection until at least 2028.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
“Of the seven Democrats and one independent who voted yes tonight, two, Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, are retiring. The remaining six are not up for reelection until at least 2028.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
Update from Robert Jimison
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Interesting context…
“Of the seven Democrats and one independent who voted yes tonight, two, Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, are retiring. The remaining six are not up for reelection until at least 2028.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
“Of the seven Democrats and one independent who voted yes tonight, two, Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, are retiring. The remaining six are not up for reelection until at least 2028.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
Gotta give Newsom credit for consistently connecting the dots. He’s saying out loud what far, far, FAR too many politicians on the left are fine with merely griping about quietly.
Newsom: They want to bring us back to a pre-1960s, maybe 1860s world. And you’re seeing it not just on voting rights—you’re seeing it on civil rights, on women’s rights, on LGBTQ rights. They’re censoring historic facts. They’re on a banning binge—Bud Light and Big Bird
November 8, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Gotta give Newsom credit for consistently connecting the dots. He’s saying out loud what far, far, FAR too many politicians on the left are fine with merely griping about quietly.
A win for reality.
“Judge Immergut also disputed the president’s claim that antifa, at least in Portland, is an organized and cohesive group working against the federal government” and that testimony from ICE about “how disruptive the protests was not believable.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
“Judge Immergut also disputed the president’s claim that antifa, at least in Portland, is an organized and cohesive group working against the federal government” and that testimony from ICE about “how disruptive the protests was not believable.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
Judge Permanently Blocks National Guard Deployments to Portland for ICE Protests
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:53 AM
A win for reality.
“Judge Immergut also disputed the president’s claim that antifa, at least in Portland, is an organized and cohesive group working against the federal government” and that testimony from ICE about “how disruptive the protests was not believable.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
“Judge Immergut also disputed the president’s claim that antifa, at least in Portland, is an organized and cohesive group working against the federal government” and that testimony from ICE about “how disruptive the protests was not believable.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/u...
This such a bananas things to double — triple? quadruple? — down on…
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to stop order requiring SNAP benefits be paid
The Trump administration filed a last-minute appeal with the Supreme Court to not have to pay full SNAP food aid benefits to millions of Americans.
www.usatoday.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:12 AM
This such a bananas things to double — triple? quadruple? — down on…
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
She’s not wrong!
(Yeah, it’s going to take me a bit longer to get used to this.)
(Yeah, it’s going to take me a bit longer to get used to this.)
Collins: When the president says there's virtually no inflation and that grocery prices are going down, do you agree with him on that?
Greene: No. I go to the grocery store myself. Grocery prices remain high. Energy prices are high.
Greene: No. I go to the grocery store myself. Grocery prices remain high. Energy prices are high.
November 7, 2025 at 4:50 AM
She’s not wrong!
(Yeah, it’s going to take me a bit longer to get used to this.)
(Yeah, it’s going to take me a bit longer to get used to this.)
Why federal agents shouldn't be cops:
"A Border Patrol agent who was called by the government... said that it was protesters who were violent, threatening officers, calling them names and impeding their work" and "that tear gas was not harmful or a 'serious' weapon."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
"A Border Patrol agent who was called by the government... said that it was protesters who were violent, threatening officers, calling them names and impeding their work" and "that tear gas was not harmful or a 'serious' weapon."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Judge Criticizes Immigration Agents in Chicago: ‘Use of Force Shocks the Conscience’
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Why federal agents shouldn't be cops:
"A Border Patrol agent who was called by the government... said that it was protesters who were violent, threatening officers, calling them names and impeding their work" and "that tear gas was not harmful or a 'serious' weapon."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
"A Border Patrol agent who was called by the government... said that it was protesters who were violent, threatening officers, calling them names and impeding their work" and "that tear gas was not harmful or a 'serious' weapon."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Not even the "ascendent center-right techies" in Trump's orbit care about California Republicans.
"State Republicans sadly just don’t have any power in Sacramento because they’re an extreme minority party, so they don’t know the tech community in Silicon Valley particularly well.'”
"State Republicans sadly just don’t have any power in Sacramento because they’re an extreme minority party, so they don’t know the tech community in Silicon Valley particularly well.'”
Why Silicon Valley’s right flank wasn’t watching California on election night
Why Silicon Valley’s right flank wasn’t watching California on election night
Although Prop 50 would deepen Democratic dominance in California, a different race fired up the blue state’s usual critics.
dlvr.it
November 5, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Not even the "ascendent center-right techies" in Trump's orbit care about California Republicans.
"State Republicans sadly just don’t have any power in Sacramento because they’re an extreme minority party, so they don’t know the tech community in Silicon Valley particularly well.'”
"State Republicans sadly just don’t have any power in Sacramento because they’re an extreme minority party, so they don’t know the tech community in Silicon Valley particularly well.'”
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
The FAA will reduce flight capacity at 40 major airports across the U.S. starting Friday, officials say
Flight capacity will be reduced by 10% at 40 major airports: FAA
The FAA will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports across the country, officials said.
abcnews.go.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The FAA will reduce flight capacity at 40 major airports across the U.S. starting Friday, officials say
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
Mamdani: "My message to ICE agents & to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate it, you must be held accountable. There is sadly a sense growing that certain people are allowed to violate that law, whether they be POTUS or ICE agents."
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Mamdani: "My message to ICE agents & to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate it, you must be held accountable. There is sadly a sense growing that certain people are allowed to violate that law, whether they be POTUS or ICE agents."
👇
Three reform DAs won re-election tonight, two of them running uncontested. All in major population centers.
Krasner
Bragg
Gonzalez
This is get one-billionth the coverage of the Boudin recall, bc it doesn't fit the entrenched Tough on Crime Narrative, but it's still noteworthy.
Krasner
Bragg
Gonzalez
This is get one-billionth the coverage of the Boudin recall, bc it doesn't fit the entrenched Tough on Crime Narrative, but it's still noteworthy.
November 5, 2025 at 5:02 AM
👇
BREAKING: Democrat Aftab Pureval wins Cincinnati mayoral election over Cory Bowman, half-brother of Vice President JD Vance.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Live updates: US voters head to the polls in first general election since Trump's return to power
One year after Donald Trump retook the presidency, 2025 Election Day includes closely watched races for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and California's Proposition 50.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Mamdani: “Politics is no longer something that is done to us. It is something that we do.”
This right here seems to sum up the sentiment among Democratic voters tonight — not just in NYC, but everywhere the polls were open today.
This right here seems to sum up the sentiment among Democratic voters tonight — not just in NYC, but everywhere the polls were open today.
November 5, 2025 at 4:32 AM
Mamdani: “Politics is no longer something that is done to us. It is something that we do.”
This right here seems to sum up the sentiment among Democratic voters tonight — not just in NYC, but everywhere the polls were open today.
This right here seems to sum up the sentiment among Democratic voters tonight — not just in NYC, but everywhere the polls were open today.
Reposted by Erika D. Smith
I sincerely hope Democrats pay attention to tonight’s results across the country. They won’t learn anything but still. Maybe. People are excited by change and original campaigns and bold ideas and candidates under the age of 50!
November 5, 2025 at 3:02 AM
I sincerely hope Democrats pay attention to tonight’s results across the country. They won’t learn anything but still. Maybe. People are excited by change and original campaigns and bold ideas and candidates under the age of 50!
Prop 50 passes in California.
And there you have it!
And there you have it!
November 5, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Prop 50 passes in California.
And there you have it!
And there you have it!