Jenn Kauffman
@jennaudrey.bsky.social
ANC Commissioner 4D08, DC Council staff. MPH health equity @ BU SPH. Alum of AFL-CIO & UMass Labor Center (among other places). I talk mostly about public health + politics + workers’ rights. **Personal account.**
Pinned
Jenn Kauffman
@jennaudrey.bsky.social
· Sep 22
We asked our 10 + 7yo to join us in making a family decision to boycott. It was the 1st time the kids were actively engaged in the boycott and had to give something up that’s very important to them.
And it was the *best* decision because based off of n=1 they’re all OH WOW, BOYCOTTS WORK.
And it was the *best* decision because based off of n=1 they’re all OH WOW, BOYCOTTS WORK.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Here is my latest for @msnbc.com, on Trump's ill-advised concept of a plan for health care, which entails repealing the ACA, and redistributing private insurers' tax breaks to the people for what would essentially amount to an HSA, which is unhelpful if not wealthy. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Trump’s new plan for Obamacare leaves Americans to fend for themselves
We finally know what “concepts of a plan” looks like – and it’s not good.
www.msnbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Here is my latest for @msnbc.com, on Trump's ill-advised concept of a plan for health care, which entails repealing the ACA, and redistributing private insurers' tax breaks to the people for what would essentially amount to an HSA, which is unhelpful if not wealthy. www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Is EveryAction or some SMS shortcode vendor having a security breach?
My spouse and I noticed we’ve been getting phishing texts from trusted shortcodes like @careinaction.bsky.social and @fightforaunion.bsky.social 😬
My spouse and I noticed we’ve been getting phishing texts from trusted shortcodes like @careinaction.bsky.social and @fightforaunion.bsky.social 😬
November 11, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Is EveryAction or some SMS shortcode vendor having a security breach?
My spouse and I noticed we’ve been getting phishing texts from trusted shortcodes like @careinaction.bsky.social and @fightforaunion.bsky.social 😬
My spouse and I noticed we’ve been getting phishing texts from trusted shortcodes like @careinaction.bsky.social and @fightforaunion.bsky.social 😬
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Can confirm that my NSF grant "How False Beliefs Form & How to Correct Them" was cancelled today because it is "not in alignment with current NSF priorities" Shocking that understanding how people are misled by false information is now a forbidden topic. Our work will continue but at a smaller scale
NSF has posted an “update on priorities.”
They’re canceling all “DEI and misinformation/disinformation” grants.
And the guidance on how to fulfill the longstanding, legally mandated Broadening Participation requirement is utterly incoherent.
www.nsf.gov/updates-on-p...
They’re canceling all “DEI and misinformation/disinformation” grants.
And the guidance on how to fulfill the longstanding, legally mandated Broadening Participation requirement is utterly incoherent.
www.nsf.gov/updates-on-p...
Updates on NSF Priorities
www.nsf.gov
April 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Can confirm that my NSF grant "How False Beliefs Form & How to Correct Them" was cancelled today because it is "not in alignment with current NSF priorities" Shocking that understanding how people are misled by false information is now a forbidden topic. Our work will continue but at a smaller scale
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
If you care about how Congress works, this newsletter is always a must-read. The analysis of how Pelosi's consolidation of authority in leadership both was the secret to her very real policy successes and laid the groundwork for our current troubles is smart. open.substack.com/pub/firstbra...
Master of the House: The Pelosi Paradox
How the Strongest Speaker Made Congress Weak
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
If you care about how Congress works, this newsletter is always a must-read. The analysis of how Pelosi's consolidation of authority in leadership both was the secret to her very real policy successes and laid the groundwork for our current troubles is smart. open.substack.com/pub/firstbra...
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
“Even when Schumer and centrist Democrats have been dealt a strong hand, these are the sort of players who would fold a royal flush.”
If the Senate Dems surrender to Republicans after having all the momentum - let there be no doubt who were responsible for caving. 👇🏻
If the Senate Dems surrender to Republicans after having all the momentum - let there be no doubt who were responsible for caving. 👇🏻
November 9, 2025 at 7:08 PM
“Even when Schumer and centrist Democrats have been dealt a strong hand, these are the sort of players who would fold a royal flush.”
If the Senate Dems surrender to Republicans after having all the momentum - let there be no doubt who were responsible for caving. 👇🏻
If the Senate Dems surrender to Republicans after having all the momentum - let there be no doubt who were responsible for caving. 👇🏻
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
A horrific mass murder is unfolding in Sudan, where no one can see it. The RSF are murdering civilians in El Fasher, having finally defeated the Sudanese army forces holding out in the city. The BBC has managed to speak to some who escaped
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7fC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7fC...
Sudanese survivors of el-Fasher siege tell the BBC about RSF brutality | BBC News
YouTube video by BBC News
www.youtube.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:14 AM
A horrific mass murder is unfolding in Sudan, where no one can see it. The RSF are murdering civilians in El Fasher, having finally defeated the Sudanese army forces holding out in the city. The BBC has managed to speak to some who escaped
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7fC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7fC...
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
every time you think the new WaPo editorial board can't embarrass itself any more, they manage to find a way.
Left: 'Texas gerrymandering is no big deal!', from August.
Right: 'Maryland gerrymandering is an affront to Western civilization!', from today.
Left: 'Texas gerrymandering is no big deal!', from August.
Right: 'Maryland gerrymandering is an affront to Western civilization!', from today.
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
every time you think the new WaPo editorial board can't embarrass itself any more, they manage to find a way.
Left: 'Texas gerrymandering is no big deal!', from August.
Right: 'Maryland gerrymandering is an affront to Western civilization!', from today.
Left: 'Texas gerrymandering is no big deal!', from August.
Right: 'Maryland gerrymandering is an affront to Western civilization!', from today.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Reporter: A new report shows 150,000 job cuts announced in October. That's a 175% increase from the same time last year, 183% higher than what we saw just a prior month in. This is now the highest job loss in October since 2003
November 7, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Reporter: A new report shows 150,000 job cuts announced in October. That's a 175% increase from the same time last year, 183% higher than what we saw just a prior month in. This is now the highest job loss in October since 2003
This is a horrifying read. The supposed patriots who are unconstitutionally kidnapping people off of our streets are also committing heinous human rights violations to force detainees to sign deportation orders.
A family friend was telling us about what her husband shared about his experience in Broadview before he was deported back to Mexico. She's been sharing to friends and family because she's just in disbelief & horror what her husband told her. She wasn't able to talk to him until he was in Mexico.
November 7, 2025 at 12:41 PM
This is a horrifying read. The supposed patriots who are unconstitutionally kidnapping people off of our streets are also committing heinous human rights violations to force detainees to sign deportation orders.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
If the sandwich don’t split, you must acquit
Defense says that the officer's testimony was "very questionable" because he said the sandwich both exploded in spray of mustard and onions and also landed in its wrapper on the ground.
November 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
If the sandwich don’t split, you must acquit
This excuse does not explain why HSI agents have been seen literally riding in the backseat of MPD vehicles.
Is Bowser claiming that the task force is forcing federal agents into MPD cars?
Is Bowser claiming that the task force is forcing federal agents into MPD cars?
In response to a question from a party member on ICE and Homeland Security agencies working with MPD, Bowser says they are the "problematic" agencies and she is trying to get them off of the D.C./federal task force.
November 6, 2025 at 4:09 AM
This excuse does not explain why HSI agents have been seen literally riding in the backseat of MPD vehicles.
Is Bowser claiming that the task force is forcing federal agents into MPD cars?
Is Bowser claiming that the task force is forcing federal agents into MPD cars?
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
As @mayorbowser.dc.gov is speaking to the D.C. Democratic Party meeting in Ward 5, there’s been a few interruptions from protesters angrily criticizing her over the apparent collaboration between D.C. police and ICE. They call her “complicit.”
November 6, 2025 at 12:56 AM
As @mayorbowser.dc.gov is speaking to the D.C. Democratic Party meeting in Ward 5, there’s been a few interruptions from protesters angrily criticizing her over the apparent collaboration between D.C. police and ICE. They call her “complicit.”
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
The protests are continuing, with some party members and Bowser being frustrated with the interruptions.
"I don't care about your decorum when community members are disappeared," shouts a protester.
"I don't care about your decorum when community members are disappeared," shouts a protester.
November 6, 2025 at 12:57 AM
The protests are continuing, with some party members and Bowser being frustrated with the interruptions.
"I don't care about your decorum when community members are disappeared," shouts a protester.
"I don't care about your decorum when community members are disappeared," shouts a protester.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
What we know, final edition of the night:
[Now in 3 parts]
—Prop 50 wins
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, AG
—Dems gain leg seats in VA, NJ, & MS
—Dems defend NJ-Gov
—Dems win NJ+VA trifectas
—Mamdani wins
—PA Dems win state supreme court
—ME anti-mail voting measure loses
—GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
[Now in 3 parts]
—Prop 50 wins
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, AG
—Dems gain leg seats in VA, NJ, & MS
—Dems defend NJ-Gov
—Dems win NJ+VA trifectas
—Mamdani wins
—PA Dems win state supreme court
—ME anti-mail voting measure loses
—GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
November 5, 2025 at 6:48 AM
What we know, final edition of the night:
[Now in 3 parts]
—Prop 50 wins
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, AG
—Dems gain leg seats in VA, NJ, & MS
—Dems defend NJ-Gov
—Dems win NJ+VA trifectas
—Mamdani wins
—PA Dems win state supreme court
—ME anti-mail voting measure loses
—GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
[Now in 3 parts]
—Prop 50 wins
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, AG
—Dems gain leg seats in VA, NJ, & MS
—Dems defend NJ-Gov
—Dems win NJ+VA trifectas
—Mamdani wins
—PA Dems win state supreme court
—ME anti-mail voting measure loses
—GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
I've gotten this question a bunch.
Of the races I was watching on my cheat sheet, here are the GOP wins:
—Nassau County executive & DA
—mayor of Columbia, SC
—mayor of Binghamton, NY
—mayor of Manchester, NH
—prosecutor of Virginia Beach
—a special election for NH state House
note: all holds
Of the races I was watching on my cheat sheet, here are the GOP wins:
—Nassau County executive & DA
—mayor of Columbia, SC
—mayor of Binghamton, NY
—mayor of Manchester, NH
—prosecutor of Virginia Beach
—a special election for NH state House
note: all holds
I’m inspired to ask—did Republicans win ANYWHERE??
November 5, 2025 at 6:43 AM
I've gotten this question a bunch.
Of the races I was watching on my cheat sheet, here are the GOP wins:
—Nassau County executive & DA
—mayor of Columbia, SC
—mayor of Binghamton, NY
—mayor of Manchester, NH
—prosecutor of Virginia Beach
—a special election for NH state House
note: all holds
Of the races I was watching on my cheat sheet, here are the GOP wins:
—Nassau County executive & DA
—mayor of Columbia, SC
—mayor of Binghamton, NY
—mayor of Manchester, NH
—prosecutor of Virginia Beach
—a special election for NH state House
note: all holds
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Periodic reminder that a member’s resignation does not invalidate their signature on a discharge petition:
November 5, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Periodic reminder that a member’s resignation does not invalidate their signature on a discharge petition:
Personally I’m really excited about CO’s expansion on its healthy school meals proposition (first passed in 2022) with a proposition that gives a middle finger to TABOR! coloradosun.com/2025/11/04/p...
Colorado voters approve Proposition LL, letting state keep, spend all revenue it collects for school meals
The measure’s passage means the state no longer has limits on the money it collects and spends for the Healthy School Meals for All program under an initiative passed by voters in 2022 that limits inc...
coloradosun.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Personally I’m really excited about CO’s expansion on its healthy school meals proposition (first passed in 2022) with a proposition that gives a middle finger to TABOR! coloradosun.com/2025/11/04/p...
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Dear Lord.
Armed ICE agents STOLE A BABY.
Both the baby and the dad were US Citizens.
www.latimes.com/0000019a-51e...
Armed ICE agents STOLE A BABY.
Both the baby and the dad were US Citizens.
www.latimes.com/0000019a-51e...
Armed federal immigration agents drive away with a toddler in the backseat
A video shared with the Times shows armed federal immigration agents driving away with a toddler in the backseat of a car after detaining her father during a raid at a Home Depot in Cypress Park Tuesd...
www.latimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Dear Lord.
Armed ICE agents STOLE A BABY.
Both the baby and the dad were US Citizens.
www.latimes.com/0000019a-51e...
Armed ICE agents STOLE A BABY.
Both the baby and the dad were US Citizens.
www.latimes.com/0000019a-51e...
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
Confident Texas Republicans *diluted* solid GOP districts in order to redraw the state's congressional map to gain five seats. Tonight's results in Virginia should have them nervous.
November 5, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Confident Texas Republicans *diluted* solid GOP districts in order to redraw the state's congressional map to gain five seats. Tonight's results in Virginia should have them nervous.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
I don’t think “fears about readiness” quite captures the moment.
We are not ready, and the U.S. population has been groomed to reject public health interventions.
We are not ready, and the U.S. population has been groomed to reject public health interventions.
Bird flu's comeback raises fears about readiness
The most immediate concern is how the spread of the disease in poultry flocks could drive up food prices.
www.axios.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
I don’t think “fears about readiness” quite captures the moment.
We are not ready, and the U.S. population has been groomed to reject public health interventions.
We are not ready, and the U.S. population has been groomed to reject public health interventions.
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
From Virginia to New Jersey to New York, voters want leaders to stand up to authoritarianism and fight for affordability. Congrats to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight!
November 5, 2025 at 3:25 AM
From Virginia to New Jersey to New York, voters want leaders to stand up to authoritarianism and fight for affordability. Congrats to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight!
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
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
the other thing about this is that there is no reason to pit these candidates against each other? each are good fits for their respective electorates and each shows the value of vigorous campaigns focused on the stated material problems of voters.
November 4, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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
Reposted by Jenn Kauffman
57% of all ad spending by Republicans in the Virginia governors race was on anti trans ads. Just an incredibly mismanaged campaign. Anti-trans politics are a losing issue.
November 5, 2025 at 2:27 AM
57% of all ad spending by Republicans in the Virginia governors race was on anti trans ads. Just an incredibly mismanaged campaign. Anti-trans politics are a losing issue.
Wash Post's ed board bemoans that researchers are moving abroad as science comes under attack -- but as @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social points out, WaPo and NYT ed boards were part of the tide that promoted anti-science conspiracy theories and threw scientists under the bus.
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Wash Post's ed board bemoans that researchers are moving abroad as science comes under attack -- but as @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social points out, WaPo and NYT ed boards were part of the tide that promoted anti-science conspiracy theories and threw scientists under the bus.