Matthew Cunningham-Cook
@matthewccook5.bsky.social
reporting at the Center for Media and Democracy, organizing in the labor movement
Pinned
Elon Musk and His DOGE Bro Have Cashed In on Americans' Retirement Savings
Antonio Gracias is helping Musk gut the government and the Social Security program at DOGE, as they benefit from Americans’ retirement savings.
www.rollingstone.com
my first byline in Rolling Stone (!) edited by the amazing @andrewperez.bsky.social. How exactly does Musk's privately held empire run? on the backs of retired teachers, firefighters, cops and bus drivers www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Partnerships with ICE have been a flashpoint in sheriff’s races since the first Trump administration. A Democrat flipped a sheriff’s office in suburban Pennsylvania last week after promising to end a contract with ICE.
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE
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 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Partnerships with ICE have been a flashpoint in sheriff’s races since the first Trump administration. A Democrat flipped a sheriff’s office in suburban Pennsylvania last week after promising to end a contract with ICE.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has:
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
November 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has:
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
1. A veto proof majority in City Council
2. Support from 200 community and
youth groups, community land trusts, and mission driven developers
3. Mayor-elect Mamdani’s endorsement
No time to lose! @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social pass #COPA!
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
We're long past the point where someone on the white house beat needs to utter the words "Mr President, are you a pedophile?"
November 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
We're long past the point where someone on the white house beat needs to utter the words "Mr President, are you a pedophile?"
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
MUST READ: As Democratic Senate candidate @jamestalarico.bsky.social is campaigning as a religious progressive, he’s been bankrolled by casino industry donors as he pushes to expand gaming amid a gambling epidemic.
His donors include the right-wing Adelson Empire.
His donors include the right-wing Adelson Empire.
The Bible-Thumper And The Billionaire
James Talarico aims to fuse faith and progressive values in his campaign for U.S. Senate — but will the Democrat’s gambling ties cast him out of the temple?
www.levernews.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:17 PM
MUST READ: As Democratic Senate candidate @jamestalarico.bsky.social is campaigning as a religious progressive, he’s been bankrolled by casino industry donors as he pushes to expand gaming amid a gambling epidemic.
His donors include the right-wing Adelson Empire.
His donors include the right-wing Adelson Empire.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Seems clear that Pulte 1) broke the law while going on fishing expeditions for baseless mortgage fraud claims 2) immediately removed everyone who tried to investigate that wrong-doing.
Exclusive | Fannie Mae Watchdogs Probed How Pulte Obtained Mortgage Records of Key Democrats
FHFA’s acting inspector general handed probe report to U.S. attorney office that had indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James
www.wsj.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Seems clear that Pulte 1) broke the law while going on fishing expeditions for baseless mortgage fraud claims 2) immediately removed everyone who tried to investigate that wrong-doing.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
It's driving me batty that nobody except Heather Cox Richardson, the Washington Monthly, and myself is covering Trump's race to sell off (for likely demolition) "the Sistine Chapel of the New Deal," w/ murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, etc. I've furnish links below to help reporters get started.
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
It's driving me batty that nobody except Heather Cox Richardson, the Washington Monthly, and myself is covering Trump's race to sell off (for likely demolition) "the Sistine Chapel of the New Deal," w/ murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, etc. I've furnish links below to help reporters get started.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Breaking WSJ:
Fannie Mae watchdogs who were removed from their jobs had been probing if Trump appointee Bill Pulte had improperly obtained mortgage records of key Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to people familiar with the matter.
Fannie Mae watchdogs who were removed from their jobs had been probing if Trump appointee Bill Pulte had improperly obtained mortgage records of key Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to people familiar with the matter.
Exclusive | Fannie Mae Watchdogs Probed How Pulte Obtained Mortgage Records of Key Democrats
FHFA’s acting inspector general handed the probe report to the U.S. attorney office that had indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James.
www.wsj.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Breaking WSJ:
Fannie Mae watchdogs who were removed from their jobs had been probing if Trump appointee Bill Pulte had improperly obtained mortgage records of key Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to people familiar with the matter.
Fannie Mae watchdogs who were removed from their jobs had been probing if Trump appointee Bill Pulte had improperly obtained mortgage records of key Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to people familiar with the matter.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
For those wanting to help drum up some early interest, here’s a petition for Councilman Chi Ossé @chiosse.bsky.social to primary Hakeem Jeffries, which is looking more and more like it may happen: actionnetwork.org/petitions/ru...
Run, Chi, Run
Brooklyn deserves better than spineless, do-nothing Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries ,Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi.
While Donald Trump wages a fascist crusade across the country and our state — kidnappi...
actionnetwork.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
For those wanting to help drum up some early interest, here’s a petition for Councilman Chi Ossé @chiosse.bsky.social to primary Hakeem Jeffries, which is looking more and more like it may happen: actionnetwork.org/petitions/ru...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
OpenAI is rushing to market its new AI video model Sora 2.
This is yet another example of OpenAI's dangerous and reckless behavior that puts people at risk.
There is a laundry list worth of reasons why Sora 2 is not ready for public consumption. Let's break them down 🧵
This is yet another example of OpenAI's dangerous and reckless behavior that puts people at risk.
There is a laundry list worth of reasons why Sora 2 is not ready for public consumption. Let's break them down 🧵
November 11, 2025 at 8:56 PM
OpenAI is rushing to market its new AI video model Sora 2.
This is yet another example of OpenAI's dangerous and reckless behavior that puts people at risk.
There is a laundry list worth of reasons why Sora 2 is not ready for public consumption. Let's break them down 🧵
This is yet another example of OpenAI's dangerous and reckless behavior that puts people at risk.
There is a laundry list worth of reasons why Sora 2 is not ready for public consumption. Let's break them down 🧵
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
On the way to Hochul’s office at today’s @climatefamsnyc.bsky.social
march.
Hochul is wrecking our future by doing Trump’s bidding.
march.
Hochul is wrecking our future by doing Trump’s bidding.
November 11, 2025 at 5:53 PM
On the way to Hochul’s office at today’s @climatefamsnyc.bsky.social
march.
Hochul is wrecking our future by doing Trump’s bidding.
march.
Hochul is wrecking our future by doing Trump’s bidding.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
1-manufacture low-cost generic medicine
2-trigger price-gouging rules with a state of emergency on grocery costs
3-investigate unfair pricing
4-hire a deputy mayor for affordability
5-enforce shrinkflation and misleading unit prices
6-disqualify city contractors that use deceptive pricing
2-trigger price-gouging rules with a state of emergency on grocery costs
3-investigate unfair pricing
4-hire a deputy mayor for affordability
5-enforce shrinkflation and misleading unit prices
6-disqualify city contractors that use deceptive pricing
Six Ways Zohran Mamdani Can Make New York City Affordable Again - The American Prospect
Mamdani begins his term with something few mayors ever have: an energized following and an international megaphone. His administration could launch a 100-day affordability sprint, using executive and ...
prospect.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:23 PM
1-manufacture low-cost generic medicine
2-trigger price-gouging rules with a state of emergency on grocery costs
3-investigate unfair pricing
4-hire a deputy mayor for affordability
5-enforce shrinkflation and misleading unit prices
6-disqualify city contractors that use deceptive pricing
2-trigger price-gouging rules with a state of emergency on grocery costs
3-investigate unfair pricing
4-hire a deputy mayor for affordability
5-enforce shrinkflation and misleading unit prices
6-disqualify city contractors that use deceptive pricing
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
So what can Zohran Mamdani do right away to advance his agenda of affordability? Kiren Gopal, a former advisor to Bill de Blasio, highlights six statutes that could be immediately employed for this purpose.
prospect.org/2025/11/11/s...
prospect.org/2025/11/11/s...
Six Ways Zohran Mamdani Can Make New York City Affordable Again - The American Prospect
Mamdani begins his term with something few mayors ever have: an energized following and an international megaphone. His administration could launch a 100-day affordability sprint, using executive and ...
prospect.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
So what can Zohran Mamdani do right away to advance his agenda of affordability? Kiren Gopal, a former advisor to Bill de Blasio, highlights six statutes that could be immediately employed for this purpose.
prospect.org/2025/11/11/s...
prospect.org/2025/11/11/s...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Progressive groups are calling for Chuck Schumer's ouster after centrist Dems' shutdown cave. Dem senators' phone lines are "exploding" with the same demands. So far, Senate Dems don't have a ton to say.
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
Furious Liberals Call for Schumer to Step Aside, Senate Dems Mostly Quiet
After their shutdown surrender, liberal lawmakers are begging their base to unite behind them anyway – as Trumpland celebrates that their opposition is a bunch of 'p*ssies.'
zeteo.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Progressive groups are calling for Chuck Schumer's ouster after centrist Dems' shutdown cave. Dem senators' phone lines are "exploding" with the same demands. So far, Senate Dems don't have a ton to say.
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
New at @zeteo.com w/ @swin24.bsky.social @premthakker.bsky.social zeteo.com/p/senate-dem...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Democrats have a lot of old leaders. But there are plenty of old populists, and plenty of young corporate Dems. The wisdom lies in knowing the difference, as Bob Kuttner writes.
prospect.org/2025/11/11/m...
prospect.org/2025/11/11/m...
The Myth of the Democrats’ Gerontocracy Problem - The American Prospect
The Democrats’ problem is not age—it’s corporate and centrist Democrats of all ages. What distinguishes some of the most successful young Democrats is not just their youth but the fact that they are c...
prospect.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Democrats have a lot of old leaders. But there are plenty of old populists, and plenty of young corporate Dems. The wisdom lies in knowing the difference, as Bob Kuttner writes.
prospect.org/2025/11/11/m...
prospect.org/2025/11/11/m...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
With an emboldened Trump in the White House for a second term, the ground has shifted dramatically for unions. What tactics and strategies can help organize more new members and best survive an all-out assault on labor and other rights?
Register now! www.tickettailor.com/events/hayma...
Register now! www.tickettailor.com/events/hayma...
November 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
With an emboldened Trump in the White House for a second term, the ground has shifted dramatically for unions. What tactics and strategies can help organize more new members and best survive an all-out assault on labor and other rights?
Register now! www.tickettailor.com/events/hayma...
Register now! www.tickettailor.com/events/hayma...
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Hakeem Jeffries is about to get a primary challenger.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
Against Mamdani’s Wishes, Gen Z Councilman Plans to Challenge Jeffries
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Hakeem Jeffries is about to get a primary challenger.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
@chiosse.bsky.social will reportedly make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.
Katie Wilson has endorsed Save Seattle News: pretty cool! www.saveseattlenews.org
Save Seattle News
www.saveseattlenews.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Katie Wilson has endorsed Save Seattle News: pretty cool! www.saveseattlenews.org
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
JUST IN: Katie Wilson is now ahead of Mayor Bruce Harrell in the Seattle mayoral race.
Stay tuned for details on today's count.
Stay tuned for details on today's count.
November 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
JUST IN: Katie Wilson is now ahead of Mayor Bruce Harrell in the Seattle mayoral race.
Stay tuned for details on today's count.
Stay tuned for details on today's count.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
In case you missed it:
⚠️ Breaking: Hochul administration approves 3x rejected, Trump-backed NESE pipeline, the first of its kind in New York in at least a decade.
Story: nysfocus.com/2025/11/07/n...
Story: nysfocus.com/2025/11/07/n...
New York Approves Trump-Backed Gas Pipeline
The Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline had been rejected by environmental regulators three times but was revived this spring after talks between Hochul…
nysfocus.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:03 PM
In case you missed it:
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
This is MAJOR!
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
November 10, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This is MAJOR!
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Alex is a consummate organizer. If he's organizing against Schumer that means it's serious.
Chuck Schumer has shown himself not up to the task.
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
November 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Alex is a consummate organizer. If he's organizing against Schumer that means it's serious.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Chuck Schumer has shown himself not up to the task.
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
November 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Chuck Schumer has shown himself not up to the task.
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
He must be replaced as Leader.
It’s time to #DumpChuck
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Sanders: That is a totally meaningless gesture. You can get 100 votes here and it won't mean anything because the House is not going to take it up.
November 10, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Sanders: That is a totally meaningless gesture. You can get 100 votes here and it won't mean anything because the House is not going to take it up.
Reposted by Matthew Cunningham-Cook
Street safety advocates should not be pleased by Zohran Mamdani's decision to invite NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on the job. Here's why.
NYPD Criminal Bike Crackdown Continues Even as Mamdani Makes Overtures to Tisch - Streetsblog New York City
Street safety advocates should not be pleased by Zohran Mamdani's decision to invited NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on. Here's why.
buff.ly
November 8, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Street safety advocates should not be pleased by Zohran Mamdani's decision to invite NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on the job. Here's why.