MattRiffs.bsky.social
@mattriffs.bsky.social
Public health consultant. I love democracy and red wine. I detest rudeness and bigots. Co-author of Globetrotter: How Abe Saperstein Shook Up the Sports World (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024). 🇺🇦 🏳️🌈
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire voted to move to end the shutdown. Her daughter Stefany Shaheen, a congressional candidate in their state, sharply criticized the deal. “Clearly we had different approaches here,” Stefany Shaheen said on Monday. nyti.ms/4nMq7s0
Jeanne Shaheen Faces Shutdown Blowback From Her Daughter
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire voted to move to end the shutdown. But her daughter Stefany Shaheen, a congressional candidate in their state, sharply criticized the deal.
nyti.ms
November 10, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire voted to move to end the shutdown. Her daughter Stefany Shaheen, a congressional candidate in their state, sharply criticized the deal. “Clearly we had different approaches here,” Stefany Shaheen said on Monday. nyti.ms/4nMq7s0
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
Chris Murphy: "There will be pretty substantial damage to a Dem brand that has been rehabilitated if on the heels of an election in which the people told us to keep fighting, we immediately stop... if we surrender without having gotten anything, I worry it'll be hard to get them back up off the mat"
November 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Chris Murphy: "There will be pretty substantial damage to a Dem brand that has been rehabilitated if on the heels of an election in which the people told us to keep fighting, we immediately stop... if we surrender without having gotten anything, I worry it'll be hard to get them back up off the mat"
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
This is not a deal — it's an empty promise.
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown
Democrats are coalescing around a bipartisan agreement to fund the government.
www.politico.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:50 AM
This is not a deal — it's an empty promise.
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump and his Republican Congress are making healthcare more expensive for the middle class and ending it for working families.
Time for Democrats to stand tall for affordable healthcare. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
It is neutrally worded — choice A or choice B — bullshit questions like this that (almost) make me want to take a train to NYC just so I can throw a rock at the Times building.
November 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM
It is neutrally worded — choice A or choice B — bullshit questions like this that (almost) make me want to take a train to NYC just so I can throw a rock at the Times building.
As Pelosi prepares to exit, a former nurse in the AIDS ward of a local hospital recalls her visits to the ward:
“Early on, it was not seen as a wise or popular thing to do, to champion people with AIDS . . . but she didn’t care. We were her constituents, and she went to bat for us . . .” #LGBTQ
“Early on, it was not seen as a wise or popular thing to do, to champion people with AIDS . . . but she didn’t care. We were her constituents, and she went to bat for us . . .” #LGBTQ
A Light in Very Dark Days: Nancy Pelosi and AIDS
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
As Pelosi prepares to exit, a former nurse in the AIDS ward of a local hospital recalls her visits to the ward:
“Early on, it was not seen as a wise or popular thing to do, to champion people with AIDS . . . but she didn’t care. We were her constituents, and she went to bat for us . . .” #LGBTQ
“Early on, it was not seen as a wise or popular thing to do, to champion people with AIDS . . . but she didn’t care. We were her constituents, and she went to bat for us . . .” #LGBTQ
Horrifying what the Trump regime is doing in the name of “border security.”
72-year-old cancer patient Phillip Lewis said he was woken up and marched outside his home in his robe and underwear before federal officers even checked his ID.
Surprise surprise (not surprised), it turns out, he wasn't the guy they were looking for.
If only his story were unique.
Surprise surprise (not surprised), it turns out, he wasn't the guy they were looking for.
If only his story were unique.
“I Don’t Feel Safe”: Black Memphis Residents Report Harassment by Trump’s Police Task Force
A pastor was pulled over for looking lost. A 72-year-old was marched out in his bathrobe due to mistaken identity. Memphis’ mayor welcomed the federal law enforcement surge, but some residents say the...
www.propublica.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Horrifying what the Trump regime is doing in the name of “border security.”
A good crowd at today’s March for Health & Science, co-sponsored by @standupforscience.bsky.social
#vaccines #science #publichealth
#vaccines #science #publichealth
November 5, 2025 at 10:58 PM
A good crowd at today’s March for Health & Science, co-sponsored by @standupforscience.bsky.social
#vaccines #science #publichealth
#vaccines #science #publichealth
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
Fox News is really fun to watch tonight. All the hosts and guests have this queasy look, like they ate shrimp that had been sitting out for 2 weeks.
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Fox News is really fun to watch tonight. All the hosts and guests have this queasy look, like they ate shrimp that had been sitting out for 2 weeks.
Live in or near the Washington DC area? Join me this Wednesday at the March for Health & Science.
We’ll gather on the Mall (near 7th St.) at 2:30 and march from there! #ACA #APHA #healthcare #respectscience
We’ll gather on the Mall (near 7th St.) at 2:30 and march from there! #ACA #APHA #healthcare #respectscience
November 4, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Live in or near the Washington DC area? Join me this Wednesday at the March for Health & Science.
We’ll gather on the Mall (near 7th St.) at 2:30 and march from there! #ACA #APHA #healthcare #respectscience
We’ll gather on the Mall (near 7th St.) at 2:30 and march from there! #ACA #APHA #healthcare #respectscience
NY Times: “[Trump] vowed to withhold as much federal funding as he could if Mr. Mamdani was elected, saying the city had ‘zero chance of success’ under him.”
This is an outrageous ploy to influence the mayoral race. I hope it hardens voters’ resolve to pick who THEY want — not who Trump wants.
This is an outrageous ploy to influence the mayoral race. I hope it hardens voters’ resolve to pick who THEY want — not who Trump wants.
Trump Backs Cuomo as N.Y.C. Mayor’s Race Nears Finish Line
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:21 AM
NY Times: “[Trump] vowed to withhold as much federal funding as he could if Mr. Mamdani was elected, saying the city had ‘zero chance of success’ under him.”
This is an outrageous ploy to influence the mayoral race. I hope it hardens voters’ resolve to pick who THEY want — not who Trump wants.
This is an outrageous ploy to influence the mayoral race. I hope it hardens voters’ resolve to pick who THEY want — not who Trump wants.
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
It would be wise for us to remember that Trump praised China for the Tiananmen Square massacre.
Trump said China showed 'power of strength' in Tiananmen Square massacre, in newly resurfaced 1990 interview
‘It was a horrible thing. It doesn't mean at all I was endorsing it'
www.the-independent.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:29 PM
It would be wise for us to remember that Trump praised China for the Tiananmen Square massacre.
Nick Kristof: “Other countries have banned child marriage . . . but here in America the practice remains legal in 34 states.
“Even as the U.S. government advises other countries to end a cruel practice, at home we preserve what amounts to legally sanctioned statutory rape.”
“Even as the U.S. government advises other countries to end a cruel practice, at home we preserve what amounts to legally sanctioned statutory rape.”
Opinion | Why Do We Allow Child Marriage in America?
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Nick Kristof: “Other countries have banned child marriage . . . but here in America the practice remains legal in 34 states.
“Even as the U.S. government advises other countries to end a cruel practice, at home we preserve what amounts to legally sanctioned statutory rape.”
“Even as the U.S. government advises other countries to end a cruel practice, at home we preserve what amounts to legally sanctioned statutory rape.”
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
This is flat out false. SNAP cannot be used for that. It’s not permitted under federal law and no states have an exemption for it.
ROB SCHMITT: People are using SNAP benefits to get their nails done, to get their weaves and their hair. This is a really ugly program.
SEN. RON JOHNSON: That program needs to be dramatically reformed.
SEN. RON JOHNSON: That program needs to be dramatically reformed.
November 1, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This is flat out false. SNAP cannot be used for that. It’s not permitted under federal law and no states have an exemption for it.
Appalling and disgusting:
A children’s pastor filmed girls in a church bathroom.
A preacher accused of abusing children was sent to therapy.
A worship minister who molested boys got a welcome-home party from his congregation .
All remained ministers in the Assemblies of God — all went on to abuse more children.
A preacher accused of abusing children was sent to therapy.
A worship minister who molested boys got a welcome-home party from his congregation .
All remained ministers in the Assemblies of God — all went on to abuse more children.
How Assemblies of God churches shielded accused predators as they abused children
NBC News uncovered a 50-year pattern of sex abuse, silence and cover-up in the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination.
www.nbcnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Appalling and disgusting:
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
'Washington Post' editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
n.pr
October 28, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
Whether or not you agree with every position he has taken, Zohran Mamdani has provided a good example of how to talk to (and with) voters.
The Democratic National Committee must recognize that voters can sense when a candidate’s message was refined, tortured and focus-grouped to death.
The Democratic National Committee must recognize that voters can sense when a candidate’s message was refined, tortured and focus-grouped to death.
Zohran Mamdani, the Internet’s Mayor
Mere months ago, New York’s mayoral front-runner was polling right next to “Someone Else.” He spoke to WIRED about building a social media machine, Big Tech capitulation, and learning from Eric Adams.
www.wired.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Whether or not you agree with every position he has taken, Zohran Mamdani has provided a good example of how to talk to (and with) voters.
The Democratic National Committee must recognize that voters can sense when a candidate’s message was refined, tortured and focus-grouped to death.
The Democratic National Committee must recognize that voters can sense when a candidate’s message was refined, tortured and focus-grouped to death.
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
President Trump “should pay a political price for his brazen corruption,” the editorial board writes. Instead, by reportedly demanding that the Justice Department hand him $230 million, “he is telling American taxpayers to pay a price, directly to him.”
President Trump “should pay a political price for his brazen corruption,” the editorial board writes. Instead, by reportedly demanding that the Justice Department hand him $230 million, “he is telling American taxpayers to pay a price, directly to him.”
Opinion | Trump Wants the American People to Pay Him $230 Million
Trump should pay a political price for his brazen corruption. Instead, he is telling American taxpayers to pay a price, directly to him.
nyti.ms
October 22, 2025 at 7:50 PM
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
President Trump “should pay a political price for his brazen corruption,” the editorial board writes. Instead, by reportedly demanding that the Justice Department hand him $230 million, “he is telling American taxpayers to pay a price, directly to him.”
President Trump “should pay a political price for his brazen corruption,” the editorial board writes. Instead, by reportedly demanding that the Justice Department hand him $230 million, “he is telling American taxpayers to pay a price, directly to him.”
What makes this shakedown so outlandish is that Trump is trying to grab $230 million from U.S. taxpayers.
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
What makes this shakedown so outlandish is that Trump is trying to grab $230 million from U.S. taxpayers.
RFK Jr’s mindless fear-baiting about vaccines and fluoride will harm people’s health. This decision is Exhibit A.
UPDATE: The St. Clair health board voted to endorse the proposal to take steps to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water supplies.
The medical director's recommended restrictions could potentially apply to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which provides water to nearly 40% of Michigan.
The medical director's recommended restrictions could potentially apply to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which provides water to nearly 40% of Michigan.
Health panel endorses move to prohibit water fluoridation
St. Clair County’s health board endorsed Dr. Nevin’s plan to bar fluoridation, citing new research and a recent federal court ruling.
www.thetimesherald.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:51 PM
RFK Jr’s mindless fear-baiting about vaccines and fluoride will harm people’s health. This decision is Exhibit A.
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
A terrific AFP fact check uses reverse image searches to expose how a White House video took scenes from Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Nebraska and lied that they showed "Chicago is in chaos."
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
October 16, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A terrific AFP fact check uses reverse image searches to expose how a White House video took scenes from Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Nebraska and lied that they showed "Chicago is in chaos."
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
Reposted by MattRiffs.bsky.social
NEW @motherjones.com: Nobody in that GOP group chat praising Hitler or making racist comments was a “kid,” as JD Vance claimed today
I tracked down their ages. (Weirdly, it seems nobody else did.)
Eight of the 11 in the group chat range from 24 to 35. Ages of others are unclear.
But… no “kids”!
I tracked down their ages. (Weirdly, it seems nobody else did.)
Eight of the 11 in the group chat range from 24 to 35. Ages of others are unclear.
But… no “kids”!
No one in the GOP Hitler chat was a "kid"
We checked. Sorry, JD Vance.
www.motherjones.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:05 PM
NEW @motherjones.com: Nobody in that GOP group chat praising Hitler or making racist comments was a “kid,” as JD Vance claimed today
I tracked down their ages. (Weirdly, it seems nobody else did.)
Eight of the 11 in the group chat range from 24 to 35. Ages of others are unclear.
But… no “kids”!
I tracked down their ages. (Weirdly, it seems nobody else did.)
Eight of the 11 in the group chat range from 24 to 35. Ages of others are unclear.
But… no “kids”!
The MAHA cabal
+ Christian nationalism
= anti-science madness
+ Christian nationalism
= anti-science madness
'Fluoride Disconnects One from God': Inside the Weekly Call With RFK Jr.'s MAHA Hype Squad
A growing weekly call gives insight into RFK Jr.'s biggest allies, showcasing how a fringe movement now holds legitimate power.
www.notus.org
October 16, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The MAHA cabal
+ Christian nationalism
= anti-science madness
+ Christian nationalism
= anti-science madness
Follow the money.
There was a time when AARP seemed to be a genuine advocate for older adults. But now they are simply cashing in on the broken system.
There was a time when AARP seemed to be a genuine advocate for older adults. But now they are simply cashing in on the broken system.
AARP received $9 billion in royalties from UnitedHealthcare last year as part of an agreement to continue selling AARP-branded #Medicare products, part of a partnership dating to the 1990s, via @axios.com buff.ly/GpwSTaM #healthcare #healthpolicy
UnitedHealth paid AARP $9 billion to sell branded health coverage
The disclosure sheds more light on a partnership dating to the 1990s.
buff.ly
October 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Follow the money.
There was a time when AARP seemed to be a genuine advocate for older adults. But now they are simply cashing in on the broken system.
There was a time when AARP seemed to be a genuine advocate for older adults. But now they are simply cashing in on the broken system.
“The military has now killed 27 people as if they were enemy soldiers in a war zone and not criminal suspects.”
Authorized by the man who wants a Nobel Peace Prize.
Authorized by the man who wants a Nobel Peace Prize.
U.S. Military Kills Another 6 People in 5th Caribbean Strike, Trump Says
www.nytimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
“The military has now killed 27 people as if they were enemy soldiers in a war zone and not criminal suspects.”
Authorized by the man who wants a Nobel Peace Prize.
Authorized by the man who wants a Nobel Peace Prize.
Finally — a SCOTUS decision that doesn’t piss me off.
Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of $1.4 billion defamation judgment in Sandy Hook shooting
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones says he knew the Supreme Court wouldn't take up his request for an appeal of a $1.4 billion defamation judgment, even though his lawyers believed the case was “cut and d...
apnews.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Finally — a SCOTUS decision that doesn’t piss me off.