Neliza Drew (she/her)
@nelizadrew.bsky.social
reader, educator, former martial artist, sometimes writer, nature fan
I'm starting to thing Amazon is sponsoring everything.
On the one hand, we still have cultural events. On the other... only those our corporate overlords approve of.
On the one hand, we still have cultural events. On the other... only those our corporate overlords approve of.
November 22, 2025 at 8:19 PM
I'm starting to thing Amazon is sponsoring everything.
On the one hand, we still have cultural events. On the other... only those our corporate overlords approve of.
On the one hand, we still have cultural events. On the other... only those our corporate overlords approve of.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
After a bird flu outbreak tore through Midwestern barns, killing millions of chickens and spiking egg prices, the federal government didn’t investigate if the virus was airborne.
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
What the U.S. Government Is Dismissing That Could Seed a Bird Flu Pandemic
Egg producers suspect bird flu is traveling through the air. After a disastrous Midwestern outbreak early this year, we tested that theory and found that where the wind blew, the virus followed. Vacci...
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
After a bird flu outbreak tore through Midwestern barns, killing millions of chickens and spiking egg prices, the federal government didn’t investigate if the virus was airborne.
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
So ProPublica did.
Absolutely terrifying reporting from @natlash.bsky.social:
www.propublica.org/article/bird...
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
A luxury lodge in the mountains. Fall foliage passed its peak. A cosmetics corporation team-building event. One massage therapist, her best friend, animal rights activists, and a murderer. Read Full Body Manslaughter: buy.bookfunnel.com/p... #BookSky #Writers #SistersInCrime
November 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A luxury lodge in the mountains. Fall foliage passed its peak. A cosmetics corporation team-building event. One massage therapist, her best friend, animal rights activists, and a murderer. Read Full Body Manslaughter: buy.bookfunnel.com/p... #BookSky #Writers #SistersInCrime
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
Please read this entire excellent piece by Caroline, which points out that a judge ordered the Feds (again) to stop doing **this exact kind of thing** and they are still continuing to do it all over Chicago
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
Please read this entire excellent piece by Caroline, which points out that a judge ordered the Feds (again) to stop doing **this exact kind of thing** and they are still continuing to do it all over Chicago
Arianna Sofia Veraza and her parents were driving to Sam's Club for milk, eggs and diapers yesterday when they heard helicopters and horns blaring yesterday. They had turned around to leave when a federal agent pepper-sprayed them through a car window.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/09/c...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/09/c...
Pepper-sprayed Berwyn family rattled after getting caught up in federal blitz
Southwest Side politicians condemned Saturday’s pepper spraying and the federal sweep of Little Village as “state-sponsored terrorism” at a news conference Sunday.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:56 PM
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
Please read this entire excellent piece by Caroline, which points out that a judge ordered the Feds (again) to stop doing **this exact kind of thing** and they are still continuing to do it all over Chicago
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY
Please read this entire excellent piece by Caroline, which points out that a judge ordered the Feds (again) to stop doing **this exact kind of thing** and they are still continuing to do it all over Chicago
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
For coming from a party that loves to crow about supporting small business, Trump’s cuts to the ACA are the biggest attack on small business people imaginable
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 AM
For coming from a party that loves to crow about supporting small business, Trump’s cuts to the ACA are the biggest attack on small business people imaginable
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
UPS and FedEx's fleets of MD-11 planes are grounded, which can each carry thousands of packages. Logistics experts say some cargo could shift to passenger planes, trains and trucks. n.pr/3WOO6Ml
Some UPS and FedEx planes are grounded. What does that mean for holiday shipping?
UPS and FedEx's fleets of MD-11 planes are grounded, which can each carry thousands of packages. Logistics experts say some cargo could shift to passenger planes, trains and trucks.
n.pr
November 10, 2025 at 4:20 AM
UPS and FedEx's fleets of MD-11 planes are grounded, which can each carry thousands of packages. Logistics experts say some cargo could shift to passenger planes, trains and trucks. n.pr/3WOO6Ml
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
The thing about ACA is that if an American describes how it works to someone from literally anywhere else, the other person will be utterly horrified at its deliberate cruelty.
The way the horror of pre-ACA healthcare sounds to an American, is basically how ACA sounds to everyone else on earth.
The way the horror of pre-ACA healthcare sounds to an American, is basically how ACA sounds to everyone else on earth.
March 23, 2025 at 6:52 PM
The thing about ACA is that if an American describes how it works to someone from literally anywhere else, the other person will be utterly horrified at its deliberate cruelty.
The way the horror of pre-ACA healthcare sounds to an American, is basically how ACA sounds to everyone else on earth.
The way the horror of pre-ACA healthcare sounds to an American, is basically how ACA sounds to everyone else on earth.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Before ACA, many Americans couldn’t afford insurance
Alex Smith was a diabetic who got kicked off his Mom’s insurance at 26
He made 35k a year which was “too much” for Medicaid, but not nearly enough to cover insurance premiums
He had to ration his insulin & died a month after losing insurance
Alex Smith was a diabetic who got kicked off his Mom’s insurance at 26
He made 35k a year which was “too much” for Medicaid, but not nearly enough to cover insurance premiums
He had to ration his insulin & died a month after losing insurance
Insulin's High Cost Leads To Lethal Rationing
Alec Raeshawn Smith was 23 when diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and 26 when he died. He couldn't afford $1,300 per month for his insulin and other diabetes supplies, so he tried to stretch the doses.
www.npr.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Before ACA, many Americans couldn’t afford insurance
Alex Smith was a diabetic who got kicked off his Mom’s insurance at 26
He made 35k a year which was “too much” for Medicaid, but not nearly enough to cover insurance premiums
He had to ration his insulin & died a month after losing insurance
Alex Smith was a diabetic who got kicked off his Mom’s insurance at 26
He made 35k a year which was “too much” for Medicaid, but not nearly enough to cover insurance premiums
He had to ration his insulin & died a month after losing insurance
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
This is so insane. #MedicareForAllNOW
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 AM
This is so insane. #MedicareForAllNOW
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Reminder that, unless a creative freelancer has a spouse with a day job that offers health insurance, they likely have an ACA plan. And with the hits to creative industries the past few years, I'm guessing many qualify for subsidies.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Reminder that, unless a creative freelancer has a spouse with a day job that offers health insurance, they likely have an ACA plan. And with the hits to creative industries the past few years, I'm guessing many qualify for subsidies.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
Related reminder that comic creators are freelancers.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
If I keep the same plan, it goes up $203 to $850 a month. I can’t go without health insurance, cancer, ongoing meds, mental health everything- I don’t know how any of us are going to survive. It’s so fucking bleak.
So every freelancer you know is going to lose their insurance or be bankrupted by premiums because Schumer is an invertebrate
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 AM
If I keep the same plan, it goes up $203 to $850 a month. I can’t go without health insurance, cancer, ongoing meds, mental health everything- I don’t know how any of us are going to survive. It’s so fucking bleak.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Please understand that Americans who have a serious chronic illness essentially have no where to run to.
(The immigration rules of countries with the kind of health care system it takes to keep me alive deny me admission because I'm seriously chronically ill, and, therefore, a 'drain on resources')
(The immigration rules of countries with the kind of health care system it takes to keep me alive deny me admission because I'm seriously chronically ill, and, therefore, a 'drain on resources')
I am not done fighting.
I do need to get a good night's sleep. But please know that I am not done fighting for healthcare. I understand that many of you — many of US — die without medical care.
patreon.com/mattbc is the best place to follow my work, it's not paywalled, a free account is fine.
I do need to get a good night's sleep. But please know that I am not done fighting for healthcare. I understand that many of you — many of US — die without medical care.
patreon.com/mattbc is the best place to follow my work, it's not paywalled, a free account is fine.
Get more from Matthew Cortland on Patreon
creating Shouldn't Need to Be a Lawyer
patreon.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Please understand that Americans who have a serious chronic illness essentially have no where to run to.
(The immigration rules of countries with the kind of health care system it takes to keep me alive deny me admission because I'm seriously chronically ill, and, therefore, a 'drain on resources')
(The immigration rules of countries with the kind of health care system it takes to keep me alive deny me admission because I'm seriously chronically ill, and, therefore, a 'drain on resources')
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
The USDA is the fail safe for SNAP.
They have a contingency fund to ensure it’s covered in the event of a shutdown.
They’re refusing.
Grocery stores stepped up to try and help by offering discounts to any SNAP recipients and the USDA told them they had to stop.
Starvation as a policy choice.
They have a contingency fund to ensure it’s covered in the event of a shutdown.
They’re refusing.
Grocery stores stepped up to try and help by offering discounts to any SNAP recipients and the USDA told them they had to stop.
Starvation as a policy choice.
November 3, 2025 at 8:08 AM
The USDA is the fail safe for SNAP.
They have a contingency fund to ensure it’s covered in the event of a shutdown.
They’re refusing.
Grocery stores stepped up to try and help by offering discounts to any SNAP recipients and the USDA told them they had to stop.
Starvation as a policy choice.
They have a contingency fund to ensure it’s covered in the event of a shutdown.
They’re refusing.
Grocery stores stepped up to try and help by offering discounts to any SNAP recipients and the USDA told them they had to stop.
Starvation as a policy choice.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
The average new car costs $50,000. The average used car is $25,000. Insurance, repairs and maintenance are soaring. But America's car-centric habits also cost us in more subtle ways. n.pr/47B4pRT
Cars are essential in most of the U.S. They're also increasingly unaffordable
The average new car costs $50,000. The average used car is $25,000. Insurance, repairs and maintenance are soaring. But America's car-centric habits also cost us in more subtle ways.
n.pr
November 3, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The average new car costs $50,000. The average used car is $25,000. Insurance, repairs and maintenance are soaring. But America's car-centric habits also cost us in more subtle ways. n.pr/47B4pRT
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Apparently new studies show that seeing original art can calm stress and boost health
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on art and health: the masterpiece can cure the body as well as the soul | Editorial
Editorial: From a Van Gogh self-portrait to Gauguin’s dreamscapes, new studies show that seeing original art can calm stress and boost health
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Apparently new studies show that seeing original art can calm stress and boost health
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Looks like white U.S. citizens are the biggest group of SNAP recipients. People criticize SNAP without bothering to find out who uses it. “They should get a job.” It must be nice to have never been laid off, become ill, or get paid such low wages that you need help.
November 2, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Looks like white U.S. citizens are the biggest group of SNAP recipients. People criticize SNAP without bothering to find out who uses it. “They should get a job.” It must be nice to have never been laid off, become ill, or get paid such low wages that you need help.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
The USDA now threatening grocery stores who offer discounts to SNAP recipients.
People are going hungry. Their benefits were illegally cut off leaving them to starve.
40% of SNAP households have children.
If grocery stores & local business want to step up to help… let them.
People are going hungry. Their benefits were illegally cut off leaving them to starve.
40% of SNAP households have children.
If grocery stores & local business want to step up to help… let them.
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The USDA now threatening grocery stores who offer discounts to SNAP recipients.
People are going hungry. Their benefits were illegally cut off leaving them to starve.
40% of SNAP households have children.
If grocery stores & local business want to step up to help… let them.
People are going hungry. Their benefits were illegally cut off leaving them to starve.
40% of SNAP households have children.
If grocery stores & local business want to step up to help… let them.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
This will be the lowest ever number of refugee admissions set by any president.
President Trump's move is not only racist, but an affront to our moral commitment to protect people seeking safety.
President Trump's move is not only racist, but an affront to our moral commitment to protect people seeking safety.
Trump sets 7,500 annual limit for refugees entering US. It'll be mostly white South Africans
The Trump administration is restricting the number of refugees admitted annually to the United States to 7,500 and they’ll be mostly white South Africans
www.washingtonpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:05 PM
This will be the lowest ever number of refugee admissions set by any president.
President Trump's move is not only racist, but an affront to our moral commitment to protect people seeking safety.
President Trump's move is not only racist, but an affront to our moral commitment to protect people seeking safety.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
I keep seeing people say, oh, trans people must take a hit for the greater good and, first of all, no, you don't get to discard someone else's rights and second, we know from past experience that marginalized communities like theirs are merely the first to be targeted. They'll come for you next.
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too. n.pr/4qFa1mY
Trump pushes an end to medical care for transgender youth nationally
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too.
n.pr
October 30, 2025 at 11:56 PM
I keep seeing people say, oh, trans people must take a hit for the greater good and, first of all, no, you don't get to discard someone else's rights and second, we know from past experience that marginalized communities like theirs are merely the first to be targeted. They'll come for you next.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Hey Bluesky peeps, could you help spread the word?
My Shirley Jackson Award-nominated gothic fiction book THE ATROCITIES is on sale today for $1.99 on Kindle.
www.amazon.com/Atrocities-J...
My Shirley Jackson Award-nominated gothic fiction book THE ATROCITIES is on sale today for $1.99 on Kindle.
www.amazon.com/Atrocities-J...
October 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Hey Bluesky peeps, could you help spread the word?
My Shirley Jackson Award-nominated gothic fiction book THE ATROCITIES is on sale today for $1.99 on Kindle.
www.amazon.com/Atrocities-J...
My Shirley Jackson Award-nominated gothic fiction book THE ATROCITIES is on sale today for $1.99 on Kindle.
www.amazon.com/Atrocities-J...
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
We can't go backwards.
We need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewables.
We need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewables.
#ResistanceRoots
#ResistanceEarth
Today in history, 1948: Dense smog claims 11 elderly victims in Donora, Pa. Fog had trapped toxic pollutants from a zinc smelting plant close to the ground, making thousands sick. The tragedy led to the passage of the 1955 Clean Air Act. /1
#ResistanceEarth
Today in history, 1948: Dense smog claims 11 elderly victims in Donora, Pa. Fog had trapped toxic pollutants from a zinc smelting plant close to the ground, making thousands sick. The tragedy led to the passage of the 1955 Clean Air Act. /1
October 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM
We can't go backwards.
We need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewables.
We need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewables.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Yes, this, & set up a recurring donation if you can.
Cash is ALWAYS better than collecting food through drives. Food banks have deals with suppliers that enable them to stretch a dollar further than what we can buy at retail prices. They can take $5 and get $15+ in value from it to feed folks.
Cash is ALWAYS better than collecting food through drives. Food banks have deals with suppliers that enable them to stretch a dollar further than what we can buy at retail prices. They can take $5 and get $15+ in value from it to feed folks.
I just donated to my local food bank. If you can, you should too. People are already suffering but next month, in particular, is going to be so difficult.
October 27, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Yes, this, & set up a recurring donation if you can.
Cash is ALWAYS better than collecting food through drives. Food banks have deals with suppliers that enable them to stretch a dollar further than what we can buy at retail prices. They can take $5 and get $15+ in value from it to feed folks.
Cash is ALWAYS better than collecting food through drives. Food banks have deals with suppliers that enable them to stretch a dollar further than what we can buy at retail prices. They can take $5 and get $15+ in value from it to feed folks.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
Little something for all the Matthew 25 voters out there!
![Photos of Pastor David Black behind the mic with this text:
I have been going to Broadview [ICE facility] not so much as a protestor but a minister. It is very clear to me where God is in this, and the mandate of my faith is to be with my God and to denounce and decry those like Speaker Johnson... To tell them to get the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ out of your mouth, if you are goinog to participate in this desolating sacrilege that we are witnessing."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j53elsjlcag3iuran5ezcy32/bafkreiafp2rplpmil4khxup5l47cccjpbnz23tutd3zb4lymx3462w4teu@jpeg)
October 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Little something for all the Matthew 25 voters out there!
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
A trip to the indie bookshop or local library (or supporting them online) instead of placing an order through a mega-retailer.
Heading to a local coffee shop instead of an international chain.
Joining an indie's book club, fostering IRL connections.
Asking a librarian instead of relying on AI.
Heading to a local coffee shop instead of an international chain.
Joining an indie's book club, fostering IRL connections.
Asking a librarian instead of relying on AI.
October 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
A trip to the indie bookshop or local library (or supporting them online) instead of placing an order through a mega-retailer.
Heading to a local coffee shop instead of an international chain.
Joining an indie's book club, fostering IRL connections.
Asking a librarian instead of relying on AI.
Heading to a local coffee shop instead of an international chain.
Joining an indie's book club, fostering IRL connections.
Asking a librarian instead of relying on AI.
Reposted by Neliza Drew (she/her)
*Becoming Altar* is now shipping! You could get one! Or even give one! 😍 🎶 👀
#Poetry -- The preorder page for Becoming Altar has been expanded and updated to include more about me, and a swell poem. Check it out! And @unionherald.bsky.social many thanks for the blurb.
asterismbooks.com/product/beco...
asterismbooks.com/product/beco...
October 27, 2025 at 2:59 PM
*Becoming Altar* is now shipping! You could get one! Or even give one! 😍 🎶 👀