Helen Burggraf
@helenburggraf.bsky.social
London-based freelance journo, ex-editor of the American Expat Financial News Journal (for US expats struggling w/ finance, tax and citizenship issues). . .
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Over the summer the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 'Permanently Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Millions of Small Business Owners' & will delete previously reported information by US persons from the beneficial ownership information database
FinCEN Permanently Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Millions of Small Business Owners
Will Delete Information Previously Reported by U.S. Persons WASHINGTON––Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing a final rule that permanently removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership …
home.treasury.gov
August 31, 2026 at 8:13 AM
Over the summer the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 'Permanently Ends Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for Millions of Small Business Owners' & will delete previously reported information by US persons from the beneficial ownership information database
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
It is important to understand that Trump is not the cause of the enshittification of America. He is a consequence. Unless the system is fundamentally changed, the enshittification will continue even after Trump is long gone. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-enshittification-of-everything-c94
August 14, 2026 at 3:34 PM
It is important to understand that Trump is not the cause of the enshittification of America. He is a consequence. Unless the system is fundamentally changed, the enshittification will continue even after Trump is long gone. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-enshittification-of-everything-c94
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Social Security turns 91 today, but thanks to rising inequality it may not live to see many more birthdays.
I used to be a Social Security trustee — here's how we can fix it without cutting benefits or raising the retirement age.
I used to be a Social Security trustee — here's how we can fix it without cutting benefits or raising the retirement age.
How the Super Rich Are Killing Social Security | Robert Reich
Social Security taxes are rigged for the rich — and the program is in danger because of it.A CEO earning $20M/yr pays So
www.youtube.com
August 14, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Social Security turns 91 today, but thanks to rising inequality it may not live to see many more birthdays.
I used to be a Social Security trustee — here's how we can fix it without cutting benefits or raising the retirement age.
I used to be a Social Security trustee — here's how we can fix it without cutting benefits or raising the retirement age.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Rug Puller-in-Chief.
Trump family crypto earnings: $1.4 billion
#$TRUMP meme coin: -98%
$MELANIA meme coin: -99%
“Perhaps the most blatant example of corruption in the history of American politics.” — Bilello
#$TRUMP meme coin: -98%
$MELANIA meme coin: -99%
“Perhaps the most blatant example of corruption in the history of American politics.” — Bilello
August 14, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Rug Puller-in-Chief.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
The conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is stationed in the Middle East, are so poor that sailors have tried to jump overboard.
Trump also gutted the VA, firing thousands of workers who are veterans themselves.
Remember this when Trump and Republicans claim the mantle of patriotism.
Trump also gutted the VA, firing thousands of workers who are veterans themselves.
Remember this when Trump and Republicans claim the mantle of patriotism.
August 13, 2026 at 9:30 PM
The conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is stationed in the Middle East, are so poor that sailors have tried to jump overboard.
Trump also gutted the VA, firing thousands of workers who are veterans themselves.
Remember this when Trump and Republicans claim the mantle of patriotism.
Trump also gutted the VA, firing thousands of workers who are veterans themselves.
Remember this when Trump and Republicans claim the mantle of patriotism.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Zohran Mamdani is backing a bill to hold Amazon accountable for exploiting delivery drivers.
Now Amazon is launching a $5M lobbying blitz — led by Chuck Schumer's daughter — to crush it.
Instead of spending millions on lobbying, Amazon should pay and treat its drivers fairly.
Now Amazon is launching a $5M lobbying blitz — led by Chuck Schumer's daughter — to crush it.
Instead of spending millions on lobbying, Amazon should pay and treat its drivers fairly.
August 13, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Zohran Mamdani is backing a bill to hold Amazon accountable for exploiting delivery drivers.
Now Amazon is launching a $5M lobbying blitz — led by Chuck Schumer's daughter — to crush it.
Instead of spending millions on lobbying, Amazon should pay and treat its drivers fairly.
Now Amazon is launching a $5M lobbying blitz — led by Chuck Schumer's daughter — to crush it.
Instead of spending millions on lobbying, Amazon should pay and treat its drivers fairly.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
A recent survey found that 92% of U.S. adults have delayed or avoided medical care due to high costs.
Meanwhile, a new study from Yale estimates that Medicare for All would save over 114,000 lives and $1 trillion a year.
If this country was truly “pro-life,” we would have universal healthcare.
Meanwhile, a new study from Yale estimates that Medicare for All would save over 114,000 lives and $1 trillion a year.
If this country was truly “pro-life,” we would have universal healthcare.
August 13, 2026 at 10:15 PM
A recent survey found that 92% of U.S. adults have delayed or avoided medical care due to high costs.
Meanwhile, a new study from Yale estimates that Medicare for All would save over 114,000 lives and $1 trillion a year.
If this country was truly “pro-life,” we would have universal healthcare.
Meanwhile, a new study from Yale estimates that Medicare for All would save over 114,000 lives and $1 trillion a year.
If this country was truly “pro-life,” we would have universal healthcare.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Thank you, Sergey Brin.
"Google co-founder Sergey Brin has now spent $100 million to fight billionaire tax"
techcrunch.com/2026/08/10/g...
"Google co-founder Sergey Brin has now spent $100 million to fight billionaire tax"
techcrunch.com/2026/08/10/g...
This billionaire is accidentally making the case for why we need a wealth tax better than anyone else could.
August 11, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Thank you, Sergey Brin.
"Google co-founder Sergey Brin has now spent $100 million to fight billionaire tax"
techcrunch.com/2026/08/10/g...
"Google co-founder Sergey Brin has now spent $100 million to fight billionaire tax"
techcrunch.com/2026/08/10/g...
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
After the DC Circuit Court halted construction on his ballroom last week, Trump said he would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
This billionaire-backed vanity project is one of the most corrupt things a president has ever done.
This billionaire-backed vanity project is one of the most corrupt things a president has ever done.
August 11, 2026 at 7:31 PM
After the DC Circuit Court halted construction on his ballroom last week, Trump said he would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
This billionaire-backed vanity project is one of the most corrupt things a president has ever done.
This billionaire-backed vanity project is one of the most corrupt things a president has ever done.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
July was one of the hottest months in the U.S. on record — even hotter than July during the 1936 Dust Bowl.
Meanwhile, Trump is gutting renewable energy projects and fast-tracking dirty fossil fuel production that causes climate change.
He’s selling out the future of our planet.
Meanwhile, Trump is gutting renewable energy projects and fast-tracking dirty fossil fuel production that causes climate change.
He’s selling out the future of our planet.
It's Official: This Is the Hottest America Has Ever Been
The contiguous US averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit in July, even hotter than the July 1936 Dust Bowl.
futurism.com
August 11, 2026 at 8:15 PM
July was one of the hottest months in the U.S. on record — even hotter than July during the 1936 Dust Bowl.
Meanwhile, Trump is gutting renewable energy projects and fast-tracking dirty fossil fuel production that causes climate change.
He’s selling out the future of our planet.
Meanwhile, Trump is gutting renewable energy projects and fast-tracking dirty fossil fuel production that causes climate change.
He’s selling out the future of our planet.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
I'm old enough to remember when polio put my friends into iron lungs.
We dutifully lined up at school to get vaccinated. We eradicated the disease. We protected the common good and saved lives.
What RFK Jr. is doing to public health in America is a disgrace.
We dutifully lined up at school to get vaccinated. We eradicated the disease. We protected the common good and saved lives.
What RFK Jr. is doing to public health in America is a disgrace.
August 11, 2026 at 9:00 PM
I'm old enough to remember when polio put my friends into iron lungs.
We dutifully lined up at school to get vaccinated. We eradicated the disease. We protected the common good and saved lives.
What RFK Jr. is doing to public health in America is a disgrace.
We dutifully lined up at school to get vaccinated. We eradicated the disease. We protected the common good and saved lives.
What RFK Jr. is doing to public health in America is a disgrace.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
It appears Energy Secretary Chris Wright was being less than truthful when he told me his department canceled billions in clean energy grants based "on merits and unrelated to politics."
Apparently a clear and direct falsehood while testifying before Congress.
Apparently a clear and direct falsehood while testifying before Congress.
July 24, 2026 at 8:53 PM
It appears Energy Secretary Chris Wright was being less than truthful when he told me his department canceled billions in clean energy grants based "on merits and unrelated to politics."
Apparently a clear and direct falsehood while testifying before Congress.
Apparently a clear and direct falsehood while testifying before Congress.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Absolutely despicable. There is no acceptable excuse for erasing the names of fallen troops who died in service to our nation.
The Pentagon removed the names of 4 servicemembers who died in Jordan from their official list of Iran war casualties. They explain that this is because "their deaths occurred after President Trump declared a cease-fire in the war in April."
Free gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/u...
Free gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/u...
Number of U.S. Troop Deaths in Iran War Appears Lower on Pentagon Website (Gift Article)
Three military officials and a Pentagon spokesman gave conflicting explanations for why the number of Americans killed in the Iran war had changed.
www.nytimes.com
July 25, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Absolutely despicable. There is no acceptable excuse for erasing the names of fallen troops who died in service to our nation.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
SpaceX has joined the Nasdaq 100 today, nearly a month after its IPO.
As I warned then, this Ponzi scheme will affect all of us — even if you don't own SpaceX stock.
As I warned then, this Ponzi scheme will affect all of us — even if you don't own SpaceX stock.
July 7, 2026 at 6:33 PM
SpaceX has joined the Nasdaq 100 today, nearly a month after its IPO.
As I warned then, this Ponzi scheme will affect all of us — even if you don't own SpaceX stock.
As I warned then, this Ponzi scheme will affect all of us — even if you don't own SpaceX stock.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Trump made $636 million from his crypto memecoin in 2025.
He got a cut any time someone traded the coin, which he frequently encouraged his supporters to do.
The one million of them who bought it ended up losing $3.81 BILLION.
Trump will grift his own supporters to enrich himself.
He got a cut any time someone traded the coin, which he frequently encouraged his supporters to do.
The one million of them who bought it ended up losing $3.81 BILLION.
Trump will grift his own supporters to enrich himself.
July 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Trump made $636 million from his crypto memecoin in 2025.
He got a cut any time someone traded the coin, which he frequently encouraged his supporters to do.
The one million of them who bought it ended up losing $3.81 BILLION.
Trump will grift his own supporters to enrich himself.
He got a cut any time someone traded the coin, which he frequently encouraged his supporters to do.
The one million of them who bought it ended up losing $3.81 BILLION.
Trump will grift his own supporters to enrich himself.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Via @citizensforethics.org: All of the top 15 corporate contributors to Trump's pet projects have business before the government or want something from Trump.
They're looking for more government contracts or deregulation at the expense of our health and safety.
Everything is for sale.
They're looking for more government contracts or deregulation at the expense of our health and safety.
Everything is for sale.
Fifteen companies have contributed to at least three of Trump’s pet projects - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Corporations have indulged Trump in his fixation on his pet projects, spending millions of dollars funding them while seeking his favor.
www.citizensforethics.org
July 7, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Via @citizensforethics.org: All of the top 15 corporate contributors to Trump's pet projects have business before the government or want something from Trump.
They're looking for more government contracts or deregulation at the expense of our health and safety.
Everything is for sale.
They're looking for more government contracts or deregulation at the expense of our health and safety.
Everything is for sale.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
This summer's record-setting heat wave is making wildfires in states like Colorado and Utah even worse.
And to top it off, private equity investors are even price-gouging firefighters.
And to top it off, private equity investors are even price-gouging firefighters.
July 7, 2026 at 2:03 PM
This summer's record-setting heat wave is making wildfires in states like Colorado and Utah even worse.
And to top it off, private equity investors are even price-gouging firefighters.
And to top it off, private equity investors are even price-gouging firefighters.
Robert Reich: "They don't want you to know the REAL reason Social Security is in trouble: But I'm going to tell you anyway..." tinyurl.com/m5fpaw7j
@rbreich.bsky.social
@rbreich.bsky.social
They don't want you to know the REAL reason Social Security is in trouble
But I'm going to tell you anyway
tinyurl.com
June 12, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Robert Reich: "They don't want you to know the REAL reason Social Security is in trouble: But I'm going to tell you anyway..." tinyurl.com/m5fpaw7j
@rbreich.bsky.social
@rbreich.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
I'd never seen this -- MAD Magazine, 1991. Really good.
May 28, 2026 at 2:18 PM
I'd never seen this -- MAD Magazine, 1991. Really good.
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
How Expatriation Affects U.S. Social Security Benefits – A Podcast With Virginia La Torre Jeker
Introduction and purpose ... Entitlement to U.S. Social Security (including spousal and survivor benefits) after expatriation has always been a difficult. During the months of January and February 2026…
Introduction and purpose ... Entitlement to U.S. Social Security (including spousal and survivor benefits) after expatriation has always been a difficult. During the months of January and February 2026…
How Expatriation Affects U.S. Social Security Benefits – A Podcast With Virginia La Torre Jeker
Introduction and purpose ... Entitlement to U.S. Social Security (including spousal and survivor benefits) after expatriation has always been a difficult. During the months of January and February 2026 U.S. tax lawyer Virginia La Torre Jeker did a "deep dive" into how expatriation impacts entitlement to Social Security benefits and the way they are taxed. Expatriation (renouncing U.S. citizenship or Green Card abandonment), affects U.S.
citizenshipsolutions.ca
March 2, 2026 at 6:09 PM
How Expatriation Affects U.S. Social Security Benefits – A Podcast With Virginia La Torre Jeker
Introduction and purpose ... Entitlement to U.S. Social Security (including spousal and survivor benefits) after expatriation has always been a difficult. During the months of January and February 2026…
Introduction and purpose ... Entitlement to U.S. Social Security (including spousal and survivor benefits) after expatriation has always been a difficult. During the months of January and February 2026…
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Last year I wrote a short film, two screenplays and three sitcom scripts. Are there any production companies out there who’d like to read any of them? Let me know. Thanks!
February 18, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Last year I wrote a short film, two screenplays and three sitcom scripts. Are there any production companies out there who’d like to read any of them? Let me know. Thanks!
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
May 2nd Rattus bring the music of the Stranglers live to London!
March 5, 2026 at 8:39 PM
May 2nd Rattus bring the music of the Stranglers live to London!
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
What is Trump’s endgame with Iran? | Robert Reich
What is Trump’s endgame with Iran? | Robert Reich
This is a war without a plan, without a strategy, and without any clear understanding of where it leads or how it ends
www.theguardian.com
March 3, 2026 at 12:02 PM
What is Trump’s endgame with Iran? | Robert Reich
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
Plaudits to Joni Mitchell for rhyming “see them” with “museum.” How many times have I heard Big Yellow Taxi and never noticed?
January 7, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Plaudits to Joni Mitchell for rhyming “see them” with “museum.” How many times have I heard Big Yellow Taxi and never noticed?
Reposted by Helen Burggraf
It’s a new day in New York City, and Zohran Mamdani is asking a fundamental question that everyone else across the country should also be asking:
Who should our government work for?
Who should our government work for?
January 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
It’s a new day in New York City, and Zohran Mamdani is asking a fundamental question that everyone else across the country should also be asking:
Who should our government work for?
Who should our government work for?