Lucas Grindley
@lucasgrindley.bsky.social
Executive Director + podcast host for @nextcity.org Composer; music in links. he/him 🏳️🌈 https://linkin.bio/lucasgrindley https://lmgsoundworks.substack.com
Somehow, I'm keeping up the pace of a new song each month. Here's the latest.
The Final Escaping Sun
From the composer: After watching the film and listening to the score from The Odyssey, this song is what emerged from the inspiration.
soundcloud.com
Just learned this piece is among the many semifinalists in the 2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards. It was previously a semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition; here’s to hoping this time we make “finalist.”
Receiving An Offering of Roses
From the composer: An expression of gratitude for the divine. Semi-finalist, 2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards Semi-finalist, 2025 International Songwriting Competition
soundcloud.com
This approval rating is being called “a second-term low,” but I think it’s the worst of both terms? Can’t find one lower.
Trump’s Approval Sinks Amid Unpopular War, Darkening G.O.P. Prospects
nytimes.com
I hope that other national and local outlets are paying attention to what's happening to this credit union in Arkansas. @oscarthinks.bsky.social does an expert job of explaining for @nextcity.org.
Why Are Federal Regulators Trying To Take Away This Credit Union?
People Trust Community Federal Credit Union gave Little Rock's underbanked Black entrepreneurs a home. Now federal regulators have seized it — and industry leaders say they've seen this before.
nextcity.org
Here's a piece I wrote for pipe organ, if that's your thing. (I do love a modern twist on a pipe organ.)
"Alchemy" by Lucas Grindley
YouTube video by Lucas Grindley
youtube.com
It turns out that not only is AI creating fake videos and photos, but it also "fact checks" real stuff by calling it fake. 😵💫
A photo of Iran’s bombed schoolgirl graveyard went around the world. Was it real, or AI?
Numerous faked images and a string of startlingly inaccurate responses from Gemini and Grok are part of a tidal wave of AI slop engulfing coverage of the Iran war
theguardian.com
When it comes to the complexities of finance—especially the good kind—there's no one I trust more than @oscarthinks.bsky.social to explain what's really going on. The latest example:
CDFI Assets Fell For The First Time In Years. Here’s What That Really Means.
Credit unions serving low-income populations are increasingly letting their CDFI certification lapse. But they’re not retreating from their mission.
nextcity.org
These organizers are working not on neighborhood "preservation," not on "revitalization," but "revival." Reported by @nextcity.org's @oscarthinks.bsky.social, here's what that means to them.
Black Commercial Corridors Are Still Banking On Culture
From West Oakland to Birmingham, historic commercial districts in Black neighborhoods are using cultural preservation to drive community investment.
nextcity.org
I want to say this as clearly as possible for The New York Times... WHO CARES WHAT PETER THIEL AND ELON MUSK THINK ABOUT THE GIVING PLEDGE?
The Billionaire Backlash Against a Philanthropic Dream
nytimes.com
One city. One group. 250,000 whistles distributed.
From L.A. to Chicago, Residents Are Using Whistles To Warn Neighbors of ICE Activity
Whistles – some 3D-printed, distributed in coffee shops and churches – have become a fixture in neighborhoods where residents are seeking ways to warn one another in real time. In some neighborhoods, ...
nextcity.org
Create the economy you want to see in the world? I'm always amazed by people actually doing this. This week on the podcast, we meet an incredible example of someone proving it's possible. Black Soil KY is both investing in Black farmers and creating a marketplace for fresh food in food deserts.
Bridging Kentucky’s Cities and Black Farms
Podcast: Black Soil KY is changing the economics of food access in Lexington.
nextcity.org
This group stopped 9,000 meals from going to waste after a single event. The question is, what if the same thing happened at every major event?
What If Every Major Event Helped Feed the City?
Op-ed: Sports events, conventions and festivals produce massive food surpluses. Local policies can redirect that food to people in need while advancing climate goals.
nextcity.org
What if your city could spend $1 million to wipe out $90 million in its residents' medical debt? Here's a @nextcity.org story of one place where that's happening.
In Two Kentucky Cities, Two Different Models To Erasing Medical Debt
Lexington used a $1 million public contract to wipe out millions in hospital bills. In rural Paducah, organizers are crowdfunding — hoping to clear a fraction of that total without city hall.
nextcity.org
An update from Trump: “I’m not ripping it down. I’ll be using the steel." Still sounds like he's destroying it.
Trump says Kennedy Center renovation won’t be a full tear-down
The president said the project, which could cost $200 million, will keep the steel and some marble of the existing building.
politico.com
Lucas Grindley@lucasgrindley.bsky.social · 6mo agoWHAT?! "Although no specifics are given, it seems that the Kennedy Center would be demolished much like the White House East Wing and something new built in its place."
Remembering all the times pundits dismissed the idea he'd ever try this... Trump: “The Republicans should say, ‘We want to take over.’ We should take over the voting, the voting in at least many — 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting.”
Trump, in an Escalation, Calls for Republicans to ‘Nationalize’ Elections
nytimes.com
WHAT?! "Although no specifics are given, it seems that the Kennedy Center would be demolished much like the White House East Wing and something new built in its place."
Washington Classical Review
washingtonclassicalreview.com
I'm trying to force myself to imagine what life can feel like when we rebuild. So I wrote this piece—
Life Again
From the composer: I'm trying to force myself to imagine what life can feel like when we rebuild. So I wrote
soundcloud.com
perfectly normal everything's fine
Greenland PM Tells People to Prepare for Possible Invasion
“It’s not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a press conference in capital Nuuk on Tuesday. Greenland’s government will...
finance.yahoo.com
everyone you see arrested in this video is a U.S. citizen
"In Defense of Logic" by Lucas Grindley
YouTube video by Lucas Grindley
youtube.com
This is not a hallmark of a functioning democracy. Just the opposite.
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist in a Leak Investigation
nytimes.com
This decision will be looked at through a political lens, and that's warranted. But it's clearly also about a financial tipping point. If the Washington National Opera can't risk performing at the Kennedy Center, then who can?
Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center
nytimes.com
music i wrote— "Jupiter" I make these videos to give a sense of what a song might "look like" on film.
"Jupiter" by Lucas Grindley
YouTube video by Lucas Grindley
youtu.be
Music I wrote for the minimalists out there—"Don't Fight the Apple"
"Don't Fight the Apple" by Lucas Grindley
YouTube video by Lucas Grindley
youtu.be
The headline writers aren't doing this piece any favors. The solution isn't about "beautified" anything.
In Philadelphia, Beautified Blocks Build Community and Safety
nytimes.com
