Connie Sommer

Freelance Writer: @nytimes, @washingtonpost,@vogue, @kveller, @creditcardscom. Mom. Dog owner. Loves to turn the pages of an actual book.

[Soups Ranjan @soupsranjan]

I am a proud US citizen and founder of a successful startup that employs 94 employees in the US and 180+ employees globally. I was in Dubai on a business trip meeting with financial institutions to help them fight financial fraud in the region, but now I am stranded.

I expected the @usgov to do something to get US citizens out but I haven't seen any meaningful action.

After 4 days of adrenalin and constant fear, I feel demoralised and abandoned by our government. It’s difficult watching other countries – UK, Israel, Spain, Italy and India – repatriate their citizens or ensure that commercial flights continue operating to bring them home.

I became a naturalized US citizen because I believe in the American dream, and the idea that in a crisis, America never leaves its citizens behind. I see that American dream being shattered not just for me, but for tens of thousands of other Americans left stranded.

I have 3 requests of our government:

1. Can the @usgov ensure the commercial airlines don't cancel US bound flights? I've booked a dozen flights to leave Dubai and ALL of them got canceled, even as flights to other countries continue operating.

2. If that is not possible, can the USG organize planes, commercial or military, to evacuate Americans out of Dubai and the surrounding region?

I saw a very hopeful note from the Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs which states, “the US State Dept is in touch with 3,000 Americans and that we should call 1-202-501-4444 for assistance with departure options.”

But that is unfortunately not accurate. I am enrolled in Step and have only received generic messages. Further, on calling that number, the message you get is:

"Please don't rely on the USG for assisted departure or evacuation at this point. There are currently no evacuation flights at this time."

3. With funding cuts to the US consulates and with attacks on US embassies in the region, there’s no one that Americans can reach out to in the broader GCC region.

Can we set up an emergency hotline within the US that actually works, and that has someone who is taking down more details?

@SecRubio just stated that there are 1500 Americans who have contacted asking for assistance to evacuate. How did they do that because I am completely at a loss on who to call? I called up 1-202-501-4444 and all I got is a generic message.

Myself and other Americans need help getting back home.

[Gabino Iglesias @Gabino_Iglesias]

What was that about Charlie Kirk?

[Rhodi Hawk @RhodiHawk]

Thrilled to announce THIS TOWN WON'T TELL comes out May 2026 with Crooked Lane. 🎉 Small town suspense, big time wicked.

[Aftermath @Aftermath_site]

PSA: Break your New York Times Games streak today
https://t.co/wc0VxpO0Ub

[Jon Schleuss @gaufre]

We’re on strike at the New York Times. No playing Wordle, the crossword or any of the games. Stand with @NYTGuildTech in demanding a fair first contract! https://t.co/fJM6iwL81W

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@earthquakesLA Barely felt it in Mar Vista

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@jonlovett Amen

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@eldenmirz @beehiiv I'm interested!

[Meghan McCain @MeghanMcCain]

This is the most stressful debate I’ve ever watched and my parent was a nominee against Obama. #DebateNight

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@savranly The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout (two brothers, one sister)

[Barsee 🐶 @heyBarsee]

It's been an insane week for AI.

Here are 9 massive changes happening around AI this week:

1/ Deepfakes are becoming indistinguishable from reality.

[Jen Rice @jen_rice_]

if taylor swift doesnt start dating a journalist soon this entire industry is going to collapse

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@lucaspeterson I’m so sorry. I’m a writer who loves your writing. It’s so sharp and smart. LA’s loss.

[David Hogg 🟧 @davidhogg111]

It’s the guns.

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@annadimond @vauhinivara Thank you Anna!

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

@jenrosesmithvt @TerryWardWriter Thank you for doing that math! I’ve been wondering but am too lazy to do it myself. I made so much more freelancing as a journalist in 2000 than I do now

[KneeDeep Times @KneeDeepTimes]

Marta Segura is determined to keep Los Angeles cool. @constancesommer @Segura4Change @CEMO_EJ4LA 📷: @LACityDPW

https://t.co/u5piwW8Ccf

[KneeDeep Times @KneeDeepTimes]

@allybland @WorksafeCA @ArshtRock @CaliforniaLabor California’s first Chief Heat Officer, Marta Segura, is working to keep Los Angeles livable. She talked with Constance Sommer about why even cooler cities might need a role like hers. 3/3 🧵 @constancesommer @Segura4Change @CEMO_EJ4LA https://t.co/u5piwW8Ccf
📷: @LACityDPW

[Connie Sommer @constancesommer]

For @KneeDeepTimes I interviewed @Segura4Change -- LA's Chief Heat Officer, one of only about a dozen worldwide -- about how to keep L.A. cooler in a warming world.
https://t.co/9BIMRyKdgE

[Jason Resendez @jason_r_DC]

The drum beat for #PaidLeaveforAll grows louder. Great piece in the @nytimes by @constancesommer w/ insights from @dhuckelbridge, @VShabo, @oneunionmom, & me😊on the need for a nat'l policy to make caregiving & work more sustainable. https://t.co/G2I5m4BT0Q #ActOnRAISE