Michelle R. Smith
@bymichellersmith.com
Reporter at Guardian US. Ex-@APNews
Investigating the forces behind attacks on science and public health
Reach me on Signal: mrsmith.123
[email protected]
Based in Providence, Rhode Island
Investigating the forces behind attacks on science and public health
Reach me on Signal: mrsmith.123
[email protected]
Based in Providence, Rhode Island
Pinned
Michelle R. Smith
@bymichellersmith.com
· Oct 21
Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century
More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year.
apnews.com
NEW: AP investigation finds over 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections have been introduced in statehouses across the US this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. w/ @lauraungar.bsky.social
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
Three members of Congress say US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr lied during his Senate confirmation hearings, that newly revealed emails undermine his testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”
RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Three members of Congress say US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr lied during his Senate confirmation hearings, that newly revealed emails undermine his testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”
This is in response to our reporting last week:
Emails we obtained through a FOIA lawsuit with @rcfp.org undermine RFK Jr's testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”.
Emails we obtained through a FOIA lawsuit with @rcfp.org undermine RFK Jr's testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”.
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
This is in response to our reporting last week:
Emails we obtained through a FOIA lawsuit with @rcfp.org undermine RFK Jr's testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”.
Emails we obtained through a FOIA lawsuit with @rcfp.org undermine RFK Jr's testimony that a trip he took to Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines”.
NEW reaction to our reporting on Kennedy's trip to Samoa
RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say
Newly revealed emails undermine Kennedy’s testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of deadly measles outbreak
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
NEW reaction to our reporting on Kennedy's trip to Samoa
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
Reminder of @bymichellersmith.com reporting on this topic of what RFK Jr's former advocacy group stands for www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
February 8, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Reminder of @bymichellersmith.com reporting on this topic of what RFK Jr's former advocacy group stands for www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines.”
But records obtained by @theguardian.com + @apnews.com — stemming from a FOIA lawsuit filed by @rcfp.org attorneys on the outlets' behalf — tell a different story.
But records obtained by @theguardian.com + @apnews.com — stemming from a FOIA lawsuit filed by @rcfp.org attorneys on the outlets' behalf — tell a different story.
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a deadly measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines.”
But records obtained by @theguardian.com + @apnews.com — stemming from a FOIA lawsuit filed by @rcfp.org attorneys on the outlets' behalf — tell a different story.
But records obtained by @theguardian.com + @apnews.com — stemming from a FOIA lawsuit filed by @rcfp.org attorneys on the outlets' behalf — tell a different story.
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
Really important work by @bymichellersmith.com @aliswenson.bsky.social
RFK Jr said during his Senate confirmation hearings that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines." Documents obtained by @us.theguardian.com and @apnews.com undermine that testimony. Details here, by me and @aliswenson.bsky.social ⬇️
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Really important work by @bymichellersmith.com @aliswenson.bsky.social
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
RFK Jr said during his Senate confirmation hearings that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines." Documents obtained by @us.theguardian.com and @apnews.com undermine that testimony. Details here, by me and @aliswenson.bsky.social ⬇️
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
A must read by @bymichellersmith.com and partners at the AP about RFK Jr's trip to Samoa and what he claimed it was about www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM
A must read by @bymichellersmith.com and partners at the AP about RFK Jr's trip to Samoa and what he claimed it was about www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
The Guardian redesigned our ICE trackers this week, see the new graphs here: www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
The number of people in detention continues to rise. With each data release, there is a new record high number of people in immigration detention
The number of people in detention continues to rise. With each data release, there is a new record high number of people in immigration detention
February 6, 2026 at 2:33 PM
The Guardian redesigned our ICE trackers this week, see the new graphs here: www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
The number of people in detention continues to rise. With each data release, there is a new record high number of people in immigration detention
The number of people in detention continues to rise. With each data release, there is a new record high number of people in immigration detention
When Kennedy was running for president in 2023, @aliswenson.bsky.social and I wrote about his trip to Samoa and the impact his work has had on people in the US and abroad. Our reporting then prompted my FOIA to the state department. We now have some of the records I asked for thanks to @rcfp.org
RFK Jr. spent years stoking fear and mistrust of vaccines. These people were hurt by his work
The book, called “Cause Unknown,” was co-published by an anti-vaccine group led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now running for president.
apnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:08 PM
When Kennedy was running for president in 2023, @aliswenson.bsky.social and I wrote about his trip to Samoa and the impact his work has had on people in the US and abroad. Our reporting then prompted my FOIA to the state department. We now have some of the records I asked for thanks to @rcfp.org
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
The Guardian and the AP: Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
The Guardian and the AP: Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
I filed an open records request with the US State Department for these records in 2023. We were still waiting for them last year, and @rcfp.org sued on our behalf. Thank you to the Reporters Committee for helping us shine a light
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
I filed an open records request with the US State Department for these records in 2023. We were still waiting for them last year, and @rcfp.org sued on our behalf. Thank you to the Reporters Committee for helping us shine a light
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The documents have prompted concerns from at least one US senator that Kennedy, who now leads America’s health policy, lied to Congress over the visit.
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
The documents have prompted concerns from at least one US senator that Kennedy, who now leads America’s health policy, lied to Congress over the visit.
Emails sent by staff at the US embassy and the United Nations provide, for the first time, an inside look at how Kennedy’s 2019 trip to Samoa came about and include contemporaneous accounts suggesting his concerns about vaccine safety motivated the visit.
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Emails sent by staff at the US embassy and the United Nations provide, for the first time, an inside look at how Kennedy’s 2019 trip to Samoa came about and include contemporaneous accounts suggesting his concerns about vaccine safety motivated the visit.
RFK Jr said during his Senate confirmation hearings that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines." Documents obtained by @us.theguardian.com and @apnews.com undermine that testimony. Details here, by me and @aliswenson.bsky.social ⬇️
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
RFK Jr said during his Senate confirmation hearings that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines." Documents obtained by @us.theguardian.com and @apnews.com undermine that testimony. Details here, by me and @aliswenson.bsky.social ⬇️
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
“If I am killed doing this, throw my body at the White House, martyr the shit out of me & raise hell. Do not be sad. Do not think I would do anything differently. I would do it over & over again — this is too important to sit down & shut up and not do anything.” www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
NEW: A government attorney who was detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is no longer on that detail after telling a judge “this job sucks” and asking to be held in contempt so she could get 24 hours of sleep: www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Attorney for government tells judge in ICE case: 'This job sucks'
Julie Le made the remark while she was representing the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota, where federal officers are conducting a massive immigration crackdown.
www.nbcnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
NEW: A government attorney who was detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is no longer on that detail after telling a judge “this job sucks” and asking to be held in contempt so she could get 24 hours of sleep: www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
An 11-year-old girl from Columbia Heights remains in ICE detention at the Dilley, Texas facility — where measles cases have been reported — sparking concern among family, community members and advocates.
Columbia Heights girl, 11, remains in ICE detention in Texas during measles outbreak
Elizabeth Zuna Caisaguano was detained nearly a month ago with her mother on their way to school in Columbia Heights, the same district as 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. A measles outbreak at the deten...
www.mprnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:23 PM
An 11-year-old girl from Columbia Heights remains in ICE detention at the Dilley, Texas facility — where measles cases have been reported — sparking concern among family, community members and advocates.
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Exclusive: Despite new curbs, Elon Musk’s Grok at times produces sexualized images - even when told subjects didn’t consent
Elon Musk’s flagship artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people even when users explicitly warn that the subjects do not consent, Reuters has found.
www.reuters.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:37 AM
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
A 2007 FBI memo said further investigation was needed to determine if they ‘engaged in referring possible victims to each other’. Copperfield has never been charged with illegal conduct and has denied any wrongdoing
Epstein and magician David Copperfield had ‘close relationship’, newly released files say
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:18 PM
A 2007 FBI memo said further investigation was needed to determine if they ‘engaged in referring possible victims to each other’. Copperfield has never been charged with illegal conduct and has denied any wrongdoing
Reposted by Michelle R. Smith
BREAKING: ICE has halted "all movement" at a Texas detention facility due to measles infections, DHS confirms.
ICE halts "all movement" at Texas detention facility due to measles infections
The measles cases at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center were detected Friday, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to CBS News.
cbsn.ws
February 2, 2026 at 1:21 AM
BREAKING: ICE has halted "all movement" at a Texas detention facility due to measles infections, DHS confirms.
It's hard to tell from here but at least a foot, probably more
February 1, 2026 at 4:31 PM
It's hard to tell from here but at least a foot, probably more
To answer your question: Our bins are on top of the massive snowdrift that city plows left completely untouched in the middle of my street
February 1, 2026 at 4:27 PM
To answer your question: Our bins are on top of the massive snowdrift that city plows left completely untouched in the middle of my street
I'm sick of communication from the city blaming everyone else. Their message out yesterday says there was "limited participation" by residents in trash pickup.
Um, no. The trucks never came to get them!
The city acts like it's the storm of the century. We had a bigger storm as recently as 2022
Um, no. The trucks never came to get them!
The city acts like it's the storm of the century. We had a bigger storm as recently as 2022
February 1, 2026 at 4:22 PM
I'm sick of communication from the city blaming everyone else. Their message out yesterday says there was "limited participation" by residents in trash pickup.
Um, no. The trucks never came to get them!
The city acts like it's the storm of the century. We had a bigger storm as recently as 2022
Um, no. The trucks never came to get them!
The city acts like it's the storm of the century. We had a bigger storm as recently as 2022