Sam Flowers
@flowerysam.bsky.social
Pinned
Artificial Intelligence creating Artificial Facts for an Artificial Reality.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
The Trump administration is moving to cancel five major offshore wind projects, deepening its broader assault on renewable energy and likely driving up utility costs for consumers by keeping the US locked into more expensive, polluting fossil fuels.
Trump Administration Moves to Kill 5 Major Offshore Wind Projects
The decision is a part of Trump’s broad attack on renewable energy sources, pushing up utility rates for US consumers.
truthout.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:24 PM
The Trump administration is moving to cancel five major offshore wind projects, deepening its broader assault on renewable energy and likely driving up utility costs for consumers by keeping the US locked into more expensive, polluting fossil fuels.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Overall, this big @nytimes.com investigation identified $500m+ that was donated to Trump-backed groups AFTER the election from 346 donors.
It found that more than half of the donors have benefited in some way from actions by Trump or his administration. (gift link)
It found that more than half of the donors have benefited in some way from actions by Trump or his administration. (gift link)
December 22, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Overall, this big @nytimes.com investigation identified $500m+ that was donated to Trump-backed groups AFTER the election from 346 donors.
It found that more than half of the donors have benefited in some way from actions by Trump or his administration. (gift link)
It found that more than half of the donors have benefited in some way from actions by Trump or his administration. (gift link)
Reposted by Sam Flowers
James Talarico exposes GOP private school voucher scam:
“Elon Musk is a Texas resident and is eligible for these funds.
He has 8 children. That's $2 million in funds for Elon Musk.
You're taking tax dollars of plumbers and nurses to subsidize families who already have kids at private schools."
“Elon Musk is a Texas resident and is eligible for these funds.
He has 8 children. That's $2 million in funds for Elon Musk.
You're taking tax dollars of plumbers and nurses to subsidize families who already have kids at private schools."
December 22, 2025 at 8:48 PM
James Talarico exposes GOP private school voucher scam:
“Elon Musk is a Texas resident and is eligible for these funds.
He has 8 children. That's $2 million in funds for Elon Musk.
You're taking tax dollars of plumbers and nurses to subsidize families who already have kids at private schools."
“Elon Musk is a Texas resident and is eligible for these funds.
He has 8 children. That's $2 million in funds for Elon Musk.
You're taking tax dollars of plumbers and nurses to subsidize families who already have kids at private schools."
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Reposted by Sam Flowers
I find it more than ironic that at a time when almost the entire conservative moment is trying to defend their Dear Leader's relationship with the world's most notorious child sex trafficker, their new celeb of choice is the wife of a registered sex offender.
Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Erica Kirk onstage to reveal her "utmost respect" for President Donald Trump at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest.
Nicki Minaj proclaims 'love' for Trump, Vance at Turning Point event
Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Erica Kirk onstage to reveal her "utmost respect" for President Donald Trump at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I find it more than ironic that at a time when almost the entire conservative moment is trying to defend their Dear Leader's relationship with the world's most notorious child sex trafficker, their new celeb of choice is the wife of a registered sex offender.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
JUST IN: Democratic-led states sue to block US consumer watchdog's defunding under Trump reut.rs/4b0NUlg
December 22, 2025 at 9:22 PM
JUST IN: Democratic-led states sue to block US consumer watchdog's defunding under Trump reut.rs/4b0NUlg
Reposted by Sam Flowers
NEW: New Mexico last year passed a major reform to end life without parole for minors.
NM has since released some people on parole who'd been convicted to life as kids, & already served decades.
But then the Dem AG issued a surprise opinion seeking to block releases of people being granted parole.
NM has since released some people on parole who'd been convicted to life as kids, & already served decades.
But then the Dem AG issued a surprise opinion seeking to block releases of people being granted parole.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms - Bolts
New Mexico lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:19 PM
NEW: New Mexico last year passed a major reform to end life without parole for minors.
NM has since released some people on parole who'd been convicted to life as kids, & already served decades.
But then the Dem AG issued a surprise opinion seeking to block releases of people being granted parole.
NM has since released some people on parole who'd been convicted to life as kids, & already served decades.
But then the Dem AG issued a surprise opinion seeking to block releases of people being granted parole.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
A Palestinian cries and collapses near the bodies of his loved ones who were killed by Israeli forces in the al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, during the night.
December 20, 2025 at 5:25 AM
A Palestinian cries and collapses near the bodies of his loved ones who were killed by Israeli forces in the al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, during the night.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
This longer piece by @catvalente.bsky.social is obliquely about resilience targeting, and specifically about the lack of political organization on the left in the U.S.
Except be sure to read the first comment. Organizing is happening at the most local level.
open.substack.com/pub/catvalen...
Except be sure to read the first comment. Organizing is happening at the most local level.
open.substack.com/pub/catvalen...
December 21, 2025 at 5:32 PM
This longer piece by @catvalente.bsky.social is obliquely about resilience targeting, and specifically about the lack of political organization on the left in the U.S.
Except be sure to read the first comment. Organizing is happening at the most local level.
open.substack.com/pub/catvalen...
Except be sure to read the first comment. Organizing is happening at the most local level.
open.substack.com/pub/catvalen...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
The real AI arms race? It’s between clean energy and the fossil fuel lobby.
The Koch Network Is Pushing Trump to Accelerate AI, Documents Show - Truthdig
The right-wing group Americans for Prosperity, backed by billionaire Charles Koch, sees data centers as part of a pro-fossil fuel agenda.
www.truthdig.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The real AI arms race? It’s between clean energy and the fossil fuel lobby.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
I was talking to a colleague on Friday and he said, oh, I didn’t know you wrote a book?? and clearly I have not been obnoxious enough anout this. So: I wrote a book. Some people thought it was good. You should read it
www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/epis...
www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/epis...
From Climate Catastrophes to Space Romance––Scientific American’s Favorite Science Books of the Year
Scientific American unveils its first-ever best fiction and nonfiction books of the year, spotlighting stories that blend science, imagination and unforgettable voices.
www.scientificamerican.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I was talking to a colleague on Friday and he said, oh, I didn’t know you wrote a book?? and clearly I have not been obnoxious enough anout this. So: I wrote a book. Some people thought it was good. You should read it
www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/epis...
www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/epis...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
As federal agents descend on Chicago for more immigration raids, our analysis shows what happened to ~1,600 people arrested there this fall. We report how federal agencies moved them through an expanded network of detention facilities — many rife with complaints of inhumane conditions.
ICE Data Reveals What Happened to 1,600 People Arrested During Chicago’s Blitz
Most of those arrested were swiftly shuttled to a sprawling array of detention centers in 13 states, many with reports of troubling conditions.
www.themarshallproject.org
December 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
As federal agents descend on Chicago for more immigration raids, our analysis shows what happened to ~1,600 people arrested there this fall. We report how federal agencies moved them through an expanded network of detention facilities — many rife with complaints of inhumane conditions.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Commentary: The far right's love of deepfakes and distortions came back to haunt them as Charlie Kirk, their assassinated hero, became a brain-rot meme
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Charlie Kirk's Afterlife as AI Slop Is No Accident
The assassination of Charlie Kirk turned him into fodder for AI-generated deepfakes and memes even while conservatives memorialized him as a martyr.
www.rollingstone.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Commentary: The far right's love of deepfakes and distortions came back to haunt them as Charlie Kirk, their assassinated hero, became a brain-rot meme
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
"It has become increasingly clear what unrestrained Trumpism means for the country: corruption and cruelty at home, incompetence and anarchy abroad." Turns out Americans don't love it. ICYMI Matt Johnson: lnk.thebulwark.com/48TqBqY
Americans Are Turning Hard Against Trumpism
His insane overreaches are giving Americans a new appreciation for free trade, immigration, and international alliances.
lnk.thebulwark.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
"It has become increasingly clear what unrestrained Trumpism means for the country: corruption and cruelty at home, incompetence and anarchy abroad." Turns out Americans don't love it. ICYMI Matt Johnson: lnk.thebulwark.com/48TqBqY
Reposted by Sam Flowers
The Trump administration is trying to legislate trans people out of existence | Judith Levine
The Trump administration is trying to legislate trans people out of existence | Judith Levine
Robert F Kennedy Jr is pushing a plan to block medical treatments, the latest move against bodily autonomy
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The Trump administration is trying to legislate trans people out of existence | Judith Levine
Reposted by Sam Flowers
What the actual fuck? The DEADLINE was yesterday. Sure Dems, come on out and tell us how they broke the law by not releasing all the documents, redacting hundreds of pages, and adding photos of Bill Clinton that had nothing to do with Epstein. Where are the US Marshalls? The DEADLINE was yesterday.
December 20, 2025 at 2:58 PM
What the actual fuck? The DEADLINE was yesterday. Sure Dems, come on out and tell us how they broke the law by not releasing all the documents, redacting hundreds of pages, and adding photos of Bill Clinton that had nothing to do with Epstein. Where are the US Marshalls? The DEADLINE was yesterday.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
In preparing for my most recent Supreme Court argument, I realized that I have something in common with the Court’s conservative members. Like them, I do not believe there should be “second-class” constitutional rights subject to judicial balancing. If something is a right, it must be protected.
The Right to Vote Deserves First-Class Protection
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
In preparing for my most recent Supreme Court argument, I realized that I have something in common with the Court’s conservative members. Like them, I do not believe there should be “second-class” constitutional rights subject to judicial balancing. If something is a right, it must be protected.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Erika Kirk, a grift that keeps grifting.
December 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Erika Kirk, a grift that keeps grifting.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
New -- I spoke to a physician warning that AI industry incentives are a "perfect storm" for a public health crisis:
“If we fail to act, we risk letting market forces, rather than public health, define how relational AI influences mental health and well-being at scale.”
futurism.com/artificial-i...
“If we fail to act, we risk letting market forces, rather than public health, define how relational AI influences mental health and well-being at scale.”
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Doctors Warn That AI Companions Are Dangerous
The market incentives at play in the AI industry are creating a "perfect storm" for a public health crisis over chatbots, physicians warn.
futurism.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:50 PM
New -- I spoke to a physician warning that AI industry incentives are a "perfect storm" for a public health crisis:
“If we fail to act, we risk letting market forces, rather than public health, define how relational AI influences mental health and well-being at scale.”
futurism.com/artificial-i...
“If we fail to act, we risk letting market forces, rather than public health, define how relational AI influences mental health and well-being at scale.”
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Fraudsters use AI to fake artwork authenticity and ownership ft.trib.al/17zlI0g
Fraudsters use AI to fake artwork authenticity and ownership
Chatbots forge convincing sales invoices and other documents, say industry figures
ft.trib.al
December 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Fraudsters use AI to fake artwork authenticity and ownership ft.trib.al/17zlI0g
Reposted by Sam Flowers
President Donald Trump came to North Carolina on Friday to talk about the economy.
He ended up explaining how his wife organizes her lingerie drawer.
He ended up explaining how his wife organizes her lingerie drawer.
Trump talks about neuroses, purchasing chairs and his wife’s underwear drawer in latest affordability speech | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump came to North Carolina on Friday to talk about the economy.
www.cnn.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:05 AM
President Donald Trump came to North Carolina on Friday to talk about the economy.
He ended up explaining how his wife organizes her lingerie drawer.
He ended up explaining how his wife organizes her lingerie drawer.
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Via @fiona-murphy.bsky.social: New Jersey religious activists call for investigation after ICE detainee’s death —> religionnews.com/2025/12/19/r...
New Jersey religious activists call for investigation after ICE detainee’s death
NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — The death of Jean Wilson Brutus marks the first recorded death at Delaney Hall — the largest immigrant detention facility on the East Coast — since its reopening in May.
religionnews.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Via @fiona-murphy.bsky.social: New Jersey religious activists call for investigation after ICE detainee’s death —> religionnews.com/2025/12/19/r...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
December 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Reposted by Sam Flowers
Gift article. Don't want to see tRumpty-dumpty's face on your national parks pass? Here's a solution!
www.denverpost.com/2025/12/19/n...
www.denverpost.com/2025/12/19/n...
Boulder artist makes stickers to cover Trump’s face on National Parks passes — and the orders are flying in
Jenny McCarty’s stickers for the 2026 passes have gained national attention since launching Dec. 10.
www.denverpost.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Gift article. Don't want to see tRumpty-dumpty's face on your national parks pass? Here's a solution!
www.denverpost.com/2025/12/19/n...
www.denverpost.com/2025/12/19/n...
Reposted by Sam Flowers
“One of the great virtues to have [in Trumpworld] is that you got caught doing bad things and not giving a fuck… That’s the definition of Donald Trump’s career. He’s been caught over and over again. I think they value that greatly.”
I wrote about Benny Johnson, a documented plagiarist who’s become something like MAGA’s content creator in chief: www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
How Benny Johnson went from BuzzFeed plagiarist to MAGA's chief content creator
He says he did “some very bad things.” But in Trumpworld, that's a plus.
www.motherjones.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:13 PM
“One of the great virtues to have [in Trumpworld] is that you got caught doing bad things and not giving a fuck… That’s the definition of Donald Trump’s career. He’s been caught over and over again. I think they value that greatly.”