Le Cagle
@lecagle.bsky.social
Feminist. Rhetoric: science, environment, tech comm, disability. really worried about climate change. she/her. Praxis or GTFO.
Yes, it's Cagle. No, please don't call me Lauren.
send dog pics (alt text a must)
nothing here reps my employer
Yes, it's Cagle. No, please don't call me Lauren.
send dog pics (alt text a must)
nothing here reps my employer
Pinned
Le Cagle
@lecagle.bsky.social
· Oct 13
The mountains are underwater and fascism is on the rise, so I recommend going ahead and getting that divorce you've been thinking about.
Reposted by Le Cagle
As a kid in the early 50s my dad got a bad case of athlete's foot. His parents ignored it. His skin cracked. First infection set in, then sepsis. He was saved by the relatively new wonder drug penicillin.
In 1924, Calvin Coolidge's 16-yr-old son played tennis on the White House grounds w/o wearing socks. He got a blister and was dead from infection a week later.
This is unthinkable today—which is why I wrote this series. Cuz the systems that save us from this kind of fate are in urgent need of care.
This is unthinkable today—which is why I wrote this series. Cuz the systems that save us from this kind of fate are in urgent need of care.
For a yr, I've been working on a series for The New Atlantis about the vast systems that underlie our lives. Our ancestors built them up over decades to fend off hunger, thirst, darkness and disease. But too few of us know about them—and they're all at risk. The conclusion is now available online:
November 26, 2025 at 12:06 AM
As a kid in the early 50s my dad got a bad case of athlete's foot. His parents ignored it. His skin cracked. First infection set in, then sepsis. He was saved by the relatively new wonder drug penicillin.
Reposted by Le Cagle
(academia counterpoint: as industry proletarianized, affluent people opted away from the uncertainty including declining to pursue grad school, while less affluent people embraced grad school as one of the only places to get a 6 year job contract w health care; after, contingent employment familiar)
This is one of those things that rarely gets talked about that has had a massive effect.
As fields like journalism, art, and academia were collapsed and living expenses skyrocketed they came to skew increasingly toward people whose families could afford to supplement their income.
As fields like journalism, art, and academia were collapsed and living expenses skyrocketed they came to skew increasingly toward people whose families could afford to supplement their income.
If you're ever wondered why journalists seem so out of touch most of the time it's because in order to establish yourself you need to either come from money, marry into money, or be OK with abject poverty and daily financial panic
That third thing is unsustainable long-term
That third thing is unsustainable long-term
November 26, 2025 at 12:09 AM
(academia counterpoint: as industry proletarianized, affluent people opted away from the uncertainty including declining to pursue grad school, while less affluent people embraced grad school as one of the only places to get a 6 year job contract w health care; after, contingent employment familiar)
Reposted by Le Cagle
Cagle is the truth and does great work yall should read
I have a book chapter I wrote about this!!
More specifically, it's about how tools like web templates help conspiracists move away from traditional visual markers such as wild color templates and mismatched fonts.
Of course LLMs are making it worse.
www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781...
More specifically, it's about how tools like web templates help conspiracists move away from traditional visual markers such as wild color templates and mismatched fonts.
Of course LLMs are making it worse.
www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781...
November 25, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Cagle is the truth and does great work yall should read
Reposted by Le Cagle
Very good thread—how mixed, disjointed modalities used to be part of how to recognize unhinged communication. Now masked by the surface polish of genAI chatbots.
#writingstudies #genai+writing
#writingstudies #genai+writing
Bellingcat’s contact email has always been a magnet for people with fairly unusual views; paranoid delusions, sprawling conspiracies, the works. But recently, the pattern has shifted, we’re seeing more and more emails clearly written with ChatGPT.
November 25, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Very good thread—how mixed, disjointed modalities used to be part of how to recognize unhinged communication. Now masked by the surface polish of genAI chatbots.
#writingstudies #genai+writing
#writingstudies #genai+writing
Reposted by Le Cagle
I have a book chapter I wrote about this!!
More specifically, it's about how tools like web templates help conspiracists move away from traditional visual markers such as wild color templates and mismatched fonts.
Of course LLMs are making it worse.
www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781...
More specifically, it's about how tools like web templates help conspiracists move away from traditional visual markers such as wild color templates and mismatched fonts.
Of course LLMs are making it worse.
www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781...
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reposted by Le Cagle
I always recommend anything by @laurengill.bsky.social, who really cares about the people she writes about.
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I always recommend anything by @laurengill.bsky.social, who really cares about the people she writes about.
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Reposted by Le Cagle
For the Brits a bit of American wildlife so classic we've got a holiday and nursery rhyme (next post) dedicated to them: woodchucks. Roughly the size of a beaver, but w/o the oily coat and (as you can see) w/a furry tail.
Big news! The groundhog is back at my sister's and she gave him a plum
November 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
For the Brits a bit of American wildlife so classic we've got a holiday and nursery rhyme (next post) dedicated to them: woodchucks. Roughly the size of a beaver, but w/o the oily coat and (as you can see) w/a furry tail.
Reposted by Le Cagle
Gender-affirming care saves lives
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
Study In The Journal Of Pediatrics Finds Trans Youth Care Lowers Suicidality, Few Detransition
The groundbreaking study found that suicidality dropped for transgender youth receiving hormone therapy by nearly 70%, with only 7 patients of 432 discontinuing treatment.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Gender-affirming care saves lives
Reposted by Le Cagle
“The committee reviewed all three reasons Texas A&M gave for firing McCoul…and unanimously rejected each one. It also found the university failed to investigate, did not follow its own policies and never proved the allegations used to justify her dismissal.”
This is meaningful to get on the record.
This is meaningful to get on the record.
November 25, 2025 at 12:15 PM
“The committee reviewed all three reasons Texas A&M gave for firing McCoul…and unanimously rejected each one. It also found the university failed to investigate, did not follow its own policies and never proved the allegations used to justify her dismissal.”
This is meaningful to get on the record.
This is meaningful to get on the record.
Reposted by Le Cagle
Under new Trump administration rules, students won't be able to borrow as much for medical or nursing school or some other health professions. n.pr/49F5HOn
New limits on school loans could narrow physician and nurse pipeline, educators warn
Under new Trump administration rules, students won't be able to borrow as much for medical or nursing school or some other health professions.
n.pr
November 25, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Under new Trump administration rules, students won't be able to borrow as much for medical or nursing school or some other health professions. n.pr/49F5HOn
Reposted by Le Cagle
I was talking with some friends recently about how the social fabric of Austin changed with Covid, and it was a pretty dramatic difference — a lot of the communities we were in fractured, and those that came back came back heavily monetized
this is far too common to be dismissed as anecdota tbh. the sheer number of clubs and social groups that couldn't survive remote, or stayed permanently remote, had a huge impact on the social lives of like 100 million americans bsky.app/profile/adis...
this is just anecdotal but among my social circle like 90% of regularly scheduled in-person hangouts simply imploded over COVID and never returned. it's way, way harder to start these things than end them.
November 25, 2025 at 12:32 PM
I was talking with some friends recently about how the social fabric of Austin changed with Covid, and it was a pretty dramatic difference — a lot of the communities we were in fractured, and those that came back came back heavily monetized
Reposted by Le Cagle
I really don’t think we can overstate the harm that the tech ethos of move fast and break things (followed by the unsaid “and then just move on”) has done beyond tech. Government, ngos, universities, public schools that have invited the folks who think like this in keep ending up gutted
All DOGE accomplished was purging critical government staff, handing private data to outsiders, and sentencing thousands in developing countries to death by gutting USAID.
I don’t say this lightly: if there were any justice in this world, the people responsible for this devastation would be in jail
I don’t say this lightly: if there were any justice in this world, the people responsible for this devastation would be in jail
DOGE 'doesn't exist' with eight months left on its charter
U.S. President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency has disbanded with eight months left to its mandate.
www.cnbc.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
I really don’t think we can overstate the harm that the tech ethos of move fast and break things (followed by the unsaid “and then just move on”) has done beyond tech. Government, ngos, universities, public schools that have invited the folks who think like this in keep ending up gutted
Reposted by Le Cagle
It’s especially ironic because the lecture is exactly about the ‘paralyzing cowardice’ of today’s elites.
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
It’s especially ironic because the lecture is exactly about the ‘paralyzing cowardice’ of today’s elites.
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
Reposted by Le Cagle
This has happened against my wishes, and I’m genuinely dismayed by it.
Not because people can’t disagree with my words, but because self-censorship driven by fear (Trump threatening to sue the BBC) should concern all of us. /3
Not because people can’t disagree with my words, but because self-censorship driven by fear (Trump threatening to sue the BBC) should concern all of us. /3
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
This has happened against my wishes, and I’m genuinely dismayed by it.
Not because people can’t disagree with my words, but because self-censorship driven by fear (Trump threatening to sue the BBC) should concern all of us. /3
Not because people can’t disagree with my words, but because self-censorship driven by fear (Trump threatening to sue the BBC) should concern all of us. /3
Reposted by Le Cagle
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Le Cagle
What was lost with recent federal defunding of 3 out of 9 regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs), written by leaders/staff from Northeast, South Central and Pacific Islands CASCs.
We haven't given up on getting their funding restored, along with other cuts to the rest of the network.
We haven't given up on getting their funding restored, along with other cuts to the rest of the network.
From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The people who manage America’s aquifers, wetlands, shorelines and recreation areas rely on federal science as they face new and rising risks in a changing climate.
theconversation.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:03 AM
What was lost with recent federal defunding of 3 out of 9 regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs), written by leaders/staff from Northeast, South Central and Pacific Islands CASCs.
We haven't given up on getting their funding restored, along with other cuts to the rest of the network.
We haven't given up on getting their funding restored, along with other cuts to the rest of the network.
Reposted by Le Cagle
Right now, nearly 200 authors across the country are crafting the second drafts of their chapters for a first-of-its-kind assessment of how nature supports life in the United States. This is the story of how it all comes together (there’s even a song!) open.substack.com/pub/unitedby...
How a Chapter is Born
Plus, a theme song on what it feels like to be a draft
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Right now, nearly 200 authors across the country are crafting the second drafts of their chapters for a first-of-its-kind assessment of how nature supports life in the United States. This is the story of how it all comes together (there’s even a song!) open.substack.com/pub/unitedby...
Reposted by Le Cagle
My not so hot analysis is that these autism groups have legitimate divides about how to approach autism and autistic people. Some of these will never be solved by civil debate. But RFK Jr.’s conspiracy mongering drains resources from these groups’ major priorities.
It ain’t the first time RFK has prompted this kind of enemy of my enemy statement, but it’s good to see each time.
WOW! Autism Society of America, The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, the Autism Science Foundation, the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Autism Speaks put out a statement denouncing the CDC changing its website on vaccines
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
autisticadvocacy.org/2025/11/lead...
November 25, 2025 at 2:04 AM
My not so hot analysis is that these autism groups have legitimate divides about how to approach autism and autistic people. Some of these will never be solved by civil debate. But RFK Jr.’s conspiracy mongering drains resources from these groups’ major priorities.
Reposted by Le Cagle
What will unify them is that each will have a "learn more" QR code where readers will get all the details on how to go about planting native plants for beginners.
If we want to reach people we've never reached, we need to connect in a way we've never connected. Let's see how this goes!
If we want to reach people we've never reached, we need to connect in a way we've never connected. Let's see how this goes!
November 25, 2025 at 2:02 AM
What will unify them is that each will have a "learn more" QR code where readers will get all the details on how to go about planting native plants for beginners.
If we want to reach people we've never reached, we need to connect in a way we've never connected. Let's see how this goes!
If we want to reach people we've never reached, we need to connect in a way we've never connected. Let's see how this goes!
Reposted by Le Cagle
With the goal of reaching new ppl w/biodiversity action, we're expanding the Native Plant Project to bars. We're calling it Biodiversity Beers.
In collab w/artists Marian Bailey, @hanfranstudio.bsky.social, & @the666cat.bsky.social, we're making pint glasses that encourage planting of native 🌱
In collab w/artists Marian Bailey, @hanfranstudio.bsky.social, & @the666cat.bsky.social, we're making pint glasses that encourage planting of native 🌱
November 25, 2025 at 1:59 AM
With the goal of reaching new ppl w/biodiversity action, we're expanding the Native Plant Project to bars. We're calling it Biodiversity Beers.
In collab w/artists Marian Bailey, @hanfranstudio.bsky.social, & @the666cat.bsky.social, we're making pint glasses that encourage planting of native 🌱
In collab w/artists Marian Bailey, @hanfranstudio.bsky.social, & @the666cat.bsky.social, we're making pint glasses that encourage planting of native 🌱
Reposted by Le Cagle
Zohran Mamdani just keeps making winning moves. Alondra on your technology committee is pretty much as good as it gets. Hot Damn.
Honored to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social Transition Committee on Technology. For too long, too many New Yorkers have been left behind. NYC deserves governance that centers affordability, equity, and the public good-looking forward to the work ahead. www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announces transition committees
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of 17 transition advisory committees made up of more than 400 people.
www.cbsnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Zohran Mamdani just keeps making winning moves. Alondra on your technology committee is pretty much as good as it gets. Hot Damn.
Reposted by Le Cagle
“International students and members of the community are not anxious and concerned.
They are terrified.“
They are terrified.“
November 25, 2025 at 1:43 AM
“International students and members of the community are not anxious and concerned.
They are terrified.“
They are terrified.“
Reposted by Le Cagle
Happy Christmas dog sweater season to all who celebrate
November 24, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Happy Christmas dog sweater season to all who celebrate
Reposted by Le Cagle
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
November 24, 2025 at 10:33 PM
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
Reposted by Le Cagle
At least since 2016. It’s a poor representation of the public sphere for a lot of reasons, but this is an important one.
If you’re a journalist who’s still on Twitter, from now on in your writing you have to replace “the American people want” with “troll bots in Eastern Europe demand”
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
At least since 2016. It’s a poor representation of the public sphere for a lot of reasons, but this is an important one.