Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · 5h

Irresponsible! Using our military to distract from the NoKings rally without regard for Californian civilian safety! What kind of administration but a kookoo for coco puff regime fires live weapons over i5 and say Gov Newsom was wrong. He has Californians’ best interest, not our fed gov, not JD.

Frank Figliuzzi @frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social · 9h

Everyone is laughing at us. Everyone: Artillery Shell Detonated Over Interstate 5 During Marines’ Celebration, California Officials Say www.nytimes.com/2025/10/19/u...

Artillery Shell Detonated Over Interstate 5 During Marines’ Celebration, California Officials Say

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by NorCal Selkie

Kat Abughazaleh @katmabu.bsky.social · 14d

I’m horrified by Trump’s order to send 300 National Guard troops to Chicago. We’re only nine months into a four year term and already the president is trying to invade an American city. If you’re in the Guard, you can and should refuse these orders.

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Reposted by NorCal Selkie

Saganism @sagan.bsky.social · Jun 10

A message from Carl Sagan from 1995—some of his last prophetic words.

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Jun 11

#NoKings Peaceful March for Democracy this Saturday

Find your location and bring a friend! www.nokings.org

No Kings

On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. ...

www.nokings.org

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

I’ve been thinking about the power of this museum. “In storytelling, historical irony gives a character’s perspective. It is a very specific type of situational irony. Since we've all been touched by nostalgia at some point in our lives, historical irony becomes a universal idea.” The EPIC captures♥️

A black slide with white font of a quote by Mary Robinson reads: “In fact, I have become more convinced each year that this great narrative of dispossession and belonging, which so often had its printings in sorrow and leave-taking, has become, with a certain amount of historic irony, one of the treasures of our society.”

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

The #EPIC museum’s storytelling immediately captures emigrants’ perspective right from the start. The premise? We all come from somewhere. Each room explores different aspects of Irish emigration & we are given passports to stamp. Emotional, & poignant esp. in today’s global political enviro.

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

Here’s a Pre-Travel Digital Privacy Checklist

Pre-Travel Digital Privacy Checklist.

When going through U.S. immigration or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly at airports or border crossings, it’s wise to assume you have limited digital privacy.

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

5. Log Out of Accounts & Disable Cloud Sync

6. Turn Off Device Before Arriving
• Powering off your phone adds an additional layer of protection against quick access.

7. Use a VPN with Caution
If you use one, understand how to quickly disable it or explain its legitimate use (e.g., work access).

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

4. Delete Sensitive Apps or Data (Temporarily)
• Yes, delete any apps or content that could be misunderstood, misused, or incriminating—even if lawful (e.g., encrypted messengers, politically sensitive material, or work-related files).

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

3. Consider a Travel or “Clean” Phone
• Many privacy-conscious travelers use a secondary phone with minimal apps

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

2. Is Locking the iPhone Enough?
No, not really…
a. Disable biometric unlock

Turn off Face ID and Touch ID before reaching the border.

Why? CBP officers can compel you to unlock your device using biometrics, but they cannot legally force you to give up your passcode (based on the 5th Amendment).

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 3

When going through U.S. immigration or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at airports or border crossings, it’s wise to assume limited digital privacy.

1. Understand Your Rights
• CBP can search your device (phone, laptop) without a warrant at the border.
• U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 2

Same here! Everyone we meet can’t believe what is happening to the U.S. - we are calling it our “Apology Tour - We did not vote for him, I’m so sorry!!”

Janet Woodward @jjccww.bsky.social · May 2

Its hard to have sympathy for these folks. I’m in Europe visiting friends and none of them can believe USA voted for this con man

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Reposted by NorCal Selkie

Tammy Duckworth @duckworth.senate.gov · May 1

Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

No matter what Trump or Hegseth say, diversity *is* our greatest strength—and our AANHPI communities have proven that time and again.

AANHPI stories are American stories. Always have been.

A graphic with the text: 'ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH'

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 1

America is no longer under “Full Democracy” it was ranked “Flawed Democracy”. The U.S. has remained a “flawed democracy” since 2016, ranking 28th out of 167 nations. Over the past year, its democracy score stood unchanged, at 7.9, which puts it below countries such as Canada, Japan, & Uruguay.

The state of democracy “Global Democracy rates by country /territory (2021) by Statista

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · May 1

Breaks my heart.
This is no longer the America we all dreamed of for “a more perfect union” the phrase implies that the nation, is not perfect but is always striving towards a better state. 💔
#Threats

Norm Eisen @handle.invalid · May 1

US elections have recently faced higher threats, frm misinfo, unlawful certification refusals, & legislation

Safe, free, & fair elections r a pillar of democracy-so we identified the most impt state races 2 watch

Read more @brookings.edu👇--TN
www.brookings.edu/articles/us-...

US down-ballot races in 2025 deserve close attention

Numerous down-ballot races in the 2025 election cycle are likely to face threats of subversion and misinformation.

www.brookings.edu

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 30

Malta’s golden passport scheme rejected by EU top court. Malta’s controversial golden passport scheme, allowing foreigners to purchase EU citizenship in exchange for investing upwards of €690,000, was ruled unlawful by the EU’s top court on Tuesday.

www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...

Malta’s golden passport scheme rejected by EU top court

The controversial system allowing foreigners to effectively buy EU citizenship raised security concerns. #EuropeNews

www.euronews.com

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 30

Wanda Sykes worked for the NSA and tells us how to protest (watch old protests, drink hot sauce, use a water pik & prepare to rise up your passion! B/c us people of color already been protesting, it’s white people’s turn to get out there & #protest!

"White People, Y'all Should Be Embarrassed" - Wanda Sykes On The Trump Administration

YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

youtu.be

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 30

Visited at the Cork City Gaol where they would put the suffragettes (like me). 😬🥴 #Ireland

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 29

Freedom of press. #Paramount

youtube.com/shorts/SztAS...

60 Minutes calls out its OWN parent company & Trump in shock move

YouTube video by Brian Tyler Cohen

youtube.com

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 28

Absolutely not! The Nat’l Museum of African American History should not be gutted. The Los Angeles Japanese American Museum should also not be defunded! #CulturalGenocide right in front of us, we the people must pool together and fight for all our communities. #Communities #Unite!

Kye @gxldsociety.bsky.social · Apr 28

BREAKING: Trump’s executive order is gutting the National Museum of African American History.
Civil Rights artifacts — including a bible carried with Dr. King — are being ripped out like trash.

This is cultural genocide.
www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 27

Comedian Josh Johnson makes a good point! 😅🥴 #Tariffs

Chinas Statement On US Tariffs

YouTube video by Josh Johnson

youtube.com

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 27

Strategic Missteps-Former U.S. ambassador Bleich states: “Before launching a tariff war, nations enlist partners to help them withstand retaliatory measures that follow. To protect itself the U.S. needs other countries to commit to buy its goods, supply its markets, & replace supply chain.”
🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 27

Trump’s name calling “The Dirty 15: America’s Former Allies”. The countries affected by these tariffs include Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

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NorCal Selkie @norcalselkie.bsky.social · Apr 27

Trump imposed tariffs on America’s 15 most reliable trade partners, calling them the “dirty 15.” This trade war move has fundamentally altered global commerce dynamics and caused significant disruption in international markets. Trump is good at calling people names I’ll give him that!

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