Mark Peifer (He, him)
@peiferlabunc.bsky.social
Cell adhesion, cytoskeletal regulation, Wnt signaling & wherever science leads us + wildflowers & my own idiosyncratic views. First gen college grad
Diversity, equity & Inclusion are core American Values
https://peiferlab.web.unc.edu
Diversity, equity & Inclusion are core American Values
https://peiferlab.web.unc.edu
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
February 4, 2026 at 5:07 PM
A publisher who lays off a reporter whose pen is freezing because she's covering a frigid war zone while dodging missiles is not an editor you want to work for, in a more perfect world
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Reuters: U.S. SUPREME COURT ALLOWS CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL MAP INTENDED TO BENEFIT DEMOCRATS
February 4, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Reuters: U.S. SUPREME COURT ALLOWS CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL MAP INTENDED TO BENEFIT DEMOCRATS
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
if the whole genocide thing wasn't enough for you, another good reason to get AIPAC money out of democratic politics is that the organization now exists to move republican donor money into democratic races to sow chaos and get the most republican-friendly democrat elected
Punchbowl has AOC quoted saying the same thing that I've been saying for the past few weeks re: AIPAC spending against pro-Israel Tom Malinowski.
“It’s quite shocking how moderate of a stance that they are mobilizing against. We’re not even talking about them targeting the left,” Ocasio-Cortez said
“It’s quite shocking how moderate of a stance that they are mobilizing against. We’re not even talking about them targeting the left,” Ocasio-Cortez said
AIPAC’s first 2026 test
A Thursday special primary election will reveal whether Malinowski can survive a spending onslaught in a new era of anti-AIPAC sentiment among Dems.
punchbowl.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:25 PM
if the whole genocide thing wasn't enough for you, another good reason to get AIPAC money out of democratic politics is that the organization now exists to move republican donor money into democratic races to sow chaos and get the most republican-friendly democrat elected
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
This is who runs this account
February 4, 2026 at 5:12 PM
This is who runs this account
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
I do appreciate a good quantitative data set.
Let me do some statistical analysis...
Oh wait, no need. It is effing obvious what is going on.
Let me do some statistical analysis...
Oh wait, no need. It is effing obvious what is going on.
February 4, 2026 at 6:29 PM
I do appreciate a good quantitative data set.
Let me do some statistical analysis...
Oh wait, no need. It is effing obvious what is going on.
Let me do some statistical analysis...
Oh wait, no need. It is effing obvious what is going on.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
JK Rowling has not tweeted since openly denying that her team invited the world's most notorious child rapist to a kid's play despite evidence directly disproving her claims
![Peggy Siegal Company: "Hi just liet us know where you like to send the tickets.
Rhys Kimmitt "the tickets are on their way to Peggy's office. Please deal with Lila to arrange pickup"
CC Jeffrey Epstein "Rhys please deal with Jeffrey Epstein's assistant [redacted] She will send a messenger to pick up his two dinner tickets. Thanks so much! xoxo Peggy"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:fv2nxxac24oxk5fqztfazyuc/bafkreibvvykhmreglympq4uaov4u3syunnowmaxran4gkhjrstbg2d6pby@jpeg)
February 3, 2026 at 10:34 PM
JK Rowling has not tweeted since openly denying that her team invited the world's most notorious child rapist to a kid's play despite evidence directly disproving her claims
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The premiere of our movie, Nourishing Community: The PORCH Story, is right around the corner! Join us for a night of fundraising and celebration Saturday, February 21 from 6:30-8:30PM. Tickets are going fast so make sure to grab yours before they're gone: wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebL...
February 4, 2026 at 6:31 PM
The premiere of our movie, Nourishing Community: The PORCH Story, is right around the corner! Join us for a night of fundraising and celebration Saturday, February 21 from 6:30-8:30PM. Tickets are going fast so make sure to grab yours before they're gone: wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebL...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The original language benchmarked to FY24. Russell Vought reportedly threatened a White House veto over that language. Just so we are all clear where to place blame.
February 3, 2026 at 10:27 PM
The original language benchmarked to FY24. Russell Vought reportedly threatened a White House veto over that language. Just so we are all clear where to place blame.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Story in Undark on Kyle Walsh, the NIEHS Director appointed with no open position and no search process (and besties with JD Vance)
undark.org/2026/02/04/n...
undark.org/2026/02/04/n...
The Unlikely New Director of U.S. Environmental Health Research
Kyle Walsh’s appointment to head the NIEHS, a $914-million public agency, is unprecedented. What is on his agenda?
undark.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Story in Undark on Kyle Walsh, the NIEHS Director appointed with no open position and no search process (and besties with JD Vance)
undark.org/2026/02/04/n...
undark.org/2026/02/04/n...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Jeff Bezos took over the Washington Post Editorial Board and turned it into a mouthpiece for pro-corporate, pro-billionaire propaganda.
Now, WaPo is laying off hundreds of *real* journalists — including the reporter covering Amazon.
Democracy dies in billionaire hands.
Now, WaPo is laying off hundreds of *real* journalists — including the reporter covering Amazon.
Democracy dies in billionaire hands.
February 4, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Jeff Bezos took over the Washington Post Editorial Board and turned it into a mouthpiece for pro-corporate, pro-billionaire propaganda.
Now, WaPo is laying off hundreds of *real* journalists — including the reporter covering Amazon.
Democracy dies in billionaire hands.
Now, WaPo is laying off hundreds of *real* journalists — including the reporter covering Amazon.
Democracy dies in billionaire hands.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
#Minneapolis Personal Me: This is so much b.s. This AM, neighbors on my friend’s block foiled a kidnapping despite being assaulted and gassed. A school bus driver had to block the door to keep them from entering the bus while they were at it. 4 legal observers were kidnapped near us yesterday. 😡
Homan in Minneapolis: "Effective immediately, we will draw down 700 people effective today."
February 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
#Minneapolis Personal Me: This is so much b.s. This AM, neighbors on my friend’s block foiled a kidnapping despite being assaulted and gassed. A school bus driver had to block the door to keep them from entering the bus while they were at it. 4 legal observers were kidnapped near us yesterday. 😡
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
This is civic action.
Surprise, Arizona. Pop. 167,000. Huge crowd shows up to the City Council meeting to oppose DHS recent purchase of ginormous warehouse. Meeting + overflow room filled and hundreds more gathered outside.
130 people sign up to speak. 128 opposed to ICE warehouse.
Surprise, Arizona. Pop. 167,000. Huge crowd shows up to the City Council meeting to oppose DHS recent purchase of ginormous warehouse. Meeting + overflow room filled and hundreds more gathered outside.
130 people sign up to speak. 128 opposed to ICE warehouse.
The overflow room at the Surprise City Council meeting has also filled up (it has a 500 person capacity). I can’t tell how many are still outside but we can hear them chanting “ICE out” in here so it seems like quite a lot.
February 4, 2026 at 1:27 PM
This is civic action.
Surprise, Arizona. Pop. 167,000. Huge crowd shows up to the City Council meeting to oppose DHS recent purchase of ginormous warehouse. Meeting + overflow room filled and hundreds more gathered outside.
130 people sign up to speak. 128 opposed to ICE warehouse.
Surprise, Arizona. Pop. 167,000. Huge crowd shows up to the City Council meeting to oppose DHS recent purchase of ginormous warehouse. Meeting + overflow room filled and hundreds more gathered outside.
130 people sign up to speak. 128 opposed to ICE warehouse.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
NEW: @telliotter.bsky.social got an inside look at an online forum where ICE and CBP agents often post about how the agencies have changed for the worse. “[T]his agency has managed to turn a righteous mission into a complete clown show,” one longtime user wrote. Scoop: www.wired.com/story/inside...
Inside the ICE Forum Where Agents Complain About Their Jobs
“I'm all for removing illegals, but snatching dudes off lawn mowers in Cali and leaving the truck and equipment just sitting there? Definitely not working smarter,” writes one forum user.
www.wired.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:05 PM
NEW: @telliotter.bsky.social got an inside look at an online forum where ICE and CBP agents often post about how the agencies have changed for the worse. “[T]his agency has managed to turn a righteous mission into a complete clown show,” one longtime user wrote. Scoop: www.wired.com/story/inside...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Immigrants are twice as likely to start a small business as native-born US citizens, so this move isn't about supporting businesses or the economy.
SBA says legal permanent residents will be ineligible for its loan program, effective March 1
The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won’t be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1.
apnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Immigrants are twice as likely to start a small business as native-born US citizens, so this move isn't about supporting businesses or the economy.
Clearly he thinks mentioning several relevant parts of the US Constitution is inflammatory....
Homan: "I said back in March of this year [sic] that if the hateful rhetoric didn't stop I was afraid there would be bloodshed. And there has been."
February 4, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Clearly he thinks mentioning several relevant parts of the US Constitution is inflammatory....
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Homan: "I said back in March of this year [sic] that if the hateful rhetoric didn't stop I was afraid there would be bloodshed. And there has been."
February 4, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Homan: "I said back in March of this year [sic] that if the hateful rhetoric didn't stop I was afraid there would be bloodshed. And there has been."
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Alex Pretti wasn't killed by rhetoric, he was killed by two masked CBP agents shooting him 10 times in the back after they had disarmed and pepper sprayed him.
Rhetoric didn't kill Renee Good either, a thug from ICE did that with a gun as she tried to avoid hurting him.
Rhetoric didn't kill Renee Good either, a thug from ICE did that with a gun as she tried to avoid hurting him.
Homan: "I said back in March of this year [sic] that if the hateful rhetoric didn't stop I was afraid there would be bloodshed. And there has been."
February 4, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Alex Pretti wasn't killed by rhetoric, he was killed by two masked CBP agents shooting him 10 times in the back after they had disarmed and pepper sprayed him.
Rhetoric didn't kill Renee Good either, a thug from ICE did that with a gun as she tried to avoid hurting him.
Rhetoric didn't kill Renee Good either, a thug from ICE did that with a gun as she tried to avoid hurting him.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Remarkable: Trump's planned migrant prison camps are hitting deep resistance in red areas. In Virginia's partly rural Hanover (+26 Trump) opposition is intense. GOP leaders in other states are opposed.
Voters are rejecting mass deportations big time. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Voters are rejecting mass deportations big time. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Trump’s New “Prison Camp” Threat Unleashes Fury Even in MAGA Country
The next phase of ICE’s big ramp-up: a nationwide network of vast detention facilities. But guess what? Even parts of Red America are saying no.
newrepublic.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Remarkable: Trump's planned migrant prison camps are hitting deep resistance in red areas. In Virginia's partly rural Hanover (+26 Trump) opposition is intense. GOP leaders in other states are opposed.
Voters are rejecting mass deportations big time. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Voters are rejecting mass deportations big time. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2060...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Up now on @indyweek.bsky.social, an excerpt from this essential new @uncpress.bsky.social release. It tells the story of Wyatt Outlaw - a voting rights crusader and Graham’s first Black elected official. He was lynched in 1870. There are no public markers for his life yet, but now there’s a book.
Welcome to Alamance County, North Carolina
An excerpt from "The Legend of Wyatt Outlaw: From Reconstruction through Black Lives Matter" by Sylvester Allen Jr. and Belle Boggs.
indyweek.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Up now on @indyweek.bsky.social, an excerpt from this essential new @uncpress.bsky.social release. It tells the story of Wyatt Outlaw - a voting rights crusader and Graham’s first Black elected official. He was lynched in 1870. There are no public markers for his life yet, but now there’s a book.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
BREAKING: @ajc.com on Tuesday evening said it will lay off approximately 50 staffers, about 15% of its headcount, as it seeks to cut costs and marshal resources to invest in its growth.
The AJC published its last print edition on 12/31. About half of those laid off will come from the newsroom.
The AJC published its last print edition on 12/31. About half of those laid off will come from the newsroom.
The AJC to cut staff as it continues digital transformation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Tuesday it will lay off staffers in the newsroom and other segments of the business.
www.ajc.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:16 AM
BREAKING: @ajc.com on Tuesday evening said it will lay off approximately 50 staffers, about 15% of its headcount, as it seeks to cut costs and marshal resources to invest in its growth.
The AJC published its last print edition on 12/31. About half of those laid off will come from the newsroom.
The AJC published its last print edition on 12/31. About half of those laid off will come from the newsroom.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
So while yes, there are some advantages for remote study section participation, most reviewers continue to feel in person meetings are superior. NIH has been minimizing in-person for years, yes predating COVID, basically over the objections of the peer reviewers.
February 4, 2026 at 4:19 PM
So while yes, there are some advantages for remote study section participation, most reviewers continue to feel in person meetings are superior. NIH has been minimizing in-person for years, yes predating COVID, basically over the objections of the peer reviewers.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Since someone floated this up, some data! A little birdy sent me a slide deck FOIA’d from CSR. Costs for a normal recent operating year (FY24) of one in-person meeting, two remote, per standing study section. $13.15M in reviewer payments. $7.25M in hotel and $4.38M airfare
I wonder if #NIHgrant peer reviewers who did the work preparing for now-cancelled study section meetings will receive their $400 honorarium this time.
February 4, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Since someone floated this up, some data! A little birdy sent me a slide deck FOIA’d from CSR. Costs for a normal recent operating year (FY24) of one in-person meeting, two remote, per standing study section. $13.15M in reviewer payments. $7.25M in hotel and $4.38M airfare
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
It’s hard to put into perspective how truly massive the warehouse is that was recently sold by the Rockefeller Group to the Department of Homeland Security for $70 million to build a concentration camp in Surprise, AZ. Across the street is a huge neighborhood and a school. It’s 400,000-square-feet.
February 3, 2026 at 11:34 PM
It’s hard to put into perspective how truly massive the warehouse is that was recently sold by the Rockefeller Group to the Department of Homeland Security for $70 million to build a concentration camp in Surprise, AZ. Across the street is a huge neighborhood and a school. It’s 400,000-square-feet.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
My position at The Post was eliminated, along with many other journalists of color hired after the 2020 racial reckoning.
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
My position at The Post was eliminated, along with many other journalists of color hired after the 2020 racial reckoning.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Buffalo mentioned! Want to get involved in the planning? DM me!
Join us on March 7th to rally to take back science!
February 4, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Buffalo mentioned! Want to get involved in the planning? DM me!