Samantha Culp
@samanthaculp.bsky.social
Writer & filmmaker in LA after many years in greater China / Currently writing a book about the global landscapes of futures thought / newsletter: borderstudies.substack.com
Reposted by Samantha Culp
The numbers vary from study to study but hundreds of thousands of people have died because of Elon Musk and Marco Rubio illegally disbanding USAID — a body count on par with the first eight years of the Syrian civil war — In just seven months. It’s mass death that is simply unfathomable in scale.
USAID shutdown has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The Trump administration’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition, accord...
hsph.harvard.edu
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The numbers vary from study to study but hundreds of thousands of people have died because of Elon Musk and Marco Rubio illegally disbanding USAID — a body count on par with the first eight years of the Syrian civil war — In just seven months. It’s mass death that is simply unfathomable in scale.
Dark pattern UX to the extreme
One of the changes that OpenAI has made to make ChatGPT safer is a "take a break" nudge. There's something quite interesting about the design here. Which thing does it make you want to click?
November 25, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Dark pattern UX to the extreme
Reposted by Samantha Culp
In a just country, a place like ADX wouldn't even exist. But to send people there whose death sentences the previous guy commuted, seemingly mostly out of spite, is next-level despicable, in an administration that does "despicable" multiple times a day. (Also, support @boltsmag.org)
NEW: President Biden commuted the death sentences of most people on the federal death row before exiting office.
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
President Trump is now effectively looking to retaliate, and to detain those people in the most brutal conditions in the federal system. Bolts reports:
boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
This story was produced by Bolts and published in partnership with The Nation. Inside the federal supermax tucked away in Colorado’s high desert, prisoners spend 22 to 24 hours a day... Read More
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
In a just country, a place like ADX wouldn't even exist. But to send people there whose death sentences the previous guy commuted, seemingly mostly out of spite, is next-level despicable, in an administration that does "despicable" multiple times a day. (Also, support @boltsmag.org)
Reposted by Samantha Culp
I’m in touch with a medical team in Gaza who described the situation, and I quote, like so: “this ceasefire is less of a ceasefire than the last ceasefire”
Anyone remember that cease fire?
"Gaza hospitals running out of supplies as airstrikes continue"
"Gaza hospitals running out of supplies as airstrikes continue"
Gaza hospitals running out of supplies as airstrikes continue, medics say
‘Severe lack’ in territory where Israeli strikes have killed more than 50 people and injured over 100 in recent days
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I’m in touch with a medical team in Gaza who described the situation, and I quote, like so: “this ceasefire is less of a ceasefire than the last ceasefire”
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Wow ceasefire “tested” again by bombings, who can say if it will ever fail the test
BREAKING: At least 24 people are dead and 54 wounded after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began in October, officials say.
Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire's latest test as hospitals say 20 killed
Israel's military says it has launched new airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began on October 10.
bit.ly
November 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Wow ceasefire “tested” again by bombings, who can say if it will ever fail the test
Reposted by Samantha Culp
The statement "climate adaptation is indistinguishable from efforts to improve human welfare" is the sign that someone does not understand the magnitude of the planetary crisis we face — or how human systems actually work within the context of the climate and biosphere.
Now #TheAtlantic (www.yahoo.com/news/article...) is platforming #BjornLomborg-style soft climate denial ("it's too late", "we should just adapt") in its defense of @billgates.bsky.social widely-criticized (see www.theguardian.com/environment/...) & misguided (thebulletin.org/2025/10/you-...) memo:
November 12, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The statement "climate adaptation is indistinguishable from efforts to improve human welfare" is the sign that someone does not understand the magnitude of the planetary crisis we face — or how human systems actually work within the context of the climate and biosphere.
Reposted by Samantha Culp
1/7. “1.5°C is what we have called the survival limit for least developed countries and small island developing states. If we go anywhere above 1.5°C, then we are doomed and we have failed and the survival of human kind in these two groups will be endangered.” Evans Njewa the #LDCChair at #COP30.
November 21, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Reposted by Samantha Culp
In a special project on extreme cold in prison, 27 PJP contributors in 17 states describe winter behind bars — and the small dignities that could make it more bearable.
What Extreme Cold Feels Like in Prison
Prison writers from across the U.S. describe how cold their prisons get in the winter — and what small dignities could make it more bearable.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:50 AM
In a special project on extreme cold in prison, 27 PJP contributors in 17 states describe winter behind bars — and the small dignities that could make it more bearable.
Reposted by Samantha Culp
if you are food insecure for both the humans and pets in your household there is a tool called Pet Help Finder that can help locate pet food banks nearby and other free or reduced price assistance and supplies for pets.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
November 8, 2025 at 6:35 PM
if you are food insecure for both the humans and pets in your household there is a tool called Pet Help Finder that can help locate pet food banks nearby and other free or reduced price assistance and supplies for pets.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
Reposted by Samantha Culp
"Gia" is harvesting wine grapes from 8 pm to 5 am on CAs Central Coast. She shares it can be challenging to harvest at night as it’s difficult to see and search for the best grapes. But night harvesting ensures the best fruit quality and makes for a better-tasting wine. #WeFeedYou
November 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"Gia" is harvesting wine grapes from 8 pm to 5 am on CAs Central Coast. She shares it can be challenging to harvest at night as it’s difficult to see and search for the best grapes. But night harvesting ensures the best fruit quality and makes for a better-tasting wine. #WeFeedYou
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
He said that the agents would throw food at them to eat. The agents threatened to withhold food for a week and to beat him up if he didn't sign deportation papers. He said he saw others refuse and get beaten/receive no food. He signed because he was afraid.
November 7, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Nuremburg trials is the moderate position
Reposted by Samantha Culp
“What keeps us going, ultimately, is our love for each other, and our refusal to bow our heads, to accept the verdict, however all-powerful it seems. It’s what ordinary people have to do. You have to love each other. You have to defend each other. You have to fight.” —Mike Davis
November 5, 2025 at 3:50 AM
“What keeps us going, ultimately, is our love for each other, and our refusal to bow our heads, to accept the verdict, however all-powerful it seems. It’s what ordinary people have to do. You have to love each other. You have to defend each other. You have to fight.” —Mike Davis
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Under Trump, the draconian future of homelessness policy is coming into focus: mass internment. Utah is building a 16-acre site to detain up to 1,300 homeless people inside locked "accountability centers." This is profoundly alarming.
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
In Utah, Trump’s Vision for Homelessness Begins to Take Shape
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Under Trump, the draconian future of homelessness policy is coming into focus: mass internment. Utah is building a 16-acre site to detain up to 1,300 homeless people inside locked "accountability centers." This is profoundly alarming.
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
Vital reporting from @ellenbarry.bsky.social and Jason DeParle:
Reposted by Samantha Culp
It’s cool how they run with this story and headline with just a tiny bit buried deep in the article:
“All of Palisade’s scenarios were run in contrived test environments that critics say are far-removed from real-use cases.”
“All of Palisade’s scenarios were run in contrived test environments that critics say are far-removed from real-use cases.”
AI models may be developing their own ‘survival drive’, researchers say
Like 2001: A Space Odyssey’s HAL 9000, some AIs seem to resist being turned off and will even sabotage shutdown
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
It’s cool how they run with this story and headline with just a tiny bit buried deep in the article:
“All of Palisade’s scenarios were run in contrived test environments that critics say are far-removed from real-use cases.”
“All of Palisade’s scenarios were run in contrived test environments that critics say are far-removed from real-use cases.”
Reposted by Samantha Culp
The Home Depot continues to allow ICE to terrorize the communities they pretend to serve. Let’s show them the same kindness we did to target!
use the website boycotthomedepot.network and the toolkit at bit.ly/boycotthomed... to spread the word!
use the website boycotthomedepot.network and the toolkit at bit.ly/boycotthomed... to spread the word!
October 22, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The Home Depot continues to allow ICE to terrorize the communities they pretend to serve. Let’s show them the same kindness we did to target!
use the website boycotthomedepot.network and the toolkit at bit.ly/boycotthomed... to spread the word!
use the website boycotthomedepot.network and the toolkit at bit.ly/boycotthomed... to spread the word!
Reposted by Samantha Culp
CA governor Gavin Newsom vetoed both of the major AI bills on his desk that Silicon Valley meaningfully opposed—one making it illegal for bosses to use AI to fire workers with no oversight, one requiring chatbot sellers to ensure their products do not harm children before marketing to them.
Silicon Valley's capture of our political institutions is all but complete
The tech lobby kills off two key California AI bills, and why it matters. Plus: How Sam Altman played Hollywood with Sora 2, organized mass social media deletions, and more.
www.bloodinthemachine.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
CA governor Gavin Newsom vetoed both of the major AI bills on his desk that Silicon Valley meaningfully opposed—one making it illegal for bosses to use AI to fire workers with no oversight, one requiring chatbot sellers to ensure their products do not harm children before marketing to them.
Reposted by Samantha Culp
"Pablo" is picking oranges in Woodlake, CA. He shares, "We fill around 5 bins in a 6 hour work day. The work is very hard on the bodies as they have to go up and down a 16 foot ladder while carrying a sack of oranges that weighs 60lbs-80 lbs." #WeFeedYou
October 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
"Pablo" is picking oranges in Woodlake, CA. He shares, "We fill around 5 bins in a 6 hour work day. The work is very hard on the bodies as they have to go up and down a 16 foot ladder while carrying a sack of oranges that weighs 60lbs-80 lbs." #WeFeedYou
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Read our full case for Democrats to embrace a corporate crackdown on AI here
prospect.org/power/2025-0...
prospect.org/power/2025-0...
Democrats Must Oppose the AI Industry
As currently constructed, AI is an oligarchy-enriching, worker-immiserating, energy-depleting, brain-rotting economic bubble in waiting. Democrats can get on the public’s side here.
prospect.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Read our full case for Democrats to embrace a corporate crackdown on AI here
prospect.org/power/2025-0...
prospect.org/power/2025-0...
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Come for the incredible reporting, stay for the “I think I felt like shitting my pants or something”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWy...
This Secret Tech Tracked World Leaders, a Vatican Enemy, and Maybe You
YouTube video by Mother Jones
www.youtube.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Come for the incredible reporting, stay for the “I think I felt like shitting my pants or something”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWy...
Reposted by Samantha Culp
Immigration is a disability justice issue.
A mom in Houston reported her 15-year-old son with autism missing. She spent 6 days terrified, searching for him. The whole time, Houston police knew exactly where he was since they helped ICE place him in a refugee facility.
This is beyond cruel.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
This is beyond cruel.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Missing teen with autism transferred to refugee facility by HPD
He is currently being held at an Office for Refugee Resettlement facility.
www.houstonchronicle.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Immigration is a disability justice issue.
Reposted by Samantha Culp
people should subscribe to literary magazines
Tell me your most unhinged literary opinion, as a little treat
October 13, 2025 at 8:14 PM
people should subscribe to literary magazines
Reposted by Samantha Culp
I watched The Alabama Solution on HBO tonight. An amazing piece of documentary filmmaking that needs to be seen far and wide.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
‘How is this possible?’: a new film looks inside the appalling abuses of the Alabama prison system
In the year’s most shocking documentary The Alabama Solution, prisoners share astonishing footage in a plea for help
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:15 AM
I watched The Alabama Solution on HBO tonight. An amazing piece of documentary filmmaking that needs to be seen far and wide.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
Reposted by Samantha Culp
the ending of THE GODFATHER, the best american movie ever made, doesn't work without diane keaton's final look --- at the realization of who she's married and what her life is going to become and what corruption lurks behind closed doors. unforgettable, inimitable work. RIP.
October 11, 2025 at 7:12 PM
the ending of THE GODFATHER, the best american movie ever made, doesn't work without diane keaton's final look --- at the realization of who she's married and what her life is going to become and what corruption lurks behind closed doors. unforgettable, inimitable work. RIP.