Stephen Baines
@stephenbaines.bsky.social
Ecologist, biogeochemist, drummer and gardener interested in effective pro-people politics, and equitable climate policy. (Also a Wisconsin Badgers volleyball fanatic.) Stony Brook E&E. He/him
Opinions are my own. Also, our brains are too small.
Opinions are my own. Also, our brains are too small.
Pinned
Stephen Baines
@stephenbaines.bsky.social
· Nov 10
Nice to see so many arriving!
I have mostly studied how elemental cycles are affected by phytoplankton and the things what eats ‘em. Although I often get sidetracked!
Recently my lab has moved inland to work on nitrogen transformations and organic matter decomposition in wetlands.
I have mostly studied how elemental cycles are affected by phytoplankton and the things what eats ‘em. Although I often get sidetracked!
Recently my lab has moved inland to work on nitrogen transformations and organic matter decomposition in wetlands.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Breaking:
Members of Congress were briefed this week on a whistleblower report about an intelligence intercept of a call between two foreign nationals discussing a person close to Trump.
The whistleblower accused Tulsi Gabbard of limiting who could see the report and blocking wider distribution.
Members of Congress were briefed this week on a whistleblower report about an intelligence intercept of a call between two foreign nationals discussing a person close to Trump.
The whistleblower accused Tulsi Gabbard of limiting who could see the report and blocking wider distribution.
Whistle-Blower Report Involved Intelligence About a Trump Contact
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Breaking:
Members of Congress were briefed this week on a whistleblower report about an intelligence intercept of a call between two foreign nationals discussing a person close to Trump.
The whistleblower accused Tulsi Gabbard of limiting who could see the report and blocking wider distribution.
Members of Congress were briefed this week on a whistleblower report about an intelligence intercept of a call between two foreign nationals discussing a person close to Trump.
The whistleblower accused Tulsi Gabbard of limiting who could see the report and blocking wider distribution.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
“After baby Amalia had been hospitalized for 10 days, ICE thought this baby should be returned to Dilley, where she was denied access to the medicines that the hospital doctors told her she needed."
NEW: A baby held in immigration detention became so sick, she had to be rushed to a hospital in severe respiratory distress.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
“She was at the brink of dying,” a lawyer told me.
But the girl didn’t go home after her 10-day hospital stay; instead, ICE put her and her mother back in lock up at Dilley.
Toddler hospitalized with respiratory failure was returned to ICE detention without prescribed medication, lawsuit says
The 18-month-old was sent back to a South Texas facility after days in intensive care with severe respiratory distress, according to a federal lawsuit.
www.nbcnews.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:42 PM
“After baby Amalia had been hospitalized for 10 days, ICE thought this baby should be returned to Dilley, where she was denied access to the medicines that the hospital doctors told her she needed."
Reposted by Stephen Baines
NYT confirming MS NOW reporting:
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:10 PM
NYT confirming MS NOW reporting:
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
"The new law forbids counties and local law enforcement from contracting with ICE. It mandates that public bodies terminate any existing immigration detention agreements and prohibits the use of public property for federal civil immigration detention..."
kfoxtv.com/news/local/n...
kfoxtv.com/news/local/n...
New Mexico governor signs Immigrant Safety Act among other bills into law
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed four bipartisan bills into law, focusing on improving health care access, investing in statewide infrastructur
kfoxtv.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:05 PM
"The new law forbids counties and local law enforcement from contracting with ICE. It mandates that public bodies terminate any existing immigration detention agreements and prohibits the use of public property for federal civil immigration detention..."
kfoxtv.com/news/local/n...
kfoxtv.com/news/local/n...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
A federal judge ruled the Energy Department violated the law when Secretary Chris Wright handpicked five researchers who reject the scientific consensus on climate change to work in secret on a sweeping government report on global warming.
A Secret Panel to Question Climate Science Was Unlawful, Judge Rules
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A federal judge ruled the Energy Department violated the law when Secretary Chris Wright handpicked five researchers who reject the scientific consensus on climate change to work in secret on a sweeping government report on global warming.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
ICE told nurses this Minneapolis man “purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall.”
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
February 7, 2026 at 5:54 PM
ICE told nurses this Minneapolis man “purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall.”
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
What actually happened is that they pulled him from a car, beat him so viciously with a steel baton that he had 8 skull fractures, 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages, and couldn’t remember he had a daughter.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Politicians and CEOs who were mentioned in the Epstein Files are either resigning in disgrace or being criminally investigated, so how is it okay for the orange felon to remain in power when he is mentioned the most in the files as well as is actively covering up damaging info.
February 7, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Politicians and CEOs who were mentioned in the Epstein Files are either resigning in disgrace or being criminally investigated, so how is it okay for the orange felon to remain in power when he is mentioned the most in the files as well as is actively covering up damaging info.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
MAGA-aligned military commanders are pressuring enlisted service members to go to the Melania movie and bring their families. Troops at 8 different bases have complained. www.businessinsider.com/us-military-...
February 7, 2026 at 12:12 PM
MAGA-aligned military commanders are pressuring enlisted service members to go to the Melania movie and bring their families. Troops at 8 different bases have complained. www.businessinsider.com/us-military-...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
ICE is still being REALLY douchey and violating people's rights! minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/05/t...
Two men charged with assaulting agents in ICE shooting released by a judge, re-detained by ICE • Minnesota Reformer
Two Venezuelan men who were charged with assaulting a federal immigration agent were re-detained after a judge ordered them to be released on Tuesday. On Jan. 14, the two men allegedly assaulted an IC...
minnesotareformer.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:42 AM
ICE is still being REALLY douchey and violating people's rights! minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/05/t...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
February 7, 2026 at 3:38 AM
By the way, for those of you not in MN: Homan’s strategy was to withdraw some agents, so it felt like we were in the denouement of the crisis, and then escalate hard against observers. They’re being incredibly aggressive with observers now. National media may not want to check out just yet
Reposted by Stephen Baines
AWFUL news tonight. This blesses the “mandatory” detention in the 5th Circuit without bond (and little chance at habeas) of every undocumented immigrant who originally entered across the border, no matter how many decades in the past.
It will fuel ICE’s push to transfer people to Texas immediately.
It will fuel ICE’s push to transfer people to Texas immediately.
BREAKING: A 5th Circuit panel has backed ICE's mass detention policy, a decision that clears the way for the administration to lock up people who are in immigration proceedings
It's a 2-1 ruling
Majority: Jones (Reagan), Duncan (Trump)
Minority: Douglas (Obama)
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
It's a 2-1 ruling
Majority: Jones (Reagan), Duncan (Trump)
Minority: Douglas (Obama)
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
February 7, 2026 at 3:20 AM
AWFUL news tonight. This blesses the “mandatory” detention in the 5th Circuit without bond (and little chance at habeas) of every undocumented immigrant who originally entered across the border, no matter how many decades in the past.
It will fuel ICE’s push to transfer people to Texas immediately.
It will fuel ICE’s push to transfer people to Texas immediately.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Cancun Ted over here argued that “partisanship is inherent and permissible in the districting process” in an amicus brief he filed with the Supreme Court in the Texas redistricting case last September. www.cornyn.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
February 7, 2026 at 4:16 AM
Cancun Ted over here argued that “partisanship is inherent and permissible in the districting process” in an amicus brief he filed with the Supreme Court in the Texas redistricting case last September. www.cornyn.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Federal judge: "The presumption of regularity that has previously extended to [the United States Government] that it could be taken at its word—with little doubt about its intentions and stated purposes—no longer holds."
This is in a case where the Trump admin sued Oregon.
This is in a case where the Trump admin sued Oregon.
February 6, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Federal judge: "The presumption of regularity that has previously extended to [the United States Government] that it could be taken at its word—with little doubt about its intentions and stated purposes—no longer holds."
This is in a case where the Trump admin sued Oregon.
This is in a case where the Trump admin sued Oregon.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
KL: He did it. But it was harmless.
White House: It was a mistake. It was an intern.
Random observers: He really didn’t see what he posted.
Trump: YOURE GOD DAMN RIGHT I ORDERED THE CODE RED
White House: It was a mistake. It was an intern.
Random observers: He really didn’t see what he posted.
Trump: YOURE GOD DAMN RIGHT I ORDERED THE CODE RED
Q: A number of Republicans are calling on you to apologize for that post. Is that something you're going to do?
Trump: No, I didn't make a mistake. It was fine. I guess it was a takeoff from The Lion King. And certainly it was a very strong post
Trump: No, I didn't make a mistake. It was fine. I guess it was a takeoff from The Lion King. And certainly it was a very strong post
February 7, 2026 at 1:33 AM
KL: He did it. But it was harmless.
White House: It was a mistake. It was an intern.
Random observers: He really didn’t see what he posted.
Trump: YOURE GOD DAMN RIGHT I ORDERED THE CODE RED
White House: It was a mistake. It was an intern.
Random observers: He really didn’t see what he posted.
Trump: YOURE GOD DAMN RIGHT I ORDERED THE CODE RED
Reposted by Stephen Baines
I hope Dems begin to see that moderate or progressive, AIPAC is not our friend.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
February 6, 2026 at 2:52 PM
I hope Dems begin to see that moderate or progressive, AIPAC is not our friend.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
They endorse January 6th insurrectionists. Yet if you so much as suggest the US uphold its own Leahy laws, no matter your record, they will work against you.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump spoke from prepared remarks as he discussed the persecution of Mariam Ibrahim. But then the president appeared to ad-lib – and claimed that he was the one who got Ibrahim freed.
‘I did that’: Trump takes credit for a prisoner release that happened before he even ran for president | CNN Politics
At the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, President Donald Trump spoke from prepared remarks as he discussed the persecution of Mariam Ibrahim. Ibrahim was unjustly imprisoned and sentenced to dea...
www.cnn.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:33 AM
At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump spoke from prepared remarks as he discussed the persecution of Mariam Ibrahim. But then the president appeared to ad-lib – and claimed that he was the one who got Ibrahim freed.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
BREAKING: Trump says he 'didn't make a mistake' with his racist video post.
Q: "A number of Republicans are calling on you to apologize for that post. Is that something you're going to do?"
Trump: "No, I didn't make a mistake."
He adds later: "I guess it was a take off on the Lion King."
Q: "A number of Republicans are calling on you to apologize for that post. Is that something you're going to do?"
Trump: "No, I didn't make a mistake."
He adds later: "I guess it was a take off on the Lion King."
February 7, 2026 at 1:25 AM
BREAKING: Trump says he 'didn't make a mistake' with his racist video post.
Q: "A number of Republicans are calling on you to apologize for that post. Is that something you're going to do?"
Trump: "No, I didn't make a mistake."
He adds later: "I guess it was a take off on the Lion King."
Q: "A number of Republicans are calling on you to apologize for that post. Is that something you're going to do?"
Trump: "No, I didn't make a mistake."
He adds later: "I guess it was a take off on the Lion King."
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Breaking MS NOW:
The Department of Homeland Security *unsuccessfully* sought to expedite deportation proceedings against the family of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, according to a local school official.
At an asylum hearing Friday, the family was granted a continuance.
www.ms.now/news/dhs-rep...
The Department of Homeland Security *unsuccessfully* sought to expedite deportation proceedings against the family of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, according to a local school official.
At an asylum hearing Friday, the family was granted a continuance.
www.ms.now/news/dhs-rep...
Judge denies DHS bid to rush removal of Liam Ramos and his family
Kristen Stenvik, superintendent of the district where Liam goes to school, said the ruling provides both “additional time” and “continued uncertainty.”
www.ms.now
February 7, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Breaking MS NOW:
The Department of Homeland Security *unsuccessfully* sought to expedite deportation proceedings against the family of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, according to a local school official.
At an asylum hearing Friday, the family was granted a continuance.
www.ms.now/news/dhs-rep...
The Department of Homeland Security *unsuccessfully* sought to expedite deportation proceedings against the family of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, according to a local school official.
At an asylum hearing Friday, the family was granted a continuance.
www.ms.now/news/dhs-rep...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Mamdani announces a new executive order protecting New Yorkers from "abusive immigration enforcement," including requiring ICE to have a judicial warrant to enter NYC property
February 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Mamdani announces a new executive order protecting New Yorkers from "abusive immigration enforcement," including requiring ICE to have a judicial warrant to enter NYC property
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Blumenthal: ICE and CBP are out of control. The practices of this agency have to be completely overhauled. It’s like a corporation in bankruptcy—either dissolved or reorganized. They’re morally bankrupt, legally bankrupt, and politically bankrupt.
February 6, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Blumenthal: ICE and CBP are out of control. The practices of this agency have to be completely overhauled. It’s like a corporation in bankruptcy—either dissolved or reorganized. They’re morally bankrupt, legally bankrupt, and politically bankrupt.
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Reposted by Stephen Baines
the fact that they’re taking down and censoring jd vance getting boo’d on twitter lol
February 6, 2026 at 10:50 PM
the fact that they’re taking down and censoring jd vance getting boo’d on twitter lol
Reposted by Stephen Baines
"Legal experts said it seemed the government’s claim that the couple was affiliated with Tren de Aragua was largely based on vague and unproven assertions there were gang members in their social circle." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
DHS’s account of two Venezuelans shot by border patrol falls apart in court: ‘a smear campaign’
Immigration officials said agent shot two ‘vicious gang members’ in Portland, but records obtained by the Guardian reveal US prosecutor contradicted claims
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:45 PM
"Legal experts said it seemed the government’s claim that the couple was affiliated with Tren de Aragua was largely based on vague and unproven assertions there were gang members in their social circle." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Mamdani: "I speak of Renee Good, whose final words to the man who murdered her were, 'I'm not mad at you.' I speak of Alex Pretti who died as he lived, caring for the stranger. ICE shot him bc he did something they could never fathom ... let us offer a new path: one of defiance through compassion."
February 6, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Mamdani: "I speak of Renee Good, whose final words to the man who murdered her were, 'I'm not mad at you.' I speak of Alex Pretti who died as he lived, caring for the stranger. ICE shot him bc he did something they could never fathom ... let us offer a new path: one of defiance through compassion."
Reposted by Stephen Baines
Epstein survivor Anouska De Georgiou: The fact that the very people who are meant to lead this country have completely retraumatized us… it’s—I mean—it’s like being raped by the Department of Justice.
February 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Epstein survivor Anouska De Georgiou: The fact that the very people who are meant to lead this country have completely retraumatized us… it’s—I mean—it’s like being raped by the Department of Justice.