Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by TesniW

Topsy

@topsypaints.bsky.social

I wanted to break away from my typical style of putting a light up to ICE's injustices and instead highlight Alex's life and how he was an embodiment of justice. He lost his life upholding justice, and now we must stand up to get justice for Alex. #topsy #alex #pretti #alexpretti #abolishice

January 27, 2026 at 10:05 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

This 1000%. I just had a conversation on this very topic this morning...

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 17d

Remember: If we allow ourselves to fall into fatalism, or wallow in disappointment, or become resigned to what is rather than what should be, we will lose the long game.

The greatest enemy of positive social change is cynicism about what can be changed.

January 26, 2026 at 10:46 PM

Reposted by TesniW

Nikita Gill

@nikitagill.bsky.social

This hit so fucking hard today.

CHARLES RAFFERTY
The Problem with Early Warnings

People don't like to leave a party unless the house is actually on fire. Even then, if the flames are far enough away to be pretty, they'll finish their drink, take one more pass at the hors d'oeuvres.
How things happen has always been unclear. Hurricanes begin in a place where no one lives.
Agents of the government start to wear masks. Fascism is a word my neighbors won't use yet. They are following
the law, they say, and the sirens are coming for someone else.

January 26, 2026 at 8:52 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

Looking out toward where the Ala Wai Canal meets the ocean. I always enjoy watching the paddlers in their outrigger canoes. They are on the Ala Wai every day...

#TidesOutTuesday #scape #urbanscape

A water-filled canal with trees and tall buildings on either side. A cloud-filled sky rises above. Two outrigger canoes paddle in the direction of the camera.

January 14, 2026 at 9:11 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

If there were ever any questions about my ability to feed myself, today's lunch should sufficiently answer them, right?

Square glass container with cheerios, small Mason jar with milk, glass with instant ramen noodles, and a spoon and chopsticks all on a light grey table.

January 14, 2026 at 2:44 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

Waiting for L to finish robotics practice and thought these palms looked interesting against the stormy sky...

#BlueSkyArtShow #vibrant
#ColorADay #GreenSat

Three palm trees photographed from underneath, against a dark, gloomy sky

January 11, 2026 at 3:12 AM

Reposted by TesniW

Nikita Gill

@nikitagill.bsky.social

This Langston Hughes poem is relevant af.

Tired
I am so tired of waiting,
Aren't you,
For the world to become good And beautiful and kind?
Let us take a knife
And cut the world in two - And see what worms are eating
At the rind.
Langston Hughes

January 5, 2026 at 4:27 PM

Reposted by TesniW

Wil Wheaton

@wilwheaton.net

Trying to decide which of my No Blood For Oil signs to bring out. The one from Bush 41? Bush 43? The other one from Bush 43?

These chucklefucks are all the same: they can't govern, and when the stupid people who voted for them start to notice their failure, here comes the lawless invasion.

January 4, 2026 at 9:29 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

Fresh mochi with azuki bean paste inside to bring good luck into the new year...

#JanuArty #fresh

A pan of colorful mochi balls and slices

January 2, 2026 at 9:09 AM

Reposted by TesniW

Nikita Gill

@nikitagill.bsky.social

A soft, small, hopeful thing.

Everything is on fire,
but everyone I love is doing beautiful things and trying to make life worth living,
and I know I don't have to believe in everything, but I believe in that.

- Nikita Gill

January 27, 2025 at 11:12 PM

Reposted by TesniW

Samantha Mash

@samanthamash.bsky.social

As we enter the New Year remember fear of making bad art is holding you back. Fear of people not liking your work is holding you back. Rejection is holding you back

You'll make bad art, you'll have people not like your work, and you'll be rejected. Moving past it is half the job of being a creative

December 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

The sun sets on 2025. Here's to a new year that is kinder, more just, and brings with it renewed strength and heart.

#WindowsonWednesday

A golden sunset over the ocean, framed by four palm trees. People are silhouetted on the beach and a blue sky darkens overhead. A few small clouds are painted pink on the right side...

January 1, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Reposted by TesniW

Marisa Kabas

@marisakabas.bsky.social

My 2025 closing message:

www.thehandbasket.co/p/2025-closi...

In February, the idea of this year ever ending seemed unfathomable. The sheer volume of news at all times felt suffocating and endless, and despite knowing it was impossible, it sure seemed like it would go on like that forever. While the bulk of the Trump administration’s smash-and-grab happened in the first half of 2025, the chaos and destruction continues apace.
After such a monumental year for The Handbasket, there was part of me that thought I owed it to myself (and to you) to write something to sum it up. But the truth is that I don’t think I have enough distance yet to appropriately reflect on a period of time where the most basic understanding of how our society functions has been blown to shreds.
From scoop after scoop after scoop to the mother of all scoops, to keeping tabs on the DOGE wrecking ball, the raid on the United States Institute of Peace which led to my ongoing FOIA lawsuit against the DC Metropolitan Police, federal immigration agents’ reign of terror and Republicans’ complete dehumanization of immigrants, The Handbasket has been there through it all. But despite having so closely covered the staggering changes of this past year, I have no predictions, no summaries, no advice. The only certainty I can bring to 2026 is that the relentless pursuit of the truth—whether through journalism, or the courts, or activism, or basic human decency—is a necessary risk. And the people in power absolutely hate it, which is reason enough for me.
Whether you read one story from The Handbasket this year or all of them, thank you. When I’m asked what my beat is, I often tell people I cover our crumbling institutions, and journalism is certainly one of them. But it’s also one I will fight for fiercely. So thank you for valuing this institution, no matter how flawed, and believing in a sustainable future that rewards art, accuracy and accountability.
And if you want to support the continued growth of The Handbasket and aren’t already a premium subscriber, become 1

December 31, 2025 at 10:28 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

I saw the top of this mural from two streets away and just had to walk out of my way to see it. It's stunning in person.

Lookes all over for the artist's signature, but couldn't find it.

Across the street from Ala Moana Shopping Center...

#TagTuesday

A mural on one part of a mid-rise building. It shows a man holding a child close to him while holding a plant. Kalo leaves are painted on the bottom, in front of the man. An electrical pole is on the street in front of the building and electrical line cross in front of it.

December 31, 2025 at 8:42 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

Just sitting here peacefully with a cup of coffee, watching the traffic shenanigans drive past...

A small to-go cup of coffee from Paris Baguette sitting on a table. Blurred in the background is a busy street, buildings, and several trees.

December 31, 2025 at 2:51 AM

Reposted by TesniW

Wil Wheaton

@wilwheaton.net

We aren't boycotting the arts; we are refusing to entertain fascists and white nationalists. Cry harder about it while you listen to Kid Rock and try so hard to pretend it isn't basic, boring, uninspired tripe.

Jay Kuo @nycjayjay.bsky.social · Dec 29

The arts under MAGA fascism.

December 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Reposted by TesniW

Alan H

@alan678.bsky.social

The squirrel’s near me have their very own Don Vito Corleone. I find him quite intimidating. 😳😁

“This is business. Not personal. Mostly peanuts.”

#photography #Stunday #EastCoastKin

A grey squirrel peers over a low stone or soil edge, facing the camera with an intense, curious expression. Its front paws rest on the ledge, claws visible, while its grey-and-white fur is sharply detailed against a dark, softly blurred background. A small pile of peanuts lies out of focus in the foreground, creating a low-angle perspective that emphasizes the squirrel’s alert posture and watchful stare.

December 28, 2025 at 6:48 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

Dusk at the harbor next to Aloha Tower...

#Stunday

A harbor stretching into the distance with a mostly cloudy sky at dusk stretching up. Framed on the left by a dark, abandoned building on a pier and on the right by a building with lights, reflecting into the water.

December 29, 2025 at 9:11 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

What I love about the places I've visited in Europe and East Asia is how you can just turn a corner and suddenly history emerges in architectural form. It always makes me catch my breath.

But here in Hawaiʻi, you can often turn a corner and bam! Rainbow. It's different, but kinda the same...

Taken from a freeway off-ramp, a wide, shallow rainbow peeks over a ridge with clouds billowing up into a blue sky behind it. Palm trees and houses fill the middle ground.

December 26, 2025 at 9:05 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

I hope this holiday season brings you a moment of peace and comfort, and a glimmer of hope for a better year to come...

A round, flat ornament with red coral painted on a white background and "Mele Kalikimaka" written beneath. The trunk and a few branches of a Norfolk pine with Christmas lights is blurred in the background.

December 26, 2025 at 3:16 AM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

I am so, so excited for this game. It will be the first I have ever played in beta and I cannot wait. I'm proud to support game developers who craft with love and kindness and passion... 🥰

Starfinder: Afterlight @epictellers.bsky.social · Dec 25

Love knows no limits! 💘

Romance options are NOT restricted by gender. You can pursue relationships with companions no matter how you build your character.

#StarfinderAfterlight #FAQSpotlight

December 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM

TesniW

@tesniwanders.bsky.social

For the past 14 years, Christmas Eve means Italian food at Fresco at Hilton Hawaiian Village. We walk through all of the decorations and the evening always spills over with memory and joy. Pretty sure the joy is helped along by the Italian Lemon Drop to start and tiramisu to wrap up...