The toll of political polarization and executive overreach:
text.npr.org/g-s1-101741

A discharge petition to advance a policy ending congressional stock trading was finally moving forward when Hakeem Jeffries sucked the air out of it. By proposing his own bill that no Republican would sign, Jeffries effectively made consensus impossible. From @ddayen.bsky.social:

text.npr.org/nx-s1-5607271

Blakely offers a different approach: treat ideology more like religion. "Religious people think their religion is true," he said, "but they also understand it's a cultural tradition that you have to speak out of and persuade people into."

Optimization for engagement is sociocide

🚨 BIG NEWS from #COP30:🇨🇴Colombia and 🇳🇱the Netherlands will co-host the 1st International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia – April 28–29, 2026.

Fascism is the new misogyny

“If the smartest young minds in the world were dedicated to figuring how a declining population could support its elders, we would achieve that goal," he said. "I think we'd have a happier world, for people and wildlife."
text.npr.org/nx-s1-5551126
#progress

A tiny handful of Democrats are finally - belatedly - finding the courage to talk honestly about the central problem that polls show most Americans understand, but almost nobody in politics dares mention.

Thanks to @thebulwark.com for running this piece based on our new book MASTER PLAN.

Sonia Dahmani is imprisoned in Tunisia for her peaceful expression of speech.

I sent a letter with @schiff.senate.gov, Senator Cassidy, and @repmcgovern.bsky.social to the Tunisian President asking for her release. Ending her detention would affirm the democratic aspirations of the Tunisian people.

We are 19% funded – 40% down on last year. Millions going without food, healthcare, protection. Aid workers killed at record levels.

This is an age of indifference – we must reform, regroup, renew. #UNGA80

Briefed journalists on headline crises:

I had a predictably illuminating chat with Glenn Loury about what the Kirk assassination says about the state of the nation and where we go from here.

If you're interested in realities (&...un-realities) of cloud seeding & the conflation of facts, assertions, & kernels of truth surrounding extreme rainfall in warming climate--check out this BBC podcast! Perspectives from me & @hollyjeanbuck.bsky.social.

www.npr.org/2025/08/21/n...

Always read Tom Geoghegan. He speaks the truth.

NASA’s acting chief calls for the end of Earth science at the space agency arstechnica.com/space/2025/0...

Climate report commissioned by the US Department of Energy contains more than 100 false or misleading statements. Great work by @carbonbrief.org

interactive.carbonbrief.org/doe-factchec...