Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Carl Zimmer @carlzimmer.com · 1d

Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE

nyti.ms

140 1.8K 4.6K

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 1d

This commentary by @nslaughtergraham.bsky.social published with @poynterinstitute.bsky.social is really thoughtful on the importance of history to journalism. www.poynter.org/commentary/2...

Journalism falters when it fails to acknowledge history - Poynter

A conversation between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates reminds us political violence is not new, and journalism needs history to tell the full story

www.poynter.org

1 3

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

SmokeLong Quarterly @smokelong.bsky.social · 3d

Join SmokeLong for a mysterious month between November and December we’ve christened Promptember! We’ll be meeting several times a week online with live write-in and open mic events at various times to suit participants around this spinning globe, 100% free.
www.smokelong.com/ready-for-pr...

8 21

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 3d

On this Monday morning, I found the thoughts of @nijhuism.bsky.social about conservation now to be useful. Maybe you will too.
conservationworks.substack.com/p/what-to-do...

What to Do Now

Some ideas for those wondering how to get started in conservation — or how to keep going.

conservationworks.substack.com

2

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

ProPublica @propublica.org · 6d

NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.

Trump Canceled 94 Million Pounds of Food Aid. Here’s What Never Arrived.

ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the administration’s cut...

projects.propublica.org

72 1.3K 2K

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Merriam-Webster @merriam-webster.com · 8d

We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.

650 8.2K 25K

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 8d

Some reflections on Wounded Knee in my weekly essay.

www.adamsowards.net/a-time-for-s...

A Time for Silence

Encountering Wounded Knee

www.adamsowards.net

1 3

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 8d

So many reasons to study history. One is so we know where we actually live, rather than some fantastical idea of where we live.

Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 8d

Doing some historical research for a project and while it's an obvious point that we all "know" in some sense, it's bracing and shocking to be reminded of just how violent a place America has been throughout its history.

1 2

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Public Land Lover 🦋🌲🦬 @publiclandlvr.bsky.social · 9d

Everyone who follows me can do something to support federal workers and the people and places they serve and protect.

Please discover what that is and then do it.

#ShutdownStories

2 6 20

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Larry Glickman @larryglickman.bsky.social · 15d

Why are farmers in the United States "facing very difficult times," Secretary Rollins?

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 15d

Brooke Rollins: "Soybean, corn, wheat, sorghum, cotton farmers are facing very difficult times. We are currently in conversations here at the White House, across the government, on a farmer aid package."

3 13 62

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 18d

In 2019, I visited Capitol Reef National Park. I'm glad to see it remains stunning in 2025.

2 4 110

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 19d

Bryce Canyon National Park in morning light is outstanding.

2 1 5

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Jason Heppler @jasonheppler.org · 20d

For my newsletter I wrote about the history behind the Roadless Rule. Today is the final day for public comments! Go make your voice heard.

The Road to Stewardship

In June, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at the Western Governor’s Association meeting in New Mexico announced her intention to rescind a Clinton-era policy called the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. It's perhaps overshadowed by legislation like the Endangered Species Act, but the development of the U.S. Forest Service roadless

www.tackandink.org

2 2

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 21d

First time in Zion. Beautiful (but crowded).

9

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 22d

Then, along came a desert bighorn sheep.

Desert bighorn sheep just below the rim of the Grand Canyon

5

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 22d

I'm on the road, but the newsletter must go on. This week, my essay is about First Impressions.

www.adamsowards.net/first-impres...

First Impressions

Figuring things out on the go, maybe

www.adamsowards.net

1

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 22d

Always Grand.

2 5

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 23d

I expected to like Hovenweep National Monument but not as much as I did. Wonderful morning hike.

3

Reposted by Adam M. Sowards

Brenden W. Rensink 📚🏃‍♂️⛰ @brendenwrensink.bsky.social · 24d

In addition to being my guest on @writingwestward.bsky.social, @adamsowards.net interviewed me for Taking Bearings. Access to the full interview requires a (very reasonably priced) subscription.

Come for the history talk, stay for the embarrassing 1994 photo.

www.adamsowards.net/developing-e...

Developing Empathy and Wide Perspectives

Historian Brenden Rensink nurtures interdisciplinarity

www.adamsowards.net

1 2

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 24d

Mesa Verde sparks the historical imagination like few places.

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 24d

5

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 24d

Paid subscribers get a treat this month with my interview of @brendenwrensink.bsky.social. A real pleasure to dig in deep on his history and thinking about empathy. Preview is available for anyone.
www.adamsowards.net/developing-e...

Developing Empathy and Wide Perspectives

Historian Brenden Rensink nurtures interdisciplinarity

www.adamsowards.net

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 25d

Being on them is best.

Large sand dune with mountain ridge behind.

3

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 25d

Morning light's nice too.

Great Sand Dunes in bright morning light.

2

Adam M. Sowards @adamsowards.net · 26d

I've spent a fair amount of time in Colorado but traveled through some new regions today, ending up here at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Overlooking trees toward valley and dunes.

1 3