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@melissagaskill

Science writer, #nature #ocean #scuba #wildlife #environment #travel #ISS #NASW #Austin http://melissagaskill.blogspot.com

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25.01.2025
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Latest posts by @melissagaskill

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Bipartisan plan would claw back CEO pay at failed banks Under the bipartisan legislative proposal, regulators would have to seize pay from bank executives whose decisions trigger failures.

Exclusive: New legislation aims to hold bank executives accountable by allowing the FDIC to seize bonuses and pay if their banks collapse.

This bipartisan bill follows the 2023 failure of Silicon Valley Bank and seeks to deter risky financial practices.

11.03.2026 11:30 πŸ‘ 154 πŸ” 35 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 4
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Tell Congress: Stop Trump's War with Iran Trump's unauthorized war in Iran has already taken the lives of US servicemembers and at least 1,000 Iranian civilians. It has devolved into a larger regional conflict, with missile and drone strikes,...

We need Democrats to be unified in their opposition but to get that, we constituents have to make it clear that a vote to fund this war isn’t just any vote β€” it's a vote that will define their political careers for years to come.

11.03.2026 12:23 πŸ‘ 229 πŸ” 65 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 0
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The war makes it more urgent for journalists to call out Trump’s derangement | Press Watch The commander-in-chief is unfit for duty.

I've been struggling with how to express my dismay at the war coverage by our top newsrooms, and how it dances around the central fact that Trump is deranged and unfit to command. I finally wrote something. Please read it. presswatchers.org/2026/03/the-...

10.03.2026 20:01 πŸ‘ 1205 πŸ” 477 πŸ’¬ 37 πŸ“Œ 44
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Pete Hegseth Blew Billions on Fruit Basket Stands, Chairs, and Crab The Defense Department went on a $93 billion spending spree in 2025.

Some of the frivolous September purchases made under Secretary Pete Hegseth’s stewardship include a $98,329 Steinway & Sons grand piano for the Air Force chief of staff’s home, $5.3 million for Apple devices such as the new iPad, and an astronomical amount of …

newrepublic.com/post/207555/...

10.03.2026 16:35 πŸ‘ 1792 πŸ” 935 πŸ’¬ 242 πŸ“Œ 152
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Guam objects to Trump administration plan to allow deep-sea mining in western Pacific The Trump administration wants to allow deep-sea mining for critical minerals near the American territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Residents are worried about environmental impacts.

Guam objects to Trump administration plan to allow deep-sea mining in western Pacific

www.npr.org/2026/03/10/n...

11.03.2026 13:13 πŸ‘ 18 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

He’s not playing chess literally. He’s not playing chess figuratively. He’s not playing chess on any level of abstraction whatsoever. I doubt he can play chess.

11.03.2026 11:52 πŸ‘ 5747 πŸ” 775 πŸ’¬ 562 πŸ“Œ 62

Jim Cramer suggests on CNBC that Trump could β€œbomb Tehran into the Stone Age” until Iran reopens the strait, citing U.S. bombings of North Vietnam in the 1970s. Carl Quintanilla points out to him that Hanoi won that war.

11.03.2026 13:09 πŸ‘ 6442 πŸ” 1324 πŸ’¬ 246 πŸ“Œ 305

I looked at the obscene Grammarly β€œexpert review.” It gave edits β€œfrom” Didion, Vivian Gornick, Teju Cole. All writers I teach. They weren’t bad. Opposing AI on β€œquality” is a losing fight. It can do stuff. The point is it *shouldn’t.* AI’s human owners are thieves. AI is their tool, nothing more.

11.03.2026 12:50 πŸ‘ 192 πŸ” 32 πŸ’¬ 6 πŸ“Œ 4
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This is hilarious.

Also, completely enraging.

11.03.2026 01:56 πŸ‘ 7608 πŸ” 3493 πŸ’¬ 98 πŸ“Œ 170
Image with a black background with the word "subscribe."

Image with a black background with the word "subscribe."

Hi Bluesky, we’re hard at work on an illustrated newsletter that brings our contributors’ lived experience journalism to life through art. Join the list to get the first issue in your inbox when it debuts.

Link here ➑️ docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

18.02.2026 21:58 πŸ‘ 137 πŸ” 67 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 2

He does not read. Anything. That was clear when he ran the first time. No surprise, it really really matters

11.03.2026 02:13 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Now, my military service was in the Army, but I've known some swabbies in my time. Some of them are here. Hopefully they will square my ass away if I'm mistaken in thisπŸ‘‡assumption.

Wouldn't you also need mine layer ships and equipment to REMOVE mines? Is this a mind-fuck setup, or just more idiocy?

10.03.2026 21:33 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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How Faith Forward Democrats Are Flipping The Script On Christian Nationalists Are the 'What Would Jesus Do?' politics of James Talarico the key to taking MAGA down?

Christian nationalism has become a driving force at the highest levels of the Trump administration, shaping policy in dangerous ways. Now, a new generation of Democrats, including James Talarico in Texas, are using their own faith to reframe progressive values and bring new voters into the fold.

10.03.2026 21:52 πŸ‘ 1242 πŸ” 200 πŸ’¬ 86 πŸ“Œ 11
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πŸ‘‡πŸ’―πŸ’™πŸŒπŸ‘

10.03.2026 21:23 πŸ‘ 20 πŸ” 8 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Harry Dunn for Maryland Harry Dunn was born on Andrews Airforce Base, where his dad served. His family taught him the values of duty, honor, and community.

Harry Dunn was a Capitol Police Officer for more than 15 years and received the Presidential Citizens Medal and other honors for his heroic actions on Jan. 6. Now he could use our support. Visit his website to learn more about his campaign, donate and volunteer.

harrydunnformd.com

10.03.2026 22:32 πŸ‘ 30 πŸ” 18 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Understanding the New Kansas Law Targeting Transgender People - ACLU of Kansas This resource will be further developed as we have more information. If you or a loved one is impacted by Senate Bill 244 becoming a law, contact us by visiting aclu.org/KS_SB244 or by clicking the li...

For those impacted by this law, our experts will update this page with information about what today's order means for your documents and your legal rights.

10.03.2026 22:47 πŸ‘ 302 πŸ” 69 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 0

Reporter seeking freedom of speech in the US arrested for exercising freedom of speech in the US

10.03.2026 15:40 πŸ‘ 1077 πŸ” 494 πŸ’¬ 16 πŸ“Œ 8
Heater being a perfect loaf (no feet) on my orange desk chair that she was scratched up and vomited on (it’s her favorite place bc it smells like mom)

Heater being a perfect loaf (no feet) on my orange desk chair that she was scratched up and vomited on (it’s her favorite place bc it smells like mom)

AIPAC IS DROPPING $1 MILLION AGAINST US SO HEATER IS ASKING YOU TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM IN AN HOUR!!!

twitch.tv/katabughazaleh

youtube.com/@katmabu

10.03.2026 23:05 πŸ‘ 3251 πŸ” 439 πŸ’¬ 63 πŸ“Œ 23
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The Ayatollah is *alleged* to have *tried* to kill Trump. Well, guess what, Ted? Trump actually DID kill the Ayatollah. And I bet you wouldn't use the word "murder" to describe that, would you?

And Trump killing Iranian schoolgirls *increases* risks to him and other Americans, you dishonest tool.

10.03.2026 19:15 πŸ‘ 921 πŸ” 241 πŸ’¬ 97 πŸ“Œ 17

Speaker Johnson could call the House back and vote to fund TSA today.

Let’s be clear: long lines at the airports are a direct result of Republicans insisting ICE be able to defy court orders, kidnap and murder people and face zero consequences.

10.03.2026 16:37 πŸ‘ 1077 πŸ” 377 πŸ’¬ 18 πŸ“Œ 19

Small reminder.

Women currently have more legal rights in Iran than in Saudi Arabia.

This does not mean we support the Iranian regime.

We wish democracy for the people of Iran and freedom for Iranian women. We wish the same for the people and women of Saudi Arabia.

Perspective matters.

10.03.2026 20:02 πŸ‘ 58 πŸ” 20 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 2
Towering evergreen trees seen from below. A white text box centered over the image reads "A Trump administration plan threatens 2.5 million acres of Oregon forests."

Towering evergreen trees seen from below. A white text box centered over the image reads "A Trump administration plan threatens 2.5 million acres of Oregon forests."

The Trump admin. wants to log 2.5 million acres of #PublicLand in Western #Oregon.

We can't let this happen!

These old-growth forests play priceless roles in supporting the climate, healthy streams, and wildlife.

Take action (you don't have to live in Oregon) ➑️ bit.ly/4s2py0s

10.03.2026 18:55 πŸ‘ 44 πŸ” 42 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 4
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Know Your Rights: Protest Rights and Safety Practices (for all No Kings Attendees) Β· No Kings In this ACLU-led training, participants will learn about the Constitutional right to peacefully protest and about best practices for reducing risks when attending protests like the upcoming No Kings m...

Before No Kings Day on March 28, we highly recommend joining the @aclu.org’s know your rights training. You will learn about your constitutional right to peacefully protest and best practices for reducing risks while taking to the streets.

10.03.2026 19:02 πŸ‘ 216 πŸ” 125 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 3
NYT: Rashida Tlaib’s Expletive-Laden Cry to Impeach Trump Upends Democrats’ Talking Points

NYT: Rashida Tlaib’s Expletive-Laden Cry to Impeach Trump Upends Democrats’ Talking Points

NYT search result showing no results for Andy Ogles

NYT search result showing no results for Andy Ogles

NYT when a Muslim congresswoman says β€œmotherfucker”: This is a problem for Democrats

NYT when a Christian Republican congressman says β€œMuslims don't belong in American society”: 0 results

10.03.2026 17:01 πŸ‘ 1565 πŸ” 416 πŸ’¬ 12 πŸ“Œ 8
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Judge in Oregon limits federal officers' tear gas use at Portland ICE building protests A federal judge in Oregon has restricted federal officers from using tear gas at protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland

Federal agents are now restricted from using tear gas and other chemical or projectile munitions against peaceful protestors and freelance journalists near the ICE processing center in Portland.

We shouldn't have to fear being brutalized by the government for exercising our First Amendment rights.

10.03.2026 18:19 πŸ‘ 463 πŸ” 129 πŸ’¬ 14 πŸ“Œ 5
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Are we still looking for waste, fraud, and abuse? I think I found some.

10.03.2026 10:48 πŸ‘ 5496 πŸ” 2358 πŸ’¬ 334 πŸ“Œ 156

Looks like we discovered real waste, fraud, and abuse of our tax dollars. πŸ’₯πŸ’₯πŸ’₯

10.03.2026 15:26 πŸ‘ 98 πŸ” 77 πŸ’¬ 14 πŸ“Œ 1
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Organizing to Protect Democracy: Peaceful Mass Protest I'm attending this event - sign up now to join me!

We the people are worth fighting for.

Our training series Organizing to Protect Democracy supports your fight for civil liberties in our communities.

RSVP today for our next training on March 11 at 8pm ET.

10.03.2026 15:30 πŸ‘ 183 πŸ” 69 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 2
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Doctor Green’s Emotional Rescue for Environmentalists β€’ The Revelator Our resident psychologist answers environmentalists’ questions about staying mentally resilient when eco-challenges get you down.

Our new mental health advice column for environmentalists dealing with burnout, eco-anxiety, eco-grief and other unique problems. Read, share, and submit your questions here: https://therevelator.org/dr-green-emotional-rescue/

10.03.2026 14:45 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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How We’re All Now Paying the Price for the Myth of Trump’s Competence The administration’s war with Iran is setting a mountain of taxpayer dollars on fire every dayβ€”mostly because he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

The man is, whatever his other faults, just way in over his head. Maybe Democrats should say that more often. The fact that he’s costing taxpayers a billion dollars a day on a war most of them didn’t want may be a good place to start. trib.al/oQGYMWP

10.03.2026 14:48 πŸ‘ 586 πŸ” 200 πŸ’¬ 39 πŸ“Œ 13