Deborah Blum
@deborahb.bsky.social
Book author, toxicology journalist, fascinated by poison and murder (current book project), and, oh yeah, I'm the former director of the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
‼️‼️ Newly released emails show the FBI spent almost $1 million in overtime analyzing the Epstein files as part of an effort dubbed the “Special Redaction Project."
FBI’s Frantic Scramble to Redact Epstein Files Revealed
A trove of emails shows all-nighters and almost $1 million in overtime as Trumpworld debated releasing the Epstein files.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:51 AM
‼️‼️ Newly released emails show the FBI spent almost $1 million in overtime analyzing the Epstein files as part of an effort dubbed the “Special Redaction Project."
Reposted by Deborah Blum
The House will have been in session for fewer than 30 days between July 1-December 31 and just had a 53-day recess. He makes $223K/year plus benefits including 75% of all health expenses for his entire family. Affordable Care Act subsidies expire Dec 31st for everyone else’s healthcare coverage.
Speaker 'barely holding it together' and 'crushed by his workload': NYT
Speaker 'barely holding it together' and 'crushed by his workload': NYT
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) made several revealing admissions about the stressful and chaotic nature of his job, according to a recent New York Times report.The Times' Annie Karni wrote in a Wednesday article that Johnson turned what was meant to be an easy interview with a friendly podcast h...
bit.ly
November 27, 2025 at 3:34 AM
The House will have been in session for fewer than 30 days between July 1-December 31 and just had a 53-day recess. He makes $223K/year plus benefits including 75% of all health expenses for his entire family. Affordable Care Act subsidies expire Dec 31st for everyone else’s healthcare coverage.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
BREAKING: With a contempt inquiry looming, DOJ has now named DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as the Trump official who approved transferring hundreds of people to a notorious Salvadoran megaprison, despite a federal judge’s order forbidding the removals.
DOJ Says Noem Made Final Decision on El Salvador Removals in Breach of Court Order
Read more here.
bit.ly
November 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
BREAKING: With a contempt inquiry looming, DOJ has now named DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as the Trump official who approved transferring hundreds of people to a notorious Salvadoran megaprison, despite a federal judge’s order forbidding the removals.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Next Tuesday, 12/2:
—Dems are going for an upset in Tennessee,
—Dems also trying to flip two cities in the Atlanta suburbs,
—DSA vs Dem establishment battles for Atlanta officesc
—and ideological battles within Dem factions in Jersey City.
It’s a lot!
In my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
—Dems are going for an upset in Tennessee,
—Dems also trying to flip two cities in the Atlanta suburbs,
—DSA vs Dem establishment battles for Atlanta officesc
—and ideological battles within Dem factions in Jersey City.
It’s a lot!
In my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
The 25 Elections to Watch This December - Bolts
On the heels of their sweeping wins in November, Democrats have opportunities to gain further ground in December runoffs and special elections. They’re hoping for upsets in conservative territory, fro...
boltsmag.org
November 26, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Next Tuesday, 12/2:
—Dems are going for an upset in Tennessee,
—Dems also trying to flip two cities in the Atlanta suburbs,
—DSA vs Dem establishment battles for Atlanta officesc
—and ideological battles within Dem factions in Jersey City.
It’s a lot!
In my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
—Dems are going for an upset in Tennessee,
—Dems also trying to flip two cities in the Atlanta suburbs,
—DSA vs Dem establishment battles for Atlanta officesc
—and ideological battles within Dem factions in Jersey City.
It’s a lot!
In my guide: boltsmag.org/whats-on-the...
Reposted by Deborah Blum
this is amazing news - the HPV vaccine promises to eliminate cervical cancer in countries where uptake is high.
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
this is amazing news - the HPV vaccine promises to eliminate cervical cancer in countries where uptake is high.
Actually, they haven't hidden this as well as they hoped.
Trump’s Forever Chemical Romance
The Trump administration has been quietly easing regulations on the nation’s toxic forever chemicals.
www.levernews.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Actually, they haven't hidden this as well as they hoped.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Scientists: have you been the target of an online harassment campaign, doxxing, or weaponized FOIA requests? I'd like to talk to you about steps you had to take to protect your digital security for an upcoming Nature story. (You can be anonymous if necessary.)
RTs appreciated.
RTs appreciated.
November 26, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Scientists: have you been the target of an online harassment campaign, doxxing, or weaponized FOIA requests? I'd like to talk to you about steps you had to take to protect your digital security for an upcoming Nature story. (You can be anonymous if necessary.)
RTs appreciated.
RTs appreciated.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Unbelievable.
Very few things piss me off more than anti-vax morons killing their children.
Very few things piss me off more than anti-vax morons killing their children.
November 25, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Unbelievable.
Very few things piss me off more than anti-vax morons killing their children.
Very few things piss me off more than anti-vax morons killing their children.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
The draft dodging idiot posted a pic of this West Point plaque. It contains these words:
“Our American Code of Military Obedience requires that, should orders and the law ever conflict, our officers must obey the law.”
That is precisely what Senator Mark Kelly told officers to do. #NoSedition
“Our American Code of Military Obedience requires that, should orders and the law ever conflict, our officers must obey the law.”
That is precisely what Senator Mark Kelly told officers to do. #NoSedition
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The draft dodging idiot posted a pic of this West Point plaque. It contains these words:
“Our American Code of Military Obedience requires that, should orders and the law ever conflict, our officers must obey the law.”
That is precisely what Senator Mark Kelly told officers to do. #NoSedition
“Our American Code of Military Obedience requires that, should orders and the law ever conflict, our officers must obey the law.”
That is precisely what Senator Mark Kelly told officers to do. #NoSedition
Reposted by Deborah Blum
BREAKING via @jeremyfaust.bsky.social: The CDC's internal email server now lists Louisiana physician Ralph Lee Abraham, MD, as the agency's principal deputy director -- "an irresponsible choice," according to one public health expert.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/faus...
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/faus...
Opinion | Top Ivermectin Prescriber Now in CDC's Second Highest Position
Ralph Lee Abraham, MD, has a questionable public health track record
www.medpagetoday.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:19 PM
BREAKING via @jeremyfaust.bsky.social: The CDC's internal email server now lists Louisiana physician Ralph Lee Abraham, MD, as the agency's principal deputy director -- "an irresponsible choice," according to one public health expert.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/faus...
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/faus...
My favorite part of this story was learning that "Americans for Ingredient Transparency" is a food industry front group.
MAHA Pushback Kills ‘Big Food’-Aligned Legislative Effort to Stop State Food Laws
After receiving significant pushback from the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) has eliminated from his draft bill a preemptive provision that would render st...
www.food-safety.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:05 PM
My favorite part of this story was learning that "Americans for Ingredient Transparency" is a food industry front group.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Tyson is closing a Nebraska plant that employs 3,200 workers in order to “right-size” its business.
The meatpacking giant paid its CEO $22.7M last year, 525x its median employee's pay.
It also spent $196M in stock buybacks to reward shareholders.
Textbook corporate greed.
The meatpacking giant paid its CEO $22.7M last year, 525x its median employee's pay.
It also spent $196M in stock buybacks to reward shareholders.
Textbook corporate greed.
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Tyson is closing a Nebraska plant that employs 3,200 workers in order to “right-size” its business.
The meatpacking giant paid its CEO $22.7M last year, 525x its median employee's pay.
It also spent $196M in stock buybacks to reward shareholders.
Textbook corporate greed.
The meatpacking giant paid its CEO $22.7M last year, 525x its median employee's pay.
It also spent $196M in stock buybacks to reward shareholders.
Textbook corporate greed.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
I truly believe the future of journalism is non-profit — just like @sltrib.com
Remember last year when we said we would drop The Tribune's paywall if we raised enough money to support the transition to free? About that… 😁
The Salt Lake Tribune will drop its paywall next year, CEO tells donors at NewsMakers gala
After years of requiring people to pay for online news content, The Tribune announced an upcoming change during its 2025 annual NewsMakers Gala.
www.sltrib.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:07 AM
I truly believe the future of journalism is non-profit — just like @sltrib.com
This.
I want to talk about why journalism is important. It's an evergreen topic, but seems particularly important right now.
So, buckle up. This thread won't be short, but it will be (I think) good.
/🧵
So, buckle up. This thread won't be short, but it will be (I think) good.
/🧵
November 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
This.
This beautiful, heart-breaking story about loss and grief and grace by the amazing journalist @emfoxhall.bsky.social: They couldn't save their daughters' lives in the July 4 floods. Now they're dealing with the grief and the guilt. www.texastribune.org/2025/11/25/t...
Texas couple grieves children, parents lost in July 4 flood
RJ and Annie Harber have leaned on faith, their community and each other to move through each day after losing their daughters and RJ’s parents. But memories of that night still haunt them.
www.texastribune.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This beautiful, heart-breaking story about loss and grief and grace by the amazing journalist @emfoxhall.bsky.social: They couldn't save their daughters' lives in the July 4 floods. Now they're dealing with the grief and the guilt. www.texastribune.org/2025/11/25/t...
ICYMI this very smart piece by @tomzellerjr.com, the very smart author of the book, The Headache.
Opinion | Your Headache Is Serious. Science Should Take It Seriously.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ICYMI this very smart piece by @tomzellerjr.com, the very smart author of the book, The Headache.
"The website now states: “‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.” This is false. Nearly 3 decades of scientific research, consisting of dozens of high-quality studies, surveying millions of people, has repeatedly confirmed no causal link between vaccines and autism."
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC's Vaccines and Autism Page
As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
"The website now states: “‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim.” This is false. Nearly 3 decades of scientific research, consisting of dozens of high-quality studies, surveying millions of people, has repeatedly confirmed no causal link between vaccines and autism."
This alert says August but it's actually an update. The FDA has added 9 brands of cookware to its list of products that can leach dangerous amounts of lead. It warns: "Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk".
FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August
Retailers should not sell and consumers should not use certain cookware because of their potential to leach lead into food when cooking.
www.fda.gov
November 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
This alert says August but it's actually an update. The FDA has added 9 brands of cookware to its list of products that can leach dangerous amounts of lead. It warns: "Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk".
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
Grist opens applications for new rural reporting grants on climate and environmental justice
Applicants can request up to $5,000 per project.
grist.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
Plant adaptation stories are so fascinating. And hopeful.
My latest for @livescience.com
Death Valley shrub rearranges its insides to thrive in one of the hottest places on Earth
www.livescience.com/planet-earth...
Death Valley shrub rearranges its insides to thrive in one of the hottest places on Earth
www.livescience.com/planet-earth...
Death Valley shrub rearranges its insides to thrive in one of the hottest places on Earth
Heat-loving plants that thrive in California's Death Valley could hold the key to growing crops in a changing climate.
www.livescience.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Plant adaptation stories are so fascinating. And hopeful.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
In every dystopian novel: the government bans books.
In reality: we gave up reading voluntarily.
In reality: we gave up reading voluntarily.
November 24, 2025 at 11:14 AM
In every dystopian novel: the government bans books.
In reality: we gave up reading voluntarily.
In reality: we gave up reading voluntarily.
Can’t be said too much.
Vaccines DO NOT cause autism - there is extensive research showing this. Resurrecting old, discredited, fraudulent work is shameful.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are serious - this is going to cause real harms.
This is dangerous & disappointing.
November 22, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Can’t be said too much.
Reposted by Deborah Blum
RFK Jr. revealed that he personally ordered the CDC to change its website to push the widely debunked claim that vaccines and autism are linked
CDC’s Autism Website ‘Update’ Came Directly From Kennedy, He Says
Ex-CDC vaccines chief Dr. Demetre Daskalakis called the update a “national embarrassment.”
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:21 PM
RFK Jr. revealed that he personally ordered the CDC to change its website to push the widely debunked claim that vaccines and autism are linked
Reposted by Deborah Blum
Nothing to see here. Just the White House needing to reassure the public that Piggy doesn't want to murder members of Congress. 😩
November 21, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Nothing to see here. Just the White House needing to reassure the public that Piggy doesn't want to murder members of Congress. 😩