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molly taft
@mollytaft.com
36K followers 1K following 2.1K posts
disaster lesbian on the apocalypse beat @wired.com . very tall with a very short dog. they/them. pitch me: [email protected], signal: @mollytaft.76. mollytaft.com
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mollytaft.com
molly taft @mollytaft.com · Aug 20
SCOOP: FEMA is now requiring disaster survivors to sign up to receive aid using an email address - a move that is already putting some of the country’s most vulnerable people at risk of missing out on federal help, employees told me:
FEMA Now Requires Disaster Victims to Have an Email Address
Workers at FEMA worry that demanding disaster survivors access services using email could shut out people without internet connectivity from receiving government aid.
www.wired.com
Reposted by molly taft
kissphoria.bsky.social
what's the funniest car to follow ICE around in? i feel like the Chevy SSR
January 16, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Reposted by molly taft
arminsamii.bsky.social
Holy shit.

Renee Good was alive when the bystander physician asked to check her pulse. She was alive when ICE refused to let him help. She was alive when they told him “I don’t care.”

www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Live Updates: Newly Released Records Detail Chaos During Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:43 AM
Reposted by molly taft
catconlan.net
ICE has kidnapped one of my MN News Guild siblings
Guild member detained by ICE in Minnesota January 16, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dylan Manshack, Comms | dmanshack@cwa-union.org | 202-445-4033 Member remains in ICE custody in Texas MINNEAPOLIS — On Friday, January 9, ICE arrested a member of our union, the Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild, TNG-CWA Local 37002, as part of Operation Metro Surge. While the circumstances of his arrest are not clear, we know he has been transferred to an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, where he is awaiting action on his petition for habeas corpus. The Guild is not publicly identifying the member out of concern for his family’s safety, but he is a father, a husband, and a staff member at a Minneapolis non-profit organization. He is a steward in our union and an advocate for all workers. And he is one of dozens of Minnesota union members who have been detained in recent weeks. The Department of Homeland Security says it has made more than 2,000 arrests since the surge began in December, according to an MPR News report. But the agency has not provided details about the people arrested, such as how many were charged with a crime, how many face deportation, and how many were subsequently released. “The Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild stands with our member and his family as they face an uncertainty that is all too common in our state right now,” local president Nick Woltman said. “Like all Minnesota workers, our members deserve to feel safe in their communities both on and off the job.” “The detention of a Guild member in Minnesota amidst the chaos created by DHS is heartbreaking and infuriating,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “My heart goes out to his family, who are now without their father and husband. As a union, we commit to fight for each other as stewards of our communities—especially in times as dark as this, while federal agents continue to target working families.” ALT TEXT CONTINUED IN NEXT POST
January 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Reposted by molly taft
jael.bsky.social
My latest for @heatmap.news: I spoke to numerous representatives of the AI data center industry about how they’re addressing the rising number of projects being opposed and canceled.

My conclusion?

They get how bad the PR crisis is. But they’re not doing enough to stop it — at all.
How the Tech Industry Is Responding to Data Center Backlash
It’s aware of the problem. That doesn’t make it easier to solve.
heatmap.news
January 16, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Reposted by molly taft
zeyiyang.bsky.social
In case you didn’t get the memo, everyone is feeling very Chinese these days. Chronically online people like @lmatsakis.bsky.social and I have been tracking the zeitgeist of "You met me at a very Chinese time of my life," "Chinamaxxing," and all other variations. Here's why everyone is saying it:
Why Everyone Is Suddenly in a ‘Very Chinese Time’ in Their Lives
The viral meme isn’t really about China or actual Chinese people. It's a symbol of what Americans believe their own country has lost.
www.wired.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Reposted by molly taft
jael.bsky.social
BREAKING: Federal judge lifts Trump stop work order on Empire Wind, second loss in court this week over him halting offshore wind construction @heatmap.news
New York’s Empire Wind Project May Resume Construction, Judge Says
The decision marks the Trump administration’s second offshore wind defeat this week.
heatmap.news
January 15, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by molly taft
mattburgess1.bsky.social
Arizona is now investigating X over the creation and distribution of "potentially illegal and harmful content, including child sexual abuse imagery"

The AG's announcement links to WIRED's reporting about Grok Imagine videos, by me and @regret.bsky.social

WIRED story: www.wired.com/story/grok-i...
Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into X’s AI Chatbot | Attorney General's Office
PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into reports that X’s artificial int
www.azag.gov
January 15, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by molly taft
bgrueskin.bsky.social
If you see federal agents pulling into your driveway, reporters, power down your electronic devices ASAP.

That's the advice from @runasand.bsky.social, via @columjournreview.bsky.social

www.cjr.org/news/hannah-...
The full extent of what the FBI will be able to gather from Natanson’s devices will rest on her, and the Post’s, digital security hygiene. “It really depends on, were the devices up to date?” Sandvik told me. “What type of authentication was used? Was encryption enabled on the drive? Was lockdown mode enabled on the phone? Were disappearing messages used on Signal?” If Natanson uses Macs, for instance, even if they are fully encrypted, “that encryption only kicks in when the device is fully powered off,” she said. “When you power the device on and you log in that first time, that is when you unlock or decrypt the drive.” The same would apply to a phone. “So if she knew this and she saw the FBI outside her door,” Sandvik noted, “the smartest thing to do would have been to go and power off all her devices.”
January 15, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by molly taft
timmarchman.bsky.social
At @wired.com, we are hiring for a senior editor on our science desk. I'm happy to answer any questions about the role; my email is [email protected].
Senior Editor, Science
WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity’s biggest challenges, from climate change t...
condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Reposted by molly taft
raxkingisdead.bsky.social
i think this gets at something important which is that normal people are rightly pissed off that they’re having normal time stolen from them by this ravaging horde of jumped up mall cops. everybody has to work in the morning! why is it THEIR job to hold their community together in such a basic way!
thetnholler.bsky.social The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 1d
🔥 From @statuscoupnews.bsky.social : “This is nuts. What the fuck is going on? I’ve never protested in my life… they tell you it’s immigrants — it’s fucking anybody. They’re just trying to scare people. I’m not paid to be here. I have to work in the morning. This is wrong.”
January 15, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Reposted by molly taft
wired.com
As the free online encyclopedia turns 25, it’s facing political opposition, AI scraping, dwindling volunteers, and a public that may no longer believe in its ideals. www.wired.com/story/wikipe...
Wikipedia’s Existential Threats Feel Greater Than Ever
As the free online encyclopedia turns 25, it’s facing political opposition, AI scraping, dwindling volunteers, and a public that may no longer believe in its ideals.
www.wired.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Reposted by molly taft
ketanjoshi.co
New analysis out today from Rhodium Group showing data centres were one of the major drivers of the first rise in total economy-wide emissions in the US in years

Uncontrolled growth of demand has helped boost coal growth, in conjunction with the LNG export boom ->

rhg.com/research/us-...
a chart showing rising ghg emissions in the US - partly thanks to buildings
January 13, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by molly taft
nytimes.com
Breaking News: Boeing knew about flaws in the model of a plane that crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 15 last year, the transportation safety board said.
Boeing Knew About Flaws in UPS Plane That Crashed in Louisville, N.T.S.B. Says
In a report Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board said fractures that appeared to have led the left engine to separate from the plane’s wing had occurred at least four other times.
nyti.ms
January 15, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Reposted by molly taft
katie-drummond.bsky.social
Hey! @wired.com is doing a bunch of hiring. Here we go with a thread of five great jobs, with a few more coming shortly:

1) We are hiring a senior editor for our science desk, which means you get to work with geniuses like @timmarchman.bsky.social @mollytaft.com and @emilymullin.bsky.social
Senior Editor, Science
WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity’s biggest challenges, from climate change t...
condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Reposted by molly taft
emilymullin.bsky.social
SAME. Please apply!!
mollytaft.com molly taft @mollytaft.com · 2d
happy to answer any questions from folks in my dms or over email about the job — i love this team and this work and would LOVE for someone cool to come on board
January 14, 2026 at 4:40 PM
mollytaft.com
happy to answer any questions from folks in my dms or over email about the job — i love this team and this work and would LOVE for someone cool to come on board
January 14, 2026 at 4:32 PM
mollytaft.com
hi! do you want to be my editor? i know you do - come work with me
Senior Editor, Science
WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity’s biggest challenges, from climate change t...
condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by molly taft
emilymullin.bsky.social
Journalism job alert: @wired.com is hiring a US-based science editor. Come work with me and the wonderful @mollytaft.com: condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CondeCareers...
Senior Editor, Science
WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity’s biggest challenges, from climate change t...
condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:21 PM
mollytaft.com
the replies to this post are a great indicator that any sort of goodwill tour tech companies will try to do around data centers may crash and burn
mollytaft.com molly taft @mollytaft.com · 3d
big tech companies are taking note of the backlash to data centers — and they, w/ the help of the Trump administration, are promising to be good neighbors

first up is Microsoft, which announced a series of commitments this morning - some of Microsoft’s projects have faced serious pushback
Microsoft Has a Plan to Keep Its Data Centers From Raising Your Electric Bill
In response to a growing backlash, Microsoft said it would take steps to ensure that data centers don’t raise utility bills in surrounding areas and address other public concerns.
www.wired.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by molly taft
dinfontay.com
UPDATE: Jack Daniel’s parent co. Brown-Forman tells me it has nothing to do with CBS’ “Whiskey Friday” concept. “Jack Daniel’s is not involved in any such segment, nor do we have any awareness of the segment and any potential partnerships or sponsorships.”
premthakker.bsky.social Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · 3d
Update — Here is what the new apparent CBS News segment "Whiskey Fridays with Tony Dokoupil" may look like:
January 14, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Reposted by molly taft
antoniajuhasz.bsky.social
Burning fossil fuels causes global warming which makes our world more dangerous and deadly for us to live in.

The Oceans Just Keep Getting Hotter. by @mollytaft.com
www.wired.com/story/the-oc...
The Oceans Just Keep Getting Hotter
For the eighth year in a row, the world’s oceans absorbed a record-breaking amount of heat in 2025. It was equivalent to the energy it would take to boil 2 billion Olympic swimming pools.
www.wired.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:49 PM
mollytaft.com
sooo. haha. :)
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:20 PM
mollytaft.com
I think it certainly makes it a lot more complicated! as I mentioned in the piece it’s basically impossible to gauge water use from an average query because it depends on a LOT of variable regional factors. water use is just a lot harder to work with numerically than something like co2 emissions
January 14, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Reposted by molly taft
jael.bsky.social
hey look, on the bright side, there are lots of jobs available. do you like oil and robots
January 13, 2026 at 11:56 PM
mollytaft.com
yeah I’ll just jump in and add some stuff that didn’t make it into the piece due to word count: a lot of the water calculations in energy as far as I understand is water that gets recycled. the stuff that evaporates is largely from hydropower which is v specific
January 13, 2026 at 11:52 PM