iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Another example of how things in the media may not tell the whole story. Consider the source, their purpose, and what might be missing from the content. Excerpt highlighted by @sababausa.bsky.social #medialiteracy

Excerpt posted and highlighted by @salabusa.bsky.social : Going viral has shown me firsthand that we have become quick to vilify people from a brief clip, filling in everything we cannot see with assumptions. You could see that my hands were full. You couldn’t hear my husband offer to help or hear me tell him to eat. You couldn’t know that he was grieving or that I wanted to take care of him that evening. If our viral moment contributes anything to the ongoing cultural conversation about how we judge what we see online, I hope it reminds us to be more comfortable saying, “I don’t know the whole story.”

The benefit of the doubt is more than an expression. It is a life philosophy that asks us to be curious before we are certain, to leave room for an explanation, and to remember that the person on our screen has a life beyond the moment we are watching.

To the people who insulted Ramses, please remember that our children may someday read your words or watch your videos. I don’t want them to search for this memory and find strangers calling their dad a deadbeat. Those are untrue judgments to leave behind about someone you have never met.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Latke was thrilled to supervise our local farmers when they brought their Gigantic Lawn Mowers (combines) to harvest garbanzos today. Smart girl kept a respectful distance.

Brown kelpie lies next to gravel driveway at sunset in Eastern Washington state to admire a Gigantic Lawn Mower (combine) harvest garbanzos, September 2026. Photo by Erica Austin

Brown kelpie in "alert" stance on gravel driveway next to garbanzo field as Gigantic Lawn Mower (combine) approaches to harvest a nearby row in eastern Washington State, September 2026. Photo by Erica Austin

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

It's tragic that this is what is required of so many young boys who hope to earn an education and have career opportunities they would never have otherwise. They are fed unrealistic hopes and short-term adulation while their growing brains are still developing critical thinking skills.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Actual science-based advice for flu, RSV and COVID vaccines. (A necessary source because the CDC's advisory panel, which influences state and insurance vaccine policies, is too busy fighting a court battle to do its job properly.) apnews.com/article/vacc...

apnews.com

Top US doctors offer updated flu and COVID vaccine recommendations, aiming to ease confusion

Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall.

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Tara C. Smith @aetiology.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Dolly is gone, but I'll always appreciate her funding and publicly receiving the Moderna vaccine, in addition to her advocacy to wipe out childhood illiteracy.

Picture of Dolly Parton with a mask on with the headline from The New York Times "Dolly parton, who helped fund the moderna vaccine, gets a dose of her own medicine." The country music star broke into song before she was inoculated, and urged her fans to "get out there and get your shot"

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Trump’s former Surgeon General re the MMR vaccine EO: “I don’t blame or shame any parent who has questions. What I took from it is the President is getting bad advice. This is about attacking all of our public health response capacity.” www.ms.now/morning-joe/... #medialiteracy

Jerome Powell reacting to Trump's executive order separating the MMR vaccine. https://www.ms.now/morning-joe/watch/trump-s-former-surgeon-general-shocked-over-childhood-vaccine-changes-2511017539570

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

ContempraInn 🌹 @contemprainn.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

The perfect moment when a hummingbird shares a water fountain with four bees on a hot California summer day. [📸 Toshiyasu Morita]

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

"humor makes people feel less stupid, and no one wants to feel dumb." "We make sure everything’s fact-checked and rigorous, and, if we do mess up, we correct it....I do think, especially for our audience, it’s more valuable that they know Yeah, there’s jokes, but I’m a journalist." #medialiteracy

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Crossing WA State east to west. Air quality mostly in the red zone except when it worsens to purple and brown. Passing firefighters dealing w hotspots along I-90 w flames visible on the hill above them. Grateful for their heroism and dedication. So much disaster across our beautiful state. 💔

Firefighters at edge of I-90 East of Vantage, WA continue to fight a variety of hotspots Aug 4 2026

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

My colleagues. spokane.wsu.edu/emergency-su...

Letter from Washington State University president and provost about the Spokane fires and ways to get help and help others. Page 1.

Letter from Washington State University president and provost about the Spokane fires and ways to get help and help others. Page 2.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Old Trails fire is one of the three that has evacuated thousands of people and burned over a thousand homes in the Spokane area this weekend. This one fire was responsible for destroying approximately 700 homes. www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...

spokesman.com

Sheriff: Man, 37, arrested on suspicion of setting Old Trails fire

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly setting the Old Trails fire, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced Monday night.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Spokane County Emergency Management is asking people to consider limiting cell phone network use near the Spokane Convention Center (which is an evacuation center), but these hotspots might help displaced people get connections. Really thoughtful community outreach.

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Meade Krosby @meadekrosby.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Incredible work from KHQ, the Spokane NBC affiliate, tonight - both the reporter and cameraman who were just on air are themselves under Level 3 evacuation orders. Everybody has been going all day getting information out to their community.

m.youtube.com

NonStop Local KHQ | BREAKING WILDFIRE COVERAGE | Old Trails Fire in Spokane County

YouTube video by NonStop Local

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

If youre not sure where to find evacuation maps and notifications for your area, @wadnr.bsky.social has posted links on their wildfire portal: dnr.wa.gov/wildfire-res...

dnr.wa.gov

Wildfire Portal | Department of Natural Resources

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Community voices can make a difference. Supporting local journalism helps those voices engage!

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

paris martineau @paris.nyc · 18/07/2026

Given the lack of details provided by Taylor Farms thus far, Consumer Reports' food safety experts are advising folks in the 27 states implicated by the recall to discard ALL iceberg lettuce until we know more about where the parasite-linked products ended up www.consumerreports.org/health/food-...

A map of the 27 states impacted by the recall: AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WI.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Is this what you've noticed? Every social smoker is parroting the tobacco industry: Cigarettes are natural (“From Farm to Pack” Natural American Spirit), purer than the alternatives (“Nothin’ But Tobacco & Water” Winston); that they’re classic, even iconic (“Never Goes Out of Style” Lucky Strike).

seattletimes.com

Cigarettes are back in vogue. How did this happen?

After a period of exile to the cultural fringes, cigarettes seem to be creeping back to the aspirational center, among both civilians and celebrities.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Fire safety message, not just for Ontario.

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Claes de Vreese @claesdevreese.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Big win: research vs Rubio Federal Court Suspends Trump Immigration Policy Targeting Technology Researchers Court finds policy likely violates the First Amendment by targeting protected research and advocacy based on viewpoint Thanks to all fighting this fight knightcolumbia.org/content/fede...

knightcolumbia.org

Federal Court Suspends Trump Immigration Policy Targeting Technology Researchers

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

"Trump adm cuts also brought back a flesh-eating parasite that favors cattle, accidentally fired scientists managing bird flu and for the FDA’s medical device reviewers, and [cut] funds to prevent domestic violence." Try state hlth, Mayo, & Cleveland clinic sites to help you manage health topics.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Over half the U.S. has been affected by this "explosive diarrhea" outbreak so far. The article has good advice for keeping yourself safe when using produce. www.usatoday.com/story/graphi...

Tips from CDC and USA Today for safely using produce to avoid contracting illness. Details and more suggestions in the article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2026/07/09/maps-explosive-diarrhea-outbreak-cyclosporiasis/90862952007/

States reporting cyclosporiasis illnesses. Graphic from USA Today article, sourced from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cyclosporiasis-symptoms-cases-map-parasite-outbreak-states-causes-rcna353493

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

One of them commented after reading the speech that they had heard pessimism is a tool of white oppression, and so it's important to act with optimism.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Fireworks options I saw today at a local stand

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

It's not your imagination. Sweeping staff cuts and fewer weather balloons to gather data have meant less info for accuracy and less lead time for weather warnings. Science #medialiteracy

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

There is so much going on in this thread about Dr. Miller's campaign video and his impact. #medialiteracy and respect to Dr. Miller.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Remember that arts organizations, humanities councils, and museums also rely heavily on federal funding! In fact, they are extremely vulnerable due to the need to align with the administration's priorities and the risk of denial due to any personal affiliations that the administration dislikes.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It's important to speak out on this immediate and long-term political threat to science, health, arts and society without delay (the link has suggestions on what to do). 🧪 fight2win.standupforscience.net

The Administration proposed a sweeping rule that would bar scientists from international collaboration, control what they can tell the public about their research, and give Trump officials complete power over which grants are funded—including authority to stop any grant at any time, for any reason.

Russel Vought (Project 2025 mastermind) is avoiding Congress and side-stepping legal rulings by issuing a “uniform guidance” rule proposal for ALL agencies in the federal government that would:

Put Trump’s hand chosen officials in charge of making sure anyone receiving federal grants is aligned with Trump’s priorities

Allows these people to cancel grants at any time for any reason

BAN on research for women, people of color, LGBTQ+, religious minorities, climate…

No viewpoint discrimination…except viewpoints that don’t align with Administration policies

BAN on any collaboration with scientists in other nations

Scientists can be denied grants for personal affiliations (e.g., Indivisible, SUFS)

Researchers can’t freely tell the public about their findings

From How To Talk to Anyone About OMB-2026-0034
Written By: Colette Delawalla, PhD, CEO

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Thank you to @velshi.com and to those who also make the choices to bear witness and engage. #medialiteracy

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Dave Jorgenson @davejorgenson.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Time to boost morale!*** ***with an AI-generated image of the boosted morale. (The ketchup bottles have lids on both sides, they’re holding pizza slices but the pizza on the table is untouched, all the words are jumbled, someone is bowling into the gutter)

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A great reminder to celebrate (and support) the important work of local news!

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

"I suspect [many 60-Min js] want to leave but don’t have the lifetime earnings of Pelley, but I no longer will take their reporting too seriously. And you shouldn’t, either. Weiss and the Ellisons want to use the lofty brand to legitimize their Trump-friendly, anti-left vision. We can’t let them."

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

The pope stood with a major AI leader to apologize and raise concerns about AI as causing a new form of dehumanization that requires social responsibility, intervention and regulation. He also made a point of quoting Tolkien, which some AI leaders have co-opted in pseudo-religious ways.

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

Barack Obama @barackobama.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who gave their lives for this country that we love. It is a debt we can never fully repay, but we must never stop trying.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

The Web site targets MAHA w the claim that the U.S. is "under babied." But moms.gov doesn't mention racial disparities in health access or nutrition. No focus on the maternal health crisis among Black women. TMC: It's more reframing of American social policy as white entitlement. #medialiteracy

nytimes.com

Opinion | The Moms Delivered for Trump. Now He’s Scamming Them.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

That's the key, isn't it? You can't give away your critical thinking when you use a tool. College and University leadership should know better, of course. #medialiteracy

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

China carefully manufactured its messages for Trump's visit. The children were an obvious, cringey piece of this. #medialiteracy www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/b...

nytimes.com

For Xi’s Critics, Summit Spectacle Is Fuel for Jokes They Can’t Tell

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

"we’re looking at the degradation of a skilled trade in realtime (with) a technology product that’s been trained on their work without their consent, and is now producing subpar output that’s driving down their wages and rendering work less rewarding." It matters how you use AI.

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Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Cognitive surrender is the oppositie of #medialiteracy But it's fine to use tools strategically, as tools!

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Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

M.J. Crockett @mjcrockett.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Last weekend I received the Troland Research Award from the @nationalacademies.org. I’m so grateful to the communities who made this work possible. It's strange to receive this award at a time when much of the work being recognized is not eligible for federal funding. My remarks 👇 and a 🧵>>

youtube.com

NAS 163rd Annual Meeting - Awards Ceremony

YouTube video by National Academy of Sciences

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