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Michelle Baker

@mabakerusu.bsky.social
988 followers 638 following 3 posts

Aquatic ecologist and mom to aquarians.

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Reposted by Michelle Baker
Dr. Wendy Bohon @drwendyrocks.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Did you hear or feel the sonic boom from the Artemis II reentry? Fill out a “Did You Feel It?” report! It will say earthquake but fill it out for the boom. earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
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Meade Krosby @meadekrosby.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
My husband, repeatedly: “How can they do this? How can it be so precise??” SCIENCE. Publicly funded science.
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Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
I just submitted my letter to NSF responding to its proposal to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). I argue that doing so would be an astonishing and avoidable misstep, and that federal support for the institution should in fact be *increased.* [1/4]
Page 2 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: constructive suggestions regarding how the already remarkable institutional efficiency and societal impact of NCAR could be further enhanced through increased (not decreased) federal support in the years to come.
Please note: To ensure the highest level of technical rigor, this response focuses exclusively on the core atmospheric and natural hazard science topics within the author’s primary domain of expertise; for this reason, I have omitted a response to Topic 4 (Space Weather)."


NCAR weather modeling and atmospheric observing capabilities
a) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as a stand-alone activity.
The proposed management of weather-related research as a stand-alone activity is a scientifically regressive path that ignores the fundamental physical reality of the Earth system. Modern atmospheric science has demonstrated (largely, it is worth noting, due to groundbreaking researcPage 3 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: b) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as combined with other NSF investments/facilities.
The highly specialized nature of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) infrastructure represents an extraordinary value proposition that cannot be replicated by combining it with more generalized NSF programs. The NWSC is not a generic high-performance computing (HPC) facility; it is a laboratory uniquely optimized for atmospheric science workflows, with a hardware and storage architecture specifically designed to handle the massive, high-bandwidth data demands of Earth system modeling. Furthermore, its model of providing an excellent, free-at-point-of-use technical support team ensures that the focus remains on the science rather than the overhead of systems administration. This centralized expertise allows individual researchers, smaller labs, and even entire universities—who would otherwiPage 4 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: NCAR Mesa Lab (located in Boulder, Colorado)
a/b) Ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building for public and private use.
Far more than just an office building, NSF NCAR Mesa Lab is an iconic and purpose-built facility designed specifically for the study of atmospheric science. Its position at the physical interface of the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Great Plains is a deliberate reflection of its mission, serving as a visible symbol—in an iconically American setting—of the federal government's enduring commitment to science in service of society. For many in the field, including myself, the Mesa Lab holds singular importance as a focal gathering point for the global atmospheric science community. My own early career exposure to weather and Earth system modeling, in fact, occurred within these walls, and I have long felt that the facility’s architecture and location inspire a necessary sense of awe regarding the atmosphere’s complexity aPage 1 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: Dear Acting Director Stone and the NSF NCAR restructuring team:

I am writing to provide a formal response to the Request for Information (RFI) regarding the proposed restructuring of the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and its critical weather science infrastructure contained within the January 23, 2026 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) entitled “NSF Intent to Restructure Critical Weather Infrastructure.” I submit these comments in my professional capacity as an atmospheric research scientist within the University of California, where my research focuses on the physics and dynamics of atmospheric processes related to extreme weather events and their role in shifting natural hazard and disaster risk.

My perspective is informed by a public-sector career dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental atmospheric research and real-world application in an academic context, with a particular focus on understanding and mitigating
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James Talarico @jamestalarico.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The state of our union is unaffordable.
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Wajahat Ali @wajali.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Why BAD BUNNY Terrifies MAGA and Inspires the World Bad Bunny is one of the most popular musicians in the world, producing art celebrating decolonization, resistance, love & joy, which is why he is one of the biggest threats to MAGA's racist agenda. open.substack.com/pub/thelefth...
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Wajahat Ali @wajali.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
That entire Halftime special was a celebration of community, love, music, diversity and Puerto Rico and very deliberate middle finger to colonization and white supremacy.
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Erin J. Wamsley 🧠📈😴 @wamsleylab.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
No Tenure for Oklahoma. Instead, faculty will be on "renewable contracts “tied to teaching effectiveness, student completion, job placement, and economic alignment.” #academicsky
chronicle.com
Tenure Will Be Eliminated at Most of Oklahoma’s Public Colleges, Governor Says
Gov. J. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, directed the state’s two-dozen regional universities and community colleges to phase out the practice. Existing faculty members will be grandfathered in.
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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
🔥
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evacide @evacide.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free. consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
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Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
The U.S. Is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine (Gift Article)
A quiet policy change means the government is making fewer bets on long-term science.
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Philip Bump @pbump.com · 10/11/2025
Trump administering an oath of allegiance to the Constitution is ironic in general but in DC in particular I’m not sure what other response you’d expect.
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Adam Parkhomenko @adamparkhomenko.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
And if that doesn’t work, try 202-224-3121
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Daniel Schuman @americalabs.org · 09/11/2025
I'd like to think that all Senate Dems know that failure to rein in OMB/Vought's assertions re: impoundment/rescission is capitulation. Now, maybe there's a plan to gets some points on the bd & hold out on FSGG approps, but we will see.
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Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · 10/11/2025
Flood the phones: (202) 224-3121 Tell Chuck Schumer to grow a spine and hold the line… There should be no deal that leaves working families behind.
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Zohran Kwame Mamdani @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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Scott L Greer @scottlgreer.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
a million years ago I remember trying to explain to undergrads in the first class I ever taught, at Northwestern, how civil service rules and civil society create resilience against authoritarianism. Well, here's a teaching case
thebulwark.com
The CDC Diaspora Fights Back
How America’s scientific army is trying to stand up for public health—and stand up for itself.
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Patrick Hickey, MD @pwhickey.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Published 16 October sah.org/2025/10/16/s...
sah.org
Statement on the Proposed Ballroom Addition at the White House - Society of Architectural Historians
The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) expresses great concern over the proposed ballroom addition to the White House. On July 31, 2025, the White House issued a statement that a 90,000 sq. ft....
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 19/10/2025
DC J6: 1.500 arrests DC No Kings: zero Tell me again which side is violent?
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Politico @politico.com · 14/10/2025
EXCLUSIVE: Thousands of leaked messages show leaders of Young Republican groups joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape in a private Telegram chat. Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇
politico.com
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat
Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.
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Mark Peifer (He, him) @peiferlabunc.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
I'm very excited to announce that UNC Biology has 6 faculty positions open this year! The first is for an Asst Professor who studies organismal resilience using an integrative approach 1/n unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
Poster with QR code linking to the position
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Laprofmme @laprofmme.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Courtesy of colleagues at Penn
A variation on Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 engraving in the Pennsylvania Gazette, published in Philadelphia, in an effort to foster cooperation among the various colonies against the tyrant king of Britain, with the American colonies replaced by the nine universities selected for special collaboration opportunities
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Raider @iwillnotbesilenced.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
This Is Fascism
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DGM @notredale.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Frogs are an invasive species that can wreak havoc on ICE’s frail ecosystem…
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The Oregonian @oregonian.com · 10/10/2025
Things are happening at Portland's ICE facility tonight. Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
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Peter Gleick @petergleick.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Poll. 61% of American Jews say Israel has committed war crimes, 40% say Israel is guilty of genocide against the Palestinians. That's not antisemitism. That's moral and ethical responsibility. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Many American Jews sharply critical of Israel on Gaza, Post poll finds
Most Jews say Israel is committing war crimes — and 39 percent say genocide — while often distinguishing between the country and its leadership.
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Mike Sacks @mikesacks.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Justice Anthony Kennedy tells @npr.org's @ninatotenberg.bsky.social "very worried" about our country, and that "Democracy is not guaranteed to survive." Kennedy wrote Citizens United and was the fifth vote in the rest of the Roberts Court's anti-democratic decisions. www.npr.org/2025/09/27/n...
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Disney/ABC have a responsibility to refuse to participate in corruption. Kimmel must be reinstated. If Disney/ABC agree to this extortion then perhaps creatives + workers should consider collective action to push back. Same w/buying park + cruise tickets if they bow. People have power. Ask Target
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Andrea Pitzer @andreapitzer.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Birmingham; Boise; Charleston, SC; Columbia, SC; Columbus, OH; Des Moines, IA; Fort Lauderdale/Sunrise, FL; Fort Myers/Naples, FL; Grand Rapids, MI; Jacksonville, FL; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Oklahoma City, OK; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Spokane, WA; St. Louis, MO; Tampa, FL.
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Andrea Pitzer @andreapitzer.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
This is an area you can push back in your own community, if you live in one of cities listed in the solicitation in this story. Talk to city council and state reps, as well as local landlords and organizers. Create pressure preemptively to keep them from using private spaces. Cities include... [1/2]
npr.org
Trump administration rushes to rent space for immigration officers conducting raids
Employees at the General Services Administration are scrambling to lease offices to accommodate a rapid increase of immigration enforcement officers carrying out widespread raids across the country.
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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
BREAKING NEWS: Tyler Robinson charged with aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and violence in the presence of a child in the murder of Charlie Kirk. #utpol #Utah
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Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
All right, I wrote about it:
campaign-trails.ghost.io
The White Civility Council
As the nation reckons with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, there has been a notable trend from mainstream pundits and press outlets. They have tended to downplay or outright i...
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Alex Wild @alexwild.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
It does not matter that Kirk’s killer was a fellow conservative. It does not matter that this terminally online guy was most certainly not radicalized in a college. We are in a post truth world. The fascists don’t care. Facts no longer matter. All that matters is power, and leverage. That’s it.
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no brain, only alison @alisonborealis.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Hey! If you're struggling with the volume of ... stuff in the main feeds today, you should take a look for some of the other feeds and hashtags out there. I really enjoy #birds #mammals #FlowerReport #MorningWalk Craft Sky, and Fiber Arts. Go have a browse of the feeds! You'll find some relief.
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Adam Parkhomenko @adamparkhomenko.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Time for some common sense gun laws. Democrats should introduce a bill named the Charlie Kirk common sense gun reform bill and make every Republican vote for it.
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Peter Gleick @petergleick.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
In a parallel with the devastating destruction of the Aral Sea, Lake Urmia in Iran -- once one of the world's largest saltwater lakes -- has now also been completely destroyed by overpumping, #water diversions, and increased evaporation from climate change. www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/862...
kurdistan24.net
'Lake Urmia Has Become Part of History,' Report Declares as NASA Images Confirm Complete Disappearance
NASA images have confirmed the complete disappearance of Iran's Lake Urmia, once one of the world's largest saltwater lakes, according to a report by Ettelaat Online. The 4,000-year-old "turquoise jew...
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Raywat Deonandan 🍁🇨🇦 @deonandan.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Countries on track to eliminate cervical cancer: -Australia by 2028 -Sweden by 2027 -Rwanda by 2030 -UK by 2040 -Indonesia by 2030 -Bhutan 2030 -El Salvador by 2030 -Canada by 2040 How? HPV vaccine. Same one RFK Jr is trying to ban. You will note USA is not on this list.
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DC Cassandra @dccassandra.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
I thought this piece by @thelastmileusaid.bsky.social laid it out pretty well - last section includes so what do we do now, including the desperate need for a Blue State Coalition/Compact.
cmarmitage.substack.com
I researched every attempt to stop fascism in history. The success rate is 0%.
Once they win elections, it's already too late.
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
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Ben Winslow @benwinslow.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Utah lawmakers were told today the Trump administration's next budget proposes a 55% cut to EPA. For states like Utah? The Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality says it represents a 71% cut in funding, which impacts clean air, clean water efforts (and has economic impact). #utpol #Utah
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Asha Rangappa @asharangappa.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
You know what kind of interstate crime the FBI is really good at investigating? Sex trafficking
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Noah Rosenblum @narosenblum.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
I hope this helps universities see why it’s dumb to “make a deal.” As the EO shows, Trump wants to destroy successful American R1s and reprogram funds as he sees fit, regardless of the law. He is not a reliable counterparty. Fighting him is scary, but it’s the only path to secure funding. (5/5)
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Noah Rosenblum @narosenblum.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
This isn’t Congress tying the President’s hands; this is just how the law Congress and the President agreed to works: it is clearly designed to give money to what expert research communities judge deserving. The President must “take care that the law is faithfully executed,” but that’s it. (4/5)
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Noah Rosenblum @narosenblum.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
But both assumptions are wrong. The President might have some discretion, sure. But in most of these statutes, especially the research ones, the law already specifies the priorities to be advanced and the process to do so. The President’s discretion is quite limited — it’s mostly supervisory. (3/5)
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Noah Rosenblum @narosenblum.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
There seem to be two assumptions behind this order: first, that the grant making statutes leave real discretion to the President about who to fund and, second, that in any case the President has some constitutional authority to award money according to a process or even values that he picks. (2/5)
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Noah Rosenblum @narosenblum.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
This is another attempt to circumvent the law and aggrandize personal power. Trump is trying to politicize grants by using “discretion” to change priorities. The problem is not just this includes unconstitutionally vague language and viewpoint discrimination. It also misunderstands discretion. (1/5)
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Mark Copelovitch @mcopelov.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
The entire business model of R1 public universities rests on 4 revenue sources: 1. Federal grants 2. Private gifts/endowments 3. Tuition (esp. from foreign students) 4. State $ For decades, 📈 in 1-3 offset a secular 📉 in 4. Now, 1 & 3 are being decimated & 4 ain't coming back. The math is clear.
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
"The bill directs what is likely the largest single sale of national public lands in modern history..." www.wilderness.org/articles/med...
wilderness.org
250+ million acres of public lands eligible for sale in SENR bill
The bill mandates disposal of over 2 million acres of BLM and National Forest lands; public lands eligible for sale in the bill encompass over 250 million acres, including local recreation areas, wild...
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