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Michael Scherer

@michaelscherer.bsky.social
6.8K followers 728 following 442 posts

Staff Writer at The Atlantic. Previously at the Washington Post, TIME, Salon, others. Signal: michaelscherer.11 www.theatlantic.com/author/michael-…

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Reposted by Michael Scherer
c0nc0rdance @c0nc0rdance.bsky.social · 18h
Omigod, this is the most heartwarming story possible! Backpack (bear 89) is the son of the 2019 winner of Fat Bear Week, Holly (bear 435). In 2007, he injured his foot & a practice of riding on momma's Holly's back had a new meaning: he was mobility-restricted while it healed. So Holly moved him.
From DISCVR blog's Facebook page, a momma bear & a yearling cub on her back in the shallow water.  I think the background has been swapped out, and I can't rule out some AI use there?  God, Facebook has become the social media for AI slop : (

The title of the article, which I link below, is "How Bear 89 earned the name Backpack"
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 16h
NEW: NEW: John Fetterman's fundraising firm, MissionWired, quit working for him in June. So he started offering right-wing groups like RedMajorities and TrumpTruth a hefty commission to raise him money. Even Sen. Mike Lee has joined the rush for cash. Gift link: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Right-Wing Groups Are Making Money Off John Fetterman
After losing his Democratic fundraisers, the Pennsylvania senator found a new firm with MAGA-world ties.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 16h
NEW: A republican fundraising consultant alerted her colleagues this month in a private message about a hot new business opportunity from an unlikely source: Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat. Gift Link: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Right-Wing Groups Are Making Money Off John Fetterman
After losing his Democratic fundraisers, the Pennsylvania senator found a new firm with MAGA-world ties.
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Adrienne LaFrance @adriennelaf.bsky.social · 18h
Quite a story from @mviser.bsky.social and @michaelscherer.bsky.social: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
John Fetterman’s Right-Wing Fundraising Deals
After losing his Democratic fundraisers, the Pennsylvania senator found a new firm with MAGA-world ties.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 17h
Exclusive: John Fetterman has been working with GOP fundraising consultants—and paying a hefty commission, @michaelscherer.bsky.social and @mviser.bsky.social report. 📸: Andrew Harnik / Getty
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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Dammit. I am so mad I posted that. The Post pushed that, but doesn't say until the sixth paragraph that The Atlantic actually broke the news (and they don't link to the story when they finally acknowledged it). Here's a gift link to Nick Miroff's report: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
The ICE Officer in Austin Wasn’t Wearing a Body Cam
The officer who shot a Venezuelan man was hired last year from another federal law-enforcement agency.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Reported here first. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
The ICE Officer in Austin Wasn’t Wearing a Body Cam
The officer who shot a Venezuelan man was hired last year from another federal law-enforcement agency.
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Reposted by Michael Scherer
Andy Greenberg @agreenberg.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Using AI in many cases means sending your most sensitive and intimate thoughts to a server where they can be exploited as training data, sold to ad brokers, or even handed to law enforcement. So I assembled this guide to using AI with your privacy intact. www.wired.com/story/how-to...
wired.com
How to Use AI With Your Privacy Intact
Your conversations with AI chatbots are both highly personal and deeply vulnerable to surveillance. Here’s how you can protect yourself.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is a bad tweet. Poll did not ask approve or disapprove of $5000 check. Asked whether the quid pro quo of the proposal was appropriate. Totally separate issue. Like asking if Barry Bonds should have cheated vs was a great player.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 14/09/2026
The Trump administration staged an unofficial Cabinet-travel competition in which secretaries competed to see who could visit the most swing states and districts, @ashleyrparker.bsky.social and @michaelscherer.bsky.social report. See who logged the most trips: theatln.tc/dqg5nYPm
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Yvonne Wingett Sanchez @yvonnewingett.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Cabinet members competed to visit the most swing areas—a dinner with President Trump was rumored as a prize, and at least one secretary feared being docked points for going to a blue state, @ashleyrparker.bsky.social and @michaelscherer.bsky.social report. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Trump’s Secret Points System for Cabinet Members
The White House held a summer contest to see who could appear in the most congressional districts and states with competitive midterm elections.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 12/09/2026
President Trump is facing his last great electoral test with the midterms—and he is trying to defy the odds again, @michaelscherer.bsky.social and @ashleyrparker.bsky.social write.
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Trump’s Dream World in Dallas
At a midterm convention, Trump tries to defy the odds one last time.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 10/09/2026
Trump is facing his last great electoral test with the midterms—and at his midterm convention in Dallas this week, he’s trying to defy the odds yet again, @michaelscherer.bsky.social and @ashleyrparker.bsky.social write. theatln.tc/6GiOIf8L 📸: Joseph Rushmore
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Sally Jenkins @sallyjenx.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thanks so much!
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Adrienne LaFrance @adriennelaf.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot. I’m on the ballot. I’m on the ballot. Just one more time.” An illuminating dispatch from Dallas, by @michaelscherer.bsky.social and @ashleyrparker.bsky.social: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Trump’s Dream World in Dallas
At a midterm convention, Trump tries to defy the odds one last time.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
NEW: President Trump began his midterm-convention address last night by casting his spell on the crowd in Dallas. “This place is packed,” he announced, pointing to the back where everyone could see empty seats. w/ @ashleyrparker.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Trump’s Dream World in Dallas
At a midterm convention, Trump tries to defy the odds one last time.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW: Hours after Iran issued a $10 million bounty on Donald Trump’s son, the State Department reissued a $10 million bounty on “information” about four Iranian officials. One of them had already been killed. How the Iran War is a war of assassination: www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
theatlantic.com
A War of Assassinations
The U.S. and Iran are engaged in a conflict that is massive in scale but personal in nature.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW: Hours after Iran issued a $10 million bounty on Donald Trump’s son, the State Department reissued a $10 million bounty on “information” about four Iranian officials. One of them had already been killed. How the Iran War is a war of assassination: www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
theatlantic.com
A War of Assassinations
The U.S. and Iran are engaged in a conflict that is massive in scale but personal in nature.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Trump team releases first Trump-focused TV ad, which we described last week, paid for by the c4 arm of MAGA Inc. Backstory below. host2.adimpact.com/admo/viewer/...
host2.adimpact.com
Toughest Guy
Securing American Greatness started airing this Positive ad about Trump for President on 09/02/26 in the Trump Issue 2026 election.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 01/09/2026
@ashleyrparker.bsky.social and @michaelscherer.bsky.social discuss their reporting that Trump is pushing for Republicans to run on his record. Watch the full episode of Radio Atlantic:
bit.ly
Trump’s Economy Goes to the Polls
Trump wants Republicans to run on his record in the midterms. Democrats do as well.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The only story you will read today about taking federal frog scientists hostage and Zephyr’s papaya on Gumboot Lake. www.theatlantic.com/science/2026...
theatlantic.com
The Growing Lawlessness in California’s Forests
Two frog biologists were kidnapped in the woods. More bizarre situations may come.
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Nancy Kathryn Walecki @nancywalecki.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I embedded at an adult summer camp of women in their 20s through their 80s hoping to make new friends. The 60-something women of Cabin 3 and I danced, swam, went down the water slide, discussed mortality, then raged to Smash Mouth. www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/...
theatlantic.com
The Golden Girls, but in a Camp Cabin
My weekend at adult summer camp
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Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
In addition to the lifetime ban, "Kalshi said its compliance department had imposed a penalty of $71,356." www.wsj.com/politics/ex-...
wsj.com
Ex-Congressman George Santos Receives Kalshi’s First-Ever Lifetime Ban
The decision comes after a federal regulator alleged he made more than $17,000 by placing bets on his attendance at the State of the Union address.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 30/08/2026
Donald Trump has ordered an ad blitz ahead of the midterms that could backfire for Republicans, @yvonnewingett.bsky.social, @michaelscherer.bsky.social, and @ashleyrparker.bsky.social report:
bit.ly
Trump Plans to Buy Midterm Ads About His Own Record
Some Republicans welcome his involvement, but whether voters will is another question.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Reporting matters: www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/...
theatlantic.com
The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son
The family at the center of Pennsylvania’s measles controversy tells their story.
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Reposted by Michael Scherer
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 26/08/2026
Exclusive: Donald Trump has ordered an ad blitz ahead of the midterms that could backfire for Republicans, @yvonnewingett.bsky.social, @michaelscherer.bsky.social, and @ashleyrparker.bsky.social report:
bit.ly
Trump Plans to Buy Midterm Ads About His Own Record
Some Republicans welcome his involvement, but whether voters will is another question.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
NEW: Trump told MAGA Inc in Oval Office meeting to make ads about his own record for midterms. Spots will run alongside campaign-specific ads. “We are going to unload the guns on both chambers real soon." www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
Trump Plans to Buy Midterm Ads About His Own Record
Some Republicans welcome his involvement but whether voters will is another question.
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Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
SCOOP: Republican House candidate Ralph Alvarado is pivoting his message, editing his website to remove Trump mentions and delete a photo of them together. From “America First Fighter” to “Independent Leadership.” Trump won KY06 by 15 pts. www.nbcnews.com/politics/202... BEFORE/AFTER
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 24/08/2026
Bill Pulte’s purge of senior executives at Fannie Mae fit a pattern of how he has positioned himself in Donald Trump’s senior team, @michaelscherer.bsky.social reports:
bit.ly
Another Pulte Purge
Firings at Fannie Mae fit a pattern.
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Reposted by Michael Scherer
Ana Marie Cox @anamariecox.com · 21/08/2026
oh and this from www.texastribune.org/2026/08/20/t...
texastribune.org
Talarico dominates Texas airwaves while Paxton stays quiet
The Democrat has had TV nearly to himself, outspending his Republican rival more than 200-to-1 on advertising as GOP groups weigh when — or whether — to get involved.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 19/08/2026
Heidi Overton, who is reportedly poised to be nominated for FDA commissioner, is one of the most powerful public-health officials in Donald Trump’s orbit—but she’s also recently been at odds with MAHA activists, @michaelscherer.bsky.social and @tombartlett.bsky.social report.
bit.ly
The White House’s MAHA Gatekeeper
A policy wonk who could lead the FDA has angered “Make America Healthy Again” activists.
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
> @daveweigel.bsky.social
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
NEW: The National Park Service has created a "White House priorities" list internally to fast-track Trump's desires. They include more than $12 million for Flock cameras and new US Park Police equipment in DC area. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
President Trump Has a Pet-Project Docket at the National Parks
The National Park Service changed the way it prioritizes projects so that the president’s requests are quickly approved.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Sex and gender have been different concepts throughout history. Then language got in the way. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
theatlantic.com
What Do Sex and Gender Even Mean Now?
The history of a semantic mess––and a way out of it
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Any young people who can explain the eyebrows?
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Carl Zimmer @carlzimmer.com · 06/08/2026
Here's a new kind of virus that scientists have generated with AI. And here's my story about what it means for us to have gotten to this remarkable moment: nyti.ms/4bBhoWB (Gift link) 🧪
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Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Smoke. Filled. Rooms. Bring them back. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
theatlantic.com
‘Disappear the Democrat’ Backfires in Montana
The party has been backing independent Senate candidates in red states. But Montana is not working as planned.
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Reposted by Michael Scherer
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 06/08/2026
Montana’s Democratic Senate nominee said that only God could get her off the ballot—but her party is exploring its legal options in case she does drop out, @michaelscherer.bsky.social reports:
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‘Disappear the Democrat’ Backfires in Montana
The party has been backing independent Senate candidates in red states. But Montana is not working as planned.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 03/08/2026
Breaking News: A House panel recommended that a GOP lawmaker be censured after finding that he likely violated sexual harassment rules.
nyti.ms
House Panel Finds Lawmaker Likely Violated Rules on Sexual Harassment
The Ethics Committee called for the censure of Representative Chuck Edwards, Republican of North Carolina, who showered two female staffers with lavish gifts and affection.
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EMILY WILSON @emilyrcwilson.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
No professional accomplishment has ever made me happier than this. theonion.com/translator-o...
theonion.com
Translator Of Original ‘Minions’ Epic Poem Slams ‘Sexless, Bloodless’ Film Adaptation
PHILADELPHIA—In a 4,500-word essay published in Harper’s Magazine, Emily Wilson, known for her popular translation of the Minions epic poem, blasted the latest film Thursday as a “sexless, bloodless” ...
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 18/07/2026
Marco Rubio set some Signal messages to auto-delete late last year, @michaelscherer.bsky.social, Missy Ryan, @nancyayoussef.bsky.social, and @shaneharris.bsky.social report. The State Department previously told a court that he didn’t use disappearing messages, but later dropped that claim.
bit.ly
Marco Rubio’s Disappearing Signal Chat
The State Department told a court last year that the secretary didn’t use disappearing messages. By this spring, it had dropped that claim.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 24/07/2026
One deputy assistant in the White House is at the center of a rift with a group of MAHA activists over the pace and limits of reforming federal health policy, @michaelscherer.bsky.social and Tom Bartlett report.
bit.ly
The White House’s MAHA Gatekeeper
A policy wonk who could lead the FDA has angered “Make America Healthy Again” activists.
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Sally Jenkins @sallyjenx.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Much as Trump tried to stay in the picture and play the ugly American, this #WorldCup was thoroughly continental. www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
theatlantic.com
The World Cup Could Not Be Americanized
Spain’s 1–0 win over Argentina demonstrated all of the ways that this sport is still foreign in the United States.
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Helen Kennedy @helenkennedy.com · 15/07/2026
NYC has the fifth worst air quality of world cities right now due to wildfires in Canada.
The top five worst cities: Toronto, Kinshasa, Delhi, Doha, and New YorkAir quality index in New York City is 158, deemed "unhealthy.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 15/07/2026
Marco Rubio set some Signal messages to auto-delete late last year, @michaelscherer.bsky.social, Missy Ryan, @nancyayoussef.bsky.social, and @shaneharris.bsky.social report. The State Department previously told a court that he didn’t use disappearing messages, but later dropped that claim.
bit.ly
Marco Rubio’s Disappearing Signal Chat
The State Department told a court last year that the secretary didn’t use disappearing messages. By this spring, it had dropped that claim.
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Reposted by Michael Scherer
The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 14/07/2026
Marco Rubio set some Signal messages to auto-delete late last year, @michaelscherer.bsky.social, Missy Ryan, @nancyayoussef.bsky.social, and @shaneharris.bsky.social report. The State Department previously told a court that he didn’t use disappearing messages, but later dropped that claim.
bit.ly
Marco Rubio’s Disappearing Signal Chat
The State Department told a court last year that the secretary didn’t use disappearing messages. By this spring, it had dropped that claim.
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Michael Scherer @michaelscherer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
"The obvious, the silly, and the true had got to be defended. Truisms are true, hold on to that! The solid world exists, its laws do not change. Stones are hard, water is wet, objects unsupported fall towards the earth's centre."--George Orwell
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 08/07/2026
Americans were once members of a proudly literate society, but today, reading has declined across age groups, gender, and education levels. For The Atlantic’s August issue, @rosehorowitch.bsky.social explores the reading collapse—and its effects on civilization: theatln.tc/Q0QJpF8U
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Oliver Willis @owillis.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
John Oliver on General Hospital is the peak of television youtu.be/gtpHIGVjl-k?...
youtu.be
Every John Oliver Scene on General Hospital
YouTube video by Jolt - Gaming & Entertainment News
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 06/07/2026
The red card against Team USA’s Folarin Balogun wasn’t good—but FIFA’s decision to overturn it after hearing from Donald Trump was even worse, @sallyjenx.bsky.social argues.
bit.ly
A Very Bad Call
The red card against Team USA’s Folarin Balogun at the World Cup wasn’t good. FIFA’s decision to overturn it after hearing from Donald Trump was even worse.
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