Erica Weintraub Austin
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ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin
@ericawaustin.bsky.social
1.2K followers 250 following 610 posts

Originator of the Media Literacy Theory of Chge, baker of award-winning Cougar Gold Cheese Coins, and fortunate family partner of talented musicians, a statistician, theoretical physicist and ball-chasing pup. My views may not reflect those of my employer. .. more

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Communication & Media Studies 25%
Education 16%
Posts Replies Media Videos

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 16h
🎶💗
Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 halftime show finale with him holding a football and musicians and dancers waving flags of the Americas. Fireworks are exploding in the background. A large sign reads, "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026 halftime show finale. He is holding a football that reads, "Together we are America" and is surrounded by dancers and musicians while flags wave and fireworks explode in the background.

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 1d
About the investors: techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/s...
Substack raises $100M from Chernin Group, Andreessen Horowitz, Skims CEO, and more | TechCrunch
The New York Times reports that the funding brings Substack's valuation to $1.1 billion, almost 70% higher than its 2021 valuation of $650 million.
techcrunch.com

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 1d
Free speech includes a private company's and its investors' right to profit from hosting ugly speech, of speakers to choose different platforms, and of consumers to refuse to pay for speech hosted on that platform.

In a difficult system, consumers need to help support speakers who choose to move.
mmccue.bsky.social Mike McCue @mmccue.bsky.social · 1d
These are actual screen shots I just took after reading the Guardian article and checking substack to see if these hate speech substacks were still live:

- swastika + substack branding
- substack recommending nazi content in "related notes"

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

mmccue.bsky.social
Mike McCue @mmccue.bsky.social · 1d
These are actual screen shots I just took after reading the Guardian article and checking substack to see if these hate speech substacks were still live:

- swastika + substack branding
- substack recommending nazi content in "related notes"

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

damon.kiesow.net
Damon Kiesow @damon.kiesow.net · 1d
The irrationality of clinging to a sinking platform. The story of Twitter, Substack et al.

kiesow.net/the-irration...
The irrationality of clinging to a sinking platform
The Guardian reported today on Substack’s willingness to amplify—and profit from—Nazi content. And yet, people launch new blogs on the site daily? There are a few cognitive biases wrapped up in why p...
kiesow.net

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 2d
This bipartisan summary of the SAVE act seems quite useful. It provides examples, statistics, examples and links to more info.

It recommends against passage of this bill as impractical, too costly, and unnecessary given problem size and other available tools.

bipartisanpolicy.org/article/five...
Five Things to Know About the SAVE Act
The House of Representatives will vote this week on H.R. 8281, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act). Introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), the SAVE Act requires voters to provide docu...
bipartisanpolicy.org

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 3d
Tag team
acyn.bsky.social Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 3d
Child at the podium: “A woo woo woo.”

Mamdani: That’s how I felt when we came up with this plan. Together, we will expand the idea of what is possible in our city—and what sounds and noises we can make at a press conference.

Reposted by Ben H. Ansell, Will Jennings, John R. Hutchinson , and 20 more

acyn.bsky.social
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 3d
Child at the podium: “A woo woo woo.”

Mamdani: That’s how I felt when we came up with this plan. Together, we will expand the idea of what is possible in our city—and what sounds and noises we can make at a press conference.

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 5d
On a day when we're losing local journalism in our nation's capitol, I'm proud and relieved that the other WA (and my home college, Ed Murrow's alma mater), is working to preserve it.

Thank you, @reportforamerica.bsky.social for this partnership!
reportforamerica.bsky.social Report for America @reportforamerica.bsky.social · 5d
Today, in partnership with murrowcollege.bsky.social, we are proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative to ensure that every county in Washington state has access to reliable, local journalism.

Learn more: https://www.reportforamerica.org/2026/02/04/wsu-report-for-america-partnership/

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 5d
So sorry to see this. Best wishes for your next adventures, which I hope will be lined up soon.

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

reportforamerica.bsky.social
Report for America @reportforamerica.bsky.social · 5d
Today, in partnership with murrowcollege.bsky.social, we are proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative to ensure that every county in Washington state has access to reliable, local journalism.

Learn more: https://www.reportforamerica.org/2026/02/04/wsu-report-for-america-partnership/

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 6d
“It’s just weird to see a toddler in a pink onesie getting their eyes washed out from tear gas, you know?”
marisakabas.bsky.social Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 6d
New — I spoke to eight people who were present at the ICE protest on Saturday in Portland, Oregon when federal agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of families, children, elderly and disabled people, and their pets.

These are their stories:
What it's like to see ICE tear gas kids
Attendees at a Portland, OR protest describe a vicious, unprovoked and sudden attack
www.thehandbasket.co

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

katestarbird.bsky.social
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 6d
A federal judge stayed Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status, thank goodness. But it's still vital to understand how "they're eating the pets" participatory propaganda was used to motivate and justify that policy change. This article gives a detailed breakdown of that effort.
katestarbird.bsky.social Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 6d
Highly recommend this article showing how the "They're Eating the Pets" refrain emerged from the right's participatory propaganda machine. Extremely relevant, as many Haitian immigrants (the targets of that false rumor/campaign) lose their status Feb 3. americanunreality.substack.com/p/american-u...
American Unreality — Part 1: Springfield, Ohio
The Story That Devoured a Town
americanunreality.substack.com

Reposted by Rebecca Solnit, Steve Peers, Robert W. Wallace , and 8 more

marisakabas.bsky.social
Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 6d
New — I spoke to eight people who were present at the ICE protest on Saturday in Portland, Oregon when federal agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of families, children, elderly and disabled people, and their pets.

These are their stories:
What it's like to see ICE tear gas kids
Attendees at a Portland, OR protest describe a vicious, unprovoked and sudden attack
www.thehandbasket.co

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 8d
One of the problems has been that reasonable local and tribal concerns can get overruled by the state commission. Developers take particular advantage of rural areas that have less political clout.

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

kennysmith.org
Kenny Smith @kennysmith.org · 8d
“Don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t your home.”

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 8d
The full list: www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-new...
CBS News names 19 new contributors
CBS News has significantly expanded its knowledge base and on-air presence with the addition of 19 new contributors who cover the worlds of politics, national security, health, happiness, arts, food, ...
www.cbsnews.com

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 8d
Among the new CBS commentators: Harvard happiness prof, former pres of the Am. Ent. Inst., lives life of privilege, has great support system for work, and tells others how to be happy.

“The least I can do is design my life so I'm good at it.”

www.businessinsider.com/day-in-the-l...
I'm a happiness scientist and Harvard professor. Here's how I design my day to live my best life.
Happiness expert and Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks has done the same workout for 25 years. His entire daily routine is optimized for success.
www.businessinsider.com

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 8d
Where even to begin with that sentence and what it represents.

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 10d
Oooo thank you for this today @dave1957.bsky.social
dave1957.bsky.social David Preston @dave1957.bsky.social · 11d
While I was out with the camera yesterday the moon was out and I thought "I wonder if…".

Turns out you can. I need to try this at night some time.

#photography
Daytime shot of the moon taken in the late afternoon.

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

dave1957.bsky.social
David Preston @dave1957.bsky.social · 11d
While I was out with the camera yesterday the moon was out and I thought "I wonder if…".

Turns out you can. I need to try this at night some time.

#photography
Daytime shot of the moon taken in the late afternoon.

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 13d
Absototally, ridiculously and always

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 13d
The framing of this statement by independent journalism contrasts with "legacy" coverage I have seen that has lauded certain CEO statements, some of which have been internal to employees only.

#medialiteracy multiple sources
juddlegum.bsky.social Judd Legum @juddlegum.bsky.social · 13d
1. After weeks of silence, the CEOs of 68 large corporations based in Minnesota released and statement on ICE saying... what exactly?

"There are ways for us to come together to foster progress..."

"State, local and federal officials [should] work together to find real solutions..."
The hollow corporate response to the Minnesota killings
At the beginning of December, the Trump administration launched “Operation Metro Surge,” sending thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers to the…
popular.info

Reposted by Erica Weintraub Austin

juddlegum.bsky.social
Judd Legum @juddlegum.bsky.social · 13d
1. After weeks of silence, the CEOs of 68 large corporations based in Minnesota released and statement on ICE saying... what exactly?

"There are ways for us to come together to foster progress..."

"State, local and federal officials [should] work together to find real solutions..."
The hollow corporate response to the Minnesota killings
At the beginning of December, the Trump administration launched “Operation Metro Surge,” sending thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers to the…
popular.info

Reposted by Matthew Bunn, Rosemary A. Joyce, Richard H. King , and 15 more

taylordahlin.com
taylr @taylordahlin.com · 13d
brass solidarity band performing “stand by me” in the streets of whittier next to alex pretti’s memorial. the crowd started chanting “the people united will never be defeated” so they incorporated it into the song. i love minneapolis

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 14d
Delighted that my US Rep wants constituent opinions about the MN shootings.

Even though questions are double barreled. Even if answers (choose only 1) may not be mutually exclusive.

And even if it's after stating his opinion first. (Ans #1: "sanctuary cities and states" are "uncooperative.")
Survey from US Rep received in Email begins: The shootings in Minnesota have drawn national headlines and riveted the attention of a deeply divided nation. Everyone has an opinion, but we all have too few facts. I’m disturbed by what I’ve seen on the videos. I applaud the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee for quickly calling a full committee hearing to investigate. My view is that it is critically important that the American people and Congress be given a better understanding of how immigration enforcement is being handled, including the methods federal law enforcement officers are using to prioritize; identify, detain or arrest persons for immigration enforcement; the training they are receiving; the implementation of body cameras, the threats they face in conducting operations; and the many challenges posed by the lack of cooperation from “sanctuary” cities and states. Based on what you have seen so far, which statement is closest to your view of the deaths in Minnesota? Federal agents acted appropriately, in self-defense. Sanctuary cities and states who refuse to cooperate endanger lives needlessly. Federal agents used excessive force and should be held accountable. There must be a fair investigation to review all the information and to make all the facts available. Other (Please share your thoughts by replying to this email) Taking this survey will sign you up for future news and updates from our office. It's an honor to be your voice in Congress and fight for Eastern Washington. As always, my team and I are ready to assist if you need help navigating a federal agency, renewing your passport, booking a tour of the Capitol or White House, and more. You can get in touch through my official website here. Sincerely,

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15d
Thank you. But "as it stands?" How about "At all."

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15d
Just letting you know the video was apparently posted by Mac Randolph on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/share/r/1Btu...
Mac Randolph RIP Alex Pretti, he was my Dads ICU nurse, he read my dad's final salut at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point. Also my Fathers final words to me was continue to fight the good fight. He would be honored in Alex' sacrifice, and ashamed of this current administration. In my Dads words I encourage you all to continue to "fight the good fight"

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15d
Helping to get the truth out on behalf of Alex Pretti's parents about the honorable and heroic individual they (and we all) have lost today. As far as I can tell, this video is authentic, as he paid tribute to a veteran he helped try to save in the ICU.
January 24, 2026 at 18:42 Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti "We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the 'hero' term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.

ericawaustin.bsky.social
Erica Weintraub Austin @ericawaustin.bsky.social · 15d
Thank you for sharing. Such a special person we have lost. Now it's up to us to honor his service as he honored others'.