Ben Laabs
@berylliumben.bsky.social
Geologist/glaciologist in the midcontinent 🏔️ Reposter of cool landscape photography and music 🌅 Old Dad 🥸 Vote Blue 💙 Cheesehead in Denver 🧀 Go Pack Go 🏈 Chelsea FC ⚽️
Reposted by Ben Laabs
If they ban whistles switch to cowbells. It'll be fun for all the Gen Xers.
Because we need more cowbell.
Because we need more cowbell.
January 28, 2026 at 12:58 AM
If they ban whistles switch to cowbells. It'll be fun for all the Gen Xers.
Because we need more cowbell.
Because we need more cowbell.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
This is Coral. She let cuteness aggression get the best of her. Her brother Crow figures he'll take that as a compliment. 13/10 for both (IG: crow_waya)
January 28, 2026 at 12:14 AM
This is Coral. She let cuteness aggression get the best of her. Her brother Crow figures he'll take that as a compliment. 13/10 for both (IG: crow_waya)
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Two items in a row in my feed: Thune won't publicly back Noem, and George Will says its our patriotic duty to assume everything ICE says is a lie ...
To borrow @gelliottmorris.com's line, this really does feel like a tipping point.
To borrow @gelliottmorris.com's line, this really does feel like a tipping point.
January 27, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Two items in a row in my feed: Thune won't publicly back Noem, and George Will says its our patriotic duty to assume everything ICE says is a lie ...
To borrow @gelliottmorris.com's line, this really does feel like a tipping point.
To borrow @gelliottmorris.com's line, this really does feel like a tipping point.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
There's no ICE accountability without ending qualified immunity.
They're murdering people. There won't be justice for the lives they've stolen, but there must be accountability.
My bill with @markey.senate.gov would ensure families can sue the agents murdering their loved ones.
They're murdering people. There won't be justice for the lives they've stolen, but there must be accountability.
My bill with @markey.senate.gov would ensure families can sue the agents murdering their loved ones.
January 27, 2026 at 9:02 PM
There's no ICE accountability without ending qualified immunity.
They're murdering people. There won't be justice for the lives they've stolen, but there must be accountability.
My bill with @markey.senate.gov would ensure families can sue the agents murdering their loved ones.
They're murdering people. There won't be justice for the lives they've stolen, but there must be accountability.
My bill with @markey.senate.gov would ensure families can sue the agents murdering their loved ones.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
But lots of these are rape whistles, why would Republicans want to ban ooohhhhh right
January 27, 2026 at 11:07 PM
But lots of these are rape whistles, why would Republicans want to ban ooohhhhh right
Reposted by Ben Laabs
You can’t reform this.
Throw the whole department away.
Throw the whole department away.
Video from this morning shows ICE agents deploying tear gas outside a Minneapolis preschool as parents shout, “This is a preschool! There’s kids here!”
January 27, 2026 at 9:23 PM
You can’t reform this.
Throw the whole department away.
Throw the whole department away.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
I continue to believe that the fastest way to get Stephen Miller fired is to convince Trump that Miller's ICE operations are what cost him the Nobel Peace Prize.
January 27, 2026 at 4:54 AM
I continue to believe that the fastest way to get Stephen Miller fired is to convince Trump that Miller's ICE operations are what cost him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
January 26, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Reposted by Ben Laabs
My almost nightly offering of the Moon from #SantaBarbara.
#MoonPhotography #MoonPhotos #MoonShots #Photography
Settings:
Canon T5i
Sigma 150-600mm
Focal length: 600mm
F-stop: f/9
Exposure time: 1/640
ISO: 800
#Moon phase: Waxing 50%
#MoonPhotography #MoonPhotos #MoonShots #Photography
Settings:
Canon T5i
Sigma 150-600mm
Focal length: 600mm
F-stop: f/9
Exposure time: 1/640
ISO: 800
#Moon phase: Waxing 50%
January 26, 2026 at 5:21 AM
My almost nightly offering of the Moon from #SantaBarbara.
#MoonPhotography #MoonPhotos #MoonShots #Photography
Settings:
Canon T5i
Sigma 150-600mm
Focal length: 600mm
F-stop: f/9
Exposure time: 1/640
ISO: 800
#Moon phase: Waxing 50%
#MoonPhotography #MoonPhotos #MoonShots #Photography
Settings:
Canon T5i
Sigma 150-600mm
Focal length: 600mm
F-stop: f/9
Exposure time: 1/640
ISO: 800
#Moon phase: Waxing 50%
Reposted by Ben Laabs
🚨BREAKING: A federal judge in Oregon said Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent letter to Minnesota reinforced unease about how the Justice Department is wielding its authority in its nationwide push for state voter rolls, suggesting the administration’s campaign may be driven by improper motives.
Bondi’s ‘blackmail’ letter to Minnesota deepens concerns over DOJ’s voter roll motives, federal judge says
The judge reiterated the DOJ's case against Oregon will be dismissed entirely.
www.democracydocket.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:31 AM
🚨BREAKING: A federal judge in Oregon said Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent letter to Minnesota reinforced unease about how the Justice Department is wielding its authority in its nationwide push for state voter rolls, suggesting the administration’s campaign may be driven by improper motives.
Goodnight from Denver. Here’s hoping for peaceful times ahead.
January 27, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Goodnight from Denver. Here’s hoping for peaceful times ahead.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Gallego: I think it's ridiculous that Kristi Noem just went out right away and basically called this poor victim, a violent terrorist. That right there is impeachable. She lied about a citizen to justify his murder. The president should ask for her resignation.
January 26, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Gallego: I think it's ridiculous that Kristi Noem just went out right away and basically called this poor victim, a violent terrorist. That right there is impeachable. She lied about a citizen to justify his murder. The president should ask for her resignation.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
My new fossil friend @makirock.bsky.social
Give her a follow.
Give her a follow.
January 26, 2026 at 7:35 PM
My new fossil friend @makirock.bsky.social
Give her a follow.
Give her a follow.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
"ICE OUT" on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, as seen from my flight leaving MSP airport
January 26, 2026 at 6:28 PM
"ICE OUT" on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, as seen from my flight leaving MSP airport
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Trump tried to break the Twin Cities but we stood strong, and now *they* are backing down. Makes me feel proud to live here.
January 26, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Trump tried to break the Twin Cities but we stood strong, and now *they* are backing down. Makes me feel proud to live here.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
⚒️ 🧪
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake rattled Salt Lake City on Thursday. Although large earthquakes are (eventually) expected on the nearby Wasatch Fault, this event occurred to the east, near the intriguing Bear River Fault Zone. Was it responsible? We take a look.
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake rattled Salt Lake City on Thursday. Although large earthquakes are (eventually) expected on the nearby Wasatch Fault, this event occurred to the east, near the intriguing Bear River Fault Zone. Was it responsible? We take a look.
M4.7 earthquake in Utah rattles Salt Lake City
We take a look at the fascinating Bear River Fault
earthquakeinsights.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:44 PM
⚒️ 🧪
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake rattled Salt Lake City on Thursday. Although large earthquakes are (eventually) expected on the nearby Wasatch Fault, this event occurred to the east, near the intriguing Bear River Fault Zone. Was it responsible? We take a look.
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake rattled Salt Lake City on Thursday. Although large earthquakes are (eventually) expected on the nearby Wasatch Fault, this event occurred to the east, near the intriguing Bear River Fault Zone. Was it responsible? We take a look.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
The Minnesota v. Noem hearing is beginning before Judge Katherine Menendez.
Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul are seeking a TRO today to stop Operation Metro Surge.
Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul are seeking a TRO today to stop Operation Metro Surge.
January 26, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Minnesota v. Noem hearing is beginning before Judge Katherine Menendez.
Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul are seeking a TRO today to stop Operation Metro Surge.
Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul are seeking a TRO today to stop Operation Metro Surge.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Just kinda seems like refusing to tell us which ICE agents murdered Alex Pretti undercuts the idea that they’re wearing masks to protect themselves — rather than to be able to kill people with impunity.
January 26, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Just kinda seems like refusing to tell us which ICE agents murdered Alex Pretti undercuts the idea that they’re wearing masks to protect themselves — rather than to be able to kill people with impunity.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
🔥MINNESOTA MAN to @stoneskynews.bsky.social : “The mood is anger. We’re angry with our federal government for invading us for no good reason other than Trump wasn’t backed here— it’s a violent, brutal fascist administration. Trump’s a terrible bully. We’re defending this place against him.”
January 26, 2026 at 3:45 AM
🔥MINNESOTA MAN to @stoneskynews.bsky.social : “The mood is anger. We’re angry with our federal government for invading us for no good reason other than Trump wasn’t backed here— it’s a violent, brutal fascist administration. Trump’s a terrible bully. We’re defending this place against him.”
Reposted by Ben Laabs
I have a lot of respect for people who work at the VA and I’m sorry they have to serve during this dickhead’s tenure.
January 26, 2026 at 12:22 AM
I have a lot of respect for people who work at the VA and I’m sorry they have to serve during this dickhead’s tenure.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Target Center dunkers wear “ICE OUT” t-shirts
January 26, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Target Center dunkers wear “ICE OUT” t-shirts
Reposted by Ben Laabs
They owe her, and all of us, an apology.
January 25, 2026 at 9:45 PM
They owe her, and all of us, an apology.
Reposted by Ben Laabs
CBP chief Bovino has confirmed that the officers who executed Alex Pretti in the street yesterday are not only *not on administrative leave,* they have all been reassigned to other jurisdictions and are all on the street today.
This is totally unheard of for any officer-involved shooting
This is totally unheard of for any officer-involved shooting
January 25, 2026 at 8:01 PM
CBP chief Bovino has confirmed that the officers who executed Alex Pretti in the street yesterday are not only *not on administrative leave,* they have all been reassigned to other jurisdictions and are all on the street today.
This is totally unheard of for any officer-involved shooting
This is totally unheard of for any officer-involved shooting
Reposted by Ben Laabs
How is it that one of the most divisive individuals ever to occupy the Oval Office has somehow managed to unite the entire world against us?
January 25, 2026 at 7:18 PM
How is it that one of the most divisive individuals ever to occupy the Oval Office has somehow managed to unite the entire world against us?
Reposted by Ben Laabs
Good afternoon from downtown Chicago, where despite heavy snowfall, thousands have gathered for an anti-ICE/CBP demonstration in solidarity with the Twin Cities. More are still streaming in.
Lt. Illinois Gov. Juliana Stratton just addressed the crowd, and called for ICE to be abolished.
Lt. Illinois Gov. Juliana Stratton just addressed the crowd, and called for ICE to be abolished.
January 25, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Good afternoon from downtown Chicago, where despite heavy snowfall, thousands have gathered for an anti-ICE/CBP demonstration in solidarity with the Twin Cities. More are still streaming in.
Lt. Illinois Gov. Juliana Stratton just addressed the crowd, and called for ICE to be abolished.
Lt. Illinois Gov. Juliana Stratton just addressed the crowd, and called for ICE to be abolished.