Hendrick Simoes
@hendricksimoes.bsky.social
Strategic Communication Specialist | Climate Science & Society | Sharing insights on climate change, tech, and effective communication strategies.
Math is math. And no amount of talking points changes math. Even in this era of political rhetoric that creates alternative realities.
"In medium-strength rock... The GBU-57 could only go around 7.9 meters (about 25 feet) beneath the earth — far short of the 60 meters claimed by the infographics."
"In medium-strength rock... The GBU-57 could only go around 7.9 meters (about 25 feet) beneath the earth — far short of the 60 meters claimed by the infographics."
Why America's giant bunker-busting bombs may have failed to reach their target
Reaching Iran's most fortified nuclear enrichment site is a challenge, even for the world's biggest conventional weapons.
www.npr.org
June 25, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Math is math. And no amount of talking points changes math. Even in this era of political rhetoric that creates alternative realities.
"In medium-strength rock... The GBU-57 could only go around 7.9 meters (about 25 feet) beneath the earth — far short of the 60 meters claimed by the infographics."
"In medium-strength rock... The GBU-57 could only go around 7.9 meters (about 25 feet) beneath the earth — far short of the 60 meters claimed by the infographics."
POTUS claims ICE is ‘going after criminals.’ But numbers tell a different story: 65% of ICE arrests had no convictions, and 93% had no violent convictions. That’s a clear say–do gap.
65 Percent of People Taken by ICE Had No Convictions, 93 Percent No Violent Convictions
ICE’s deportation agenda is not what is being advertised to the American public. ICE is not interested in prioritizing public safety, yet it constantly pretends that anyone who objects to its tactics ...
www.cato.org
June 24, 2025 at 11:44 PM
POTUS claims ICE is ‘going after criminals.’ But numbers tell a different story: 65% of ICE arrests had no convictions, and 93% had no violent convictions. That’s a clear say–do gap.
Declaring victory too soon has a way of boomeranging — particularly with military ops. Labeling a target “obliterated” before credible assessments fuels the instant-gratification cycle but potentially invites costly blowback. Now the admin will likely vehemently defend a narrative it rushed.
U.S. initial damage report: Iran nuclear program set back by months, not obliterated
Core components of Iran’s nuclear effort were damaged but not destroyed by U.S. airstrikes on three key facilities, Defense Intelligence Agency assessment says.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Declaring victory too soon has a way of boomeranging — particularly with military ops. Labeling a target “obliterated” before credible assessments fuels the instant-gratification cycle but potentially invites costly blowback. Now the admin will likely vehemently defend a narrative it rushed.
Hopefully, this is not premature information. It appears everyone is safe in Qatar. Hopefully that is true for all service members serving in the region and the civilians in these countries that host US bases who are getting caught up in this conflict. 🙏
U.S.-Iran Live: No Injuries After Iran Attacks Base In Qatar
Trump raised the prospect of regime change in Tehran, despite earlier denials by his administration officials.
www.forbes.com
June 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Hopefully, this is not premature information. It appears everyone is safe in Qatar. Hopefully that is true for all service members serving in the region and the civilians in these countries that host US bases who are getting caught up in this conflict. 🙏
"Rising global temperatures are set to devastate food crops across the world, with particularly alarming impacts projected for the United States, where production of key crops could plummet 50% by the end of the century, according to a sweeping new analysis." 🧪
‘Like everyone on the planet giving up breakfast’: Calories from food production set to plummet as the world heats up | CNN
Rising global temperatures are set to devastate food crops across the world, with particularly alarming impacts projected for the United States, where production of key crops could plummet 50% by the ...
www.cnn.com
June 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM
"Rising global temperatures are set to devastate food crops across the world, with particularly alarming impacts projected for the United States, where production of key crops could plummet 50% by the end of the century, according to a sweeping new analysis." 🧪
What Israel pulled off overnight was stunning—but let’s not underestimate a wounded Iran.
If Iran feels cornered, U.S. troops in the region could end up in their crosshairs—despite not being part of the strike.
I’m hoping 🙏🙏🙏 for their safety and that every precaution is being taken.
If Iran feels cornered, U.S. troops in the region could end up in their crosshairs—despite not being part of the strike.
I’m hoping 🙏🙏🙏 for their safety and that every precaution is being taken.
Israeli strikes kill some of Iran’s most powerful men, including military and nuclear leaders | CNN
As the head of the secretive Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami, was one of the most powerful men in Iran, overseeing its most potent military arm and reporting dire...
www.cnn.com
June 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
What Israel pulled off overnight was stunning—but let’s not underestimate a wounded Iran.
If Iran feels cornered, U.S. troops in the region could end up in their crosshairs—despite not being part of the strike.
I’m hoping 🙏🙏🙏 for their safety and that every precaution is being taken.
If Iran feels cornered, U.S. troops in the region could end up in their crosshairs—despite not being part of the strike.
I’m hoping 🙏🙏🙏 for their safety and that every precaution is being taken.
An example of narrative engineering. #Soldiers were reportedly screened for political alignment to create the appearance of widespread military support for Trump to boost his agenda. But the military is a diverse force with many views, united by its oath to the #Constitution —not a person.
Bragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance
As President Donald Trump viciously attacked his perceived political foes, he whipped up boos from the gathered troops directed at California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom.
www.military.com
June 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM
An example of narrative engineering. #Soldiers were reportedly screened for political alignment to create the appearance of widespread military support for Trump to boost his agenda. But the military is a diverse force with many views, united by its oath to the #Constitution —not a person.
Maybe instead of posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms, they should start with posting the periodic table of elements. 🤔
Louisiana lawmakers push ‘chemtrail’ ban legislation through the House
The chemtrail ban heads to the Louisiana Senate despite experts saying chemtrails are only a conspiracy theory.
www.fox8live.com
June 1, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Maybe instead of posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms, they should start with posting the periodic table of elements. 🤔
A wildly impressive Ukrainian attack on Russia. It appears they have some cards up their sleeves.
Ukraine launches massive drone strike on air bases deep inside Russia
Ukraine did notify the Trump administration of the attack in advance.
www.axios.com
June 1, 2025 at 8:26 PM
A wildly impressive Ukrainian attack on Russia. It appears they have some cards up their sleeves.
Reposted by Hendrick Simoes
Worried about the impact of proposed staffing cuts within the Department of Veterans Affairs system, nurses are stepping up to advocate for their patients: “These cuts will ultimately harm veterans. Fighting for our VA must be a top priority.”
Nurses advocate for veterans health care as VA staffing cuts loom
Mildred Manning-Joy has been a nurse at veterans health care facilities for 25 years. Worried about the impact of proposed staffing cuts within the Department of Veterans Affairs system, she and other...
www.stripes.com
May 28, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Worried about the impact of proposed staffing cuts within the Department of Veterans Affairs system, nurses are stepping up to advocate for their patients: “These cuts will ultimately harm veterans. Fighting for our VA must be a top priority.”
Hear me out— Democracy worked much better when DCA still had Gate 35X. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle had to descend into that crowded pit, shoulder to shoulder with constituents, waiting for a bus across the tarmac. No status. No shortcuts. Just pure humanity. If you know, you know.
May 23, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Hear me out— Democracy worked much better when DCA still had Gate 35X. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle had to descend into that crowded pit, shoulder to shoulder with constituents, waiting for a bus across the tarmac. No status. No shortcuts. Just pure humanity. If you know, you know.
This is a valuable perspective. Everyone in our country should be protected by the First Amendment. Free speech is not only a fundamental right, but our country also benefits from the diverse viewpoints of international students who come here.
College newspapers under pressure as immigration fears silence sources
International students’ perspectives are key to college papers covering White House policies on campus, but students fearing deportation are reluctant to speak.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This is a valuable perspective. Everyone in our country should be protected by the First Amendment. Free speech is not only a fundamental right, but our country also benefits from the diverse viewpoints of international students who come here.
Unfortunately, we are only beginning to see the consequences of the cuts to NOAA and other agencies.
Staff cuts forced this forecast office to shut overnight. Then a tornado hit.
The Jackson, Kentucky office is one of a growing number of forecast offices unable to cover an overnight shift since the Trump administration cut staffing levels through buyouts and firings.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 17, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Unfortunately, we are only beginning to see the consequences of the cuts to NOAA and other agencies.
Reposted by Hendrick Simoes
🚨 WALMART RAISING PRICES DUE TO TARIFFS
“We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins,” Walmart CEO says.
“We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins,” Walmart CEO says.
May 15, 2025 at 12:21 PM
🚨 WALMART RAISING PRICES DUE TO TARIFFS
“We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins,” Walmart CEO says.
“We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins,” Walmart CEO says.
Fun fact: With the $400 million gift 747 President Trump is reportedly receiving, Qatar could’ve bought a doll for every girl aged 12 and under in the United States.
May 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Fun fact: With the $400 million gift 747 President Trump is reportedly receiving, Qatar could’ve bought a doll for every girl aged 12 and under in the United States.
In his remarks, President Trump referred to this initiative as a "redistribution of wealth," a term that has historically been used by the GOP to criticize Democrat initiatives.
Trump to sign order to cut some U.S. drug prices to match lower ones abroad
The order is a blow to the pharmaceutical industry, which is already bracing for Trump's planned tariffs on prescription drugs.
www.cnbc.com
May 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
In his remarks, President Trump referred to this initiative as a "redistribution of wealth," a term that has historically been used by the GOP to criticize Democrat initiatives.
Reposted by Hendrick Simoes
This is just another example of Trump trying to hide the impact of his polices and the corrupt bargain he struck with Big Oil companies.
Ignoring disaster data only puts more Americans in harm’s way and drags us backwards in the fight against climate change.
Ignoring disaster data only puts more Americans in harm’s way and drags us backwards in the fight against climate change.
NOAA will stop updating database tracking costliest weather disasters
The billion-dollar disaster tracker is on a growing list of datasets NOAA says that either scientists will no longer update or the administration will decommission entirely.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM
This is just another example of Trump trying to hide the impact of his polices and the corrupt bargain he struck with Big Oil companies.
Ignoring disaster data only puts more Americans in harm’s way and drags us backwards in the fight against climate change.
Ignoring disaster data only puts more Americans in harm’s way and drags us backwards in the fight against climate change.
Wow! That's a lot of work on taking points to defend this doll narrative. They're pretty much like.... Girls: ask not how many dolls you can have — ask how many dolls you can give up for your country.
Bessent says that little girls who are sad about having fewer dolls should just have it explained to them that they will have a better life for it
May 6, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Wow! That's a lot of work on taking points to defend this doll narrative. They're pretty much like.... Girls: ask not how many dolls you can have — ask how many dolls you can give up for your country.
There is a common belief that the military is a “break glass in case of emergency” solution for all situations. An understandable perception, as the military is typically effective at rapidly adapting to new challenges. But it does require proper plans and training for certain missions.
US troops were ill-equipped, undertrained for mission to move supplies into Gaza using floating pier, IG report says
Army and Navy units who worked on the U.S. military’s humanitarian effort to move supplies into Gaza using a floating pier were ill-equipped, undermanned and lacked training for the mission, the Penta...
www.stripes.com
May 6, 2025 at 10:23 PM
There is a common belief that the military is a “break glass in case of emergency” solution for all situations. An understandable perception, as the military is typically effective at rapidly adapting to new challenges. But it does require proper plans and training for certain missions.
Most Americans get and use scientific info from the federal government daily but are unaware they're using it. But soon, they're going to notice. It's interesting how often I see someone say something like we don't need NOAA; we have AccuWeather. 🤦♂️ Where do you think their data comes from?
Most Americans use federal science information on a weekly basis, a new poll finds
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
www.npr.org
May 6, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Most Americans get and use scientific info from the federal government daily but are unaware they're using it. But soon, they're going to notice. It's interesting how often I see someone say something like we don't need NOAA; we have AccuWeather. 🤦♂️ Where do you think their data comes from?
Reposted by Hendrick Simoes
NEW INVESTIGATION from me and @vernalcoleman.bsky.social:
Internal emails show doctors and others at VA hospitals around the country begging for help as cuts hurt veterans' care, including "live-saving cancer trials."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Internal emails show doctors and others at VA hospitals around the country begging for help as cuts hurt veterans' care, including "live-saving cancer trials."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Internal VA Emails Reveal How Trump Cuts Jeopardize Veterans’ Care, Including To “Life-Saving Cancer Trials”
Despite a congressional mandate to expand care for veterans, internal Veterans Affairs messages obtained by ProPublica paint a stark portrait of how chaotic cost cutting has already imperiled tests of...
www.propublica.org
May 6, 2025 at 10:47 AM
NEW INVESTIGATION from me and @vernalcoleman.bsky.social:
Internal emails show doctors and others at VA hospitals around the country begging for help as cuts hurt veterans' care, including "live-saving cancer trials."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Internal emails show doctors and others at VA hospitals around the country begging for help as cuts hurt veterans' care, including "live-saving cancer trials."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Saw this in my notes... not sure what prompted me to write this. "Focus on what matters. Don’t get played by the spectacle."
May 6, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Saw this in my notes... not sure what prompted me to write this. "Focus on what matters. Don’t get played by the spectacle."
President Trump’s idea to rename Veterans Day just got fragged by reality.
White House Says Trump’s Proposal to Rename Veterans Day Has Been Scrapped
The White House has backed off President Donald Trump’s stunning social media proposal to change the name of Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I” and will settle for keeping the name while ad...
www.military.com
May 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
President Trump’s idea to rename Veterans Day just got fragged by reality.
For the next Mission: Impossible movie, skip the global sets. Keep it local to dodge tariffs—and give Tom Cruise a real challenge.
Sure, clinging to the side of a plane mid-takeoff is mildly exciting… But has Ethan Hunt ever tried driving in DC on I-395 at 4PM on a Friday?
Sure, clinging to the side of a plane mid-takeoff is mildly exciting… But has Ethan Hunt ever tried driving in DC on I-395 at 4PM on a Friday?
Trump Says He Will Put 100% Tariff on Movies Made Outside U.S.
Declaring foreign film production a national security threat, the president said he had asked his top trade official to start the process of imposing a tax on Hollywood.
www.nytimes.com
May 5, 2025 at 2:59 PM
For the next Mission: Impossible movie, skip the global sets. Keep it local to dodge tariffs—and give Tom Cruise a real challenge.
Sure, clinging to the side of a plane mid-takeoff is mildly exciting… But has Ethan Hunt ever tried driving in DC on I-395 at 4PM on a Friday?
Sure, clinging to the side of a plane mid-takeoff is mildly exciting… But has Ethan Hunt ever tried driving in DC on I-395 at 4PM on a Friday?
"Public radio stations have been a lifeline for residents during natural disasters that take out power, the internet and cell towers. And in many remote and rural areas across the U.S., they can be a lone source of local news."
Public radio stations targeted for cuts by Trump offer lifelines to listeners during disasters
This week, Trump signed an executive order aimed at slashing public subsidies to NPR and PBS, alleging “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting.
www.nbcnews.com
May 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
"Public radio stations have been a lifeline for residents during natural disasters that take out power, the internet and cell towers. And in many remote and rural areas across the U.S., they can be a lone source of local news."