Scott Thurm
@scottthurm.bsky.social
Retired journo. WSJ, Wired, The Information et al
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Almost no new jobs have been added since April and 710,000 more people are unemployed now compared to a year ago.
Meanwhile consumer prices are skyrocketing thanks to Trump's tariffs.
Does this sound like an "A+++++" economy to you?
Meanwhile consumer prices are skyrocketing thanks to Trump's tariffs.
Does this sound like an "A+++++" economy to you?
December 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Almost no new jobs have been added since April and 710,000 more people are unemployed now compared to a year ago.
Meanwhile consumer prices are skyrocketing thanks to Trump's tariffs.
Does this sound like an "A+++++" economy to you?
Meanwhile consumer prices are skyrocketing thanks to Trump's tariffs.
Does this sound like an "A+++++" economy to you?
Reposted by Scott Thurm
RFK Jr. has cancelled grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics because “they no longer align with departmental priorities”.
The grants were on such topics as “reducing sudden infant death, rural access to health care, and mental health…”
The AAP has criticized RFK Jr. That’s the real reason.
The grants were on such topics as “reducing sudden infant death, rural access to health care, and mental health…”
The AAP has criticized RFK Jr. That’s the real reason.
American Academy of Pediatrics loses government funding after criticizing RFK Jr
Cuts, which affect projects focused on issues including early identification of autism, made without prior notice to AAP
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:36 PM
RFK Jr. has cancelled grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics because “they no longer align with departmental priorities”.
The grants were on such topics as “reducing sudden infant death, rural access to health care, and mental health…”
The AAP has criticized RFK Jr. That’s the real reason.
The grants were on such topics as “reducing sudden infant death, rural access to health care, and mental health…”
The AAP has criticized RFK Jr. That’s the real reason.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
I partnered with @geoffreyfowler.bsky.social to test a bunch of AI editing tools, and something ~very interesting~ happened.
We asked Gemini to generate a professional photo of an actor crying at the Oscars. It did — including a fake copyright notice from a real AP photographer.
We asked Gemini to generate a professional photo of an actor crying at the Oscars. It did — including a fake copyright notice from a real AP photographer.
December 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM
I partnered with @geoffreyfowler.bsky.social to test a bunch of AI editing tools, and something ~very interesting~ happened.
We asked Gemini to generate a professional photo of an actor crying at the Oscars. It did — including a fake copyright notice from a real AP photographer.
We asked Gemini to generate a professional photo of an actor crying at the Oscars. It did — including a fake copyright notice from a real AP photographer.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
If the US invades Venezuela, as seems...likely?...at this point, the IOC should ban US participation in the upcoming Winter Games, and FIFA should move the World Cup out of the United States, if not ban the US from international competitions.
It's what the world did to Russia, for good reason.
It's what the world did to Russia, for good reason.
December 17, 2025 at 10:22 PM
If the US invades Venezuela, as seems...likely?...at this point, the IOC should ban US participation in the upcoming Winter Games, and FIFA should move the World Cup out of the United States, if not ban the US from international competitions.
It's what the world did to Russia, for good reason.
It's what the world did to Russia, for good reason.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Trump: “One year ago, our country was dead!”
The Economist, one year ago:
The Economist, one year ago:
December 18, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Trump: “One year ago, our country was dead!”
The Economist, one year ago:
The Economist, one year ago:
Reposted by Scott Thurm
President Trump says that checks for $1,776 each are going out to nearly 1.5 million servicemembers. I have questions.
+ When did Congress approve such a plan?
+ Where is the money coming from?
+ How is it non-taxable? Did Congress vote to do that?
I'm sure there must be specific bill text.
+ When did Congress approve such a plan?
+ Where is the money coming from?
+ How is it non-taxable? Did Congress vote to do that?
I'm sure there must be specific bill text.
December 18, 2025 at 3:15 AM
President Trump says that checks for $1,776 each are going out to nearly 1.5 million servicemembers. I have questions.
+ When did Congress approve such a plan?
+ Where is the money coming from?
+ How is it non-taxable? Did Congress vote to do that?
I'm sure there must be specific bill text.
+ When did Congress approve such a plan?
+ Where is the money coming from?
+ How is it non-taxable? Did Congress vote to do that?
I'm sure there must be specific bill text.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
👉 Donald Trump’s businesses have sought to bring in at least 2,033 foreign workers to staff his clubs, resort, and winery since 2008.
Published yesterday: The Trump Organization requested a record 184 foreign workers this year.
me, for @forbes.com
me, for @forbes.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:24 AM
👉 Donald Trump’s businesses have sought to bring in at least 2,033 foreign workers to staff his clubs, resort, and winery since 2008.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Pure unadulterated white supremacy. Dirty, deadly, dead end.
Trump: “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries … denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.“
November 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Pure unadulterated white supremacy. Dirty, deadly, dead end.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Just wanna remind everyone that the Reagan campaign conspired with Iran to keep Americans hostage for longer so Reagan could win the 1980 election.
The presidency once served as a reminder of our common humanity. Ronald Reagan described its purpose as building "a nation composed of good and decent people."
December 17, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Just wanna remind everyone that the Reagan campaign conspired with Iran to keep Americans hostage for longer so Reagan could win the 1980 election.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
I should add that what’s remarkable is, not very long ago in America, even the most conservative politician would have been vilified for even associating with anyone who said something as disgusting as this.
December 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM
I should add that what’s remarkable is, not very long ago in America, even the most conservative politician would have been vilified for even associating with anyone who said something as disgusting as this.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Step 1: Fire the experts funding American science.
Step 2: Change review process. (You are here)
Step 3: Hire partisans to fund ideologues.
Step 4: Bemoan the lack progress, gut remaining science funding.
Step 2: Change review process. (You are here)
Step 3: Hire partisans to fund ideologues.
Step 4: Bemoan the lack progress, gut remaining science funding.
NSF plans to streamline merit review to heal self-inflicted staffing wound www.science.org/content/arti...
NSF pares down grant-review process, reducing influence of outside scientists
Memo cites overburdened staff, but some say move also aims to elevate White House priorities
www.science.org
December 16, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Step 1: Fire the experts funding American science.
Step 2: Change review process. (You are here)
Step 3: Hire partisans to fund ideologues.
Step 4: Bemoan the lack progress, gut remaining science funding.
Step 2: Change review process. (You are here)
Step 3: Hire partisans to fund ideologues.
Step 4: Bemoan the lack progress, gut remaining science funding.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
While federal cuts drove large losses in October, it's important to note that private-sector employment grew an average of only 44k per month over the last six months, down from an average growth rate of 130k in 2024. Employment is undeniably slowing this year and it's not just about federal cuts.
December 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
While federal cuts drove large losses in October, it's important to note that private-sector employment grew an average of only 44k per month over the last six months, down from an average growth rate of 130k in 2024. Employment is undeniably slowing this year and it's not just about federal cuts.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
MINNEAPOLIS: “We kept yelling ‘she’s pregnant! She’s pregnant!’ — they put their knees in her… the handcuffed woman was dragged on the ground…”
Lawless.
Lawless.
December 16, 2025 at 3:29 AM
MINNEAPOLIS: “We kept yelling ‘she’s pregnant! She’s pregnant!’ — they put their knees in her… the handcuffed woman was dragged on the ground…”
Lawless.
Lawless.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Job losses in June, August, and October mean the U.S. economy has shed jobs in three out of the past six months.
And recall that Powell said last week that Fed staff thinks the numbers may be *overstating* jobs by about 60k/month, due to methodological issues
And recall that Powell said last week that Fed staff thinks the numbers may be *overstating* jobs by about 60k/month, due to methodological issues
December 16, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Job losses in June, August, and October mean the U.S. economy has shed jobs in three out of the past six months.
And recall that Powell said last week that Fed staff thinks the numbers may be *overstating* jobs by about 60k/month, due to methodological issues
And recall that Powell said last week that Fed staff thinks the numbers may be *overstating* jobs by about 60k/month, due to methodological issues
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Good morning ppl! Within the FDA, there is now not a single Director or up line above them with legacy knowledge of how the FDA was pre-trump. This is one of the greatest risk to the FDA right now.
a cartoon of ralph from the simpsons sits on a bus with the words " chuckles i 'm in danger " below him
Alt: a cartoon of ralph from the simpsons sits on a bus with the words " chuckles i 'm in danger " below him
media.tenor.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Good morning ppl! Within the FDA, there is now not a single Director or up line above them with legacy knowledge of how the FDA was pre-trump. This is one of the greatest risk to the FDA right now.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Grading and googling hallucinated citations, as one does nowadays, and now that LLMs have been around for a while, I've discovered new horrors: hallucinated journals are now appearing in Google Scholar with dozens of citations bc so many people are citing these fake things
December 15, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Grading and googling hallucinated citations, as one does nowadays, and now that LLMs have been around for a while, I've discovered new horrors: hallucinated journals are now appearing in Google Scholar with dozens of citations bc so many people are citing these fake things
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Death toll is, per US provided stats, now at 95 if I have it correct. With zero authorization from Congress. With zero evidence presented. 23 strikes.
Hegseth murdered more people today but still refuses to release the second strike video from September.
December 16, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Death toll is, per US provided stats, now at 95 if I have it correct. With zero authorization from Congress. With zero evidence presented. 23 strikes.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
love that DHS slapped a trademark symbol on a phrase that is registered to new york's metropolitan transit authority
December 16, 2025 at 3:25 AM
love that DHS slapped a trademark symbol on a phrase that is registered to new york's metropolitan transit authority
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Denver City Council voted against a resolution Monday that would have allowed Key Lime Air to lease ground space at Denver International Airport over concerns about the airline’s immigration enforcement flights in recent months.
By @sarawilson.bsky.social
By @sarawilson.bsky.social
ICE flights cited in Denver's denial of Key Lime airport lease | Colorado Newsline
Denver City Council voted against a resolution that would have allowed Key Lime Air to lease ground space at Denver International Airport.
coloradonewsline.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Denver City Council voted against a resolution Monday that would have allowed Key Lime Air to lease ground space at Denver International Airport over concerns about the airline’s immigration enforcement flights in recent months.
By @sarawilson.bsky.social
By @sarawilson.bsky.social
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Jared Kushner’s Firm Pulls Out of Trump-Branded Hotel Deal in Serbia
The announcement came just hours after prosecutors there charged four government officials with corruption in connection with the half-billion-dollar project.
By Sharon LaFraniere and Lara Jakes
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
The announcement came just hours after prosecutors there charged four government officials with corruption in connection with the half-billion-dollar project.
By Sharon LaFraniere and Lara Jakes
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
Kushner’s Firm Pulls Out of Trump-Branded Hotel Deal in Serbia
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Jared Kushner’s Firm Pulls Out of Trump-Branded Hotel Deal in Serbia
The announcement came just hours after prosecutors there charged four government officials with corruption in connection with the half-billion-dollar project.
By Sharon LaFraniere and Lara Jakes
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
The announcement came just hours after prosecutors there charged four government officials with corruption in connection with the half-billion-dollar project.
By Sharon LaFraniere and Lara Jakes
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/u...
Reposted by Scott Thurm
The lawless killing spree continues.
The administration justifies this slaughter by claiming there’s an armed conflict.
But it won’t even tell the U.S. public who the supposed enemies are.
Of course, there’s no armed conflict.
And outside armed conflict, we call premeditated killing murder.
The administration justifies this slaughter by claiming there’s an armed conflict.
But it won’t even tell the U.S. public who the supposed enemies are.
Of course, there’s no armed conflict.
And outside armed conflict, we call premeditated killing murder.
December 16, 2025 at 2:54 AM
The lawless killing spree continues.
The administration justifies this slaughter by claiming there’s an armed conflict.
But it won’t even tell the U.S. public who the supposed enemies are.
Of course, there’s no armed conflict.
And outside armed conflict, we call premeditated killing murder.
The administration justifies this slaughter by claiming there’s an armed conflict.
But it won’t even tell the U.S. public who the supposed enemies are.
Of course, there’s no armed conflict.
And outside armed conflict, we call premeditated killing murder.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Dr Russell D. Moore is a theologian, pastor, and the editor in chief of Christianity Today.
December 15, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Dr Russell D. Moore is a theologian, pastor, and the editor in chief of Christianity Today.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
This is the fifth GOP congressperson I’ve seen criticizing Trump’s post on Rob Reiner, and the first who isn’t either leaving the House (MTG, Bacon), a frequent critic (Massie), or in a swing district (Lawler).
December 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
This is the fifth GOP congressperson I’ve seen criticizing Trump’s post on Rob Reiner, and the first who isn’t either leaving the House (MTG, Bacon), a frequent critic (Massie), or in a swing district (Lawler).
Reposted by Scott Thurm
DHS is shockingly incompetent.
December 14, 2025 at 11:21 PM
DHS is shockingly incompetent.
Reposted by Scott Thurm
Brennan eventually acknowledges that gynecologists and obstetricians have determined mifepristone is safe — but then demands again to know why the government isn’t launching a study to crack down on its usage.
We are watching a storied news organization deteriorate steadily, day after day.
We are watching a storied news organization deteriorate steadily, day after day.
really weird -- Margaret Brennen presses Bill Cassidy on why the White House isn't doing more to crack down on mifepristone and what he's doing to encourage them to do it
December 14, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Brennan eventually acknowledges that gynecologists and obstetricians have determined mifepristone is safe — but then demands again to know why the government isn’t launching a study to crack down on its usage.
We are watching a storied news organization deteriorate steadily, day after day.
We are watching a storied news organization deteriorate steadily, day after day.