Usha Lee McFarling
@usha.bsky.social
I direct the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. Working hard to advance science journalism and support its practitioners at a time they are needed more than ever.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
The danger of adopting a Danish-style vax schedule: "When we remove a vaccine like the meningococcal shot from the routine schedule, we aren’t just changing a line on a chart. We are inviting previously well-controlled diseases back into our high schools & colleges." www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/d...
I treated children for rotavirus in Denmark. The Danish vaccine schedule is no model for the U.S.
In Denmark, pediatrician Michael Thwing once saw nearly 20 infants admitted simultaneously with rotavirus. His experience in the U.S. has been completely different.
www.statnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:17 PM
The danger of adopting a Danish-style vax schedule: "When we remove a vaccine like the meningococcal shot from the routine schedule, we aren’t just changing a line on a chart. We are inviting previously well-controlled diseases back into our high schools & colleges." www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/d...
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
In brief, this maneuver:
- effectively converts employee status to "at-will" (meaning they can be fired for any--or no--reason),
- redirects whistleblower complaints to internal agency counsel,
& takes away these civil servants' rights to appeal adverse personnel actions.
- effectively converts employee status to "at-will" (meaning they can be fired for any--or no--reason),
- redirects whistleblower complaints to internal agency counsel,
& takes away these civil servants' rights to appeal adverse personnel actions.
Bad news today.
The administration finalized a plan to remove civil service protections from about 50,000 federal workers, with no exemption for statistical or scientific agency personnel. This erodes protection of those agencies from political influence.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20... #econsky
The administration finalized a plan to remove civil service protections from about 50,000 federal workers, with no exemption for statistical or scientific agency personnel. This erodes protection of those agencies from political influence.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20... #econsky
Trump admin moves to finalize return of Schedule F
Officials estimate that around 50,000 federal workers will be stripped of their civil service protections beginning in around a month, as unions, employee associations and good government groups decry...
www.govexec.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:30 AM
In brief, this maneuver:
- effectively converts employee status to "at-will" (meaning they can be fired for any--or no--reason),
- redirects whistleblower complaints to internal agency counsel,
& takes away these civil servants' rights to appeal adverse personnel actions.
- effectively converts employee status to "at-will" (meaning they can be fired for any--or no--reason),
- redirects whistleblower complaints to internal agency counsel,
& takes away these civil servants' rights to appeal adverse personnel actions.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
Hims and other telehealth platforms are pushing multi-cancer detection tests before evidence of benefit. Important and timely story via @katiepalmer.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
Hims, other telehealth platforms push multi-cancer detection tests before evidence of benefit
Test makers and telehealth providers say they want to give people a chance to catch cancers early and seek treatment.
www.statnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Hims and other telehealth platforms are pushing multi-cancer detection tests before evidence of benefit. Important and timely story via @katiepalmer.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
www.statnews.com/2026/02/06/t...
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
The late Shirley Raines poured herself into bringing compassion to unhoused communities in California and Nevada, giving hygiene products and food to as many people as possible day after day.
She showed millions the difference one can make by providing a neighbor with a meal, a makeover, and care.
She showed millions the difference one can make by providing a neighbor with a meal, a makeover, and care.
February 6, 2026 at 3:26 PM
The late Shirley Raines poured herself into bringing compassion to unhoused communities in California and Nevada, giving hygiene products and food to as many people as possible day after day.
She showed millions the difference one can make by providing a neighbor with a meal, a makeover, and care.
She showed millions the difference one can make by providing a neighbor with a meal, a makeover, and care.
JOB ALERT: Some great reporting positions (for veteran reporters too) covering the environment along the Mississippi River, and others in the Mountain West. agwaterdesk.org/2026/01/22/r...
Reporters: Apply now for six new environmental reporting positions with the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk - Ag & Water Desk
A total of 17 jobs on the environmental beat are open for emerging and experienced journalists via Report for America
agwaterdesk.org
February 6, 2026 at 1:06 PM
JOB ALERT: Some great reporting positions (for veteran reporters too) covering the environment along the Mississippi River, and others in the Mountain West. agwaterdesk.org/2026/01/22/r...
Never forget
“Look at my government now,” writes Hazel Inoway-Yim in an op-ed. “You did this to my family, and now you’re doing it again. You called us enemies and domestic terrorists and criminals.”
Voices: My family was imprisoned in internment camps. I’m watching our government do it again.
“Look at my government now.” writes Hazel Inoway-Yim in an op-ed. “You did this to my family, now and you’re doing it again. You called us enemies and domestic terrorists and criminals.”
www.sltrib.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Never forget
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
Don't wait — early-bird registration for Health Journalism 2026 in Minneapolis ends on March 13! Learn more: healthjournalism.org/training-eve...
Health Journalism 2026
AHCJ and the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism are thrilled to bring Health Journalism 2026 to Minneapolis from May 27–30.
healthjournalism.org
February 6, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Don't wait — early-bird registration for Health Journalism 2026 in Minneapolis ends on March 13! Learn more: healthjournalism.org/training-eve...
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
The cost of Zepbound out of pocket/sans insurance for 2.5 mg is literally the same as it is on Trump Rx. How did they not even get this right on GLP-1s?
trumprx.gov/p/zepbound
trumprx.gov/p/zepbound
Find Zepbound® on TrumpRx
Find the world's lowest prices for Zepbound® with Most-Favored-Nation pricing on TrumpRx." Starting at $299.00
trumprx.gov
February 6, 2026 at 12:33 AM
The cost of Zepbound out of pocket/sans insurance for 2.5 mg is literally the same as it is on Trump Rx. How did they not even get this right on GLP-1s?
trumprx.gov/p/zepbound
trumprx.gov/p/zepbound
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
I'm much more accustomed to writing about media layoffs than experiencing them. But yesterday I was among the 300 journalists let go from the @washingtonpost. I have been so lucky for so long in this industry. -1-
February 5, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I'm much more accustomed to writing about media layoffs than experiencing them. But yesterday I was among the 300 journalists let go from the @washingtonpost. I have been so lucky for so long in this industry. -1-
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
Oh boy. “The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County are investigating potential measles exposure in two UF classes following two confirmed cases in the county.
Health officials have begun contacting individuals who may have been exposed.” @aetiology.bsky.social
Health officials have begun contacting individuals who may have been exposed.” @aetiology.bsky.social
Measles exposure reported in two University of Florida classes, university says
The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County are investigating potential measles exposure in two UF classes following two confirmed cases in the county.
www.news4jax.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Oh boy. “The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County are investigating potential measles exposure in two UF classes following two confirmed cases in the county.
Health officials have begun contacting individuals who may have been exposed.” @aetiology.bsky.social
Health officials have begun contacting individuals who may have been exposed.” @aetiology.bsky.social
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
One reason Minneapolis remains in the world's eye is we have one of the most robust & independent media ecosystems remaining in the country. You all need this...and more! @mprnews.org @startribune.com @sahanjournal.bsky.social @minnesotareformer.com @minnpost.bsky.social @racketmn.com etc.
February 6, 2026 at 12:12 AM
One reason Minneapolis remains in the world's eye is we have one of the most robust & independent media ecosystems remaining in the country. You all need this...and more! @mprnews.org @startribune.com @sahanjournal.bsky.social @minnesotareformer.com @minnpost.bsky.social @racketmn.com etc.
Well it seems AI maybe got it right this time...
At least the Washington Post's AI bot gets it. #WashingtonPost
February 5, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Well it seems AI maybe got it right this time...
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
Or perhaps someone else can buy this paper from Bezos—since he seems to view it as an albatross—and donate it to a foundation established to run it as a nonprofit. Bezos gets a capital loss, the buyer/donor is a hero, the rest of us get a world class newspaper. The Knight Institute is ready to help.
Jeff Bezos should be a hero and donate the Washington Post to a charity. Bezos would get a big charitable deduction; the rest of us would get a newspaper dedicated to the public interest. This post from Steven Waldman is from a year ago but it's still a great idea. www.cjr.org/opinion/wald...
Jeff Bezos Should Donate the Washington Post to a Charity
His conflicts of interests are insurmountable. He can take a heroic path to strengthen journalism.
www.cjr.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Or perhaps someone else can buy this paper from Bezos—since he seems to view it as an albatross—and donate it to a foundation established to run it as a nonprofit. Bezos gets a capital loss, the buyer/donor is a hero, the rest of us get a world class newspaper. The Knight Institute is ready to help.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
🚨Jeff Bezos' wedding last summer cost about $50M. That, alone, could have saved all 300 positions cut today at The Washington Post for a year. Actually, he could have ensured there were no staff cuts for the next decade and he'd still have net worth of 249B.
Thank you Lizzie Johnson.
Thank you Lizzie Johnson.
February 4, 2026 at 10:28 PM
🚨Jeff Bezos' wedding last summer cost about $50M. That, alone, could have saved all 300 positions cut today at The Washington Post for a year. Actually, he could have ensured there were no staff cuts for the next decade and he'd still have net worth of 249B.
Thank you Lizzie Johnson.
Thank you Lizzie Johnson.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
I don't see how Will Lewis can effectively lead WaPo.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
February 4, 2026 at 11:07 PM
I don't see how Will Lewis can effectively lead WaPo.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
Lewis did not save Bezos from himself on opinion pages. (375K+ cancelations) His innovations did not stem enough red ink.
And he has not taken any ownership of the devastating ensuing cuts. He's making Murray own it alone.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
People often disparage the press — and we often get it wrong — but almost everything you know about this administration is not because pundits go on tv or social media and pontificate but because of relentless reporting from real journalists at institutions that give them resources to do so.
February 4, 2026 at 9:08 PM
People often disparage the press — and we often get it wrong — but almost everything you know about this administration is not because pundits go on tv or social media and pontificate but because of relentless reporting from real journalists at institutions that give them resources to do so.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
I was laid off today, among hundreds of others at The Washington Post.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I was laid off today, among hundreds of others at The Washington Post.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
I loved covering games here, and I am so proud of our international coverage.
My colleagues — those who lost their jobs and those who didn't — are rockstars. It was such an honor to work alongside them.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
After 8 years writing the tech column
@washingtonpost.com, I am among folks who were laid off today. I’m grateful for the stories I got to tell and the impact we made on privacy, sustainability & AI.
You can keep following my work on my new (free) Substack geoffreyafowler.substack.com
@washingtonpost.com, I am among folks who were laid off today. I’m grateful for the stories I got to tell and the impact we made on privacy, sustainability & AI.
You can keep following my work on my new (free) Substack geoffreyafowler.substack.com
Geoffrey's Substack | Geoffrey Fowler | Substack
My personal Substack. Click to read Geoffrey's Substack, by Geoffrey Fowler, a Substack publication. Launched 16 hours ago.
geoffreyafowler.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:52 PM
After 8 years writing the tech column
@washingtonpost.com, I am among folks who were laid off today. I’m grateful for the stories I got to tell and the impact we made on privacy, sustainability & AI.
You can keep following my work on my new (free) Substack geoffreyafowler.substack.com
@washingtonpost.com, I am among folks who were laid off today. I’m grateful for the stories I got to tell and the impact we made on privacy, sustainability & AI.
You can keep following my work on my new (free) Substack geoffreyafowler.substack.com
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
My time with The Washington Post is up. I was laid off with hundreds of folks I am so honored to call my colleagues.
I covered it all at The Post (really), so now I'm looking for my next adventure.
➡️ kbellware [at] gmail dot com
Website update coming soon
@postguild.bsky.social
forever
I covered it all at The Post (really), so now I'm looking for my next adventure.
➡️ kbellware [at] gmail dot com
Website update coming soon
@postguild.bsky.social
forever
February 4, 2026 at 3:39 PM
My time with The Washington Post is up. I was laid off with hundreds of folks I am so honored to call my colleagues.
I covered it all at The Post (really), so now I'm looking for my next adventure.
➡️ kbellware [at] gmail dot com
Website update coming soon
@postguild.bsky.social
forever
I covered it all at The Post (really), so now I'm looking for my next adventure.
➡️ kbellware [at] gmail dot com
Website update coming soon
@postguild.bsky.social
forever
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
Well, I was laid off at The Washington Post today.
It's been an honor to work with some of the best journalists in the business.
I'm hoping to continue reporting, producing videos and finding long-forgotten archival footage.
If you have any openings, reach out.
It's been an honor to work with some of the best journalists in the business.
I'm hoping to continue reporting, producing videos and finding long-forgotten archival footage.
If you have any openings, reach out.
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Well, I was laid off at The Washington Post today.
It's been an honor to work with some of the best journalists in the business.
I'm hoping to continue reporting, producing videos and finding long-forgotten archival footage.
If you have any openings, reach out.
It's been an honor to work with some of the best journalists in the business.
I'm hoping to continue reporting, producing videos and finding long-forgotten archival footage.
If you have any openings, reach out.
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
I was among the many sports reporters laid off by The Washington Post today. Feeling a lot of gratitude for my time working for this paper.
Not looking back. Looking ahead to what’s next!
Not looking back. Looking ahead to what’s next!
February 4, 2026 at 2:48 PM
I was among the many sports reporters laid off by The Washington Post today. Feeling a lot of gratitude for my time working for this paper.
Not looking back. Looking ahead to what’s next!
Not looking back. Looking ahead to what’s next!
Entire Middle East team
February 4, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Entire Middle East team
Reposted by Usha Lee McFarling
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...