Celeste Pewter
LightNews LightNews
banner
celestepewter.bsky.social
Celeste Pewter
@celestepewter.bsky.social
20K followers 1.2K following 5.4K posts
Former Dem staffer. UCI, King's College London, Johns Hopkins. | INFINITE SKY (Bloomsbury 2026) + more | Many bylines. | AAJA/SCBWI | Rep: Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency (children's) Uwe Stender (adult nonfiction)
Posts Replies Media Videos
celestepewter.bsky.social
He's hilariously judgey.
A picture of Tortellini looking at me upside down - I was lying on the floor, and he was doing his thing of dangling on the couch and staring down at me. He is a white and gray domestic long hair cat.
November 1, 2025 at 5:02 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Most of you know Tortellini, but he was initially considered difficult to adopt, because he was so shy and traumatized from being abused by his previous owner.

And, well - look at him now.

Tl;dr - go for the least adoptable cats. They'll surprise you.
A picture of Tortellini, my white and gray domestic longhair, sitting in my lap, staring at me. He's fuzzy and leaning against a white and blue blanket on my couch.
November 1, 2025 at 4:22 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
He adds it in at the end of his Substack, but he's also quoted in this piece about AI/data centers:

www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
An NBC News review of over 30 data center proposals across 14 states found that in a majority of cases, local officials signed NDAs and worked with what appeared to be shell companies that can conceal visibility into the project developers. Five elected officials in different counties said the agreements barred them from sharing information with their constituents. “That violates a very fundamental norm of democracy, which is that they are answerable first to the voters and to their constituents, not to some secret corporation that they’re cutting deals with in the back room,” said Pat Garofalo, the director of state and local policy at the American Economic Liberties Project, a nonprofit organization focused on economic equality.
October 31, 2025 at 4:41 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Hey all, and especially my LA friends, please help share this video from Nal_310 on TikTok.

Her sister recorded a man being snatched by ICE in LA, and is missing a digit from the number. Please help his family know what happened.

Original: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMCSKXwu/
October 28, 2025 at 5:40 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Tortellini thinks everyone's doing great, and would like everyone to do one big thing today - just like he did, by going outside.
A picture of Tortellini, my white and gray domestic long hair cat, full floor, looking to the right of the picture, leaning into the sun. He's outside, and ready to go on an adventure.
October 24, 2025 at 6:41 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Russ Vought really sees himself as a super villain who strokes fluffy white cat while giving orders, doesn't he?
A screenshot of Russ Vought's Twitter account, where he tweets at 9:27 AM PT: The RIFs have begun. He is talking about the government shutdown.
October 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Now, it’s easy to say I’m a Katie hater or I don’t know what I’m talking about. That’s far from the truth.

I used to believe in her - a lot. This is from my personal Instagram from 2020.
A screenshot of my personal Instagram, showing Katie Porter on Zoom for a personal webinar. Holding up her whiteboard.
October 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...
Here we get into tricky territory. My chat with the ex-staffer was revealing, and it prompted me to reach out to others. Four people — each formerly in Porter’s employ or orbit — told me about upsetting experiences working for her that spanned her first 3½ years in Congress; three additional former staffers told similar stories to one of my Washington Post colleagues. But to define the credibility of these seven sources, or to specify their allegations of “bad boss”-ness, is to give away their identities, which they do not want. Nobody wants to go public in ways they might regret.
October 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
I normally want to say, okay - let people like this be ridiculous.

But given what happened to Jimmy Kimmel last night, I'm just beyond frustrated that Adam & Co. are so out of touch.

This is what Charlotte (redhead) posted on X. This is just so out of touch for the urgency of this moment.
A tweet from Spooky Charlotte Swasey (@charlotteeffect) reads: “this is gonna be me all day isn't it” Below it is a meme using a scene from The Simpsons where a bus driver is angrily pointing at a sign while driving. The overlaid text says: "DON'T MAKE ME TAP THE SIGN." The "sign" in the meme reads: Elected leaders can and should lead on issues that they care deeply about, even if they are out of step with public opinion. However, leaders should be clear on where the public stands, and not be fooled into thinking an issue is popular when it is not.
September 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
YES. Charlotte posted this.
A tweet from Spooky Charlotte Swasey (@charlotteeffect) reads: “this is gonna be me all day isn't it” Below it is a meme using a scene from The Simpsons where a bus driver is angrily pointing at a sign while driving. The overlaid text says: "DON'T MAKE ME TAP THE SIGN." The "sign" in the meme reads: Elected leaders can and should lead on issues that they care deeply about, even if they are out of step with public opinion. However, leaders should be clear on where the public stands, and not be fooled into thinking an issue is popular when it is not.
September 18, 2025 at 1:47 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
This is being RTed on my timeline. ICE took a Spectator cover and manipulated the image for this, so this didn't start life as a recruitment poster.

Does it make it better? Hell no. It's all terrible. But Herman should be accurate and clear in his reporting, since we're in a disinfo environment.
A tweet from Freddy Gray (@Freddygray31) reads: "We have just sent out our first fortnightly edition of The Spectator for the US market. And it's a gem. The cover piece, by @bdomenech, is on the military conflict that MAGA wants. It could not be more timely:" Attached is the September 15, 2025 cover of The Spectator World magazine. The headline reads: "TRUMP’S DRUG WAR" Subheadline: "MAGA has found the military conflict it wants," says Ben Domenech. The cover art is a stylized, retro-inspired illustration of Donald Trump standing in a military-style vehicle, wearing a red tie and white shirt, gripping a rifle. Armed soldiers in dark uniforms ride alongside him. The desert landscape in the background features cacti and stylized hills under an orange-tinted sky.
September 7, 2025 at 4:13 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
It's showing up oddly, so here's the first paragraph.

Long story short: White House cage match.

Title: White House UFC event set for June, weigh-ins at Lincoln Memorial
A much-hyped cage match is on track to take place at the White House in June 2026, with fireworks and light shows, fighter weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial and fan activities spread across the National Mall. A White House spokesperson confirmed the news to The Hill on Friday, following an initial report from The Wall Street Journal, but did not provide additional details.
September 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
I'm annoyed I was right about this. Per Fox News - and I'm not linking, for obvious reasons.
A screenshot of a title headline from Fox News: Media Published September 5, 2025 1:46pm EDT Trump Cabinet members target Jerome Powell for weak economy, August jobs numbers Bessent, Chavez-DeRemer and labor experts urge central bank to change course
September 5, 2025 at 10:42 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Yes, to what Chris is saying, but... another creepy and disturbing move from this White House. 😐
A linkedin post from Chris Lu: James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the University of Virginia Miller Center; Former U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Secretary of Labor, White House Cabinet SecretaryJames R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the University of Virginia Miller Center; Former U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Secretary of Labor, White House Cabinet Secretary 21h • Edited • 21 hours ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn Public service announcement: The White House has replaced the government seal with Trump's face in its LinkedIn profile. If you worked at the White House under a Democratic president or even another Republican president -- and don't want Trump's face in your LinkedIn bio -- just use Executive Office of the President instead.
September 3, 2025 at 4:23 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Okay, we don't have anything on there yet, but wanted to share this again -

I'm teaming up with another government writer/strategist for C&C Save Democracy (And Other Things Too). He's not on Bluesky.

candcsavedemocracy.substack.com
ALT TEXT: A square graphic with a beige background and a thin black border. The centered text reads: Top (in bright red serif font): "Follow my new joint project:" Middle (in bold blue serif font): "C & C Save Democracy" Subheading below in smaller blue font: "(And Other Stuff Too)" Bottom (in dark red caps, sans-serif): "CANDCSAVEDEMOCRACY.SUBSTACK.COM
August 29, 2025 at 5:50 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
A personal announcement!
A publishing deal announcement graphic. At the center is a rectangular text box with two headshots on the left. The left photo shows Celeste Pewter, smiling with straight light-brown hair. Next to her is illustrator Lauren Dimaya, smiling with long dark hair. To the right of the photos, the text reads: “Ann Marie Wong and Kate Farrell at Henry Holt have bought world rights to The Midnight Race by Celeste Pewter, illustrated by Lauren Dimaya. The middle grade graphic novel follows a Chinese American girl who finds herself competing against the animals of the Chinese zodiac in a race whose prize is a cure for her beloved grandfather’s illness. Publication is slated for winter 2028; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency represented the author, and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the illustrator.” The background shows pink cherry blossoms at the top and a beach scene with palm trees and ocean at the bottom.
August 28, 2025 at 9:11 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
All, with the news coming out of Minneapolis, please remember this.
A graphic from ON THE MEDIA: * CUT OUT AND TAPE NEAR YOUR COMPUTER OR TV BREAKING NEWS CONSUMER'S HANDBOOK 1. In the immediate aftermath, news outlets will get it wrong. 2. Don't trust anonymous sources. 3. Don't trust stories that cite another news outlet as the source of the information. 4. There's almost never a second shooter. 5. Pay attention to the language the media uses. • "We are getting reports"... could mean anything. • "We are seeking confirmation"... means they don't have it. • "[News outlet] has learned". "... means it has a scoop or is going out on limb. 6. Look for news outlets close to the incident. 7. Compare multiple sources. 8. Big news brings out the fakers. And photoshoppers. 9. Beware reflexive retweeting. Some of this is on you. ON THE MEDIA
August 27, 2025 at 3:06 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
😐
Tweet from Benjamin Alvarez of DW @BenjAlvarez1 The U.S. Department of Labor has now placed a large banner of President Trump on the outside of the department's building in Washington, D.C. The banner reads "American workers first." His photos show three angles of a Trump banner hanging outside of the U.S. Department of Labor, next to an American flag.
August 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
I want to say something flippant, like this is idiocracy in action.

wapo.st/3J87yQA
The anti-sunscreen movement and what to know about its claims A growing anti-sunscreen movement on social media is causing concern among dermatologists, who warn that avoiding sunscreen increases long-term health risks.
August 11, 2025 at 6:32 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
😐 So ICE can get student loan forgiveness...
A tweet by Sam Stein (@samstein) reads: “Student loan forgiveness…” followed by a screenshot of a federal incentives list. The list highlights that ICE is offering a robust package for law enforcement, including: a $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment and forgiveness options, 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for HSI Special Agents, administratively uncontrollable overtime for deportation officers, and enhanced retirement benefits. Timestamp: 8:46 AM · Jul 30, 2025 · 31.4K views.
July 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Lol, Madam C is also here too. She somehow always knows when I'm having meetings.
bsky.app/profile/cele...
A picture of Madam C, the calico cat who comes by to visit daily. She's sitting outside my window, and staring at me for food. There's a lot of greenery around her.
July 7, 2025 at 5:53 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
A picture of me, wearing glasses, holding Sadie, a black and white tuxedo cat, who is staring off to the right. You can see my face + hand holding her.
July 7, 2025 at 5:48 PM
celestepewter.bsky.social
This was removed from the bill this morning.

Keep calling. Pressure is working.
A screenshot from Politico Pro explaining that the Blackburn amendment was voted on this morning to remove the AI moratorium. It is incomplete, so it cuts off mid-word. — AND IT’S GONE: The Senate voted 99-1 shortly after 4 a.m. to remove a yearslong moratorium on enforcing state and local artificial intelligence laws from the Republican megabill after a compromise agreement between Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) fell apart. The vote on Blackburn’s amendment to strike the provision capped a frantic week of writing and rewriting the AI language, which enjoyed strong support from tech and business interests but united an unusual coalition of Democrats, conservatives and consumer protection groups against it. A visibly frustrated Cruz blamed outside interests for the deal collapsing as he urged the chamber to remove it from the underlying bill. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was the lone nay vote. “When I spoke to President Trump last night, he said it was a terrific agreement,” Cruz said on the floor. “In this body, your word is your currency. Our deal would have passed easily, but a couple of hours ago the other side backed out.” Blackburn acknowledged the change of heart in her own floor remarks: “Yes, indeed, there [were] problems with the language that
July 1, 2025 at 11:33 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
Reminder: This is a cloture vote — a vote to advance the bill, not the final vote.

Please call your reps.
YOU: Hi, my name is [NAME]. I’m a constituent from [ZIP CODE]. YOU: I’m calling to urge [SENATOR] to vote NO on Trump’s budget bill. The legislation is reckless and deeply harmful to working families and vulnerable communities. YOU: I’m alarmed by the bill’s tax cuts that would overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy, while every day Americans continue to struggle with rising costs. Extending/expanding the Trump tax cuts would add trillions to the government debt - as evidenced by the CBO’s estimates on the House version of the bill/the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget’s preliminary estimates on the Senate’s version of the bill. YOU: I’m also against the proposed work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP. These programs are essential life liens for many, and forcing them to work to quality for basic healthcare and food is punitive and dangerous. YOU: The hidden restrictions embedded in the bill - e.g. the caveats placed on programs like the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, as long as states agree to not regulate AI for ten years - shows not only an attack on state autonomy, but an adherence to Big Tech. 

YOU: State legislators have introduced bills to protect people from biased artificial intelligence models, and this cap on regulation will directly impact some of the strong legislation already in place. 

YOU: I am calling on Senator to vote against this bill, and I would [like a written answer/email/phone call back.]
June 29, 2025 at 3:11 AM
celestepewter.bsky.social
And more:
A screenshot of two tweets from James Blair (@JamesBlairUSA), a senior aide to Donald Trump. The first tweet (posted 6 hours ago) is a threaded reply expanding on an earlier post: "Idc if Thomas Massie opposes some things, including last night’s action. But he doesn’t, he opposes everything. Never engages constructively. Never has solutions. Just attacks our President on TV & begs for money on X. Same as a Democrat. Doesn’t know what time it is." This tweet quotes a previous tweet (posted 13 hours ago) from Blair, which is also shown directly below: "I hope Thomas Massie is enjoying his last term in Congress."
June 23, 2025 at 6:47 AM