Dan Charles
@dancharles.bsky.social
Telling stories about climate, food, land. Former NPR. Urbanist and ruralist and bicyclist. Science Magazine contributor.
Reposted by Dan Charles
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Reposted by Dan Charles
Speaking of journalism needing more money... we need more money. But we also need readers! You can help us by subscribing (on a paid or free basis!) and telling your friends, family, and anyone who will listen to subscribe to @51st.news
For our end-of-year campaign, we’re setting a Big Goal that anyone reading this can help us achieve.
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The 51st
Information with representation, by and for District of Columbia residents. A worker-led, independent nonprofit newsroom.
51st.news
November 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Speaking of journalism needing more money... we need more money. But we also need readers! You can help us by subscribing (on a paid or free basis!) and telling your friends, family, and anyone who will listen to subscribe to @51st.news
Reposted by Dan Charles
You know, I would grumble but accept it if they said, "The science is controversial," because it obviously and unfortunately is. But to say it isn't "evidence-based" when there is so much evidence is utter horseshit. And the other studies haven't been "ignored"--they've been carefully refuted.
CDC has overhauled its website to assert that “the claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim”
November 20, 2025 at 2:18 PM
You know, I would grumble but accept it if they said, "The science is controversial," because it obviously and unfortunately is. But to say it isn't "evidence-based" when there is so much evidence is utter horseshit. And the other studies haven't been "ignored"--they've been carefully refuted.
Reposted by Dan Charles
I’ve been in Toronto at the #astmh meeting these past few days and last night some very good news was presented here: A new malaria drug has proven efficacious in a large trial and could soon be approved.🧪
My story in @science.org (and 🧵on why it's important to come):
www.science.org/content/arti...
My story in @science.org (and 🧵on why it's important to come):
www.science.org/content/arti...
‘A sigh of relief’: New malaria drug succeeds in large clinical trial
As existing drugs falter because of resistance, the world gets a backup—but hard choices loom on how to use it
www.science.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I’ve been in Toronto at the #astmh meeting these past few days and last night some very good news was presented here: A new malaria drug has proven efficacious in a large trial and could soon be approved.🧪
My story in @science.org (and 🧵on why it's important to come):
www.science.org/content/arti...
My story in @science.org (and 🧵on why it's important to come):
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Dan Charles
Every month for the last 77 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated Americans' unemployment rate
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
Here's the planned BLS data release schedule for Nov 2025.
On Tues, it couldn't release Sept job openings, hires, layoffs and firings data.
This morning, it couldn't release 2025Q3 business Productivity and Costs data.
Tomorrow, it can't release Oct 2025 #JobsReport
www.bls.gov/schedule/202...
On Tues, it couldn't release Sept job openings, hires, layoffs and firings data.
This morning, it couldn't release 2025Q3 business Productivity and Costs data.
Tomorrow, it can't release Oct 2025 #JobsReport
www.bls.gov/schedule/202...
November 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Every month for the last 77 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated Americans' unemployment rate
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
This streak dies tomorrow
Govt staff could not survey Americans about whether they're working or looking for work in Oct, the 1st time in 934 months
This blind spot will remain forever
Reposted by Dan Charles
Imperial College London and Earthwatch Europe are calling on the UK government to implement stricter regulations for environmental risk assessment of pet medications like imidacloprid and restrict blanket preventative use of flea and tick treatments in the UK.
November 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Imperial College London and Earthwatch Europe are calling on the UK government to implement stricter regulations for environmental risk assessment of pet medications like imidacloprid and restrict blanket preventative use of flea and tick treatments in the UK.
Reposted by Dan Charles
There has been a lot of recent interest in mitigating "super pollutants", short-lived climate pollutants like methane and refrigerants. We should cut emissions, but using them as carbon offsets risks breaking the math of net zero: www.theclimatebrink....
November 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
There has been a lot of recent interest in mitigating "super pollutants", short-lived climate pollutants like methane and refrigerants. We should cut emissions, but using them as carbon offsets risks breaking the math of net zero: www.theclimatebrink....
Reposted by Dan Charles
"Progressive yimbys are firmly in charge" in Baltimore as mayor signs bills:
No off-street parking required.
Single-stair buildings up to 6 stories.
Reduced setbacks.
Still in process: Allowing 2- & 4-unit buildings in multifamily zones.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
No off-street parking required.
Single-stair buildings up to 6 stories.
Reduced setbacks.
Still in process: Allowing 2- & 4-unit buildings in multifamily zones.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Mayor Scott signs controversial housing laws in effort to spur growth
A suite of housing and zoning reforms, once pie-in-the-sky dreams for some advocates, are now law in Baltimore, with Mayor Brandon Scott signing four bills Monday in a City Hall ceremony.
www.thebanner.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:19 PM
"Progressive yimbys are firmly in charge" in Baltimore as mayor signs bills:
No off-street parking required.
Single-stair buildings up to 6 stories.
Reduced setbacks.
Still in process: Allowing 2- & 4-unit buildings in multifamily zones.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
No off-street parking required.
Single-stair buildings up to 6 stories.
Reduced setbacks.
Still in process: Allowing 2- & 4-unit buildings in multifamily zones.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Dan Charles
Meanwhile, in the far-left progressive bastion of ... entire State of Utah:
"The plan shows 3,100 miles of paths. The network would come within a mile of 95% of Utahns, connect to 33 school campuses, 31 state/national parks, and 74 high-capacity transit stations."
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/10...
"The plan shows 3,100 miles of paths. The network would come within a mile of 95% of Utahns, connect to 33 school campuses, 31 state/national parks, and 74 high-capacity transit stations."
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/10...
Utah rolls forward on statewide freeway system for bikes. Here’s where the trails would go.
Utah plans to build a statewide network of paved trails that will act like an interstate system for bikes.
www.sltrib.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Meanwhile, in the far-left progressive bastion of ... entire State of Utah:
"The plan shows 3,100 miles of paths. The network would come within a mile of 95% of Utahns, connect to 33 school campuses, 31 state/national parks, and 74 high-capacity transit stations."
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/10...
"The plan shows 3,100 miles of paths. The network would come within a mile of 95% of Utahns, connect to 33 school campuses, 31 state/national parks, and 74 high-capacity transit stations."
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Dan Charles
🚨🚨Things are just getting worse. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
🚨🚨Things are just getting worse. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
Reposted by Dan Charles
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
Reposted by Dan Charles
Every single report to shareholders from a large REIT includes something about how it's great that market-rate multifamily housing isn't getting built in high-cost coastal cities because the shortage is what allows them to rent gouge.
New housing stops landlords from raising rents—take it from the CEO of AvalonBay, one of NYC's largest landlords:
"We're well-positioned… we face significantly less new supply. Land entitled for multifamily is hard to come by, the amount of time it takes to get those entitlements… sets us up well.”
"We're well-positioned… we face significantly less new supply. Land entitled for multifamily is hard to come by, the amount of time it takes to get those entitlements… sets us up well.”
October 30, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Every single report to shareholders from a large REIT includes something about how it's great that market-rate multifamily housing isn't getting built in high-cost coastal cities because the shortage is what allows them to rent gouge.
Reposted by Dan Charles
Let's help Clay out here with some math.
The $4200/yr. is for a household. Average SNAP household has 1.9 people. So that's $2210/person.
$2210/year is $184/month, and that's a little over $6. per day.
Clay, let's see you stockpile groceries on $6/day.
Hell, let's see you eat on $6/day.
The $4200/yr. is for a household. Average SNAP household has 1.9 people. So that's $2210/person.
$2210/year is $184/month, and that's a little over $6. per day.
Clay, let's see you stockpile groceries on $6/day.
Hell, let's see you eat on $6/day.
October 30, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Let's help Clay out here with some math.
The $4200/yr. is for a household. Average SNAP household has 1.9 people. So that's $2210/person.
$2210/year is $184/month, and that's a little over $6. per day.
Clay, let's see you stockpile groceries on $6/day.
Hell, let's see you eat on $6/day.
The $4200/yr. is for a household. Average SNAP household has 1.9 people. So that's $2210/person.
$2210/year is $184/month, and that's a little over $6. per day.
Clay, let's see you stockpile groceries on $6/day.
Hell, let's see you eat on $6/day.
Reposted by Dan Charles
Soon, everyday phrases became impossible. “I’m hungry” became “There emerges, within this organismal enclosure, a not-unfamiliar sense of lack—interpretable, perhaps, as nutritional, though not necessarily limited to metabolic vectors.” www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/i-g...
I Got Tenure and Now I Can’t Seem to Form Simple Declarative Sentences
When I received the email, I was holding a piece of toast. Dry, no butter. I remember this vividly because it was the last thing in my life with a ...
www.mcsweeneys.net
October 27, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Soon, everyday phrases became impossible. “I’m hungry” became “There emerges, within this organismal enclosure, a not-unfamiliar sense of lack—interpretable, perhaps, as nutritional, though not necessarily limited to metabolic vectors.” www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/i-g...
What an image. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
White House begins demolishing East Wing facade to build Trump’s ballroom
The president had claimed construction of the $250 million ballroom wouldn’t ‘interfere’ with the existing White House structure.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:19 PM
What an image. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dan Charles
22. Examples of real long-duration storage technologies are pumped hydro (reservoir size is decoupled from turbine capacity), or big tanks of molten salt or hot water, or hot rocks. But all of these do still cost a lot of money if they are only cycling once per year.
October 20, 2025 at 7:51 AM
22. Examples of real long-duration storage technologies are pumped hydro (reservoir size is decoupled from turbine capacity), or big tanks of molten salt or hot water, or hot rocks. But all of these do still cost a lot of money if they are only cycling once per year.
Susan was a force for goodness and humor and creativity, so full of life. It was a great privilege to know her. www.npr.org/2025/10/16/1...
NPR 'founding mother' Susan Stamberg has died
Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, has died.
www.npr.org
October 17, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Susan was a force for goodness and humor and creativity, so full of life. It was a great privilege to know her. www.npr.org/2025/10/16/1...
Reposted by Dan Charles
As the guy in the White House has recently insisted, today is Columbus Day. What to do about it, given Indigenous peoples’ entirely merited dislike of the whole thing? A couple-three ideas that I've been thinking about. 1/
October 13, 2025 at 4:32 PM
As the guy in the White House has recently insisted, today is Columbus Day. What to do about it, given Indigenous peoples’ entirely merited dislike of the whole thing? A couple-three ideas that I've been thinking about. 1/
Reposted by Dan Charles
UPDATE: Newsom has signed SB 79 into law!!
This is a great day for anyone who cares about ending California's housing and homelessness crisis, getting the state to net zero emissions, and recovering American democracy.
This is a great day for anyone who cares about ending California's housing and homelessness crisis, getting the state to net zero emissions, and recovering American democracy.
If you live in California, please call @gavinnewsom.bsky.social at (916) 445-2841 and urge him to sign SB 79. Here's my post about why the bill is so important: publiccomment.blog/p/newsom-s-f...
Newsom's Fateful Choice
Why the governor needs to sign SB 79
publiccomment.blog
October 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
UPDATE: Newsom has signed SB 79 into law!!
This is a great day for anyone who cares about ending California's housing and homelessness crisis, getting the state to net zero emissions, and recovering American democracy.
This is a great day for anyone who cares about ending California's housing and homelessness crisis, getting the state to net zero emissions, and recovering American democracy.
Reposted by Dan Charles
Picture how big the Hoover Dam is. An absolute unit. The Hoover Dam has a power capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW).
The solar farm that the Admin just cancelled could have produces 6.2 GW of power. That's more than 3 Hoover Dams.
The solar farm that the Admin just cancelled could have produces 6.2 GW of power. That's more than 3 Hoover Dams.
SCOOP: The Bureau of Land Management says the largest solar project in Nevada — the Esmeralda 7 mega-farm — has been canceled
The news was quietly dropped via a sudden website update with no public word from any of the companies involved or a statement from the agency
@heatmap.news
The news was quietly dropped via a sudden website update with no public word from any of the companies involved or a statement from the agency
@heatmap.news
Esmeralda 7 Solar Project Has Been Canceled, BLM Says
It would have delivered a gargantuan 6.2 gigawatts of power.
heatmap.news
October 10, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Picture how big the Hoover Dam is. An absolute unit. The Hoover Dam has a power capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW).
The solar farm that the Admin just cancelled could have produces 6.2 GW of power. That's more than 3 Hoover Dams.
The solar farm that the Admin just cancelled could have produces 6.2 GW of power. That's more than 3 Hoover Dams.
Reposted by Dan Charles
Terrible on its own terms, and also poisoning the waters in congress for any kind of bipartisan deal on transmission/permitting issues.
SCOOP: The Bureau of Land Management says the largest solar project in Nevada — the Esmeralda 7 mega-farm — has been canceled
The news was quietly dropped via a sudden website update with no public word from any of the companies involved or a statement from the agency
@heatmap.news
The news was quietly dropped via a sudden website update with no public word from any of the companies involved or a statement from the agency
@heatmap.news
Esmeralda 7 Solar Project Has Been Canceled, BLM Says
It would have delivered a gargantuan 6.2 gigawatts of power.
heatmap.news
October 10, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Terrible on its own terms, and also poisoning the waters in congress for any kind of bipartisan deal on transmission/permitting issues.
Reposted by Dan Charles
Bikes
Does anyone have any good home remedies for treating the aching void inside the dark hearts of men
September 26, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Bikes
Reposted by Dan Charles
The #1 piece of advice that TransLink's CEO offers other North American transit agencies:
Provide frequent service
Provide frequent service
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The #1 piece of advice that TransLink's CEO offers other North American transit agencies:
Provide frequent service
Provide frequent service
Reposted by Dan Charles
Vancouver's TransLink is a rare success story in North American transit, with ridership almost matching pre-Covid levels. It might be the only big 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 agency that has *expanded* total bus service since 2019.
I spoke w/CEO Kevin Quinn about lessons from TransLink's rapid recovery. 🧵
I spoke w/CEO Kevin Quinn about lessons from TransLink's rapid recovery. 🧵
The Secret to Vancouver’s Public Transit Ridership Recovery
The Canadian city’s transit agency, TransLink, bounced back from Covid even as other North American systems have struggled. Its leader explains why riders returned.
www.bloomberg.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Vancouver's TransLink is a rare success story in North American transit, with ridership almost matching pre-Covid levels. It might be the only big 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 agency that has *expanded* total bus service since 2019.
I spoke w/CEO Kevin Quinn about lessons from TransLink's rapid recovery. 🧵
I spoke w/CEO Kevin Quinn about lessons from TransLink's rapid recovery. 🧵
Reposted by Dan Charles
Class 1 e-bikes, which require pedaling and have electric assist that tops out at 18mph, are very different than throttle-operated class 2 and 3 bikes, which are themselves very different from the bigger, faster electric motorcycles that are proliferating under the “ebike” label.
My unpopular urbanist opinion is that big, hyperfast two-wheelers are a menace and should be banned from bike lanes/paths (with enforcement).
These things endanger everyone riding a bike or legal e-bike. Worse, they deter some from even trying.
These things endanger everyone riding a bike or legal e-bike. Worse, they deter some from even trying.
E-bikes have evolved into e-motorcycles. Law enforcement is lagging behind.
Serious injuries are on the rise in emergency rooms around the country, as electric cycles become bigger and faster. Lawmakers and police departments are scrambling to address the problem.
www.inquirer.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Class 1 e-bikes, which require pedaling and have electric assist that tops out at 18mph, are very different than throttle-operated class 2 and 3 bikes, which are themselves very different from the bigger, faster electric motorcycles that are proliferating under the “ebike” label.