Leah Fritts Vitali
@leahfrittsvitali.bsky.social
New 🦋
Interests:
Weather/climate
Ornithology
Mammolagy
Biodiversity & ecosystems
Entomology
Herpetology
Oceanography
Botany
&
Music, art, design, fashion, health, hospitality, food & wine, gardening, community, film, reading, travel & leisure 🤓
Interests:
Weather/climate
Ornithology
Mammolagy
Biodiversity & ecosystems
Entomology
Herpetology
Oceanography
Botany
&
Music, art, design, fashion, health, hospitality, food & wine, gardening, community, film, reading, travel & leisure 🤓
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Absolutely buzzing over this new video of a rarely seen giant squid
December 7, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Absolutely buzzing over this new video of a rarely seen giant squid
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Deep sea mining is very bad for deep sea ecosystems.
What Scientists Found When a Deep Sea Mining Company Invited Them In
www.nytimes.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Deep sea mining is very bad for deep sea ecosystems.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
October 2025 was the warmest October on record for the #Arctic. Arctic sea-ice extent is currently the lowest on record for late November. My newest 'climate viz of the month' summarizes some of this latest data: zacklabe.com/climate-viz-...
#ClimateChange #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData #DataViz
#ClimateChange #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData #DataViz
Climate Viz of the Month
October 2025 Hi everyone! Instead of designing a new special feature visualization, this next ‘climate viz of the month’ blog will focus on briefly summarizing the recent extremes in th…
zacklabe.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM
October 2025 was the warmest October on record for the #Arctic. Arctic sea-ice extent is currently the lowest on record for late November. My newest 'climate viz of the month' summarizes some of this latest data: zacklabe.com/climate-viz-...
#ClimateChange #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData #DataViz
#ClimateChange #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData #DataViz
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
🌃 Night lights don’t just brighten the sky—they reshape earthworm communities and soil structure. Evidence shows that tailored management of artificial light at night, tuned to illuminance and spectrum can safeguard earthworm diversity and soil function 🪱
🌍 Read more: buff.ly/nu5sf87
🌍 Read more: buff.ly/nu5sf87
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
🌃 Night lights don’t just brighten the sky—they reshape earthworm communities and soil structure. Evidence shows that tailored management of artificial light at night, tuned to illuminance and spectrum can safeguard earthworm diversity and soil function 🪱
🌍 Read more: buff.ly/nu5sf87
🌍 Read more: buff.ly/nu5sf87
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Plastic nurdles found at 84% of UK sites of special scientific interest
Plastic nurdles found at 84% of UK sites of special scientific interest
Environmental charity Fidra says 168 of 195 SSSIs it surveyed are contaminated with tiny pellets
Plastic nurdles have been found in 84% of important nature sites surveyed in the UK.
Nurdles are tiny pellets that the plastics industry uses to make larger products. They were found in 168 of 195 sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), so named because of the rare wildlife they harbour. They are given extra protections in an effort to protect them from pollution. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Plastic nurdles found at 84% of UK sites of special scientific interest
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
"This year, a Bloomberg News analysis found that roughly “two-thirds of new data centers built or in development since 2022 are in places already gripped by high levels of water stress.”
How Oregon’s Data Center Boom Is Supercharging a Water Crisis
Amazon has come to the state’s eastern farmland, worsening a water pollution problem that’s been linked to cancer and miscarriages.
Rolling Stone reports in collaboration with @thefern.org: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Amazon has come to the state’s eastern farmland, worsening a water pollution problem that’s been linked to cancer and miscarriages.
Rolling Stone reports in collaboration with @thefern.org: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 AM
"This year, a Bloomberg News analysis found that roughly “two-thirds of new data centers built or in development since 2022 are in places already gripped by high levels of water stress.”
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
A federal watchdog urged consumers on Monday to immediately stop using and safely dispose of two models of lithium-ion batteries made for a popular e-bike brand, warning of serious fire risks.
Batteries for Rad Power Bikes Get Federal Fire Risk Warning
A federal watchdog said two models of batteries found in Rad Power Bikes should be immediately, and safely, disposed of. The bike company disputes the safety agency’s findings.
nyti.ms
November 25, 2025 at 3:40 AM
A federal watchdog urged consumers on Monday to immediately stop using and safely dispose of two models of lithium-ion batteries made for a popular e-bike brand, warning of serious fire risks.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Today, after months of requests, I toured the Broadview ICE Processing Facility. I want to share what I saw.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
November 25, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Today, after months of requests, I toured the Broadview ICE Processing Facility. I want to share what I saw.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
The facility has no food vendor, no medical care, and detainees have to use toilets in the middle of shared cells. These are in no way suitable conditions to be holding anyone — period.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Mark Kelly: "I said something that was pretty simple and non-controversial, and that was that members of the military should follow the law. In response to that, Trump said I should be executed, I should be hanged ... it says a lot more about him than it says about me. I'm not going to be silenced."
November 25, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Mark Kelly: "I said something that was pretty simple and non-controversial, and that was that members of the military should follow the law. In response to that, Trump said I should be executed, I should be hanged ... it says a lot more about him than it says about me. I'm not going to be silenced."
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Following a very wet period in Southern California (even breaking some records for Nov and season-to-date precip!), dry and much warmer conditions will prevail this week. In fact, Thanksgiving will be quite mild & dry nearly U.S. West-wide EXCEPT for the Central Valley... #CAwx
November 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Following a very wet period in Southern California (even breaking some records for Nov and season-to-date precip!), dry and much warmer conditions will prevail this week. In fact, Thanksgiving will be quite mild & dry nearly U.S. West-wide EXCEPT for the Central Valley... #CAwx
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
This week, extensive areas of fog (sometimes quite dense) will prevail in CA Central Valley--even into PM hours. This is a classic "tule fog" setup, w/a strong temperature inversion under a ridge trapping sfc moisture in CV but keeping nearby hills & mountains balmily warm/sunny.
November 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This week, extensive areas of fog (sometimes quite dense) will prevail in CA Central Valley--even into PM hours. This is a classic "tule fog" setup, w/a strong temperature inversion under a ridge trapping sfc moisture in CV but keeping nearby hills & mountains balmily warm/sunny.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Parts of the SF North Bay Area could also stay a bit chilly as fog "spills" westward from the Valley through the Carquinez Strait. But away from the CV and above the inversion, it'll be quite warm and sunny! Expect 60s in NorCal foothills/mtns and 70s (or warmer) SoCal. #CAwx
November 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Parts of the SF North Bay Area could also stay a bit chilly as fog "spills" westward from the Valley through the Carquinez Strait. But away from the CV and above the inversion, it'll be quite warm and sunny! Expect 60s in NorCal foothills/mtns and 70s (or warmer) SoCal. #CAwx
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
After this week, uncertainty reigns. A major stratospheric warming event and subsequent stratospheric polar vortex disruption *may* cause a pattern change-up in early Dec, but details (and even big picture) remain quite murky. In general, looks potentially active in California...
November 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
After this week, uncertainty reigns. A major stratospheric warming event and subsequent stratospheric polar vortex disruption *may* cause a pattern change-up in early Dec, but details (and even big picture) remain quite murky. In general, looks potentially active in California...
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
We found that 11 of Trump’s DOT appointees disclosed between $12 million and $52 million in stock holdings and other financial interests in airlines, railroads, oil and gas corporations, transportation technology firms and other related businesses.
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
How Trump’s Transportation Department Is Loosening Safety Rules Meant to Protect the Public
ProPublica has identified dozens of instances in which the Trump administration’s DOT has moved to cut, soften or delay safety regulations for cars, trucks, planes, trains and even oil pipelines. Expe...
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 AM
We found that 11 of Trump’s DOT appointees disclosed between $12 million and $52 million in stock holdings and other financial interests in airlines, railroads, oil and gas corporations, transportation technology firms and other related businesses.
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
How do buildings and foundations control attenuation of the seismic wavefield? Find out in a new #BSSA paper. ⚒️
pubs.geoscienceworld.org/ssa/bssa/art...
pubs.geoscienceworld.org/ssa/bssa/art...
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 AM
How do buildings and foundations control attenuation of the seismic wavefield? Find out in a new #BSSA paper. ⚒️
pubs.geoscienceworld.org/ssa/bssa/art...
pubs.geoscienceworld.org/ssa/bssa/art...
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Cool inset map from this "Geologic Map of the San Francisco Bay Region," by Graymer, et al. (2006). ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/pdp/...
It shows the blocks of crust sliced & diced by Bay Area faults, and how much & in what direction they have moved in the past 34 million years.
⚒️
It shows the blocks of crust sliced & diced by Bay Area faults, and how much & in what direction they have moved in the past 34 million years.
⚒️
November 24, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Cool inset map from this "Geologic Map of the San Francisco Bay Region," by Graymer, et al. (2006). ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngm-bin/pdp/...
It shows the blocks of crust sliced & diced by Bay Area faults, and how much & in what direction they have moved in the past 34 million years.
⚒️
It shows the blocks of crust sliced & diced by Bay Area faults, and how much & in what direction they have moved in the past 34 million years.
⚒️
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
The media needs to stop calling it a peace plan. It's a Republican surrender plan for Europe. Why? Because Republicans have embraced fascist plutocracy and Europe isn't.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/e...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/e...
Trump’s signals to Zelensky and Europe: Accept this plan or you’re on your own | CNN
The 28-point plan hammered out by US and Russian envoys and put to Ukraine this week came with a deadline and an implicit threat: Sign up or face the risk of being abandoned.
www.cnn.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The media needs to stop calling it a peace plan. It's a Republican surrender plan for Europe. Why? Because Republicans have embraced fascist plutocracy and Europe isn't.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/e...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/e...
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
In remote Alaska, public radio stations like KYUK provide lifesaving information during natural disasters.
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
The latest from @revealnews.org:
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
The latest from @revealnews.org:
In rural America, public radio saves lives
In remote Alaska, public radio station KYUK is crucial during natural disasters. Without federal funding, how will it survive?
www.motherjones.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:00 AM
In remote Alaska, public radio stations like KYUK provide lifesaving information during natural disasters.
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
The latest from @revealnews.org:
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
The latest from @revealnews.org:
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
As the pro-Palestine demonstrations continued, the practice of bringing outside law enforcement officers onto campus became increasingly normalized in the University of California system.
How California Spent Natural Disaster Funds to Quell Student Protests for Palestine
California’s Law Enforcement Mutual Aid fund has been used to fight fires, floods, earthquakes — and student protests at public universities.
interc.pt
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 AM
As the pro-Palestine demonstrations continued, the practice of bringing outside law enforcement officers onto campus became increasingly normalized in the University of California system.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
It's not just "consumer smart" it reduces environmental waste, key materials are often mined in slave conditions. The whole tenor of the article is wrong - why is the economy so dependent on us engaging in mass waste?
www.cnbc.com/2025/11/23/h... "please, buy new phone. the economy is dying" is an incredible gaslight
Americans are holding onto devices longer than ever and it's costing economy
Americans are holding onto devices longer than ever before, and while it may be consumer smart, it comes at a cost to work productivity and the U.S. economy.
www.cnbc.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:17 AM
It's not just "consumer smart" it reduces environmental waste, key materials are often mined in slave conditions. The whole tenor of the article is wrong - why is the economy so dependent on us engaging in mass waste?
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
The Nassau grouper, a large-bodied top predator, was once the most abundant and commercially important fish in the Caribbean.
In winter, groupers gather en masse at special places to breed, but many of these so-called fish spawning aggregation sites have been dwindling or succumbing to overfishing.
In winter, groupers gather en masse at special places to breed, but many of these so-called fish spawning aggregation sites have been dwindling or succumbing to overfishing.
Study finds important Nassau grouper spawning site in Belize near collapse
HOPKINS, Belize — The Nassau grouper is drawn by the winter moon, between December and March, to special places where hundreds of the cryptic fish engage in a reproductive dance that sometimes lasts…
news.mongabay.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The Nassau grouper, a large-bodied top predator, was once the most abundant and commercially important fish in the Caribbean.
In winter, groupers gather en masse at special places to breed, but many of these so-called fish spawning aggregation sites have been dwindling or succumbing to overfishing.
In winter, groupers gather en masse at special places to breed, but many of these so-called fish spawning aggregation sites have been dwindling or succumbing to overfishing.
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
In remote Alaska, public radio stations like KYUK provide lifesaving information during natural disasters.
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
From our friends at @revealnews.org:
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
From our friends at @revealnews.org:
In rural America, public radio saves lives
In remote Alaska, public radio station KYUK is crucial during natural disasters. Without federal funding, how will it survive?
www.motherjones.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:35 AM
In remote Alaska, public radio stations like KYUK provide lifesaving information during natural disasters.
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
From our friends at @revealnews.org:
But Trump cut funds for public media, and that could mean deadly consequences for the rural community.
From our friends at @revealnews.org:
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
False imprisonment charge dropped against Ashlee Buzzard as search for daughter Melodee continues
False imprisonment charge dropped against Ashlee Buzzard as search for daughter Melodee continues
A Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge dropped a false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard at a hearing on Thursday. Buzzard's daughter Melodee remains missing.
www.latimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:47 AM
False imprisonment charge dropped against Ashlee Buzzard as search for daughter Melodee continues
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
In 'Out of Plain Sight,' a toxic threat off California's coast comes into view
Review: In 'Out of Plain Sight,' a toxic threat off California's coast comes into view
Produced by L.A. Times Studios and reported by Pulitzer finalist Rosanna Xia, the documentary exposes improper waste disposal by DDT manufacturer Montrose.
www.latimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:41 AM
In 'Out of Plain Sight,' a toxic threat off California's coast comes into view
Reposted by Leah Fritts Vitali
Know this about me, President Trump: I love our Constitution and I will never give up the ship. 🇺🇸
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Know this about me, President Trump: I love our Constitution and I will never give up the ship. 🇺🇸