Rebecca Raskin
@rjraskin.bsky.social
Former nonfiction editor at HarperCollins. Now a very tired med student researching science communication. Writing here: https://thosenerdygirls.org/nerdygirls/rebecca-raskin-wish/
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
We recently launched ProPublica Narrated, a podcast feed where you can listen to our best long-form investigations, read out loud.
First up: “Sick in a Hospital Town,” produced w/ Theater Of War Productions, tells the story of U.S. health care: https://bit.ly/4pO8lXd
First up: “Sick in a Hospital Town,” produced w/ Theater Of War Productions, tells the story of U.S. health care: https://bit.ly/4pO8lXd
December 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
We recently launched ProPublica Narrated, a podcast feed where you can listen to our best long-form investigations, read out loud.
First up: “Sick in a Hospital Town,” produced w/ Theater Of War Productions, tells the story of U.S. health care: https://bit.ly/4pO8lXd
First up: “Sick in a Hospital Town,” produced w/ Theater Of War Productions, tells the story of U.S. health care: https://bit.ly/4pO8lXd
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
NEW: RFK Jr.’s HHS made moves this week to restrict youth access to gender-affirming care.
HHS said the policy changes were based on a peer-reviewed report.
We looked at the peer reviews. They’re devastating.
One called the report “a dangerous incursion of politics into science and medicine.”
HHS said the policy changes were based on a peer-reviewed report.
We looked at the peer reviews. They’re devastating.
One called the report “a dangerous incursion of politics into science and medicine.”
HHS Moves to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care Based on Dubious Report Shredded in Peer Review
A review of the report HHS relied on calls it “a dangerous incursion of politics into science and medicine.”
www.importantcontext.news
December 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
NEW: RFK Jr.’s HHS made moves this week to restrict youth access to gender-affirming care.
HHS said the policy changes were based on a peer-reviewed report.
We looked at the peer reviews. They’re devastating.
One called the report “a dangerous incursion of politics into science and medicine.”
HHS said the policy changes were based on a peer-reviewed report.
We looked at the peer reviews. They’re devastating.
One called the report “a dangerous incursion of politics into science and medicine.”
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
I was interviewed for @theguardian.com by the wonderful @melodyschreiber.com, one of the finest health reporters in the world, about what I called a “neocolonialist” study planned by Danish researchers in Guinea-Bissau, funded by RFK Jr. So many red flags 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
US plan for $1.6m hepatitis B vaccine study in Africa called ‘highly unethical’
Experts decry ‘neocolonialist’ Guinea-Bissau study after Trump administration changed advice for US babies
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
I was interviewed for @theguardian.com by the wonderful @melodyschreiber.com, one of the finest health reporters in the world, about what I called a “neocolonialist” study planned by Danish researchers in Guinea-Bissau, funded by RFK Jr. So many red flags 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
About halfway sold out, whew! Giving this a little bump.
Gonna host another query letter webinar at the start of the New Year, to help fund various free in-person events.
Help me, help you! :-)
Three Zoom hangs, a critique on your query, notes on your first ten pages. It’ll be fun. www.ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2025/12...
Help me, help you! :-)
Three Zoom hangs, a critique on your query, notes on your first ten pages. It’ll be fun. www.ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2025/12...
New Year, New Query: A Workshop to Get You Ready — ERIC SMITH
With the New Year approaching and writers eager to get querying, I wanted to run another workshop to help polish up those pitch letters. I have a great time every time I do these, and honestly, these ...
www.ericsmithrocks.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
About halfway sold out, whew! Giving this a little bump.
I've never been a sports person but I now support the Buffalo Bills enthusiastically because of their social media. My husband now frequently ask me Bills trivia questions only to be amused when I don't actually know anything about the team.
December 20, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I've never been a sports person but I now support the Buffalo Bills enthusiastically because of their social media. My husband now frequently ask me Bills trivia questions only to be amused when I don't actually know anything about the team.
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Science is confusing.
People deserve clarity.
We’re here for that.
If you can keep accessible science communication going strong, we’d be honored to have your support.
🧡 Join us with a gift: givebutter.com/findingourway
People deserve clarity.
We’re here for that.
If you can keep accessible science communication going strong, we’d be honored to have your support.
🧡 Join us with a gift: givebutter.com/findingourway
Finding our way, together.
Join us this Giving Tuesday to keep trusted, accessible health information within reach for everyone.
givebutter.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Science is confusing.
People deserve clarity.
We’re here for that.
If you can keep accessible science communication going strong, we’d be honored to have your support.
🧡 Join us with a gift: givebutter.com/findingourway
People deserve clarity.
We’re here for that.
If you can keep accessible science communication going strong, we’d be honored to have your support.
🧡 Join us with a gift: givebutter.com/findingourway
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Nevada regulators have accused Elon Musk’s Boring Co. of nearly 800 environmental violations in the last two years as it digs a sprawling tunnel network beneath Las Vegas for its Tesla-powered “people mover.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social and Dayvid Figler
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social and Dayvid Figler
Elon Musk’s Boring Co. Accused of Nearly 800 Environmental Violations on Las Vegas Project
Nevada could’ve fined the company more than $3 million, but regulators are seeking a reduced penalty of $242,800, citing an “extraordinary number of violations.”
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Nevada regulators have accused Elon Musk’s Boring Co. of nearly 800 environmental violations in the last two years as it digs a sprawling tunnel network beneath Las Vegas for its Tesla-powered “people mover.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social and Dayvid Figler
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social and Dayvid Figler
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Stand with Condé Nast Union 🚨 We’re calling on you to sign our petition telling management to reinstate the Fired Four, reverse the suspensions, and end the union busting.
Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
November 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Stand with Condé Nast Union 🚨 We’re calling on you to sign our petition telling management to reinstate the Fired Four, reverse the suspensions, and end the union busting.
Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
By this time next week, the estimated deaths due to the illegal destruction of USAID and the shuttering of its aid efforts will breach 400,000.
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
Tracking Anticipated Deaths from USAID Funding Cuts
Brooke Nichols has launched online tracking tools that capture estimated increases in mortality and disease spread for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases as a result of the near-total...
www.bu.edu
November 5, 2025 at 10:28 PM
By this time next week, the estimated deaths due to the illegal destruction of USAID and the shuttering of its aid efforts will breach 400,000.
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
If you don’t know how you are going to feed your family this month, this post from @emkayhey.bsky.social has a list of resources you can look into today.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
If you don’t know how you are going to feed your family this month, this post has a list of resources you can look into today.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:48 PM
If you don’t know how you are going to feed your family this month, this post from @emkayhey.bsky.social has a list of resources you can look into today.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
I wrote about celebrities and worms, but more importantly, how worms are a major global health problem.
Do we all have worms?
#Worms have been all over celebrity news lately, and there are a lot of TikTok creators who are selling worm “#cleanses.” But the average person in the United States isn’t usually infected by worms.
Get the full story from Rebecca Raskin-Wish:
#Worms have been all over celebrity news lately, and there are a lot of TikTok creators who are selling worm “#cleanses.” But the average person in the United States isn’t usually infected by worms.
Get the full story from Rebecca Raskin-Wish:
Do we all have worms?
Worms have been all over celebrity news lately, and there are a lot of TikTok creators who are selling worm “cleanses.” But the average person in the United States isn’t usually infected by worms.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:29 PM
I wrote about celebrities and worms, but more importantly, how worms are a major global health problem.
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
I've been telling people for years that there is a difference between *reducing cost* and *moving cost around* - and LLMs are only doing the latter.
Maybe now that there is a study, they will listen...oh, who am I kidding.
Maybe now that there is a study, they will listen...oh, who am I kidding.
AI-Generated “Workslop” Is Destroying Productivity
Despite a surge in generative AI use across workplaces, most companies are seeing little measurable ROI. One possible reason is because AI tools are being used to produce “workslop”—content that appea...
hbr.org
September 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I've been telling people for years that there is a difference between *reducing cost* and *moving cost around* - and LLMs are only doing the latter.
Maybe now that there is a study, they will listen...oh, who am I kidding.
Maybe now that there is a study, they will listen...oh, who am I kidding.
Just me again, writing about all the health videos on TikTok
Despite the discussions on social media, #statins are a safe and effective medication option for lowering “bad” #cholesterol. Statins reduce the risk of heart events.
⬇️⬇️
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/why-are-pe...?
⬇️⬇️
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/why-are-pe...?
Why are people on social media worried about statins?
Despite the discussions on social media, statins are a safe and effective medication option for lowering “bad” cholesterol. Statins reduce the risk of heart events.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Just me again, writing about all the health videos on TikTok
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
If this scheme unleashes mass roundups and forced incarceration, decree would take us further down the road of cruel authoritarianism that other anti-democratic leaders have pursued. Forget anodyne terms such as “civil commitment,” which disguise a brutal and inhumane approach to homelessness.
Treating homelessness with a police force and curtailing strategies that work—all while slashing funding for the social safety net—is the sort of cruel, red-meat performative politics that juices up the MAGA base but does nothing to address the problem.
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
Words & Phrases We Can Do Without
‘Civil commitment’ means locking up people without housing
open.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
If this scheme unleashes mass roundups and forced incarceration, decree would take us further down the road of cruel authoritarianism that other anti-democratic leaders have pursued. Forget anodyne terms such as “civil commitment,” which disguise a brutal and inhumane approach to homelessness.
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures.
Read the full post from Rebecca Raskin-Wish here: thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/whats-the-...
Read the full post from Rebecca Raskin-Wish here: thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/whats-the-...
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com
July 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures.
Read the full post from Rebecca Raskin-Wish here: thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/whats-the-...
Read the full post from Rebecca Raskin-Wish here: thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/whats-the-...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
NEW: The country's top medical and public health professional societies are suing RFK Jr for unlawful anti-science changes to government vaccine guidelines.
July 7, 2025 at 8:10 PM
NEW: The country's top medical and public health professional societies are suing RFK Jr for unlawful anti-science changes to government vaccine guidelines.
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Folks did you know you can just buy "Bad Jews" by @emilyctamkin.bsky.social? It's true! Maybe get a copy
for yourself and another for the Fox-addled in your life. www.harpercollins.com/products/bad...
for yourself and another for the Fox-addled in your life. www.harpercollins.com/products/bad...
June 30, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Folks did you know you can just buy "Bad Jews" by @emilyctamkin.bsky.social? It's true! Maybe get a copy
for yourself and another for the Fox-addled in your life. www.harpercollins.com/products/bad...
for yourself and another for the Fox-addled in your life. www.harpercollins.com/products/bad...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
This is not the "Republican Party." It is the Fourth Estate carrying water for a Narrative™️ it is desperate to tell.
Today in "neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party"
Today in "neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party"
June 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This is not the "Republican Party." It is the Fourth Estate carrying water for a Narrative™️ it is desperate to tell.
Today in "neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party"
Today in "neither our media nor our political system is designed to deal with a far right authoritarian party"
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
Busting up big corporations and tackling Wall Street’s greed.
Getting big money out of politics.
Strengthening unions and fighting for higher wages.
Medicare for all, paid leave, universal childcare...
This is the progressive populist agenda we need in America.
Getting big money out of politics.
Strengthening unions and fighting for higher wages.
Medicare for all, paid leave, universal childcare...
This is the progressive populist agenda we need in America.
May 30, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Busting up big corporations and tackling Wall Street’s greed.
Getting big money out of politics.
Strengthening unions and fighting for higher wages.
Medicare for all, paid leave, universal childcare...
This is the progressive populist agenda we need in America.
Getting big money out of politics.
Strengthening unions and fighting for higher wages.
Medicare for all, paid leave, universal childcare...
This is the progressive populist agenda we need in America.
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
A Chicago Pope implies the existence of an MLA Pope and APA Pope
May 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
A Chicago Pope implies the existence of an MLA Pope and APA Pope
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
For most healthy people, full-body #MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and #health goals.
Read the full post by @rjraskin.bsky.social here:
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/i-keep-hea...
Read the full post by @rjraskin.bsky.social here:
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/i-keep-hea...
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
For most healthy people, no, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals.
thosenerdygirls.substack.com
May 2, 2025 at 4:54 PM
For most healthy people, full-body #MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and #health goals.
Read the full post by @rjraskin.bsky.social here:
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/i-keep-hea...
Read the full post by @rjraskin.bsky.social here:
thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/i-keep-hea...
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
So many ✨incredible✨ professionals have signed up to attend Take Your Kid to Publishing Day! Like… Ivan Taurisano @amynielsen.bsky.social
@naomikirsten.bsky.social @bookfairyangus.bsky.social & more! Please keep sharing about this FREE #kidlit event so more kids can join the fun! #writingcommunity
@naomikirsten.bsky.social @bookfairyangus.bsky.social & more! Please keep sharing about this FREE #kidlit event so more kids can join the fun! #writingcommunity
📣 Information for the summer 25 “Take Your Kid to Publishing Day!” free/virtual event is ✨LIVE✨ ! If you have a child interested in registering, or are an #agent/#editor/ author wanting to participate, find the link for more info below. Please 🔁! #kidlit
danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-ren...
danielleturmaud9.wixsite.com/danielle-ren...
May 1, 2025 at 12:35 PM
So many ✨incredible✨ professionals have signed up to attend Take Your Kid to Publishing Day! Like… Ivan Taurisano @amynielsen.bsky.social
@naomikirsten.bsky.social @bookfairyangus.bsky.social & more! Please keep sharing about this FREE #kidlit event so more kids can join the fun! #writingcommunity
@naomikirsten.bsky.social @bookfairyangus.bsky.social & more! Please keep sharing about this FREE #kidlit event so more kids can join the fun! #writingcommunity
Reposted by Rebecca Raskin
A couple years ago the people banning books were like "we're not banning books we're just removing them from schools, you can still get them elsewhere" and now here we are
Texas! House Bill 1375 would allow civil suits against any bookstore that allowed children access to content the plaintiffs feel is “harmful to minors.” Most bookstores don't have the money to defend themselves against these suits. Add a public comment while it's still in committee.
House Public Comment
The purpose of this form is to aid Texas residents in electronically submitting public comments to House committees on measures or matters included on public hearing notices.
comments.house.texas.gov
April 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM
A couple years ago the people banning books were like "we're not banning books we're just removing them from schools, you can still get them elsewhere" and now here we are