Two things can be true

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Authoritarianism is rapidly spreading in the US and globally. As scientists who are deeply concerned about the onslaught of attacks on science, we must learn how to navigate a world where multiple things can be true. The US administration is expanding cuts to science funding, while masked ICE agents are grabbing people off the streets, while LGBTQ+ communities are finding ways to celebrate Pride month, despite increasing hate and violence targeting their communities. Violence happening in the US is being justified by violence happening in Gaza, an ever increasing circle of pain and suffering that will be used to expand xenophobia as policy. 

While retreating into research amidst the general chaos is very appealing (especially for folks who still have their research positions), we have to find ways to continue to feel the devastation and not turn away from what is happening. And we have to continue to care for ourselves and our communities. It is no easy task to care, to keep our hearts open in the face of cruelty and chaos.  But as Liz Neeley recently posted, “If the only way out is through, the only way through is together.”

So lets get into it, together.

take action

pods in action

California 👀: The California Biodiversity Project seeks citizen scientists to collect data on your next adventure. Better yet, make it a pod activity that you can get involved in with your local crew! There are three field days currently planned that folks can join too: 

  • Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Friday, June 13, 2025 | 12-5pm

    Alturas, CA 96101

    RSVP

  • Sumner Peck Ranch Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8-11:30am
    14439 N Friant Road, Friant, CA 93626
    RSVP

  • Sierra Valley Preserve & Nature Center
    Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 9:30am-1:30pm
    495 Beckwourth Calpine Rd, Beckwourth, CA 96129
    RSVP

weekly wins

  • The Trump administration is on a massive legal losing streak - 96% loss rate in federal courts in the month of May alone! 

  • Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs are illegal.

  • Musk is out and that is a win of sorts. 

  • Happy pride month! As attacks on LGBTQ+ communities are ramping up across America, small towns are unexpected beacons of hope.

weekly wonder

Everybody poops, but penguins release ammonia and dimethylamine in their poop, nucleating cloud condensation. Yup, penguin poop controls local weather. 

check it out

perennial reads

Book nook

all ears

watch this

  • The finale of the “Handmaid’s Tale” issues a stark warning (spoilers alert!)

…by the way

  • Suing oil and gas companies for climate change impacts is cool. The daughter of a woman who died during the Pacific Northwest “Heat Dome” in 2021 sued seven oil and companies for wrongful death in Washington state court.

  • And kids in Montana won their landmark climate lawsuit in 2023