Sheril Kirshenbaum

Jane Goodall and a chimpanzee

Jane Goodall, one of my greatest heroes, has passed away. How lucky we were to read her books and learn from her wisdom about our place on Earth. She was an inspiration to me and countless others. And her memory is a blessing.

Shutdown Before the Fall? Why this routine "crisis" should serve as a warning.

The federal government has shut down. So why does the 21st disruption of federal funding since 1976 feel... normal?

We've spent decades dismantling the norms that made compromise possible in Congress.

This routine "crisis" should serve as a warning. sheril.substack.com/p/shutdown-b...

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo rages, with 61% death rate and funding running dry Responders ask for $25 million to contain the disease. They have $2.2 million.

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo rages, w 61% death rate & lack of $

“In the past, USAID provided critical support to respond to such outbreaks. But, w funding cuts & a dismantling of the agency the US is notably absent.. it will be difficult to compensate for the loss.” arstechnica.com/health/2025/...

Two strangers use filters to change their appearance online, and like each other on social media. Later, they scowl at each other on the street, not recognizing they are the same individuals.

Another comic by Chelo caught my eye. How we present ourselves to others on social media vs offline. /2

Two English budgies that are blue and white.

It is settled. “Moe” is now “Mochi,” with his big brother Kiwi!

A blue and white English budgie.

Meet our new English budgie! Like his brother Kiwi, he has a few unusual quirks, but we think he’s perfect!

Now this little peanut needs a name… He arrived as “Moe” so that’s a possibility, but what would you name this sweet boy?

Will the public support basic science? A new non-profit aims to find out The Science Foundation seeks donations to fund ten $10,000 ‘what if’ seed grants.

"Amid massive cuts to US scientific research, the Science Foundation will raise public funds for transdisciplinary, discovery-based research!" www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Congratulations Maren Friesen, Venkatesh Srinivas & @sciencefoundation.bsky.social! Donate at science-foundation.org/donate/

Fox News Host Offers Bloodthirsty Fix to Homeless Crisis Brian Kilmeade has a truly outrageous proposal for addressing what he considers one of the root causes of violence in public places.

“One of the best-known anchors on Fox News has suggested killing people as a way to end the country’s homelessness crisis.” 👀

www.thedailybeast.com/fox-news-hos...

Listening now @michaelemann.bsky.social!

Good.
Details at: www.nature.com/articles/d41...

The CDC quietly scaled back a surveillance program for foodborne illnesses As of July 1, a critical surveillance program is monitoring for only two pathogens instead of the usual eight.

Pretty sure the vast majority of people don’t want to get sick regardless of their party affiliation. 🤔

Despite political uncertainty, I leave D.C. hopeful knowing that so many caring and dedicated colleagues will continue this important work, and I look forward to carrying all I’ve learned into the next chapter of my career. 3/3

Thanks as well to the Council on Foreign Relations for the chance to serve during such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It has been a transformative year, for me personally and for democracy. 2/3

As I conclude my Senate fellowship, I’m deeply grateful to Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and his brilliant, thoughtful team. I will miss working with them tremendously. 1/3

Traveling with my 9 & 12 year old boys tomorrow & I’d love your recommendations for kid/teen audiobooks! 📚 #books

This is a heartbreaking loss, but I will always be grateful for the role CPB played in helping our team share science in ways that felt personal, accessible, and true to public service. 3/3

Now the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will begin shutting down after Congress eliminated its funding for the first time in nearly 60 years. 2/3

When I co-created Serving Up Science with the wonderful people at WKAR, we never imagined the reach our little show about food and science would have. We connected with classrooms, rural towns, big cities, and curious minds across the country - all bc of public media. cpb.org/pressroom/Co... 1/3

The NIH budget will INCREASE by $400 million — not slashed by 40%, as Trump proposed — according to a proposal by Senate appropriators, says Sen Murray.

"Some have asked if there will even be an NIH by [2029]. The commmittee's resounding message is yes—Congress has your back", she says.

Orange fungi on a tree

Even amid difficult headlines, I take comfort in the resilience of nature.

Trees keep growing. Fungi keep breaking things down. And the world keeps changing.

Our species is just one character in a far older story.

And I hope we have the wisdom (and data) to remain part of it a little longer.

In every part of the world, “child” and “hunger” should never be part of the same sentence.

NPR: Trump's EPA now says greenhouse gases don't endanger people The Trump administration wants to reverse a 2009 EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger people. The finding is the basis for much of the United States' climate change regulations. Jeff Brady • July 24, 2025 05:00 AM EDT

Then again, the U.S. sure needs a climate reminder… /2

Reuters. COP29 July 23, 2025 1:23 PM UTC In landmark opinion, the World Court says climate change is an 'existential threat' By Stephanie van den Berg The Dragon Bravo Fire burns on the northern rim as seen from Grandeur Point on the southern rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S. July 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson/File PhotoReuters ••• COP29 July 23, 2025 1:23 PM UTC In landmark opinion, the World Court says climate change is an 'existential threat' By Stephanie van den Berg The Dragon Bravo Fire burns on the northern rim as seen from Grandeur Point on the southern rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S. July 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson/File Photo

On one hand, good.

On another, we shouldn’t need the UN to declare climate change is an existential threat at this point.

It’s here. It’s now.

Not sure who needs to hear this, but #science cuts don’t just affect researchers.

They ripple out to the food we eat, the air we breathe, the safety of our water, and our health.

This is personal for you. Me. All of us.

I don’t work for PBS so I’m just fine. But a lot of wonderful people I care about are not.

Hi 👋 I was the host of Serving Up Science, a PBS show created by WKAR with some of the kindest people in public media.

We focused on the science of food. Not politics, not controversy.

Now, half the team has been laid off.
It’s a quiet unraveling of something deeply valuable. #uspol

To my friends impacted:

Thank you. Your integrity & service have shaped this country’s history, security & prosperity in ways few will ever fully understand.

You deserved better. 5/5

Undermining that foundation comes at a real cost to our global credibility, our national security, and the trust we place in government institutions. 4/

A strong & independent civil service has been one of our country’s greatest strengths.

It ensures continuity, stability & professionalism even as elected leaders and policies change. 3/

These career professionals have served under both Republican & Democratic administrations, often in extremely challenging posts around the world, with little recognition & immense dedication. 2/