Saturday Hashtag: ##FacialRecognitionFallout
Welcome to Saturday Hashtag, a weekly place for broader context.
Recent Stories
A Modest Proposal: How Democrats Could Take the House (Before November 2026)
Come in, they said, we’ll give ya shelter from the storm.
Republicans Use Kirk’s Murder for Anti-Free Speech Purge
Charlie Kirk spent much of his career advocating for a free exchange of viewpoints and debating those with views that differed than his own. Therefore, it is highly ironic that Republicans are using his death to crack down on free speech.
Disposable Masks Used During Covid Left Chemical Time Bomb, Research Suggests
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Propaganda 2025: How Lies Became the New Currency of Truth
Lying has become a viable strategy for success. How influencers, algorithms, and crowds turn deception into accepted reality in the digital age.
Scientists Stunned by Bright Orange Shark With White Eyes Found Near Costa Rica
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Charlie Kirk’s Unfortunate Death and the Reality It Reveals
Charlie Kirk was devoted to convincing American college kids that the 19th century and the values of the MAGA crowd are where we want to be. What he failed to realize was the consequences one faces when these outdated, retrograde notions actually do become a reality.
Workers Are Facing Dangerous Heat — Even Inside Fast-Food Restaurants
Rising temperatures and chronically broken cooling systems are turning the lunch rush into a deadly risk for some workers.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump Finally Became President… for 1:58
Instead of trying to unite the country after another act of political violence, Donald Trump used the death of Charlie Kirk as an opportunity to silence his critics.
A Kingdom on Trial: Could a Lawsuit Shed Light on Saudi Participation in 9/11?
More than 100 million Americans are too young to remember 9/11. But when Saudi Arabia goes on trial, that day’s events could soon take center stage again.
For One Brief Moment, Charlie Kirk’s Shooting Brought Political Leaders Together
While lawmakers of all stripes condemned political violence following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, this moment of unity was fleeting.
Carbon Emissions From Oil Giants Directly Linked to Deadly Heat Waves
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Cuts: A Small Nation’s Perspective
Moldova joins a growing list of “unimportant” countries left in limbo by America’s pullback.
Convicted Felon Trump Hopes to Make Crime a Central Campaign Issue
The most lawless president in US history wants Americans to believe that his authoritarian power grab is about fighting crime. And it may just work if Democrats let him control the narrative.
Capitalism, Fascism, Trump, and America’s Not-So-Free ‘Free-Market Economy’
When it comes to trampling on the rights, welfare, and prosperity of ordinary people, Trump can’t do it all by himself.
Blood Moon Wows Skywatchers Worldwide
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Trump Is the Real Hero of the Epstein Saga
Why, he doesn’t even want people to know he was involved!
As Trump Defunds Infrastructure, Water Systems Serving Millions Face Flood Risk
The White House has proposed slashing funds for the nation’s water systems by 90 percent.
Another Lie Exposed: Trump’s Bawdy Birthday Note to Epstein Emerges
In an episode that would surely damage his credibility if he had any left, the drawing of a nude woman that Donald Trump produced for his former pal Jeffrey Epstein, the existence of which Trump denied, resurfaced on Monday.
Scientists Tap ‘Secret’ Fresh Water Under the Ocean
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Epstein Survivors Speak Out, But Trump, the Elephant, Is on the Capitol Steps
And what has the media made of this day of collective courage?
Trump’s Ghost of Trysts Past Just Won’t Leave Him Alone
Jeffrey Epstein was a monster in life. In death, his legacy may end Trump’s monstrous reign.
Resignation of British Deputy Prime Minister Mystifies Americans
Americans can be excused for not understanding why Britain’s deputy prime minister resigned over not paying enough taxes on her apartment. After all, accountability is in very short supply over here these days.
The Media Should Be Much More Curious About Trump’s Health
Conspiracy theories that Donald Trump had died aside, the White House press corps has to do a much better job of covering the president’s apparent decline… and his mental health.
It Would Be Humorous, but…
RFK Jr certainly raises the level of melancholy.
Trump Loses Mind and Threatens Chicago with Military Intervention
Donald Trump on Saturday made it clear that he wants a military takeover of Chicago. What are you going to do about it?
Saturday Hashtag: #CyberSextortion&Steal
Welcome to Saturday Hashtag, a weekly place for broader context.
As His Popularity Tanks, Donald Trump Turns to Power
Speaking of tanks, are we prepared for what’s coming?
What Does a Sunk Swedish Galleon Teach Us About the Perils of Ignoring Science?
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
America’s Most Expensive Lie: Why Tariffs Are Killing What They Claim to Save
How tariffs became America’s most expensive policy failure, destroying manufacturing jobs they claim to protect while emptying consumer wallets.
Lackluster Job Growth Continues in August as Unemployment Rate Ticks Up
Donald Trump claims the economy is booming and that America is the “hottest” country around. Based on Friday’s unemployment figures, that could not be further from the truth.
DOGE Nowhere to Be Found When Trump Wastes Defense Dollars
Anybody who cares about government efficiency should be horrified by a couple of Donald Trump’s announcements this week.
Trump Appeals to Supreme Court to Save His Tariffs… and America
In asking the Supreme Court to grant Donald Trump extraordinary powers to tackle an emergency that doesn’t exist, the government’s lawyers seem less concerned about making legal arguments and more about impressing on the justices that ruling against the president will destroy America.
Florida Plans to Become First State To Eliminate All Childhood Vaccine Mandates
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Four Wildlife Success Stories — That Require Continued Federal Engagement
The Endangered Species Act has long enjoyed broad-based support. These species show success is an option.
No Hoax: Epstein Survivors and Massie Heap Pressure on Trump
Congress is back… and so is an issue that Donald Trump and GOP leaders had hoped would go away. But Wednesday’s press conference with victims of Jeffrey Epstein shows that the controversy over the administration’s efforts to block the release of documents related to the disgraced financier’s abuse of young women is here to stay.
Revenge Quitting: Why Workers Are Ditching Their Jobs
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Trump’s Tactic of Declaring Fake Emergencies Hits Another Judicial Roadblock
While lower courts keep ruling that Donald Trump cannot invent emergencies to grant himself extraordinary powers, the real test is yet to come whether the rule of law still applies in the US.
Moldova Wants EU Membership, Even If It Means Abandoning Ukraine
It’s complicated, because Moldova is highly dependent on Ukraine for its security.
Federal Judge: Trump Is Trying to Create a National Police Force With US Troops
A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Donald Trump acted illegally when he dispatched troops to Los Angeles to perform tasks prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act.
Toad Sculpture in Peru Reveals Climate-Driven Collapse of Ancient City
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Antarctica Is in Extreme Peril
“Abrupt changes” threaten to send the continent past the point of no return, a new study finds.
There Is a Simple Solution to Noem Getting Upset About CBS Editing Out Her Lies
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is sad that CBS edited a bunch of falsehoods from an interview she did with ‘Face the Nation.’ We have a very simple solution to how this kind of situation can be avoided in the future.
By Pushing Away India, Trump Gives China an Opening
After Donald Trump alienated India with a 50 percent tariff, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning toward China and Russia.
US Workers Must Unleash Their Power Before AI Replaces Them
On Labor Day, we should all be grateful for what organized labor has done to make our lives better. But it is also a time to recognize that the working class in other developed countries is faring much better, and that the time to act is now if Americans want to change an unjust oligarchic system in which their wealth is redistributed to a few people at the top.
RFK Jr. Takes a Chainsaw to the CDC to Implement His MAHA Agenda
The HHS secretary’s team of quacks and conspiracy theorists now leading the department are pushing out the experts who can expose their lies.
Democratic Voters, It’s Time to Choose Your Fighters
Democratic voters are yearning for candidates who don’t just say that Donald Trump is an existential threat to America but also act like it. Why won’t the party establishment listen to them?
Invaders From the North
Canada sees its chance.
One Small Thing: Keep Hounding Everyone
Activism flags when it feels like it’s all on repeat, but that repetition is what garners results.
Saturday Hashtag: #VaccineAccessCrisis
Welcome to Saturday Hashtag, a weekly place for broader context.