Robert Frederick

@refrederick.bsky.social

565 Followers 254 Following

Science 🧪 Journalism Reporter / Editor / Producer / Podcaster / Videographer / Manager. Teach journalism+podcasting online for Harvard. Nieman Fellow & AAAS Mass Media Fellow. https://sustainlab.substack.com/

A picture of the front of the weekly edition of the Jamestown News (in North Carolina). The headline shows "Delayed Request: Triad resident fights for public records" with pictures of Matthew Johnson (Town Manager of Jamestown) and Robert Frederick (that's me -- the person making the public records request).
Highlighted text from Military.com article that states: “They involve clear violations of U.S. or international law, such as intentionally targeting civilians or committing acts explicitly prohibited by statute.” Full pictured text gives context: “The core legal concept the lawmakers invoked is correct: military personnel must not carry out blatantly unlawful actions, and their oath is to the Constitution; but the legal standard is narrow, not broad. Unlawful orders are not simply orders someone dislikes or finds questionable. They involve clear violations of U.S. or international law, such as intentionally targeting civilians or committing acts explicitly prohibited by statute. A lawful order that may be controversial, politically fraught or later judged unwise is not “unlawful” under the UCMJ. The video’s broad phrasing risks muddying that vital distinction. The lawmakers likely intended to reassure service members that constitutional norms still matter, especially during a volatile political period. Yet public messages to troops must avoid ambiguity. Without concrete examples, legal context or acknowledgment of process, such as the role of commanders and JAGs, the video oversimplifies a complex legal area that service members navigate at real personal risk. It also inadvertently feeds civil-military anxieties at a time when stability is essential.
A picture from mid-February, 2026 of two houses under construction at D.R. Horton's property. After the original Development Agreement was passed in 2023, they have cleared land and put in below-ground infrastructure. But building only began after the agreement was amended in 2025… behind closed doors… along with approval of the Plat Map… which attested to the development plan having met watershed restrictions for curbing density… without any public records showing Jamestown Council or Planning Board knew anything about either the amended agreement or plat map happening at the time.
Results from the NC Senate Republican primary show Sam Page with 13,077 votes and incumbent Phil Berger with 2 fewer at 13,075.
Robert Frederick wearing a shirt that says “Science is the new rock ‘n’ roll” in front of a sign at a American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in 2018 that says “I am a force for science.” (Frederick was an employee of AAAS from 2007-2011 working at Science magazine.)
A spread of two pages from Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 Sustainability Leaders for 2026 (published February 3, 2026) showing the #50 spot awarded to the chief sustainability officer for Phillip Morris International, a tobacco company that uses non-biodegradable plastic for its cigarette filters, which not only offer no beneficial filtering, but may also pose health risks from ingesting and inhaling filter fragments. Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability is a stark contrast to that of Phillip Morris International, as this business case study examines : https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/B5853-PDF-ENG
Text from THE WHITE HOUSE The Trump Administration eliminated the overbearing Biden-era electric vehicle mandate by resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. NBER economist Mark R. Jacobsen estimates that "a one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers of all income levels approximately 0.5% of their income in the first year of the increase. By the 10th year following the increase, however, this cost becomes regressive, as the increase drives up the price of used cars. A one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers earning less than $25,000 per year 1.12% of their income, but only costs consumers earning more than $75,000 per year 0.41% of their income." But, as described in the SustainLab linked post, there are… Problems: 1) Mark R. Jacobson did not write that. 2) The linked research (under “estimates”) does not contain those words, either. 3) That National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) paper is on the same topic, but is co-authored by four people and a “working paper,” meaning it has “not been peer-reviewed or been subject to the review by the NBER Board of Directors that accompanies official NBER publications."
Two annotated screenshots of Noem’s and the White House’s social media posts — links provided in this BlueSky post — showing the original and manipulated photo.
Screenshot of 16 January 2025 story from AP with picture of Trump and headline: “Trump says he may punish countries with tariffs if they don’t back the US controlling Greenland” Link to story: https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-tariffs-c8c17c89cbc4ca9819eb728102d0a2b3
The New York Times Sunday Opinion section from November 2, 2025, which has on the front “Donald Trump has persecuted opponents, bypassed Congress, sent troops into cities, defied the courts, changed election rules, vilified minorities, enriched himself. Where will it end?”
The New York Times Sunday Opinion section from November 2, 2025, which has on the front “Donald Trump has persecuted opponents, bypassed Congress, sent troops into cities, defied the courts, changed election rules, vilified minorities, enriched himself. Where will it end?”
Highlighted text from the White House that states: “a one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers of all income levels approximately 0.5% of their income in the first year of the increase. By the 10th year following the increase, however, this cost becomes regressive, as the increase drives up the price of used cars. A one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers earning less than $25,000 per year 1.12% of their income, but only costs consumers earning more than $75,000 per year 0.41% of their income.” With a caption below that states: Problems: 1) Mark R. Jacobson did not write that. 2) The linked research (under “estimates”) does not contain those words, either. 3) That National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) paper is on the same topic, but is co-authored by four people and a “working paper,” meaning it has “not been peer-reviewed or been subject to the review by the NBER Board of Directors that accompanies official NBER publications."
A screenshot from the posted link with “appearance of integrity” highlighted.
A screenshot from the posted link showing “appearance of integrity” highlighted.
A screenshot from the referenced document showing the words “appearance of integrity” highlighted.
Text from the report’s appendix D in the “working paper” that lists the start of a number of caveats about the data analysis, including that “association” is the right word to describe what the researchers think they have found.
A screenshot from Trump’s Truth Social posting — the one in which he posted an A.I.-generated video of himself as king dropping what appears to be fecal matter on protesters. Trump’s social media post was Saturday, October 18, 2025 — the same day as millions of Americans were peaceably protesting in the many thousands of “No Kings” events.
A screenshot of The New York Times article published today, October 17, 2025, with the title "U.S. Threatens Countries That Back a Fee to Clean Up Ship Pollution" Available here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/climate/shipping-pollution-fee-international-maritime-organization.html
Robert Frederick on October 7, 2025, having just voted in his local non-partisan primary election, wearing a hat that says “Vote Local.”
A screenshot from Erza Klein’s September 11, 2025 op-ed with the following sentence highlighted/circled: “But I envied what he built,” which refers to what Kirk built.
A screenshot from Table 2 in the linked research that lists "Structural Issues" as a theme. The table includes example statements from researchers related to scholar concerns of "Oversimplification of Research," "Loss of Narrative Control," "Selective Quoting," and "Fear of Political Weaponization."
A screenshot from the linked web-based version of the email that shows the National Academies at the top, an image of school supplies, and then the following words: Back to School Resources for Educators As a new school year begins, these publications offer timely, research-based guidance for educators, school leaders, and policymakers. From improving school safety and strengthening STEM education at all levels to advancing quality curricula in both rural and early childhood settings, they provide actionable insights to support excellence in learning. School Active Shooter Drills While active shooter drills in schools are intended to enhance emergency…
From the Pew Research Center’s 19 August 2026 article titled “Americans’ views of global threats differ by party, age.” It shows even among wealthy Global North countries, the U.S. percentage is out of the ordinary.
A screenshot from the public hearing from the EPA Zoom meeting underway. The "Current Panel" shows the speakers starting right after the lunch break includes the Attorneys General mentioned in the post.
A screenshot from Zoom showing 1 minute remaining in Khadija Ameen's testimony to the EPA Panel and EPA's Bill Charmley. Ameen represents BLKHLTH. Charmley is the director of the EPA's Assessment and Standards Division that "identifies and develops future emission control strategies (such as new vehicle, engine, and fuel quality standards) and national policy on mobile source emission control." He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Alma College, a Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics and a Master of Science in Atmospheric Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Bill has been a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers for more than 30 years.
New headline text reads “Universities Have Woken Up to Find They’re in Bed With an Ogre” which had been “Is there a smart way to cede power to Trump?”
A screenshot from “One Big Beautiful Lo-Fi MAGA Video to Relax / Study to” that started streaming on the White House website on June 29, 2025. It shows a cartoon version of Trump scooping and throwing a box of french fries to the floor.
A map of the U.S. showing planned energy projects coming online by April, 2026. Available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration -- https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/
A sign from the #NoKings rally in High Point, NC that says “Go Harvard” in crimson and “Beat Trump” in black.
A convenience store employee is looking at a hot-dog display and asking Gemini "So it's like a treadmill for hot dogs?" The screenshot is taken from a commercial advertising Google’s Gemini Live.
A slide from McNutt's speech titled "No corner of American life untouched" and the NSF budget summary showing a significant decrease in funding for science.
A postcard I sent to all my neighbors who were on Jefferson Griffin’s list. It encourages them to ensure their votes are counted.
Cartoon by Adam Zyglis -- staff cartoonist for The Buffalo News -- showing Harvard's president standing up to Trump (represented as a king wearing a crown) whereas the Washington Post, Columbia University, Law Firms, and others are kneeling.
A few acres of RoozenGaarde’s tulips in Skagit Valley, Washington. From: https://sustainlab.substack.com/p/keep-farming-flowers
Letter reply from "Richard Hudson -- Proudly Serving North Carolina's 9th District" Dear Mr. Frederick, Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about President Donald Trump. I appreciate hearing from you on this important topic and agree all elected officials should act with absolute integrity. I want you to know I have taken your concerns about President Trump with great seriousness. While we may not always agree, I hope you understand I have always tried to serve with good faith and integrity and always act in the best interests of all people. I have always sought to solve problems that matter to you by working across the aisle. To make this possible, I have focused on building relationships with my Democrat colleagues and have always tried to be a person of my word. I have been able to build trust and get Democrats to work with me to get things done for our community. Please know I will continue to do everything in my power to support you and our community as long as I am privileged enough to serve as your representative. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your views. Your opinions are important, so please continue to write, call or email me with any concerns you may have in the future. Sincerely, Rep. Hudson Member of Congress
Lately, my neighbors and I have been doing something unsustainable: We’ve been testing our own water. The kits we’re using cost under $100, and they test for a wide variety of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — otherwise known as “PFAS.” Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, and so my neighbors and I wondered how much of these substances were in our water. [[[See the rest of the video -- with full transcript -- at the link in the post]]]
A picture of a threadbare flag taken March 27, 2025 in a public park in a small town in North Carolina. The flags are in place as the town prepares for a ceremony for National Vietnam Veterans Day (March 29).
A screenshot of Rep. Dan Bishop's Twitter page, which showcases him holding a t-shirt that says "Hunter Biden Is a Crook, Change my Mind." The self-created bio -- which has not yet been updated -- says "President Trump's nominee for Deputy Director of OMB. Former Congressman from North Carolina."
A screenshot from Apple’s iTunes showing RadioLab, Science Friday, and the Science podcast ranked 1, 2, and 3 for Top Science & Medicine podcasts.
A screenshot of the cover of a 2008 Science magazine at the completion of the assembly of the cover… in the opening sequence of this linked video: https://youtu.be/BGtNZwd3brg
A screenshot of North Carolina's Judiciary Senate Standing committee -- the 3 chairs are all Republicans, and so are the overwhelming majority of the members. Available here: https://www.ncleg.gov/Committees/CommitteeInfo/SenateStanding/147/Membership
From "Say What?" to "Hell No!" Anti-sustainability measures in the USA are limiting American freedoms.
An image of green bubbles and the text "Standardizing Sustainability: Japan takes a step toward eliminating misinformation known as greenwashing"
A screenshot from the researcher's paper with the word "Principle" highlighted.
A banner that states: "Policy Informed by A.I. Making Stuff Up? I grok that it is. The Trump Administration isn't leading, following, or getting out of the way." There's also a link to sustainlab.substack.com. The particular post is here: https://sustainlab.substack.com/p/policy-informed-by-ai-making-stuff
A screenshot from the linked site that says: Examples of Elite v. Populist Bias and then quotes a story from NBC, which starts: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking guidance Tuesday, recommending that everyone, whether they are vaccinated or not, wear a mask indoors in places where the coronavirus is spreading widely. The change was met with relief from experts who said masking up again is essential to combat the highly contagious delta variant. "We know masks work, and they work against every variant that this virus has produced," said Ali Mokdad, a professor of global health at the University of Washington. "If we use them, they will save lives, save livelihoods and prevent us from shutting down our economy." The text then says: Elite Bias: This article emphasizes the guidance and perspectives of major government agencies and professors at elite universities.
A screenshot from the linked site showing that the name of Medicaid in Oklahoma is called SoonerCare.
The Sacred Art of Personal Liberties and Free Markets: An Ode to Unfettered Freedom It's an unassailable truth that personal liberties and free markets stand as the zenith of human achievement. A beacon of light in a world obscured by the shadows of collective responsibility and government intervention. In this grand theater of individualism, each person is a titan, a self-made hero who wields the power of their wallet and their will. Personal liberties, the very bedrock of our society, ensure that each citizen can pursue their desires without the heavy hand of the state infringing upon their sacred freedoms. After all, what could be more essential than the unencumbered right to make choices that reflect one's innermost whims and fancies? The right to bear arms, for instance, is not just a constitutional guarantee, but a testament to the fact that safety and security are best left to the discerning judgment of the individual. Who needs well-regulated militias when we have an armed populace ready to defend their homesteads and, more importantly, their egos? Of course, the free market is the ultimate arbiter of success and failure, the quintessential meritocracy where talent and hard work are invariably rewarded. It's a realm where the invisible hand of the market leads us all to prosperity, with no need for cumbersome regulations or misguided government policies. If a business fails, it's a clear indication of its inherent flaws, and not, heaven forbid, a result of economic disparities or systemic injustices. It's the market's way of weeding out the weak and elevating the strong—a Darwinian paradise where only the fittest survive. Imagine a world where every person is a rugged individualist, carving out their destiny with sheer determination and an unyielding belief in their own capabilities. In such a utopia, there would be no need for social safety nets or public healthcare systems. Those who thrive do so because they possess the virtues of industriousness and …
The Sacred Gospel of Liberty and Markets By a Concerned Citizen Who Definitely Owns a Pocket Constitution In these trying times, it's comforting to know that America's twin pillars-personal liberty and the free market-stand unshaken, guiding us like benevolent deities through the chaos of modernity. Who needs collective responsibility or, heaven forbid, a functioning safety net when we've got the inalienable right to do whatever we want, whenever we want, consequences be damned? And why bother with pesky regulations when the invisible hand of the market is always there to pat us on the head and tell us everything's fine-even when it's not? Let's start with personal liberty, that shimmering beacon of individualism that ensures every American can pursue happiness, so long as it involves guns, gas-guzzling trucks, or the freedom to mispronounce "espresso" without judgment. It's a beautiful thing, really. Just last week, I watched a man exercise his God-given right to scream at a barista because his $7 latte wasn't hot enough. Liberty in action! No one dared interrupt his tirade-after all, to infringe on his sacred autonomy would be tantamount to treason. Sure, the rest of us in line might've preferred a quieter morning, but that's the price of freedom: enduring someone else's tantrum so we can all feel unshackled. And who could forget the freedom to opt out of anything resembling a social contract? Vaccines? Masks? Taxes? All optional, thanks to the gospel of personal choice. Why should anyone be compelled to care about the collective good when rugged individualism has carried us this far? Never mind the overwhelmed hospitals or crumbling bridges-those are just minor hiccups on the road to liberty. If you squint hard enough, you can almost see the Founding Fathers nodding in approval from their powdered-wig perch in the sky. Then there's the free market, that flawless arbiter of human worth and potential. What a marvel it is to live in a system where billionaires…
Article 331. Abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, lawful rights, and interests of organizations and/or citizens 1. Any person who abuses the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and other democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, lawful rights, and interests of organizations and/or citizens shall receive a warning or face a penalty of up to 3 years of community sentence or 6 - 36 months in prison. 2. If the offense has a negative impact on social security, order, or safety, the offender shall face a penalty of 2-7 years in prison.
The Sacred Gospel of Liberty and Markets By a Concerned Citizen Who Definitely Owns a Pocket Constitution In these trying times, it's comforting to know that America's twin pillars-personal liberty and the free market-stand unshaken, guiding us like benevolent deities through the chaos of modernity. Who needs collective responsibility or, heaven forbid, a functioning safety net when we've got the inalienable right to do whatever we want, whenever we want, consequences be damned? And why bother with pesky regulations when the invisible hand of the market is always there to pat us on the head and tell us everything's fine-even when it's not? Let's start with personal liberty, that shimmering beacon of individualism that ensures every American can pursue happiness, so long as it involves guns, gas-guzzling trucks, or the freedom to mispronounce "espresso" without judgment. It's a beautiful thing, really. Just last week, I watched a man exercise his God-given right to scream at a barista because his $7 latte wasn't hot enough. Liberty in action! No one dared interrupt his tirade-after all, to infringe on his sacred autonomy would be tantamount to treason. Sure, the rest of us in line might've preferred a quieter morning, but that's the price of freedom: enduring someone else's tantrum so we can all feel unshackled. And who could forget the freedom to opt out of anything resembling a social contract? Vaccines? Masks? Taxes? All optional, thanks to the gospel of personal choice. Why should anyone be compelled to care about the collective good when rugged individualism has carried us this far? Never mind the overwhelmed hospitals or crumbling bridges-those are just minor hiccups on the road to liberty. If you squint hard enough, you can almost see the Founding Fathers nodding in approval from their powdered-wig perch in the sky. Then there's the free market, that flawless arbiter of human worth and potential. What a marvel it is to live in a system where billionaires…
A clip from the linked article that reads: “Cosponsors of House Bill 113 are from both parties and include area Reps. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, and Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford. The Medicaid sustainability committee would have 12 members evenly split between the House and Senate. The legislation calls for six representatives to be chosen by House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, and six senators to be selected by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger Sr., R-Rockingham.”
A figure from the linked report showing "Number of Very Hot Days Per Year in the Southeast United States." The source and legend for this figure is "Karl et al. (2009)." and "The number of days per year with peak temperature over 90ºF (32ºC)." For the years 1961-1979, Florida is colored in mostly in green hues (so, under 105 days). For the projected years 2080-2099, Florida is colored in mostly dark red, indicating more than 180 days per year with peak temperature over 90ºF (32ºC). Beneath the figure is a paragraph titled "Key Economic Sectors" that reads: "The Southeast’s projected rate of warming over the next 50 to 100 years would contribute to heat-related stress for trees and crop species. Warmer water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen in stream, lakes, and shallow aquatic habitats, potentially leading to fish kills and negatively impacting the region’s fisheries. Beef cattle production is negatively affected at continuous temperatures in the 90 to 100°F (32 to 38°C) range; cattle and other rangeland livestock may also experience significant production declines. Although the poultry and swine industries primarily use indoor operations, projected temperature increases could significantly increase energy requirements."
From the referenced link, which reads: “Sec. 7. Rules of Conduct Guiding Federal Employees’ Interpretation of the Law. The President and the Attorney General, subject to the President’s supervision and control, shall provide authoritative interpretations of law for the executive branch. The President and the Attorney General’s opinions on questions of law are controlling on all employees in the conduct of their official duties. No employee of the executive branch acting in their official capacity may advance an interpretation of the law as the position of the United States that contravenes the President or the Attorney General’s opinion on a matter of law, including but not limited to the issuance of regulations, guidance, and positions advanced in litigation, unless authorized to do so by the President or in writing by the Attorney General.”
From the referenced link, which reads: “Sec. 7. Rules of Conduct Guiding Federal Employees’ Interpretation of the Law. The President and the Attorney General, subject to the President’s supervision and control, shall provide authoritative interpretations of law for the executive branch. The President and the Attorney General’s opinions on questions of law are controlling on all employees in the conduct of their official duties. No employee of the executive branch acting in their official capacity may advance an interpretation of the law as the position of the United States that contravenes the President or the Attorney General’s opinion on a matter of law, including but not limited to the issuance of regulations, guidance, and positions advanced in litigation, unless authorized to do so by the President or in writing by the Attorney General.”
A screenshot of an email from Senator Thom Tillis titled "Here's what I just saw in Ukraine" written to me, one of his constituents here in North Carolina. It reads: "Friend, Last week, I attended the Munich Security Conference in Germany, representing the U.S. Senate in my capacity as the co-chair of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group. Following the conference, I traveled to Ukraine to speak with elected leaders, civilians, and the brave soldiers who are fighting Putin's illegal invasion. The most profound moment of the trip was visiting Bucha and seeing the site of the Russian military's massacre of hundreds of innocent Ukrainian civilians. It was a reminder of the depravity of Putin, a cold-blooded killer and war criminal who we cannot trust. I just spoke on the Senate floor sharing my thoughts on the visit to Ukraine and what needs to happen to end this war. Please take a quick moment to watch. Sincerely, Thom Tillis"