Author: Jack Hassard

Impact of the 2025 US Government Shutdown on Science & Medical Research

Impact of the 2025 US Government Shutdown on Science & Medical Research

Posted by | Oct 5, 2025 |

The U.S. government shutdown starting October 1, 2025, has severe consequences for science, research, and public health. Significant federal agencies, including NASA and NIH, have suspended operations, leading to halted research and mass layoffs. This disruption threatens scientific projects, institutional knowledge, and workforce stability. Delays in federal funding and grant processes jeopardize innovation and public health efforts, while eroding morale within the scientific community. The situation presents a critical opportunity for Congress to counter executive overreach, but its resolution remains uncertain.

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“The Silence of Crucial Data Before the Storm”

“The Silence of Crucial Data Before the Storm”

Posted by | Oct 4, 2025 |

In a reflective letter from April 2063, Skyler recounts a period when crucial data ceased to be available due to government actions under Trump’s leadership, resulting in a weakening of civic discourse and a loss of shared reality. The once-reliable Bureau of Labor Statistics dashboard, along with other vital data sources, went dark, leading to confusion and misinformation. Skyler emphasizes the importance of data in democracy and warns against the erosion of truth, advocating for the need to reconstruct both institutions and the capacity to understand societal issues.

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A Letter from Skyler F. about The ICE Generation

A Letter from Skyler F. about The ICE Generation

Posted by | Sep 30, 2025 | ,

In a letter dated September 18, 2063, Skyler Fusaro reflects on how democracy in the U.S. notoriously unraveled not through overt conflict but through insidious bureaucratic measures. She identifies the summer of 2025 as a pivotal moment when Trump’s administration significantly increased ICE’s budget and recruitment, transforming it into a dominant force for domestic control. While the nation reacted apathetically to this expansion, the consequences became apparent two months later when communities faced aggressive sweeps, leading to widespread fear. Skyler warns that authoritarianism can infiltrate society quietly, disguised as administrative development.

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The Evolution of NSF: From Independence to Political Capture

The Evolution of NSF: From Independence to Political Capture

Posted by | Sep 27, 2025 | ,

Vannevar Bush’s vision for independent federal funding of basic research, outlined in his 1945 report, led to the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF). However, under Trump, NSF faced political capture, with funding decisions influenced by party agendas, undermining its mission to promote unfettered scientific inquiry. This shift endangers both science and democracy.

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Why Authoritarians Fear Political Satire

Why Authoritarians Fear Political Satire

Posted by | Sep 21, 2025 | ,

Stephen Colbert’s CBS show was canceled, and Jimmy Kimmel’s program suspended due to political pressure, targeting free speech and satire. These actions reflect a chilling effect on comedians, discouraging critique of power. The trend of censoring dissent threatens democracy by silencing voices and humor, essential for truth-telling and political discourse.

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