Michael Squires
@mgsquires.bsky.social
ProPublica’s Southwest editor. Investigative journalism in #Arizona, #Colorado, #Nevada, #NewMexico and #Utah.
Signal: mgsquires.87
Signal: mgsquires.87
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Michael Squires
@mgsquires.bsky.social
· Jun 29
Native American Tribes Came Together to Secure Their Rights to Colorado River Water. Four States Are Stalling the Deal.
Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are resisting the deal because it would allow the Navajo and Hopi to lease water to cities downstream, likely the growing towns around Phoenix.
www.propublica.org
Indigeous communities in northern Arizona have worked for decades to claim a share of the Colorado River. A deal needs only Congress’ approval, but Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming have stepped in to oppose it.
“McCurdy has emphasized kratom’s therapeutic potential while downplaying its risks — despite his own published research finding kratom use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed in utero, and to dependency and even death in those who take it.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
The Scientist Trying to Keep Kratom Legal Has Not Disclosed Longstanding Ties to Kratom Lobbyists
University of Florida professor Christopher McCurdy has accepted travel reimbursements, donations to his university’s foundation and funding for symposiums from the American Kratom Association. None o...
www.propublica.org
September 1, 2026 at 8:05 PM
“McCurdy has emphasized kratom’s therapeutic potential while downplaying its risks — despite his own published research finding kratom use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed in utero, and to dependency and even death in those who take it.”
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
By @anjeanette-damon.bsky.social
Indigeous communities in northern Arizona have worked for decades to claim a share of the Colorado River. A deal needs only Congress’ approval, but Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming have stepped in to oppose it.
Native American Tribes Came Together to Secure Their Rights to Colorado River Water. Four States Are Stalling the Deal.
Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are resisting the deal because it would allow the Navajo and Hopi to lease water to cities downstream, likely the growing towns around Phoenix.
www.propublica.org
June 29, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Indigeous communities in northern Arizona have worked for decades to claim a share of the Colorado River. A deal needs only Congress’ approval, but Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming have stepped in to oppose it.
The same month Sen. Tim Sheehy’s proposal to end Forest Service inspections of wildfire aircraft leaked, a Forest Service inspector discovered a crack in a wing of an aircraft his former company presented as ready for service — failing the very inspection Sheehy sought to eliminate.
A U.S. Senator Pushed to Cut Firefighting Aircraft Inspections the Same Month His Former Company Failed One
Before entering politics, Tim Sheehy ran an aerial firefighting company, Bridger Aerospace. In the Senate, he has sought to cut regulations and expand the government’s use of private aircraft on wildf...
www.propublica.org
June 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
The same month Sen. Tim Sheehy’s proposal to end Forest Service inspections of wildfire aircraft leaked, a Forest Service inspector discovered a crack in a wing of an aircraft his former company presented as ready for service — failing the very inspection Sheehy sought to eliminate.
Reposted by Michael Squires
We just announced the launch of a new reporting team in California — our sixth regional investigative hub! It’s the latest step we’re taking to expand ProPublica and meet the moment with more journalism.
Here’s why I’m so excited about this… 1/8
Here’s why I’m so excited about this… 1/8
May 12, 2026 at 8:34 PM
We just announced the launch of a new reporting team in California — our sixth regional investigative hub! It’s the latest step we’re taking to expand ProPublica and meet the moment with more journalism.
Here’s why I’m so excited about this… 1/8
Here’s why I’m so excited about this… 1/8
“More than 180 facilities in 38 states and Puerto Rico have, by Trump’s unilateral decision, been given a two-year reprieve from following the latest Clean Air Act rules. About 250,000 people live within a mile of these facilities.”
Trump Exempted Some of the Nation’s Biggest Polluters From Air Quality Rules. All It Took Was an Email.
In an unprecedented move, the administration has granted industrial facilities in 38 states and Puerto Rico a two-year reprieve from federal rules under the Clean Air Act. The president is considering...
www.propublica.org
May 8, 2026 at 9:08 AM
“More than 180 facilities in 38 states and Puerto Rico have, by Trump’s unilateral decision, been given a two-year reprieve from following the latest Clean Air Act rules. About 250,000 people live within a mile of these facilities.”
Reposted by Michael Squires
NEW: Fifteen laws in 11 states that could immunize the fossil fuel industry from climate-related legal claims have either been passed or are being debated.
Many bills are part of a coordinated effort by groups linked to right-wing activist Leonard Leo.
Many bills are part of a coordinated effort by groups linked to right-wing activist Leonard Leo.
“Economic Civil War”: States Push Laws to Shield Oil and Gas Companies From Accountability
Most of the 15 bills being considered are part of a coordinated effort by groups linked to right-wing activist Leonard Leo.
www.propublica.org
April 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
NEW: Fifteen laws in 11 states that could immunize the fossil fuel industry from climate-related legal claims have either been passed or are being debated.
Many bills are part of a coordinated effort by groups linked to right-wing activist Leonard Leo.
Many bills are part of a coordinated effort by groups linked to right-wing activist Leonard Leo.
Reposted by Michael Squires
NEW: In 2023, the FDA deemed 19 peptides too unsafe to be dispensed by compounding pharmacies.
Now, under RFK Jr., the agency is poised to reverse itself — despite the fact that few clinical studies support claims of the peptides’ effectiveness or safety.
Now, under RFK Jr., the agency is poised to reverse itself — despite the fact that few clinical studies support claims of the peptides’ effectiveness or safety.
RFK Jr. May Reverse a Peptide Ban He Calls “Illegal.” Former FDA Officials Say He Mischaracterized Their Work.
The agency’s 2023 decision to place 19 peptides on the “unsafe” list was supported by numerous documented safety concerns, former officials said. Even though demand for peptide therapies has exploded ...
www.propublica.org
April 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
NEW: In 2023, the FDA deemed 19 peptides too unsafe to be dispensed by compounding pharmacies.
Now, under RFK Jr., the agency is poised to reverse itself — despite the fact that few clinical studies support claims of the peptides’ effectiveness or safety.
Now, under RFK Jr., the agency is poised to reverse itself — despite the fact that few clinical studies support claims of the peptides’ effectiveness or safety.
The agency’s 2023 decision to place 19 peptides on the “unsafe” list was supported by numerous documented safety concerns, former officials said. Even though demand for peptide therapies has exploded since then, there’s been little new science.
RFK Jr. May Reverse a Peptide Ban He Calls “Illegal.” Former FDA Officials Say He Mischaracterized Their Work.
The agency’s 2023 decision to place 19 peptides on the “unsafe” list was supported by numerous documented safety concerns, former officials said. Even though demand for peptide therapies has exploded ...
www.propublica.org
April 3, 2026 at 11:36 PM
The agency’s 2023 decision to place 19 peptides on the “unsafe” list was supported by numerous documented safety concerns, former officials said. Even though demand for peptide therapies has exploded since then, there’s been little new science.
About half the jail population in Albuquerque is homeless. The county spends about $169 per night to jail inmates without significant medical or mental health needs. Housing individuals in the city’s year-round emergency shelter costs $44 a night.
Albuquerque’s Mayor Said Arrests Were “Not the Solution” to Homelessness. Yet Jail Bookings Have Skyrocketed.
Under Tim Keller’s leadership, the city has increasingly criminalized conduct associated with homelessness, causing a growing number of people on the streets to be arrested and jailed.
www.propublica.org
March 9, 2026 at 1:56 AM
About half the jail population in Albuquerque is homeless. The county spends about $169 per night to jail inmates without significant medical or mental health needs. Housing individuals in the city’s year-round emergency shelter costs $44 a night.
Reposted by Michael Squires
Did you catch a mention of ProPublica's reporting on "SNL" Weekend Update last night? 👀
Read the full investigation here: https://propub.li/4bhyCXX
Read the full investigation here: https://propub.li/4bhyCXX
March 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Did you catch a mention of ProPublica's reporting on "SNL" Weekend Update last night? 👀
Read the full investigation here: https://propub.li/4bhyCXX
Read the full investigation here: https://propub.li/4bhyCXX
America right now has big “we never use these fire extinguishers, we should get rid of them” energy.
February 13, 2026 at 7:18 PM
America right now has big “we never use these fire extinguishers, we should get rid of them” energy.
“Email correspondence obtained by ProPublica shows that government officials were alerted to the presence of PFAS in pants used by wildland firefighters as early as 2021.”
Via @abestreep.bsky.social
Via @abestreep.bsky.social
Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years.
As early as 2021, government officials were alerted to the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals known as PFAS in pants used by wildland firefighters, according to emails obtained by ProPublica.
www.propublica.org
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 AM
“Email correspondence obtained by ProPublica shows that government officials were alerted to the presence of PFAS in pants used by wildland firefighters as early as 2021.”
Via @abestreep.bsky.social
Via @abestreep.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Squires
A note from our editors:
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
A note from our editors:
Reposted by Michael Squires
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:12 PM
1/ BREAKING: Government documents reviewed by ProPublica identify Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35, as the two who fired their weapons during the deadly encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Jesús Ochoa is a Border Patrol agent who joined CBP in 2018. Reymundo Gutierrez joined in 2014 and works for CBP’s Office of Field Operations.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Jesús Ochoa is a Border Patrol agent who joined CBP in 2018. Reymundo Gutierrez joined in 2014 and works for CBP’s Office of Field Operations.
Reposted by Michael Squires
1/ NEW: @propublica.org has obtained a search warrant that the FBI is executing for records related to the contested 2020 election in Fulton County, Ga., which has not yet been widely shared. It’s an extraordinary document.
Link: www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Link: www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
1-28-26 Fulton Warrant
www.documentcloud.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:56 PM
1/ NEW: @propublica.org has obtained a search warrant that the FBI is executing for records related to the contested 2020 election in Fulton County, Ga., which has not yet been widely shared. It’s an extraordinary document.
Link: www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Link: www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Reposted by Michael Squires
Residents I’ve spoken to are furious and want the agents out of their city. I’ve seen tense encounters in grocery story parking lots, housing developments, and neighborhoods. I've covered unrest around the world and the anger among protesters here is among the most intense I've ever experienced.
January 24, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Residents I’ve spoken to are furious and want the agents out of their city. I’ve seen tense encounters in grocery story parking lots, housing developments, and neighborhoods. I've covered unrest around the world and the anger among protesters here is among the most intense I've ever experienced.
Reposted by Michael Squires
I’ve been in Minneapolis the last few days reporting on the ICE raids happening across the city. This morning federal agents shot and killed a man, identified by the AP as Alex Pretti. This marks the third shooting by federal agents since Operation Metro Surge started in Minnesota last month.
January 24, 2026 at 10:38 PM
I’ve been in Minneapolis the last few days reporting on the ICE raids happening across the city. This morning federal agents shot and killed a man, identified by the AP as Alex Pretti. This marks the third shooting by federal agents since Operation Metro Surge started in Minnesota last month.
Drug-testing labs typically report results in black and white: positive or negative. But a little-known fact about the industry is that those results are often based on standards that are wholly discretionary.
www.propublica.org/article/drug...
www.propublica.org/article/drug...
Her Parenting Time Was Restricted After a Positive Drug Test. By Federal Standards, It Would’ve Been Negative.
In the child welfare system, the threshold at which a drug test is considered positive varies widely from one jurisdiction to the next. There’s no industry consensus on what, or if anything, should be...
www.propublica.org
January 7, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Drug-testing labs typically report results in black and white: positive or negative. But a little-known fact about the industry is that those results are often based on standards that are wholly discretionary.
www.propublica.org/article/drug...
www.propublica.org/article/drug...
Reposted by Michael Squires
Reposted by Michael Squires
THREAD: It was supposed to be a routine surgery. So when the doctor stepped out, Sandra Parker wasn’t sure she heard right.
Her husband’s heart couldn’t have stopped for more than 5 or 6 minutes, the doctor was saying.
“That’s not a lot of time,” Mrs. Parker thought. “Is it?”
Her husband’s heart couldn’t have stopped for more than 5 or 6 minutes, the doctor was saying.
“That’s not a lot of time,” Mrs. Parker thought. “Is it?”
December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
THREAD: It was supposed to be a routine surgery. So when the doctor stepped out, Sandra Parker wasn’t sure she heard right.
Her husband’s heart couldn’t have stopped for more than 5 or 6 minutes, the doctor was saying.
“That’s not a lot of time,” Mrs. Parker thought. “Is it?”
Her husband’s heart couldn’t have stopped for more than 5 or 6 minutes, the doctor was saying.
“That’s not a lot of time,” Mrs. Parker thought. “Is it?”
“The Department of Homeland Security spent $220M but has kept at least one beneficiary of the nine-figure ad deal a secret, records and interviews show: a Republican consulting firm with long-standing personal and business ties to Kristi Noem and her senior aides at DHS.”
Firm Tied to Kristi Noem Secretly Got Money From $220 Million DHS Ad Contracts
The company is run by the husband of Noem’s chief DHS spokesperson and has personal and business ties to Noem and her aides. DHS invoked the “emergency” at the border to skirt competitive bidding rule...
www.propublica.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“The Department of Homeland Security spent $220M but has kept at least one beneficiary of the nine-figure ad deal a secret, records and interviews show: a Republican consulting firm with long-standing personal and business ties to Kristi Noem and her senior aides at DHS.”
Amazing kicker on @robwdavis.bsky.social’s story about Fox News’ misleading coverage of Portland before Trump sent in troops.
www.propublica.org/article/port...
www.propublica.org/article/port...
November 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Amazing kicker on @robwdavis.bsky.social’s story about Fox News’ misleading coverage of Portland before Trump sent in troops.
www.propublica.org/article/port...
www.propublica.org/article/port...
Reposted by Michael Squires
Every oil state disposes of toxic wastewater underground. But in Oklahoma, it hasn't been staying there, creating large, ongoing pollution events known as "purges."
An investigation a year in the making for @readfrontier.bsky.social and @propublica.org
www.readfrontier.org/stories/toxi...
An investigation a year in the making for @readfrontier.bsky.social and @propublica.org
www.readfrontier.org/stories/toxi...
Toxic wastewater from oil fields keeps pouring out of the ground. Oklahoma regulators failed to stop it.
Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, is spewing from old wells. Experts warn of a pollution crisis spreading underground and threatening Oklahoma’s drin...
www.readfrontier.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Every oil state disposes of toxic wastewater underground. But in Oklahoma, it hasn't been staying there, creating large, ongoing pollution events known as "purges."
An investigation a year in the making for @readfrontier.bsky.social and @propublica.org
www.readfrontier.org/stories/toxi...
An investigation a year in the making for @readfrontier.bsky.social and @propublica.org
www.readfrontier.org/stories/toxi...
Reposted by Michael Squires
More than a decade ago Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s deputies carried out immigration raids. Now hundreds of departments are partnering with ICE. AZ Latinos see Arpaio as the beginning of what playing out nationally. “They did the experiment, and basically now they’re implementing it at the national level.”
This County Was the “Model” for Local Police Carrying Out Immigration Raids. It Ended in Civil Rights Violations.
Under Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County was one of the first testing grounds for ICE’s 287(g) program, which lets local police enforce immigration laws. Many Arizonans say those abuses parallel what...
www.propublica.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
More than a decade ago Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s deputies carried out immigration raids. Now hundreds of departments are partnering with ICE. AZ Latinos see Arpaio as the beginning of what playing out nationally. “They did the experiment, and basically now they’re implementing it at the national level.”