Michael Planey
@airplaney.bsky.social
Transportation consultant and engineer.
He said “Kid, it's not me, it's this town”
So I rail against that feeling when it comes
He said “Kid, it's not me, it's this town”
So I rail against that feeling when it comes
Pinned
Michael Planey
@airplaney.bsky.social
· Jan 31
Some thoughts on Wednesday-night’s tragic air accident near Washington, DC:
The mid-air collision of American Airlines flight 5342 and a US Army VH-60 helicopter is highly personal for me. It literally hits close to home as I live approximately three miles away from National Airport.
The mid-air collision of American Airlines flight 5342 and a US Army VH-60 helicopter is highly personal for me. It literally hits close to home as I live approximately three miles away from National Airport.
Reposted by Michael Planey
"WEXMAC TITUS allows ICE to treat immigration enforcement like a national security operation rather than a standard civil immigration one...This gives the agency access to a much faster contracting process with less oversight and public visibility.”
www.thehandbasket.co/p/ice-concen...
www.thehandbasket.co/p/ice-concen...
For ICE to build concentration camps quickly, they're leaning on this Dept. of War program
WEXMAC TITUS helps contractors bypass the traditionally lengthy government contract bidding process
www.thehandbasket.co
February 18, 2026 at 4:22 AM
"WEXMAC TITUS allows ICE to treat immigration enforcement like a national security operation rather than a standard civil immigration one...This gives the agency access to a much faster contracting process with less oversight and public visibility.”
www.thehandbasket.co/p/ice-concen...
www.thehandbasket.co/p/ice-concen...
Reposted by Michael Planey
As expected, MAGA is coming after disability benefits for combat veterans.
Here's just one example of the rule's impact: Veterans taking anti-depressants for PTSD will be forced to stop taking the medication in order to retain their disability payments.
Here's just one example of the rule's impact: Veterans taking anti-depressants for PTSD will be forced to stop taking the medication in order to retain their disability payments.
Veterans slam new VA rule for determining disability ratings
The new rule states that a disability level must be based on how well a veteran functions while on medication and not on the underlying impairment.
www.stripes.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:30 AM
As expected, MAGA is coming after disability benefits for combat veterans.
Here's just one example of the rule's impact: Veterans taking anti-depressants for PTSD will be forced to stop taking the medication in order to retain their disability payments.
Here's just one example of the rule's impact: Veterans taking anti-depressants for PTSD will be forced to stop taking the medication in order to retain their disability payments.
Reposted by Michael Planey
“Our transition to EVs is aimed at ensuring our energy sovereignty,” said Ethiopia’s state minister for transport and logistics. “As a net importer of fuel, we are affected by global supply and price fluctuations. In contrast, EVs use electricity, which we produce locally and can price ourselves.”
Electric Vehicle Sales Boom as Ethiopia Bans Fossil-Fuel Car Imports
The East African country is making use of cheap hydropower and Chinese electric vehicles to ditch the internal combustion engine.
www.bloomberg.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:31 AM
“Our transition to EVs is aimed at ensuring our energy sovereignty,” said Ethiopia’s state minister for transport and logistics. “As a net importer of fuel, we are affected by global supply and price fluctuations. In contrast, EVs use electricity, which we produce locally and can price ourselves.”
Reposted by Michael Planey
Leavitt: "I think it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service."
May 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Leavitt: "I think it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service."
Reposted by Michael Planey
Spent today talking to just a few of the Black women who credit Jesse Jackson with their start in national politics. By inviting them in, he ensured they would help shape democracy for years to come. My latest on the coalition he built as part of his towering legacy: 19thnews.org/2026/02/jess...
‘He gave me my wings’: Jesse Jackson opened doors for Black women in politics
Jackson, who died Tuesday, worked to diversify the electorate and brought Black women into Democratic politics who ascended to positions of power.
19thnews.org
February 17, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Spent today talking to just a few of the Black women who credit Jesse Jackson with their start in national politics. By inviting them in, he ensured they would help shape democracy for years to come. My latest on the coalition he built as part of his towering legacy: 19thnews.org/2026/02/jess...
Reposted by Michael Planey
Standing up to racism shouldn’t be a partisan issue.
Trump posts an objectively racist video, and MAGA is silent.
All while he continues to nominate bigots and dine with Holocaust deniers.
It’s clear who this President is. And it should disgust all of us.
Trump posts an objectively racist video, and MAGA is silent.
All while he continues to nominate bigots and dine with Holocaust deniers.
It’s clear who this President is. And it should disgust all of us.
February 16, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Standing up to racism shouldn’t be a partisan issue.
Trump posts an objectively racist video, and MAGA is silent.
All while he continues to nominate bigots and dine with Holocaust deniers.
It’s clear who this President is. And it should disgust all of us.
Trump posts an objectively racist video, and MAGA is silent.
All while he continues to nominate bigots and dine with Holocaust deniers.
It’s clear who this President is. And it should disgust all of us.
Reposted by Michael Planey
I spent my childhood inside of American concentration camps. I know one when I see one. And that is what ICE is building.
February 17, 2026 at 9:00 PM
I spent my childhood inside of American concentration camps. I know one when I see one. And that is what ICE is building.
Reposted by Michael Planey
WD and Seagate confirm: Hard drives for 2026 sold out
WD and Seagate confirm: Hard drives for 2026 sold out
Hyperscalers are tearing hard drives out of the hands of manufacturers. Prices are therefore also rising for SSDs.
www.heise.de
February 17, 2026 at 1:16 PM
WD and Seagate confirm: Hard drives for 2026 sold out
Reposted by Michael Planey
We cannot do Constitutional stuff every time? Come on! 🥴
Rep. Buddy Carter: "Some of the demands that the Democrats have put forth, we're not gonna be able to obtain that. We can't have a warrant every time."
February 17, 2026 at 7:20 PM
We cannot do Constitutional stuff every time? Come on! 🥴
Definitely read this.
There are lessons to be learned, of course, but I think the largest one is going to be whether or not we have the power to enforce new rules on the Pentagon or not.
There are lessons to be learned, of course, but I think the largest one is going to be whether or not we have the power to enforce new rules on the Pentagon or not.
NEWS: NTSB publishes its final DCA investigative report, capping off a year-long investigation. Document is roughly 400 pages.
via @theaircurrent.com TAC/Intel (no paywall): theaircurrent.com/intel/ntsb-p...
via @theaircurrent.com TAC/Intel (no paywall): theaircurrent.com/intel/ntsb-p...
NTSB publishes final report on January 2025 D.C. midair collision, capping off a year-long investigation - The Air Current
theaircurrent.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Definitely read this.
There are lessons to be learned, of course, but I think the largest one is going to be whether or not we have the power to enforce new rules on the Pentagon or not.
There are lessons to be learned, of course, but I think the largest one is going to be whether or not we have the power to enforce new rules on the Pentagon or not.
Reposted by Michael Planey
Guys I found the best Epstein Files email. The one that illuminates an elite class that's cocooned themselves into an unaccountable shell of wealth and privilege, fighting to protect their secrets and offenses.
I could write a novel about this email.
prospect.org/2026/02/17/e...
I could write a novel about this email.
prospect.org/2026/02/17/e...
The Quintessential Epstein Files Email - The American Prospect
Jeffrey Epstein and his friends standing up for Mary Jo White against Elizabeth Warren tells you everything about the class war at the heart of the files.
prospect.org
February 17, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Guys I found the best Epstein Files email. The one that illuminates an elite class that's cocooned themselves into an unaccountable shell of wealth and privilege, fighting to protect their secrets and offenses.
I could write a novel about this email.
prospect.org/2026/02/17/e...
I could write a novel about this email.
prospect.org/2026/02/17/e...
Reposted by Michael Planey
The Atlantic continues to cover itself in glory. This guy is treated as an elder statesman for a career that peaked with—drumroll—being one of the earliest and loudest proponents for invading Iraq after 9/11. I suppose it's good he's now a fan of white nationalism, that means it too will fail.
February 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The Atlantic continues to cover itself in glory. This guy is treated as an elder statesman for a career that peaked with—drumroll—being one of the earliest and loudest proponents for invading Iraq after 9/11. I suppose it's good he's now a fan of white nationalism, that means it too will fail.
Reposted by Michael Planey
NEW: When North Carolina's GOP wanted to pass a bill last year to require that local governments comply with ICE, they were one vote down.
A Democratic lawmaker gave that decisive vote—as she has on other GOP bills.
Now, she faces a primary challenge from a progressive activist... in 14 days.
A Democratic lawmaker gave that decisive vote—as she has on other GOP bills.
Now, she faces a primary challenge from a progressive activist... in 14 days.
The Feds Targeted Charlotte. Now a Local Democrat Who Helped ICE Faces Voters. - Bolts
North Carolina lawmaker Carla Cunningham voted to mandate compliance with ICE, and derided immigrants on the House floor. The Democrat faces an intense March primary.
boltsmag.org
February 17, 2026 at 2:54 PM
NEW: When North Carolina's GOP wanted to pass a bill last year to require that local governments comply with ICE, they were one vote down.
A Democratic lawmaker gave that decisive vote—as she has on other GOP bills.
Now, she faces a primary challenge from a progressive activist... in 14 days.
A Democratic lawmaker gave that decisive vote—as she has on other GOP bills.
Now, she faces a primary challenge from a progressive activist... in 14 days.
Reposted by Michael Planey
ALFORD: We're not doing the drop boxes, which led to a lot of mistrust during the 2020 election
BORIS SANCHEZ: Well, a lot of that mistrust was sewn by the president, who made repeated false claims about widespread election fraud when there was none
BORIS SANCHEZ: Well, a lot of that mistrust was sewn by the president, who made repeated false claims about widespread election fraud when there was none
February 16, 2026 at 7:46 PM
ALFORD: We're not doing the drop boxes, which led to a lot of mistrust during the 2020 election
BORIS SANCHEZ: Well, a lot of that mistrust was sewn by the president, who made repeated false claims about widespread election fraud when there was none
BORIS SANCHEZ: Well, a lot of that mistrust was sewn by the president, who made repeated false claims about widespread election fraud when there was none
Reposted by Michael Planey
Oh, okay. I'll bite.
The right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution.
The "right" of armed federal cops to arrest, beat, and kill people with anonymity is not.
The right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution.
The "right" of armed federal cops to arrest, beat, and kill people with anonymity is not.
Emmer: "Another reform they claim they want is they want ICE agents to identify themselves, to show identification. But they don't want identification for voters in elections. I mean, this stuff is just intellectually inconsistent."
February 16, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Oh, okay. I'll bite.
The right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution.
The "right" of armed federal cops to arrest, beat, and kill people with anonymity is not.
The right to vote is enshrined in the Constitution.
The "right" of armed federal cops to arrest, beat, and kill people with anonymity is not.
Reposted by Michael Planey
Americans are campaigning for European right wing Russian supporters. Russian media is loving every minute.
February 16, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Americans are campaigning for European right wing Russian supporters. Russian media is loving every minute.
Reposted by Michael Planey
“The U.S. no longer has emission standards of any meaning,” said Margo T. Oge, who served as the E.P.A.’s top vehicle emissions regulator under three presidents and has since advised both automakers and environmental groups…
“Nothing. Zero,” she added. “Not many countries have zero.”
“Nothing. Zero,” she added. “Not many countries have zero.”
With Latest Rollback, the U.S. Essentially Has No Clean-Car Rules
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:28 PM
“The U.S. no longer has emission standards of any meaning,” said Margo T. Oge, who served as the E.P.A.’s top vehicle emissions regulator under three presidents and has since advised both automakers and environmental groups…
“Nothing. Zero,” she added. “Not many countries have zero.”
“Nothing. Zero,” she added. “Not many countries have zero.”
Reposted by Michael Planey
In a secret deportation arrangement, the Trump administration flew nine people, nearly all of whom had been granted U.S. court protections from being sent back to their home countries, to the African nation of Cameroon in January.
U.S. Deports Nine Migrants in Secret, Ignoring Legal Protections
Most had court orders protecting them from removal to their home countries, so they were sent to detention in Cameroon.
nyti.ms
February 15, 2026 at 6:16 PM
In a secret deportation arrangement, the Trump administration flew nine people, nearly all of whom had been granted U.S. court protections from being sent back to their home countries, to the African nation of Cameroon in January.
Reposted by Michael Planey
It's been said that America's public sector is a health insurance company with an army. Increasingly, America's private sector is just the health insurance company. Health care jobs are propping up the U.S. economy, a long-term trend that Harold Meyerson breaks down.
prospect.org/2026/02/16/e...
prospect.org/2026/02/16/e...
Our Sick Economy - The American Prospect
The number of jobs in health care continues to grow. Almost everywhere else, they’re shrinking.
prospect.org
February 16, 2026 at 2:43 PM
It's been said that America's public sector is a health insurance company with an army. Increasingly, America's private sector is just the health insurance company. Health care jobs are propping up the U.S. economy, a long-term trend that Harold Meyerson breaks down.
prospect.org/2026/02/16/e...
prospect.org/2026/02/16/e...
Reposted by Michael Planey
I've slept a bit on this other than a few posts, but one of the most brazen things happening in state governments right now is that the Kentucky GOP is trying to impeach a liberal justice (and the first/only Black woman to join the court) because of a vote she took last year they don't like.
February 14, 2026 at 5:59 PM
I've slept a bit on this other than a few posts, but one of the most brazen things happening in state governments right now is that the Kentucky GOP is trying to impeach a liberal justice (and the first/only Black woman to join the court) because of a vote she took last year they don't like.
Reposted by Michael Planey
The other day Manchester United’s co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said the UK had been "colonised by immigrants"….today there’s this billboard outside of Old Trafford 🔥….way to go Manchester 💪!
February 13, 2026 at 9:33 PM
The other day Manchester United’s co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said the UK had been "colonised by immigrants"….today there’s this billboard outside of Old Trafford 🔥….way to go Manchester 💪!
Reposted by Michael Planey
Just checking, it's now ok to flee your homeland, because you're afraid for your safety, and seek refuge in another Country?
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
February 14, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Just checking, it's now ok to flee your homeland, because you're afraid for your safety, and seek refuge in another Country?
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Glad we've cleared that up. Let's hear no more about immigration and refugees then.
Reposted by Michael Planey
Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."
February 14, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."
Reposted by Michael Planey
Your data will be used against you. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
Homeland Security Wants Social Media Sites to Expose Anti-ICE Accounts
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Your data will be used against you. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t...
@gregdoucette.bsky.social
@radleybalko.bsky.social
Is there a way for residents of Minneapolis to bring charges against the airlines or individual flight crews that operate these rendition flights in violation of court orders?
If DOJ/DHS will not comply, can any local jurisdiction prosecute?
@radleybalko.bsky.social
Is there a way for residents of Minneapolis to bring charges against the airlines or individual flight crews that operate these rendition flights in violation of court orders?
If DOJ/DHS will not comply, can any local jurisdiction prosecute?
And even when we move at warp speed and outpace this regime, DHS doesn’t care. They’ve moved people to Texas hours or days after being enjoined.
When ordered to return them, DHS just… doesn’t. The AUSAs let them: when we notify them of a violation, they send the email equivalent of a shrug.
19/
When ordered to return them, DHS just… doesn’t. The AUSAs let them: when we notify them of a violation, they send the email equivalent of a shrug.
19/
February 14, 2026 at 3:38 PM
@gregdoucette.bsky.social
@radleybalko.bsky.social
Is there a way for residents of Minneapolis to bring charges against the airlines or individual flight crews that operate these rendition flights in violation of court orders?
If DOJ/DHS will not comply, can any local jurisdiction prosecute?
@radleybalko.bsky.social
Is there a way for residents of Minneapolis to bring charges against the airlines or individual flight crews that operate these rendition flights in violation of court orders?
If DOJ/DHS will not comply, can any local jurisdiction prosecute?