Torr Leonard 🧵
@torrleonard.bsky.social
Pinned
I’m worried that in the 2026 and 2028 elections, 49% of voters are gonna say “Trump and Musk turned out to be bad, but the rest of the GOP are fine.”
Which is why we need to tie all these bad things to the *entire GOP*.
Which is why we need to tie all these bad things to the *entire GOP*.
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
“Sinkholes and Quake-Hit Roads Expose Japan’s Infrastructure Emergency -
Depopulation and shrinking tax revenues are making it harder for the country to maintain basic lifelines or rebuild after disasters.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Depopulation and shrinking tax revenues are making it harder for the country to maintain basic lifelines or rebuild after disasters.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Sinkholes and Quake-Hit Roads Expose Japan’s Infrastructure Emergency
Depopulation and shrinking tax revenues are making it harder for the country to maintain basic lifelines or rebuild after disasters.
www.bloomberg.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:24 AM
“Sinkholes and Quake-Hit Roads Expose Japan’s Infrastructure Emergency -
Depopulation and shrinking tax revenues are making it harder for the country to maintain basic lifelines or rebuild after disasters.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Depopulation and shrinking tax revenues are making it harder for the country to maintain basic lifelines or rebuild after disasters.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
“Japan plans to extract rare earths from deep-sea mud in a bid to further reduce dependence on China for the minerals.
The government is building a facility on Japan’s easternmost island that can tap resources 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.”
asia.nikkei.com/business/mar...
The government is building a facility on Japan’s easternmost island that can tap resources 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.”
asia.nikkei.com/business/mar...
Japan to process rare-earth mud from 2027, tapping deep-sea reserves
Facility to be built on easternmost island in push to reduce China reliance
asia.nikkei.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:34 AM
“Japan plans to extract rare earths from deep-sea mud in a bid to further reduce dependence on China for the minerals.
The government is building a facility on Japan’s easternmost island that can tap resources 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.”
asia.nikkei.com/business/mar...
The government is building a facility on Japan’s easternmost island that can tap resources 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.”
asia.nikkei.com/business/mar...
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
“See How a Chinese Attack on Taiwan Would Be Japan’s Problem -
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.”
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.”
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
See How a Chinese Attack on Taiwan Would Be Japan’s Problem
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
www.wsj.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:43 AM
“See How a Chinese Attack on Taiwan Would Be Japan’s Problem -
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.”
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.”
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
Anyway, I get every side of this, but I don't secretly hate Democrats because I want them to strengthen their opposition. Zohran, those that pushed for the Epstein Files release, the Tesla protesters and No Kings all prove that loudly changing the conversation can piss off and stall these fascists.
January 6, 2026 at 1:37 AM
Anyway, I get every side of this, but I don't secretly hate Democrats because I want them to strengthen their opposition. Zohran, those that pushed for the Epstein Files release, the Tesla protesters and No Kings all prove that loudly changing the conversation can piss off and stall these fascists.
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
The death toll in violence surrounding protests in Iran has risen to at least 35 people, activists said Tuesday, as the demonstrations showed no signs of stopping.
At least 35 people have been killed and 1,200 detained in Iran's economic protests
Activists say the death toll in violence surrounding protests in Iran has risen to at least 35. The figure came from the U.S.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 2:30 AM
The death toll in violence surrounding protests in Iran has risen to at least 35 people, activists said Tuesday, as the demonstrations showed no signs of stopping.
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
The Republican-led Utah legislature put a “pause” on gender-affirming care for minors, and ordered the University of Utah to do a large-scale study of the evidence. The 1000-page study was clear: gender-affirming care is good medicine. (They’re still banning care.)
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
Utah debate over transgender treatments for minors divides policymakers, experts over state 'systematic review'
Do No Harm alleges Utah Department of Health and Human Services "systematic review" misleads on transgender outcomes.
www.deseret.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:25 PM
The Republican-led Utah legislature put a “pause” on gender-affirming care for minors, and ordered the University of Utah to do a large-scale study of the evidence. The 1000-page study was clear: gender-affirming care is good medicine. (They’re still banning care.)
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
www.deseret.com/politics/202...
“Hilton Hotels said the particular (Minneapolis) hotel was independently operated, as many of Hilton’s hotels are. “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all.
This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.”
This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.”
The Hilton Hotel that refused reservations from DHS officials has now backpedalled and said it will accommodate them. Came after DHS X account posted emails. For years the right coalesced around businesses being able to refuse customers of certain demographics
www.404media.co/hilton-hotel...
www.404media.co/hilton-hotel...
Hilton Hotel That Refused DHS Reservations Backpedals
The hotel told 404 Media in a statement “We are in touch with the impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated.”
www.404media.co
January 6, 2026 at 2:15 AM
“Hilton Hotels said the particular (Minneapolis) hotel was independently operated, as many of Hilton’s hotels are. “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all.
This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.”
This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.”
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
The president who presided over PPP loans arguing that a governor's responsible if people defraud the system? Sure why not
Leavitt: "It's a top priority for President Trump, and he believes that Gov. Walz is criminally liable, and I think the Department of Justice is going to find out."
January 6, 2026 at 1:48 AM
The president who presided over PPP loans arguing that a governor's responsible if people defraud the system? Sure why not
"Water levels in Kenyan lakes have been rising, displacing tens of thousands and devastating agriculture.
While climate change causes desertification elsewhere, shifting rainfall patterns — among other factors — have caused Lakes Baringo, Nakuru, Naivasha & Turkana in Rift Valley to rise for 15 yrs
While climate change causes desertification elsewhere, shifting rainfall patterns — among other factors — have caused Lakes Baringo, Nakuru, Naivasha & Turkana in Rift Valley to rise for 15 yrs
Scientists and data explain why Kenya's lakes are rising as thousands face an uncertain future
Dickson Ngome's farm at Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Rift Valley has been submerged due to rising water levels.
apnews.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:09 AM
"Water levels in Kenyan lakes have been rising, displacing tens of thousands and devastating agriculture.
While climate change causes desertification elsewhere, shifting rainfall patterns — among other factors — have caused Lakes Baringo, Nakuru, Naivasha & Turkana in Rift Valley to rise for 15 yrs
While climate change causes desertification elsewhere, shifting rainfall patterns — among other factors — have caused Lakes Baringo, Nakuru, Naivasha & Turkana in Rift Valley to rise for 15 yrs
"Migration was a major driver of the Brexit vote, but the number of non-EU arrivals surged after Britain left, reducing the salience of EU migration, and trade barriers have hurt the British economy."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
What's behind Starmer's notable shift on closer ties to Europe?
Sir Keir Starmer has given details of his plans for a "Brexit reset". What could it mean for the UK?
www.bbc.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"Migration was a major driver of the Brexit vote, but the number of non-EU arrivals surged after Britain left, reducing the salience of EU migration, and trade barriers have hurt the British economy."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"The price of lab monkeys in China surged to a 5-yr high, delaying some drug trials, as the nation's biotech boom runs into resource constraints.
The primates are raised for at least 4yrs before being used in trials, and breeders didnt increase their populations during a investment downturn in 2023
The primates are raised for at least 4yrs before being used in trials, and breeders didnt increase their populations during a investment downturn in 2023
Prices for lab monkeys surge on China biotech boom
More drugs entering middle or late-stage development drive up demand
www.ft.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:04 AM
"The price of lab monkeys in China surged to a 5-yr high, delaying some drug trials, as the nation's biotech boom runs into resource constraints.
The primates are raised for at least 4yrs before being used in trials, and breeders didnt increase their populations during a investment downturn in 2023
The primates are raised for at least 4yrs before being used in trials, and breeders didnt increase their populations during a investment downturn in 2023
Trump once vowed not to drag the US into open-ended nation-building efforts, and many did not expect his militaristic pursuit of regime change in Venezuela.
But when it comes to Trump’s foreign policy, too many assume coherence where there is division, and restraint where there is only selectivity"
But when it comes to Trump’s foreign policy, too many assume coherence where there is division, and restraint where there is only selectivity"
Trump’s Venezuelan Regime Change: Why Do People Keep Getting Him Wrong on Foreign Policy?
A number of thoughtful observers argued President Donald Trump would not pursue regime change in Venezuela. I was never convinced. On our podcast and in
warontherocks.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:01 AM
Trump once vowed not to drag the US into open-ended nation-building efforts, and many did not expect his militaristic pursuit of regime change in Venezuela.
But when it comes to Trump’s foreign policy, too many assume coherence where there is division, and restraint where there is only selectivity"
But when it comes to Trump’s foreign policy, too many assume coherence where there is division, and restraint where there is only selectivity"
Trump threatened Venezuela’s acting leader [former VP] Delcy Rodriguez, saying she would “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she doesn’t acquiesce.
Oh.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
Oh.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
Who is Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s acting leader?
The veteran politician, lawyer and diplomat played a key role in overhauling Venezuela’s economic policy and developing close ties with the business community.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Trump threatened Venezuela’s acting leader [former VP] Delcy Rodriguez, saying she would “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she doesn’t acquiesce.
Oh.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
Oh.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
"Rubio — who is already national security adviser, archivist, and USAID administrator — is now “the Viceroy of Venezuela,”
facing the daunting task of determining the country’s post-Maduro future.
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade.
Now the hard part begins."
facing the daunting task of determining the country’s post-Maduro future.
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade.
Now the hard part begins."
Rubio takes on most challenging role yet: Viceroy of Venezuela
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade. Now the hard part begins.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:57 AM
"Rubio — who is already national security adviser, archivist, and USAID administrator — is now “the Viceroy of Venezuela,”
facing the daunting task of determining the country’s post-Maduro future.
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade.
Now the hard part begins."
facing the daunting task of determining the country’s post-Maduro future.
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade.
Now the hard part begins."
"while Trump’s actions may have violated international law, China does not believe international law applies to the case of Taiwan.
It does not view Taiwan as a sovereign country and its leadership as the legitimate rulers of a country.
Instead, China insists that Taiwan is an internal affair..."
It does not view Taiwan as a sovereign country and its leadership as the legitimate rulers of a country.
Instead, China insists that Taiwan is an internal affair..."
Trump’s Strikes on Venezuela Will Not Embolden China to Invade Taiwan
There are reasons to criticize President Trump’s decision to strike Venezuela; however, giving China a green light to attack Taiwan is not one of them.
www.cfr.org
January 6, 2026 at 12:51 AM
"while Trump’s actions may have violated international law, China does not believe international law applies to the case of Taiwan.
It does not view Taiwan as a sovereign country and its leadership as the legitimate rulers of a country.
Instead, China insists that Taiwan is an internal affair..."
It does not view Taiwan as a sovereign country and its leadership as the legitimate rulers of a country.
Instead, China insists that Taiwan is an internal affair..."
"At least 16 oil tankers hit by U.S. sanctions appear to have made an attempt to evade a major American naval blockade on Venezuela’s energy exports over the last two days, in part by disguising their true locations or turning off their transmission signals."
Sanctioned Oil Tankers Flee Venezuela in Defiance of U.S. Blockade
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:49 AM
"At least 16 oil tankers hit by U.S. sanctions appear to have made an attempt to evade a major American naval blockade on Venezuela’s energy exports over the last two days, in part by disguising their true locations or turning off their transmission signals."
"On Aug. 3, 1973, a single Supreme Court justice [William Douglas] – working alone, far from DC – ordered the President to stop bombing Cambodia.
He was swiftly overruled by the 8 other justices, who, via hastily arranged phone calls, agreed to take immediate action to avoid a constitutional crisis
He was swiftly overruled by the 8 other justices, who, via hastily arranged phone calls, agreed to take immediate action to avoid a constitutional crisis
The most unorthodox dissent
In Dissent is a recurring series by Anastasia Boden on Supreme Court dissents that have shaped (or reshaped) our country. On Aug. 3, 1973, a single Supreme Court justice – […]
www.scotusblog.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:38 AM
"On Aug. 3, 1973, a single Supreme Court justice [William Douglas] – working alone, far from DC – ordered the President to stop bombing Cambodia.
He was swiftly overruled by the 8 other justices, who, via hastily arranged phone calls, agreed to take immediate action to avoid a constitutional crisis
He was swiftly overruled by the 8 other justices, who, via hastily arranged phone calls, agreed to take immediate action to avoid a constitutional crisis
Best "Acts" of the past 100 years?
Social Security Act 1935
Fair Labor Standards Act 1938
Civil Rights Act 1964
Voting Rights Act 1965
Social Security Amendments 1965 [Creation of Medicare & Medicaid]
Ryan White AIDS Act 1990
Americans w/ Disabilities Act 1990
Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2010
Social Security Act 1935
Fair Labor Standards Act 1938
Civil Rights Act 1964
Voting Rights Act 1965
Social Security Amendments 1965 [Creation of Medicare & Medicaid]
Ryan White AIDS Act 1990
Americans w/ Disabilities Act 1990
Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2010
January 5, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Best "Acts" of the past 100 years?
Social Security Act 1935
Fair Labor Standards Act 1938
Civil Rights Act 1964
Voting Rights Act 1965
Social Security Amendments 1965 [Creation of Medicare & Medicaid]
Ryan White AIDS Act 1990
Americans w/ Disabilities Act 1990
Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2010
Social Security Act 1935
Fair Labor Standards Act 1938
Civil Rights Act 1964
Voting Rights Act 1965
Social Security Amendments 1965 [Creation of Medicare & Medicaid]
Ryan White AIDS Act 1990
Americans w/ Disabilities Act 1990
Affordable Care Act (ACA) 2010
“Since opening in 1967, Hunts Point has become a major polluter. Its physical space & electric grid are maxed out, forcing sellers to keep hundreds of refrigerated trucks running while 2k other trucks roll in daily.
W/ coming redevelopment, the new market will shift more freight to rail & waterways
W/ coming redevelopment, the new market will shift more freight to rail & waterways
New York City’s Hunts Point Produce Market to Be Rebuilt
New York will embark on a redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, a project aimed at modernizing an aging wholesale complex that feeds much of the city but has become increasingl...
www.bloomberg.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:27 PM
“Since opening in 1967, Hunts Point has become a major polluter. Its physical space & electric grid are maxed out, forcing sellers to keep hundreds of refrigerated trucks running while 2k other trucks roll in daily.
W/ coming redevelopment, the new market will shift more freight to rail & waterways
W/ coming redevelopment, the new market will shift more freight to rail & waterways
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
It's pernicious. I was in Japan this fall. TV is full of obedient housewives worrying about home appliances and skin care.
Meanwhile more than one young man made inappropriate comments about women drivers and being afraid (because I'd said "no"). Older men were more respectful.
Meanwhile more than one young man made inappropriate comments about women drivers and being afraid (because I'd said "no"). Older men were more respectful.
January 5, 2026 at 7:43 PM
It's pernicious. I was in Japan this fall. TV is full of obedient housewives worrying about home appliances and skin care.
Meanwhile more than one young man made inappropriate comments about women drivers and being afraid (because I'd said "no"). Older men were more respectful.
Meanwhile more than one young man made inappropriate comments about women drivers and being afraid (because I'd said "no"). Older men were more respectful.
“Japan gained its first female leader last year, and the number of women politicians has been rising, albeit from a low base — 72 out of 465 Lower House seats, up from 45 in the last parliament.
But near the main hall, there is still just one women’s restroom, containing two stalls.”
But near the main hall, there is still just one women’s restroom, containing two stalls.”
Female lawmakers call for more toilets in Japan's parliament building
There is only one restroom containing two stalls for the Lower House's 73 women to use near parliament's main plenary session hall in central Tokyo.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 5, 2026 at 7:37 PM
“Japan gained its first female leader last year, and the number of women politicians has been rising, albeit from a low base — 72 out of 465 Lower House seats, up from 45 in the last parliament.
But near the main hall, there is still just one women’s restroom, containing two stalls.”
But near the main hall, there is still just one women’s restroom, containing two stalls.”
“Botswana plans to offer passports for cash and allow Russia to mine rare earths and gems, in a bid to boost public coffers hit by dwindling diamond revenues.
Other countries, including Grenada, Malta, and the US, already have or are planning similar golden passport programs.”
Other countries, including Grenada, Malta, and the US, already have or are planning similar golden passport programs.”
Botswana pitches ‘golden passport’ scheme as diamond sales fall
Foreigners would pay up to $100,000 for citizenship under the proposal
www.ft.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:34 PM
“Botswana plans to offer passports for cash and allow Russia to mine rare earths and gems, in a bid to boost public coffers hit by dwindling diamond revenues.
Other countries, including Grenada, Malta, and the US, already have or are planning similar golden passport programs.”
Other countries, including Grenada, Malta, and the US, already have or are planning similar golden passport programs.”
“Finland seized a ship suspected of sabotaging a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea, the latest maneuver in a quiet battle over underwater infrastructure.
Cables and pipelines carry vital data and fuel, and apparent sabotage is on the rise.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Cables and pipelines carry vital data and fuel, and apparent sabotage is on the rise.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Finland Takes Control of Ship Suspected of Undersea Cable Damage
Finnish authorities took control of a vessel suspected of causing damage to a telecommunications cable, launching a criminal investigation into the latest reported incident affecting subsea links in t...
www.bloomberg.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
“Finland seized a ship suspected of sabotaging a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea, the latest maneuver in a quiet battle over underwater infrastructure.
Cables and pipelines carry vital data and fuel, and apparent sabotage is on the rise.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Cables and pipelines carry vital data and fuel, and apparent sabotage is on the rise.”
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
“Pentagon believes that China now has anti-ship ballistic missiles capable of striking targets up to 5,000 miles away, a class of weapon described as “carrier killers.”
The weapons “pose a potent threat to surface ships across much of the Pacific,” one analyst said.
news.usni.org/2025/12/26/c...
The weapons “pose a potent threat to surface ships across much of the Pacific,” one analyst said.
news.usni.org/2025/12/26/c...
Chinese Forces Fielding Intercontinental Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles Capable of Reaching U.S. West Coast, Pentagon Says - USNI News
The Pentagon has claimed that Chinese missile forces are operating a new type of anti-ship ballistic missiles that are capable of reaching the West Coast of the United States, according to the annual ...
news.usni.org
January 5, 2026 at 7:29 PM
“Pentagon believes that China now has anti-ship ballistic missiles capable of striking targets up to 5,000 miles away, a class of weapon described as “carrier killers.”
The weapons “pose a potent threat to surface ships across much of the Pacific,” one analyst said.
news.usni.org/2025/12/26/c...
The weapons “pose a potent threat to surface ships across much of the Pacific,” one analyst said.
news.usni.org/2025/12/26/c...
Reposted by Torr Leonard 🧵
“Like other polar regions, Iceland’s climate is warming two to four times faster than the global average, harming infrastructure and industries built for cold conditions.
Warmer waters disrupt economically critical fisheries, and melting ice has damaged roads there and in neighboring Greenland.”
Warmer waters disrupt economically critical fisheries, and melting ice has damaged roads there and in neighboring Greenland.”
Iceland has hottest Christmas Eve ever with temperature of 19.8C recorded
Meteorological office reports high temperatures across country and record measured at Seyðisfjörður in east
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:13 AM
“Like other polar regions, Iceland’s climate is warming two to four times faster than the global average, harming infrastructure and industries built for cold conditions.
Warmer waters disrupt economically critical fisheries, and melting ice has damaged roads there and in neighboring Greenland.”
Warmer waters disrupt economically critical fisheries, and melting ice has damaged roads there and in neighboring Greenland.”