lelandroy.bsky.social
@lelandroy.bsky.social
Does it even matter what Mike Johnson says? His main purpose is spreading disinformation, isn’t it!
House speaker says second boat strike was ‘entirely appropriate’
House speaker says second boat strike was ‘entirely appropriate’
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the military’s decision to attack an alleged drug-smuggling vessel for a second time to kill survivors of an initial strike was “entirely appropriate” and followed Defense Department rules. Following a classified briefing with military officials on Thursday, Johnson told reporters that the military strike in September has been “overly politicized.” Congressional Democrats have called for the full video of the strike to be released to the public, to help determine whether war crimes were committed when incapacitated combatants were killed. And Senate leaders have said they still have significant questions about the operation, and will continue to push for more information from military leaders in coming days. But House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) has said he does not feel like further investigation is warranted. Political distraction: Johnson said the political firestorm distracts from the Trump administration’s goal of stopping drugs from being transported to the United States. “This is a straightforward case,” he said. “Narco terrorists were caught in the process of smuggling deadly drugs and throughout the United States. The individuals on that vessel were not helpless castaways. They were drug runners on a capsized drug boat and by all indications, attempting to recover it so they could continue pushing drugs to kill Americans.” Closely held: So far, only a select few House and Senate leaders have viewed the video during classified briefings. Most Republicans have insisted the video shows proper military actions and response. Several Democrats have called the video “disturbing” and problematic. Defense Department officials have confirmed that at least two individuals believed to be smuggling drugs survived an initial military strike in the Caribbean Sea on Sept. 2. Adm. Mitch Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, ordered a second strike to kill the survivors. Johnson said after viewing the video Thursday that another vessel was nearby, and that the strike survivors were waving their arms to signal for help recovering their illegal wares. Other lawmakers have interpreted the actions as signaling for help. “When the secondary strikes were made, it followed the law,” Johnson said. “It followed protocol. It followed our previous missions like this, and they had to complete that mission.” Johnson also signaled full support for the president’s use of the military in drug interdiction missions. “Every one of these boats that is capsized saves tens of thousands of American lives,” he said. Lead Art: Speaker Mike Johnson said the political firestorm distracts from the administration’s goal of stopping drugs from being transported to the U.S. | Francis Chung/POLITICO
dlvr.it
December 11, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Reposted
Donald Trump is swooping in to save farmers… from Donald Trump
December 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Reposted
All that glitters: Trump touts "Gold Card'
All that glitters: Trump touts "Gold Card'
The program would grant permanent legal status to work and live in the U.S. to those willing to write a seven-figure "gift" to the government.
dlvr.it
December 10, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Reposted
Can't afford Christmas decorations because of tariffs? Michael Kosta has the perfect solution
December 8, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Reposted
‘Sort of blackmail’: Billions in rural health funding hinge on states passing Trump-backed policies
‘Sort of blackmail’: Billions in rural health funding hinge on states passing Trump-backed policies
Democrats and health advocates described the strategy as highly unusual, and some fear it could be wielded to favor political allies.
dlvr.it
December 7, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Reposted
Franklin the Turtle publisher slams Hegseth for ‘violent’ boat strike post
Franklin the Turtle publisher slams Hegseth for ‘violent’ boat strike post
“Beloved Canadian icon” says it wants no part of the Trump team's war on drug traffickers.
dlvr.it
December 2, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Reposted
Young adults who took just a one-week break from social media showed improvement in depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms, a new study says. Plus, tips for how to take a break from your feed. n.pr/4oN4dWp
n.pr
December 2, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reposted
To see how American journalists can survive Trump's autocratic onslaught, I collected advice from people with extensive, first-hand expertise: reporters in India.

My latest for @politico.com: www.politico.com/news/magazin...
This Small Magazine Knows How to Survive a Trump-Like Strongman
The Caravan and other Indian outlets have some lessons for the U.S. media.
www.politico.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Reposted
Northwestern reaches $75M deal with Trump administration to get federal funding reinstated
Northwestern reaches $75M deal with Trump administration to get federal funding reinstated
Northwestern expects federal funds will start flowing within days and be fully restored within 30 days.
dlvr.it
November 29, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Reposted
Dak Prescott passes Tony Romo for most passing yards in Cowboys history
November 23, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Reposted
It's crazy to me that the #mnwild, who trailed the 2nd-most time in the NHL in October, is about to go 8 straight games without trailing despite being inundated with injury. NHL-best 9-1-1 this month
November 23, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Reposted
#mnwild's NHL-leading 5th shutout & 4th in past 7 games. Haven't trailed in 480 mins since Nov. 7. NHL-leading 9-1-1 this month (17 GA), 7-0-1 in past 8 (9 GA), 5-game win streak

Wallstedt 3rd shutout in past 4 starts (32 saves); Wild snap 9-game losing streak to WPG; Yurov, Faber, Kaprizov goals
November 23, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Reposted
Dozens of countries had called for a clear "roadmap" to transition away from the use of coal, oil and natural gas. The U.S. did not participate in the negotiations.
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted
“The Kashoggi family and the American people deserve to know what was said on that call,” Rep. Eugene Vindman said. https://to.pbs.org/4oVInRp
WATCH: Reps. Vindman, Raskin call on Trump to release transcript of 2019 call with MBS after Khashoggi murder
"The Kashoggi family and the American people deserve to know what was said on that call," said Rep. Eugene Vindman.
www.pbs.org
November 21, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Reposted
Trump’s playdate with Mohammed bin Salman took a handsy turn
November 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Reposted
So gross 🤢
November 20, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Reposted
Trump calls for death by hanging for 6 Democratic vets who reminded troops to follow only lawful orders — as his approval nosedives, GOP infighting erupts over the Epstein Files, and new scandals engulf his DOJ. All this and more in today's bulletin.
Today in Politics, Bulletin 254. 11/20/25
… Trump called for the execution by hanging of 2 Democratic senators and 4 representatives after they posted a video reminding members of the military and intelligence community that their oath is to ...
www.meidasplus.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Reposted
Trump strikes tariffs on Brazilian coffee, beef and other foods
Trump strikes tariffs on Brazilian coffee, beef and other foods
The White House already slashed tariffs on other global food imports last week as it works to lower grocery prices.
dlvr.it
November 20, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Reposted
It sure seems like the Twins' payroll — currently $96 million — will sink below Metrodome-era spending relative to the league.

From my new Twins notes column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Reposted
Trump says he will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia
Trump says he will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia
The president's comments, which could antagonize Israel, come a day before he welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House.
dlvr.it
November 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reposted
Food stamps are back, but millions will soon lose benefits permanently
Food stamps are back, but millions will soon lose benefits permanently
Even though the shutdown is over, the GOP’s signature tax and spending law is poised to kick people off the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
dlvr.it
November 15, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Reposted
Researchers say they believe they've documented the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy caused by tick bites. n.pr/3WZbXZU
A red meat allergy caused by ticks killed a N.J. man. Here's what to know
Researchers say they believe they've documented the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy caused by tick bites.
n.pr
November 15, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted
Texas A&M police removed a Texas state trooper from his game assignment following an incident in which he made physical contact with two South Carolina players during Saturday’s game.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 15, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Reposted
Home insurance is getting less affordable, and less available, as insurers raise prices and pull back from areas with extreme weather. That's forcing families across the country to make tough choices.
It's harder to get home insurance. That's changing communities across the U.S.
Home insurance is getting less affordable, and less available, as insurers raise prices and pull back from areas with extreme weather. That's forcing families across the country to make tough choices.
n.pr
November 15, 2025 at 9:21 PM
This isn’t hard to figure out. C’mon seriously, there’s nothing positive about this ridiculous idea
npr.org NPR @npr.org · Nov 14
Experts in the mortgage industry are skeptical. Buyers would pay less each month, but would end up paying more over time. Here's what to know about the proposed 50-year mortgages.
3 questions about Trump's 50-year mortgage plan
Experts in the mortgage industry are skeptical. Buyers would pay less each month, but would end up paying more over time. Here's what to know about the proposed 50-year mortgages.
n.pr
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 AM