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jonletman.bsky.social
Hawaii-based independent journalist covering human rights, the environment, and the impact of US foreign policy, militarism, and nuclear weapons in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
37 posts 4,873 followers 461 following
Prolific Poster

"Developing nuclear weapons to counter North Korea is not 'off the table' for South Korea, foreign minister Cho Tae-yul stated on Wednesday"

I am extremely pleased to share this [email protected] report published today by me and @nukestrat.bsky.social on the return of the USAF nuclear mission to RAF Lakenheath. ⬇️ fas.org/publication/...

From its statements on Gaza to the creation of AI datacenters and unequal access to resources, the Trump administration is ushering in a new era in our relationship with the land. My book interview for @inkstickmedia.com w/ @jonletman.bsky.social.

Writing for @inkstickmedia.com, I spoke with author @mikealbertus.bsky.social about his new book on how control of land dictates every aspect of our lives and the ways in which our relationship with land could change under the Trump administration: inkstickmedia.com/the-power-of...

"With completion of the last production unit of the B61-12, the weapon has fully transitioned into the stockpile." Weird to see the nuke lab work humming along while everything else gets dismantled. But hey, an intact "transition" verb so maybe DOGE hasn't noticed yet www.sandia.gov/labnews/2025...

It's jarring to hear Trump speak the truth. "There's no reason for us to be building brand new nuclear weapons, we already have so many you could destroy the world 50 times over, 100 times over...We're all spending a lot of money that we could be spending on..." www.newsweek.com/donald-trump...

Wow, things are going really great these days... 😱

Who knew things could get ... so... incredibly... stupid... www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...

Of course it’s a coup. Miss the obvious, lose your republic. open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p...

We are now accepting applications for our Environmental Journalism Program offered May 11-17 on Kauai (Hawaii). Ideal for journalists covering science, environment, climate, etc who want to improve their understanding of the vital role of plants. Apply at: ntbg.org/news/ntbg-en...

If you haven’t been to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, save the better part of a day for it when you’re next in DC. I was fortunate enough to visit in December. Outstanding exhibits, powerful presentation.

Under the doctrine of sole authority, the president alone, with no constraints or requirement of consultation, can order a nuclear attack at any time, against any target, for any reason.

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01...

I read this book at the end of 2024 and highly recommended it. I appreciate the rich tapestry of characters in the book and her colorful and emotive descriptions of the places she examines throughout the UK countryside. Get this book!

Trump Just Inherited Sole Authority to Launch Nuclear Weapons on a Whim truthout.org/articles/tru... via @truthout.org

“It’s ridiculous to think that the number of missiles and bombs that we have right now are not a suitable deterrent,” says Executive Director John Tierney. truthout.org/articles/wit...

ICYMI: The B61-12 is the new variant of a US nuclear gravity bomb with a variable yield and can be dropped by fighter jets. These weapons are stored on bases in NATO allied nations. These guys seem pretty pleased considering what they are posing next to... Read more: www.icanw.org/b61-12_new_u...

I took this photo one month ago today, the spot where today Jimmy Carter lies in state. America of the past is gone and an uncertain American age is about to begin. It’s hard not to feel sad that this the path Americans have chosen.

#Hawaii, you have a serious illegal fireworks problem. Your residents do not deserve to live under this cloud twice a year (Dec 31 and July 4). This needs to stop. youtu.be/JWF1DMtliF0?...

The U.S. is poised to spend in excess of $756 billion over the next 10 years on its existing nuclear weapons modernization.

There's something wonderful about spending the last day of the year writing something that you think is good and important and has the potential to have a positive impact. *and* in seeing your last published story of the year post.

As the Biden presidency draws to a close, nuclear analysts shared their thoughts on what they will be watching in the next administration. My latest with #nuclearweapons insights from @mknight.bsky.social, @nuclearban.bsky.social, @livableworld.bsky.social and @armscontrolnow.bsky.social

Never forget that the first word in artificial intelligence is ARTIFICIAL.

A few of my most memorable reads of the year with recently published books by @bengoldfarb.bsky.social, @corinnefowler.bsky.social, @zoeschlanger.bsky.social, and others. #readinglist

Today’s view of Moku ‘ae‘ae just off the Kīlaeua Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kaua‘i. Strong trade winds and good conditions for watching seabirds like ‘iwa (great frigate birds) ‘ā (red footed boobies), mōlī (Layson albatross) and for spotting koholā (humpback whales). $10 well spent.

Christmas Hanukkah tempura udon 🎅🏽🎄🌺🌴🍤🥢

From the team at @scientistsorg.bsky.social @nukestrat.bsky.social @mattkorda.bsky.social

Great explainer in @nytimes.com on Trump and the nuclear arsenal he will command in 34 days or so. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

My latest investigation, below - on how the deaths of two workers at a missile plant in Utah didn’t have much fallout for the world’s largest nuclear weapons manufacturer

"We all need to listen to the survivors of nuclear war, and support their struggle to convince all nuclear states to give up their arsenals" by @nuclearban.bsky.social's Melissa Parke www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...

I know @jonathanslaght.com will appreciate this: I found a new first edition of Tigers in the Snow with a bookplate signed by the author for $20 at Capitol Hill Books in DC last weekend 🐅📕🤯

Late autumn in DC

The word on the streets of DC.

I recommend this article @nytimes.com by W.J. Hennigan. Excellent analysis of the consequences of the collapse of the global arms control regime. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Excellent first full day of a Nuclear Reporting Summit organized by @outrider.org with a broad range of thoughtful insights on multiple aspects of nuclear weapons, climate crisis, and more. Speakers incl. @jamiekwong.bsky.social, @justinworland.com, @beafihn.bsky.social, @nukestrat.bsky.social

View of west Shinjuku from the tiny window in my hotel room. Cozy as a coffin.

富士山マスク付けている

World’s top arms producers see revenues rise on the back of wars and regional tensions. Global arms sales reached $632 billion in 2023, +4.2% from 2022. New #SIPRI data on the #ArmsIndustry is available now: bit.ly/4i9pcQT #SIPRI #ArmsIndustry #Top100

In Kazakhstan, A Nuclear Power Plant Threatens Lake Balkhash

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te began a two-day U.S. stopover in Hawaii on Saturday as part of a Pacific tour after declaring his democratically governed island a key force for promoting global peace and stability.

😢📚

In a first, scientists use drones to discover rare #Hawaiian plants. Follow @benbotanical.bsky.social and @ntbgarden.bsky.social for more rare and endangered plant news from #Hawaii and beyond.

A rising danger in the #Arctic: As climate change melts permafrost, microbes will emerge. The world isn’t paying enough attention to the potential threat they pose. thebulletin.org/2024/11/a-ri... via @thebulletin.org

A flash of autumn🍁color. This photo was taken in late October at Arnold Arboretum in Boston by Michael Dosmann, Keeper of the Living Collections. Shared with permission. 🍂

I just finished reading @corinnefowler.bsky.social’s brilliant book examining the often overlooked ties between the bucolic British countryside, stately manor homes, and the wealth generated by colonialism, exploitation, and the slave trade. A really thoughtful walking journey through Britain.