Balloon Juice

Corporations Donating to Racist Candidate Barr

by WaterGirl| February 17, 20263:40 pm| 3 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Political Action, Politics

Remember this guy?

youtube.com/watch?v=cSiD…Here's Andy Barr with his embarrassing racist ad drop.Keep in mind, the Republican primary includes Daniel Cameron, the black McConnell protégé.Andy playing the Klan angle. @eddsmitty.bsky.social: get a load of this.

— PaulaEquine (@paulaequine.bsky.social) 2026-02-08T11:49:27.913Z

I talked about him in the post linked below.

Do We Have a Real Shot at the KY Senate Seat?

Here are the corporations donating to this proudly racist candidate.

The list is from Judd at Popular Information.

Corporate PAC donors to Barr’s campaign

Barr’s Senate campaign has raised nearly $1.4 million from PACs, including dozens of PACs representing corporations and trade associations. A Popular Information review of Barr’s filings with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) revealed contributions from at least 67 major corporations.

Some companies that donated to Barr appear to be the “corporate losers” that he attacks in the new ad. In 2022, for example, MetLife CEO Michel Khalaf said:

MetLife’s purpose calls on us to build a more inclusive and equitable world for all our stakeholders. The breadth of these commitments demonstrates that we are significantly advancing our DEI efforts on every front. Setting clear expectations for our progress will hold us accountable and sustain our momentum.

In 2025, MetLife’s PAC donated $5,000 to Barr’s Senate campaign.

A top Delta executive said last year that, despite pressure from the Trump administration, it remained steadfast in its commitment to diversity. “DEI is about talent, and that’s been our focus,” Delta Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter said. “And, of course, the key differentiator at Delta is our people.” A few months later, Delta donated $5,000 to Barr’s Senate campaign.

In other cases, corporations have supported Barr as they scaled back efforts to promote diversity. Microsoft, for example, ceased publication of its annual diversity and inclusion report in 2025 and donated $5,000 to Barr. Last year, Wells Fargo “discreetly deleted its DEI page detailing a long history of diversity and inclusion work dating back to the early 1800s” and donated $5,000 to Barr’s campaign. It was a dramatic about-face for Wells Fargo, which pledged $50 million to the NAACP in 2023.

Other corporate donors to Barr’s Senate campaign that recently donated to the NAACP include JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Nationwide, and UPS. Meanwhile, Comcast, Bank of America, and TD Bank donated to Barr and are listed as the ADL’s Corporate Partners Against Hate.

Popular Information contacted all 67 corporate PAC donors to Barr’s Senate campaign for comment. All of the corporations either did not respond or declined to comment.

How do we make it toxic for these companies to support this racism?

Corporations Donating to Racist Candidate BarrPost + Comments (3)

“These are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand” (part infinity)

by Betty Cracker| February 17, 202612:43 pm| 139 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics, Republican Stupidity, Assholes, General Stupidity

As most of y’all surely know, the post title is a quote from 20th century prophet Deep Throat, also known as FBI Associate Director Mark Felt, of Watergate fame. Mr. Throat’s warning resonates more than half a century later as we endure rule by fool.

That sentence occurred to me repeatedly as I read excerpts of the Epstein files. Lots of these guys, including Epstein himself, come across as blithering idiots. Elizabeth Spiers wrote about this phenomenon at “The Nation” in a piece titled Epstein Class Clowns. Here’s an excerpt:

The files are full of these men spouting theories about population decline, the supposed inferiority of non-white people, and what rights women should and shouldn’t have. These theories are bigoted and evil, but they are also—and I mention this again for a reason—very, very dumb. Epstein and Musk both believed that they are, as white men, genetically superior and tried to (or did) impregnate large numbers of women because they wanted to spread their supposedly superior DNA far and wide in order to create a more intelligent population. This is a childlike understanding of genetics, population sciences, and probably the female reproductive system…

There is nothing wrong with not understanding things that aren’t in your field of expertise; as Socrates said, the origin of true wisdom is acknowledging that “I know that I know nothing.” But these particular know-nothings are a far cry from Socrates. Instead of learning more in a spirit of humility, their typical response when confronted with evidence that their store of knowledge is thin wasn’t to consult with actual experts; rather, it was to assume the experts whose facts and research contradict their theories are wrong and that anything can be learned simply by thinking from first principles. (This is why Elon Musk dreams of colonies on Mars and NASA scientists do not: They have already thought through the problem a lot more, and actually understand the science.)

The crappy thinking that pervades all of this would be innocuous if the complacent know-nothings in question were just 20-year-olds posting on Reddit boards. But these people influence major policy decisions, allocate money on our behalf whether we like it or not, and are responsible politically for where we are now—at the precipice of utter democratic collapse and bringing back measles.

Yep. As Spiers notes, the oligarchs and academics surrounding Epstein may be talented or even brilliant in specific areas. But because they are too arrogant to know what they don’t know and far too pompous and self-important to listen to others who do know what they’re talking about, well, here we are.

The same is true of Epstein associate Donald Trump, who is dumb as a post in most ways but has an undeniable talent for self-promotion and mirroring an audience’s grievances. And now that braying ass is president. Again.

***

But you know who’s really, really, really dumb, according to the New York Times yesterday and also the Wall Street Journal? Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), that’s who. Like the Times, the Journal rendered every “um” and “uh” in AOC’s (admittedly awkward) answer to a question about U.S. policy toward China and Taiwan. The Journal added commentary:

The soliloquy is especially impressive because Ms. Ocasio-Cortez could have taken cover under the fact that U.S. policy is to decline to answer the question.

But that would require understanding the concept of “strategic ambiguity” toward the island of 23 million free people. It’s nice to hear that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez wants to “make sure that we never get to that point,” though deterrence demands military power and the willingness to use it, not “economic research” and “global positions,” whatever those are.

Mr. Trump is no great communicator of America’s vital interest in a free Pacific, but he understands deterrence at an instinctual level. Voters may not like the frenetic Trump show, but they know that China under the Communist Party is a hostile power. Democrats will continue to lose elections if they appear not to recognize the world’s threats.

To this, I say fuck you, The Editorial Board. It’s fair to criticize AOC’s response to that or any other question. It’s fair to disagree with her on policy, approach, whatever.

But basically shouting “dumb commie lady” at AOC while fluffing the demented orange bully’s “instinctual” understanding of “deterrence”? Fuck off with that noise.

***

Lastly, this was exquisitely choreographed, and I found it deeply moving.

Wow.

[image or embed]

— Nash Is Here For It (@nashishereforit.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 10:59 PM

Good to know art still happens at the Kennedy Center despite the hostile takeover of Tacky Engulf & Devour, Inc. According to comments on Bluesky, the dancers are from The First Amendment Troop, which is on Instagram here.

Open thread!

“These are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand” (part infinity)Post + Comments (139)

Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Year of the Fire Horse

by Anne Laurie| February 17, 20267:34 am| 284 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

Happy Chinese New Year.

[image or embed]

— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:12 AM

New moon, new start. (It’s also Mardi Gras; and, this year, the beginning of Ramadan.) If you believe — or if you just assume the weight of mass social belief / custom has a global impact — it’s gonna be a year of heat & impulse.

Per CNN, “Things are about to get hot”:

…It’s complicated, but here’s a simplified explanation. Every year, a heavenly stem (one of five elements, which fall into the yin or yang category) is paired with an earthly branch (one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals).

This year, the heavenly stem is “Bing” (big sun) and the earthly branch is “Wu” (the Horse), making it the Year of the Fire Horse.

So what exactly does that mean? For deeper insights into the year ahead, we met up with Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant who blends traditional Chinese geomancy with modern elements.

“Bing represents the big sun, and the Horse, as a zodiac animal, is also a fire sign. So this is probably one of the most fiery years you will get,” she says.

“Industries associated with the fire category will dominate — from technology to anything that generates energy and fire. Arts, fashion and cooking also rely heavily on fire. You can expect these sectors to get more attention.”

Chow says that fire influence is going to impact both the weather and people’s temperaments — so the world should be on the lookout for more heat-related disasters this year, as well as heightened tensions in already heated relationships.

“But for people who do need fire, this can be a very good year. Generally, people born in autumn and winter benefit from having more fire in their elements,” she adds…

(I choose to believe, because I’m a Goat, and this is supposed to be “a blossoming year for Goats — when things are finally coming together.” After the last twelve months, I could *use* that!)

Last year, China's New Year Eve Gala (a TV show everyone in the country watches) featured humanoid robots spinning plates. This year, they're doing kungfu. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUml…

[image or embed]

— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM

Somewhat more martial than the Times Square disco ball drop…

Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Year of the Fire HorsePost + Comments (284)

On The Road – Winter Wren – Santa Cruz: Whale Watch

by WaterGirl| February 17, 20265:00 am| 10 Comments

This post is in: On The Road, Photo Blogging

Winter Wren

After the short interlude at Wilder Ranch in the previous post, I had a quick lunch on the Santa Cruz harbor before the 4 hour whale watch departed at 12:30. This was my 3rd whale watch on Monterey Bay, but the other two trips I had taken in the summer and fall out of Monterey during humpback season and this was an opportunity to possibly see gray whales and perhaps winter-specific pelagic birds.

Santa Cruz harborJanuary 24, 2026

There were some Western grebes in the harbor which I watched while I ate a quick lunch.

On The Road – Winter Wren – Santa Cruz: Whale WatchPost + Comments (10)

Late Night Open Thread: In Case You Missed It

by TaMara| February 17, 202612:21 am| 53 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics

Colbert going scorched earth on CBS and the FCC

The censored interview

I’m a little tired of this timeline.

Remember to do something kind, not just for others, but for yourself. Then keep fighting.

Night all…

Late Night Open Thread: In Case You Missed ItPost + Comments (53)

War for Ukraine Day 1,453: Another Long Night/Early Morning for Ukraine

by Adam L Silverman| February 16, 20269:38 pm| 22 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

All of eastern and almost all of central and western Ukraine are under air raid alert for drone swarms as of 3:20 AM local time/8:20 PM EST.

It’s only been four days since the last big attack on Ukraine by fascist Russia, and there’s usually a gap of 7 to 10 days between its Blitz air raids. However, Putin may be in a rush to put pressure on Ukraine in the talks and take advantage of the expected dip in temperatures.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 4:31 AM

Also, for two days in a row, Russia conducted reconnaissance of objects in Kyiv and the region, as well as regions in western Ukraine.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 4:07 AM

❗️❗️Takeoff of a group of strategic bombers Tu-95MS, the planes are heading towards the launch lines.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM

Here’s some of tonight’s outgoing Ukrainian fires:

Massive wave of drones headed towards SW fascist Russia tonight. Meanwhile, fascist Russia has launched drones from six sites, and strategic bombers have been moved to bases within striking range of democratic Ukraine. There are warnings that there may be a Blitz attack tonight.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 4:09 PM

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

show full post on front page

Intelligence Reports That the Russians Are Preparing New Massive Strikes on Energy, and Air Defense Must Be Configured Properly – Address by the President

16 February 2026 – 20:23

I wish you health!

Today we have important tasks for the military and Ukrainian diplomacy. Intelligence reports that the Russians are preparing new massive strikes on energy, and air defense must be configured properly. Russian attacks constantly – if you can put it that way – “evolve.” Evil also develops. Unfortunately. These are combined strikes that require special protection and corresponding support from partners. Any delay in supplying air defense missiles, any untimely delivery works for scaling up the damage from the strikes. Everything we discussed in Munich with our partners must be implemented fast. It is important that partners do not remain silent.

Right now everyone is awaiting the continuation of the trilateral meetings. Our delegation is already in Geneva and preparing for the negotiations. Russia cannot resist the temptation of the last days of winter cold and wants to inflict painful blows on Ukrainians. The more of this evil comes from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to reach any agreements with them. Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States. Soon we will mark a year of maximum diplomatic activity Ukraine has committed to. We agreed to all realistic proposals from the United States, starting with the proposal for an unconditional and long-term ceasefire. Russia rejects this and continues assaults on the front and strikes on our cities and energy infrastructure. We expect partners to act so that coercing the aggressor into peace truly works.

I would like to thank all our friends who are already preparing new sanctions steps. I discussed this with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk. We expect strong decisions from Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other partners. The decisions are in fact already prepared.

Today Ukraine has also introduced new sanctions against Russian individuals who are trying to put sport at the service of war and ruscism. The names of these individuals are known – and known, unfortunately, more for their entirely dishonorable actions than for their sporting achievements. We will work to ensure our sanctions are synchronized in other jurisdictions as well. I have also instructed that a clear list be prepared of individuals who participate in Russia’s war against Ukraine, serve Putin and his madness and certainly do not deserve to visit democratic countries. We will engage with partners so that every participant in Russian aggression, and all who helped them, cannot move freely around the world. We very much hope our partners will have enough political will to implement all this. This is an element of Russia’s overall responsibility for this aggression – and for everything they have done against the normal rules-based world order.

I also had a detailed discussion with Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal. There are preliminary agreements on support packages – covering financial assistance, equipment, and essential items for our resilience and for recovery in Ukraine. This week France will host the energy “Ramstein” – representatives of the Group of Seven will be there, as well as European countries that are not part of the G7 but provide us with substantial support. I am grateful for the readiness to help. The clear task for the Minister of Energy is to bring to Ukraine exactly the decisions that will truly help us. We are also working with the United States on the energy track. There are developments toward a strategic energy partnership between Ukraine and the United States. This is very important. There are also strong developments with Europe. This is also very important.

Russians understand what they are trying to destroy when they attack Ukraine. Ukraine can become a truly important element of European and Euro-Atlantic security. It is important that our state’s partners understand Ukraine’s capabilities just as our common enemy does. No one should have any illusions: if Russia is not held accountable for this aggression, it will not live in peace with you – with anyone in the world who expects cooperation with it. Russia must be held accountable for everything. Justice must prevail. Peace will be the reward for those who know how to wield strength.

Today there were also reports from the Security Service of Ukraine – specifically from Yevhenii Khmara and Oleksandr Poklad – including on countering Russian operations. I am grateful for every success, success of our defenders, including the Security Service, in countering Russian sabotage. Separately, Oleksandr Poklad will also focus on cleansing the Security Service of Ukraine of those who serve not Ukraine in their positions, but other interests. We need tough action and a truly strong Security Service of Ukraine. I expect results. Thank you to everyone who helps Ukraine! I thank everyone in Ukraine who works for the strength of our people, our army, and our state.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Three Georgian women face criminal prosecution — and up to 1 year in prison — for standing peacefully on the sidewalk during protests.

They had previously been punished for standing on the roadway. The court considers this a repeat violation under the same provision.

[image or embed]

— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 6:50 AM

The Georgian Dream has submitted a new legislative initiative: non-recognition of constitutional bodies will become a criminal offense. After massive violations in the 2024 parliamentary elections, the opposition and the majority of society do not recognize the legitimacy of GD.

#TerrorinGeorgia

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 4:56 AM

In accordance with today’s “law,” they could also face the “aggravating circumstance” of non-recognition of the Georgian Dream legitimacy, resulting in another year in jail.

So, just standing on a sidewalk in protest + saying the Georgian Dream is illegitimate = 2 years jail.

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 7:31 AM

Russia Says Diplomatic Ties Would Boost Georgia’s Economy as “Trade Hits Record”

Restoring diplomatic relations with Russia would bring further economic dividends to Georgia, Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin (pictured) said in remarks published by state news agency TASS.

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 10:27 AM

Georgian investigative journalist Nodar Meladze received 10 consecutive letters from Women’s Prison today. All of them were paid delivery letters, and all of them demanded Nodar cover the good conditions at 1/2

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 1:06 PM

Women’s Prison in response to his previous coverage of mistreatment by the Prison Director Nestan Verulashvili.

The twist is that Nodar never aired such a thing… 2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 1:06 PM

So, the regime in Georgia didn’t allow a commemoration for Navalny, stating it was breaking laws.

Sure, it is breaking the Kremlin laws that they serve.

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 1:49 PM

Lithuania:

Happy Independence Day “Lithuania”! Here is a picture of you peacefully leaving Russia in 1991, for which you don’t show enough gratitude.

Russia is the leading provider of European independence days.

[image or embed]

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 2:29 PM

“Terrified Russian soldiers shelter inside tank while pack of rabid Nazis attack them from under it”.

Sputnik headline.

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 2:29 PM

Russia has never had colonies. These people were lying under these tanks (which are now rusting, turretless in Ukraine) to try to get the Russian army to stay in Lithuania

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 2:29 PM

Germany:

AfD Alice Weidel: “We have to stop feeding this war with absolutely anti-Russian rhetoric, with financial resources and arms deliveries. We cannot continue to feed such a ‘regime’, but we have to force a ‘regime’ like the Ukrainian one to the negotiating table, as US President Donald Trump did.”

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM

What a vile creature to say this not just during the russian invasion, but while russia inflicts a humanitarian crisis on Ukraine during the coldest winter in years, literally freezing people in their homes.

Dear Germans, she isn’t just anti-Ukraine; she is anti-humanity. Do not vote for her.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM

(The applause are heartbreaking too)

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM

It is important to remember that the Alliance for Germany (AfD) is both a neo-NAZI party and a Putin proxy in Germany to undermine and subvert the German government and society.

The Munich Security Conference:

3 biggest takeaways from @MunSecConf:

1. US and EU agree: the post-1945 world order is gone
2. EU needs standalone defence capability, including nuclear deterrent, and cannot assume US support
3. EU must be part of Ukraine peace talks, despite US attempts to sideline Europe

[image or embed]

— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:37 AM

UK Chief of Defence Staff Knighton

[image or embed]

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:43 PM

The DPRK:

While many still try to pretend the implications of russia’s war don’t go further than Ukraine, Kim Jong Un has inaugurated a new residential quarter for the families of North Korean servicemen killed in this war.

Denying reality will not avert what is underway.

📸 via Grnt.

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 10:12 AM

Hungary:

From Budapest

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Pro-Kremlin Viktor Orban:

“I can say to you with confidence that President Trump is deeply committed to your success.”

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:19 PM

I will provide a summary on what was signed in Hungary and Slovakia in today’s newsletter.

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:20 PM

Orban: “This Thursday we will meet in Washington, D.C., with the President of the United States, [it] was not in our calendar two weeks ago. What I’m trying to say is that events take place and the current of international politics is that significant changes can take place in three or four days”

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:37 PM

This is from the press conference in Budapest. Please read it.

CBS News comes up with a question prompting Rubio to defend Hungary’s continuous purchase of Russian gas (while “accidentally” referring to Orban as “President”) – Rubio then compares Hungary’s strategy to US “America First”.

[image or embed]

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:33 PM

Rubio continues – when CBS comes back to the sanctions waiver, he says it’s all because of the great relationship between Trump and Orban

Meanwhile, Hungary is having an election on April 12, 2026

[image or embed]

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) February 16, 2026 at 12:33 PM

The US:

Telling Trump he will make the same mistakes as Obama did is one way to get his attention.

Obama lives rent free in Donald’s head.

[image or embed]

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 5:42 AM

war it hasn’t lost, and disgusting bothsidism that ignores russia’s war crimes and the illegality of an invasion that is just the latest in a long line of russian aggression.

If you want the criticism to vanish, stop pressuring the victim. Arm Ukraine, tighten sanctions, and seize the shadow fleet

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM

Rubio on Ukraine:

“Usually when a President tries to engage himself in peacemaking, in ending wars, that’s applauded. This is one of the few times, when people criticize a President trying to end a war.”

The criticism isn’t about ending the war; it’s about demanding Ukraine’s surrender in a

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM

Back to Ukraine:

Civilian casualties in Ukraine caused by russian bombing soared by 26% during 2025, the Guardian reports.

This is the price the Ukrainian people pay for Western attempts to bring russia to the table before pressing it enough. Russia took it as weakness. As permission.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 12:32 PM

From The Guardian:

Civilian casualties in Ukraine caused by Russian strikes surged by 26% in 2025, reflecting increased Russian targeting of cities and infrastructure in the country, according to a global conflict monitoring group.

Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said 2,248 civilians were reported killed and 12,493 injured by explosives violence in Ukraine, according to English-language reports – with the number of casualties in each attack rising significantly.

An average of 4.8 civilians were reported killed or injured in each strike, 33% more than in 2024, with the worst attack taking place in Dnipro on 24 June. Russian missiles hit a passenger train, apartments and schools, killing 21 and injuring 314, including 38 children.

What did the AOAV say about the figures? Iain Overton, executive director of AOAV, said the figures showed “Ukraine fits a wider collapse of restraint that is now visible across multiple wars”, and respect for the distinction of proportionality in war “has broken”.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Russia launched 91 ballistic missiles at Ukraine in January 2026. This is the highest monthly figure recorded during the war.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM

🔫😎 Hawks battalion showed work of ground vehicle with machine gun!

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 5:34 PM

✈️🇺🇦 A separate international squadron of F-16 fighter jets has been created within the Air Force, which includes Ukrainian and foreign pilots. These are veterans from the US and the Netherlands, who have significant combat experience, — Intelligence Online.

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:52 PM

The unit was formed in conditions of strict secrecy, and its main mission was to strengthen the air defense system of Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:52 PM

⚡️🇺🇦 Ukraine achieved its biggest battlefield gains in 2.5 years last week, — AFP

From Wednesday to Sunday last week, the Ukrainian military managed to recapture 201 km² of territory – this area is practically equivalent to the territory that Russia captured in all of December.

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:49 PM

ISW noted that Ukraine managed to regain control of small settlements along Yanchur and Haichur rivers in the Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole directions in Zaporizhzhia region.

ISW analysts believe that these successful Ukrainian counterattacks are likely related to blocking Starlink.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:49 PM

📍Map of recorded Ukrainian drone/missile incursions into Russian territory in January, – Oko Gora

🔥 32 strikes recorded:

🟢5 oil refineries;
🟢8 oil depots;
🟢2 ports;
🟢3 oil platforms;
🟢5 TPP/HPP;
🟢1 military facility;
🟢7 military-industrial complex-related enterprises;
🟢1 railway infrastructure.

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:45 PM

Prymary targeting Russian Pantsir air defence system, Nebo radar system and BK-16 coastal guard boat.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 11:04 AM

F-16 intercepts Russian Shahed.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 11:02 AM

Russian UAV operator Myroslav Simonov from the elite “Rubicon” unit has defected to Ukraine’s side. He says that after being deployed near Kupiansk and seeing how casually orders were given to execute prisoners, he went AWOL and crossed over to the Ukrainian side.
youtu.be/Xq4f8MHrl_o?…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 3:27 PM

Odesa:

🙏🇺🇦 Power outage in Odesa: drones hit substation. The neighboring residential complex “Kadorr” also caught fire, local media reported.

[image or embed]

— The Ukrainian Review (@theukrainianreview.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 6:40 PM

Russian occupied Crimea:

💥 A powerful explosion occurred near the Kirovskoye airfield, Crimea.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 5:11 PM

Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russia:

Russian propagandists are complaining about a Ukrainian offensive near Stepnohirsk. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have begun gradually pushing the Russians back, and they have started lamenting the difficulties.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 1:38 PM

The shallowed Kakhovka Reservoir is not helping much despite the 20-kilometer stretch, as the Russian channel notes that “airstrikes” in the area have increased.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 1:38 PM

Russia:

OTD in 2024 we killed Navalny. A short history of what we anti imperialists believe.

1 In 2020 a Russian in Russia, under surveillance by Russian intelligence, left a hotel in Russia & got on a Russian plane going from Russia to Russia & consumed a Russian nerve agent only Russia by the CIA.

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM

2. That “irrelevant Russian”, while in a coma, was given permission to leave Russia personally by the president of Russia so that when he returned to Russia he was arrested for leaving Russia without permission & put in a Russian jail

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM

3. That Russian, while in a maximum security Russian jail, in remote Russia, guarded by Russians, went for a walk under close surveillance by armed Russian prison guards & returned alone to his high security Russian jail cell where CIA killed him.

The end.

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 9:48 AM

Krasnodar Krai, Russia:

In celebration of Chinese New Year, a large candle has been lit by friendly drones at the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai 🔥

[image or embed]

— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 7:16 PM

😋😋😋

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 6:19 PM

Pantsir S1 in Krasnodar 💥🚀

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 5:18 PM

Footage of the Russian port of Taman burning during recent attack

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 11:03 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.

A Valentine’s Day gift: our All Hands & Hearts Gaza warehouse cat Pisa just gave birth to 2 kittens! We found Pisa pregnant & malnourished, so the Gaza team has been caring for her. We are also now supporting possibly the only vet clinic in Gaza—let me know if you want to help! 🐱🙏

[image or embed]

— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) February 14, 2026 at 11:35 AM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,453: Another Long Night/Early Morning for UkrainePost + Comments (22)

Monday Night Open Thread

by John Cole| February 16, 20269:08 pm| 46 Comments

This post is in: John Cole Presents "This Fucking Old House"

Just absolute shit weather today, overcast and threatening rain which makes my sinuses implode, the pool was closed for President’s Day, so I am extra stiff and cranky and my right shoulder hurts like hell. Other than that, everything is fine. Let’s check in on the worst fucking people in the world and see what they are up to:

Have a special MAGA birthday that could use a little star power? Need a conservative influencer for your HVAC business? Perhaps a Homeland Security adviser to facilitate your child’s potty training?

Corey Lewandowski is your guy.

President Donald Trump’s longtime loyalist is being paid by private companies and individuals to make video messages even as he wields unprecedented influence inside the Department of Homeland Security alongside his rumored lover, Kristi Noem.

As Border Patrol and TSA agents worked without pay amid the longest government shutdown in US history, Lewandowski was moonlighting as a pitchman on Cameo for businesses willing to shell out more than $500 per video, according to information on Lewandowski’s online account.

The website charges customers a fee for their chosen celebrities and political figures to record personalized video messages.

The 52-year-old’s last recorded clip was sent out on Halloween, as more than one million federal employees went without pay, according to his account. He serves at the Department of Homeland Security without a formal title as a ‘special government employee,’ a designation that has led to him not disclosing his finances while working inside the Trump administration.

In one video from last June, Lewandowski wears what appears to be an official government jacket and states, ‘Presidential Retreat. Camp David,’ as he wishes one boy a very special happy birthday.

These people are just so grotesque and shameless. Every single thing they do is a grift. Just the worst most tackiest people ever:

***

A couple academic careers have been ended over Epstein, but not enough:

Columbia University has punished two people affiliated with its dental college after documents released by the Justice Department revealed that they had bypassed the normal process to help Jeffrey Epstein’s girlfriend gain admission.

The actions taken against the two people, Dr. Thomas Magnani and Dr. Letty Moss-Salentijn, add to the fallout rippling through the worlds of academia, business, politics and beyond with the release of millions of pages of files related to Mr. Epstein.

The documents shed light on communications between Mr. Epstein and College of Dental Medicine representatives that Columbia officials knew about as of 2019, the university said in a statement on Friday.

I gotta be brutally honest- for most of my life when I heard Columbia I thought it was like the GOLD STAR of academia. I know everyone thinks of Princeton, Harvard, and Yale, but for me I thought Columbia, MIT, Berkeley were the schools I would want to go to or my kids to go to. The last couple of years have been eye opening- ratting out their own students and faculty to the feds, not giving two fucks about free speech, bending the knee to Trump, etc. I had no idea it was such a tire fire there and now makes me question the academics, which hopefully have not gone to the shitter, too. What a shame. Still better than the Republican party, which hasn’t done shit about the Epstein cohort in their ranks.

Kind of reminded me of the Manchin/Heather Bresch scandal a few years back.

***

Robert Duvall died today, and I got a bit nostalgic thinking about all the amazing roles he played and I enjoyed. Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore is still one of the coldest roles ever played in fil, just a certified psychopath. And the Godfather, of course. And the Apostle. And on and on and on. It’s kind of crazy to think about how many amazing talents with home my life has overlapped and I was lucky to witness it. Such greatness, but in 100 years maybe a few of them will be known, and in a thousand, anyone?

Every time I think about the Godfather, I think about John Cazale (Fredo), because no one can top the quality of his complete film career (it was very short). And if you think of someone who can, I want to know, because these are the only movies John Cazale appeared in:

The Godfather
The Godfather II
The Conversation
Dog Day Afternoon
The Deer Hunter

That’s bonkers. Just absolutely incredible films, every single one of them. As a side note, every time someone says something like “there were no trans people when I was a kid hurr durr” or something about trans people being a new thing because WOKE all I can think is “motherfucker Dog Day Afternoon was made in 1975.”

***

I don’t live there so I am not sure how the people there think about Gov. Spanberger, but I have seen some of her actions and I like them and like them a lot, but to me the surest sign she is doing ok is that the Republicans HATE her so obviously the NYT had the column inches to let them air their grievances in this piece, which, in my opinion, reads like a Spanberger campaign commercial:

Abigail Spanberger ran for governor of Virginia on her record as one of the most bipartisan members of the House and as a mother of three who worked undercover for the C.I.A. It was the disciplined campaign of a centrist Democrat in a purple state. Even her supporters called it boring.

Things have picked up.

In her first weeks as governor, Ms. Spanberger ended all cooperation agreements between Virginia’s state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She signed a bill for an April vote on whether to redraw Virginia’s political map ahead of the fall midterms, potentially giving Democrats an edge in 10 of the state’s 11 congressional districts compared with their 6-to-5 margin now.

Before taking office, Ms. Spanberger demanded and got the resignations of five University of Virginia board members, who all participated in a Trump White House push that removed James E. Ryan as the university’s president, largely because of his diversity efforts.

The right wing is on fire. Suddenly, to partisan critics eager to take down a Democrat whose political future is already discussed in terms of national office, she is a witch, a “Bond villain” and dangerous.

Was there something in there I was not supposed to like? Beats me. I loved this:

They already are in Richmond. “She’s the same thing as Mamdani in New York, except that Mamdani at least admits that he’s a socialist,” said Bryce E. Reeves, a Republican state senator, who said he would give Ms. Spanberger “an F for working across the aisle right now” because “none of my colleagues have seen her.”

Told of Mr. Reeves’s remarks, Ms. Spanberger reached across her desk for her cellphone and began scrolling through past messages from him. “That tone and tenor seems to differ very significantly,” she said calmly, “from his direct outreach to me at the beginning of January, and the lengthy conversation we then had.”

I think Gov. Spanberger is going to be constantly prepared to shiv someone if needs be, and I am ok with that.

***

You all be good. Joelle has had her alone time after work so now I am going to go grace her with my sparkling personality.

Monday Night Open ThreadPost + Comments (46)

The fundamental promise of conservatism all over the world is a return to an idealized past that never existed.

Come on, man.

Dear media: perhaps we ought to let Donald Trump speak for himself!

Those who are easily outraged are easily manipulated.

Black Jesus loves a paper trail.

There are more Russians standing up to Putin than Republicans.

So very ready.

Take hopelessness and turn it into resilience.

He wakes up lying, and he lies all day.

“Loving your country does not mean lying about its history.”

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

The republican caucus is covering themselves with something, and it is not glory.

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

… gradually, and then suddenly.

There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

This must be what justice looks like, not vengeful, just peaceful exuberance.

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph how is that election even close?

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

If you thought you’d already seen people saying the stupidest things possible on the internet, prepare yourselves.

It’s pointless to bring up problems that can only be solved with a time machine.

In my day, never was longer.

Fear and negativity are contagious, but so is courage!

Finding joy where we can, and muddling through where we can’t.