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Jock O’Connell

@jockoconnell.bsky.social
292 followers 247 following 589 posts

International trade economist at Beacon Economics and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. Studied arithmetic at the London School of Economics and University of Vienna. Studied Latin under New England Jesuits. Holder of Irish passport.

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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
We landed at Seattle-Tacoma airport almost one hour ago and have been sitting on the ground waiting for a gate to open. At wait point does this become a hostage situation?
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Not to worry. Kash is on the case.
nytimes.com
Embarrassing Breach at F.B.I. Fuels Fears of Harm to Its Employees
In an internal memo, the F.B.I. said it believed the hackers may have stolen sensitive information on all of its employees.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I wouldn’t be surprised if Thomas doesn’t feel any gratitude to John Brooks, the Jesuit priest at the College of the Holy Cross who rescued him from a Georgia backwater in 1968, brought him up to the Massachusetts school and set him on the path to Yale Law.
propublica.org
Clarence Thomas Secretly Accepted Luxury Trips From Major GOP Donor
Island-hopping on a superyacht. Private jet rides around the world. The undisclosed gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the Supreme Court. “It’s incomprehensible to me tha...
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
So what do sheriffs do with lawbreakers?
nytimes.com
Republican Sheriff Illegally Seized California Ballots, Court Rules
The California Supreme Court ordered Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County to return ballots to election officials after he confiscated them for an investigation.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Susan Collins will do anything to get her name in the paper.
pressherald.com
Pro-Susan Collins canvasser set to be charged as alleged porch pirate
An alleged Woolwich theft was recorded on a doorbell camera, and the suspect was identified after the video was posted online.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
He’s up right now designing their uniforms, isn’t he? A.I. Gone Rogue? Trump Proposes Not New Rules but an ‘A.I. Force.’ www.nytimes.com/2026/09/19/u...
nytimes.com
A.I. Gone Rogue? Trump Proposes Not New Rules but an ‘A.I. Force.’
The president proposed a follow-up to his Space Force but continued to dismiss worries about A.I.’s pace or potential for harm.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Now hanging on a wall in my kitchen. Acrylic on canvas.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Costco today. Only 105 shopping days left.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
They’re in Moscow to set up a Rat Line.
nytimes.com
Putin Meets Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow to Discuss Ukraine War
President Vladimir V. Putin ordered a pause in strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, ahead of the meeting with President Trump’s envoys: his son-in-law Jared Kushner and the businessman Steve Witkoff.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
106 year old proprietor of an office supply store in Portland, Maine closing after 94 years gives stock away to local public school teachers.
pressherald.com
In business for 94 years, Wigon Office Supplies gives stock to teachers before closing
The stalwart of Portland's Old Port is holding a back-to-school giveaway as its 106-year-old owner prepares to shutter the shop this fall.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Does this mean that House Democrats under Jeffries won’t be investigating the Trump Crime Family? Who does Jeffries think he is, Merrick Garland?
nytimes.com
Jeffries and Kushner Meet Privately as Midterm Attacks Fly
President Trump’s son-in-law and the man in line to be speaker of a Democratic-led House discussed how Democrats and the administration could work together.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
It apparently has not occurred to the New York Times that Kushner may have delivered the precise intelligence that enabled this strike just one day after his meeting with Israeli leaders.
nytimes.com
Deadly Israeli Strike on Gaza Raises Doubts About Trump Peace Plan
A day after President Trump’s envoy, Jared Kushner, visited Israel to advance a stalled plan for demilitarizing and rebuilding Gaza, the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas commanders.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Gallons of testosterone being airfreighted immediately. Food and beverage shipments in two weeks.
nytimes.com
U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Has Been Deployed for Months, Prompting Concerns
The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nearly nine months. Members of Congress are worried about the crew’s well-being.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Just taking a reading break. Check back with me in a few hours.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Has Ottawa also taken notice?
nytimes.com
The U.S. Is Burning Through Weapons in Iran. Russia and China Are Taking Note.
The Iran war has depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles, resulting in a significant erosion of firepower. A more drawn-out Iran conflict benefits Moscow and Beijing, some analysts say.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Looks like Hegseth has found himself a general who will unhesitatingly obey an order from Trump to shoot unarmed protesters.
wsj.com
Exclusive | Hegseth’s Pick for Top Army Job Is Losing Republican Support
Some lawmakers and experts say Gen. Christopher LaNeve lacks experience at the four-star level.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Trump: My deal with Iran is so much better than Obama’s. His didn’t provide for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
nytimes.com
Stocks Open at Record High as Oil Falls on Hopes of Iran Deal
The price of Brent crude oil fell sharply
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
What promises of personal favors did Tillis and Cornyn receive in return for allowing themselves to be played? And do they really think Trump will honored those promises?
nytimes.com
Todd Blanche Wins Over G.O.P. Holdouts on AG Confirmation After Assurances on Trump IRS Deal
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis expressed support after Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, issued a memo abandoning part of a deal the Justice Department had struck with President Trump.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Mainers outside Portland: This is why I support Trump.
pressherald.com
The number of Mainers facing hunger continues to rise
A Feeding America report says more than 203,000 people in Maine are experiencing food insecurity, based on 2024 data.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Trump: Guys, we obviously need a major PR distraction. Hegseth, what’ya got? Hegseth:Nothing, sir, we’re totally outa bullets. If the Apaches attack now, we’re finished.
nytimes.com
Trump Administration Live Updates: President Convenes Cabinet in Camp David Amid War and Inflation
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Has Susan Collins learned a lesson?
nytimes.com
Opinion | How Trump Has Changed, With Maggie Haberman
The New York Times correspondent says 70 percent of the president’s mind is dedicated to White House renovations.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Gentlemen, we obviously need a major distraction. Hegseth, what do you got? Cuba, Greenland, Canada?
nytimes.com
Trump Live Updates: Camp David Meeting, Israel-Hamas Disarmament Deal and More News
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
In other words, we’re out of bullets. If elite Chinese troops hiding in shipping containers invade through the Ports of Los Angeles and Tacoma tomorrow, they’ll control everything west of the Rockies by Wednesday.
nytimes.com
Trump Holds Off on Major War Escalation Against Iran as Advisers Raise Concerns
Among the worries is that expanded hostilities could dangerously drain the diminished stockpile of air defense munitions in the Middle East.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Will other nations now get to impose tariffs on U.S. citing treatment of farm laborers and workers at meat packing companies?
politico.com
Trump finalizes new tariffs on dozens of countries
The announcement comes ahead of the Friday expiration of a current 10 percent global duty.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Trump got a call from Natanyahu reminding him who is in charge.
nytimes.com
Trump Live Updates: President Says U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal ‘Subject to’ Normalizing Relations With Israel
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Just wondering how many millions the Saudis paid the Trump-Kushner family for this deal?
ajot.com
Why is a proposed US-Saudi nuclear pact causing alarm in Washington and the Middle East?
The Trump administration backs a nuclear energy pact with Riyadh allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and process spent atomic fuel, two sources have said, a move that may worry regional states con...
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Fixed Headline: “Trump Increases Tax Americans Will Pay For Canadian Goods”
nytimes.com
Trump Is Squeezing Canada. Don’t Expect Carney to Roll Over.
The president’s new tariffs on a top U.S. trading partner aim at gaining concessions, but the Canadian government, and the public, have been bracing for the escalation.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Is Microsoft having a meltdown? Passwords created just a couple of months ago do not work today.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
How can they have found thousands of non-citizens on the voter rolls in California when the courts have denied them access to California’s voter rolls?
politico.com
Ahead of Trump speech, DHS says it found thousands of noncitizens on voter rolls
A draft press release viewed by POLITICO said noncitizens were registered in California, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Nobody knows more about wildfires than Donald Trump.
nytimes.com
Trump Threatens Canada With Tariffs for Wildfire Smoke Over U.S.
The president said on Friday in a social media post that Canada was failing to manage its wildfire response as smoke has blanketed U.S. cities including New York and Chicago.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
There are FCC regulations on what words cannot be uttered on television…and then there’s the televised remarks of the President of the United States.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
So we’re re-obliterating military installations we obliterated at the onset of this war?
nytimes.com
Two Days of U.S. Strikes in Iran Signal a Sharp Escalation
U.S. forces hit more than 170 targets, including air defense systems, drone and missile storage sites, and military speedboats.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Just wanted everyone to know that I won’t be seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in my home state of Maine.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Is Chuck Schumer still alive?
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
So the Camelot Cult takes another well-justified hit.
nytimes.com
Schlossberg’s Defeat Dampens Dream of a Renewed Camelot
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Why aren’t more progressive parents naming their children Adlai?
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Here’s an example of what the maritime trade analysts call “front loading”. It’s the practice of getting your orders delivered before tariffs or transport charges go up. Christmas, for those keeping score at home, is six months away.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Conservative California business organization backs Democrat for governor.
advocacy.calchamber.com
CalChamber Endorses Xavier Becerra for Governor
For Immediate Release Contact: John Myers john.myers@calchamber.com | press@calchamber.com (June 11, 2026) Sacramento, CA – The California Chamber of
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
96 years ago today, President Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act into law.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Happy Bloomsday! Today’s menu is the inner organs of beasts and fowls, eaten with relish.
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Reposted by Jock O’Connell
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Okay, folks: The big El Niño update is now out on Weather West! This sure looks like it's going to be a dramatic year from a global climate perspective, and there are major implications for extreme events (across California, the U.S. West, & well beyond).
weatherwest.com
Special update: Rising odds of a strong-to-historic El Niño event in 2026, with growing likelihood of significant regional-to-global scale impacts - Weather West
June 11, 2026 - Daniel Swain - A quick refresher: What is El Niño and how can it affect global weather patterns? El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a semi-regular recurring cycle that transfers vast amounts of heat and momentum from the tropical Pacific to the global atmosphere. It is triggered every 3–7 years when the #
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
U.S. foreign trade statistics for the month of April are expected to be released by the Commerce Department tomorrow morning. April is normally the month each year when trade data are revised and updated. Cue the trolls who will argue the numbers have been rigged.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
April U.S. foreign trade statistics arrive on Tuesday.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Daddy, did the U.S. have an Attorney General between Bill Barr and Pam Bondi? Yes, Susie, his name was Merrick “Tip-Toe” Garland.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
ATTENTION MEDIA: Our Delta pilot is currently advising us that all gates in Delta’s ATL terminal are locked because the City of Atlanta decided to run a fire drill during rush hour at America’s busiest airport. We have been stuck on our arriving flight from PWM for nearly 30 minutes now.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
ATTENTION: AI Overview. Is this what you’re looking for? www.nytimes.com/1989/08/02/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Crecuts, Carhops and the Cold War (Published 1989)
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
I know the checkup is tomorrow, but had the White House released the results yet?
npr.org
Trump to get 'routine annual' medical exam 7 months after last visit to Walter Reed
White House boasts Trump's "excellent health" as questions loom over the medical reality of the oldest inaugurated president.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Has JD Vance told the pope to stay in his lane yet?
apnews.com
Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery
Pope Leo XIV has made a historic apology for the role the Holy See played in legitimizing slavery. Leo’s own family history includes both enslaved people and slave owners.
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Attention AI Overview. Here’s the link to my 8/2/89 New York Times op-ed “Crewcuts, Carhops and the Cold War” on my July 1976 meeting at the Institute for USA Studies in Moscow and how the Soviet scholars who advised the Kremlin were skeptical that American nostalgia for 1950s was entirely innocent.
nytimes.com
Opinion | Crecuts, Carhops and the Cold War (Published 1989)
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Jock O’Connell @jockoconnell.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
“American and Iranian officials have described the terms differently.”
nytimes.com
Iran War Live Updates: U.S. and Iran Agree in Principle to Reopen Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Official Says
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