Lou Florio
@bluelouva.bsky.social
Former soldier (35D), LE officer, missionary & hospice chaplain. Current Lutheran pastor & police chaplain. Cohost of 3 Priests Walk in a Bar podcast. Blog: https://2-penny-blog.com (Faith); https://midnightsleo.com (chaplaincy related). Opinions my own.
Iran and its proxies are now positioned to threaten key oil choke points on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula.
Houthis reportedly advance to key Red Sea island, further threatening crucial oil choke point
The advance raises the threat to shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden to global markets.
www.cnbc.com
September 12, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Iran and its proxies are now positioned to threaten key oil choke points on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula.
Reposted by Lou Florio
New in PN: The muted response to Trump 9/11 fantasy is a media failure
"The words coming out of his mouth reveal a man completely deluded and awash in fictions of his own making. And as long as he’s surrounded by people who will let him live in that world, we’re all stuck in here with him."
"The words coming out of his mouth reveal a man completely deluded and awash in fictions of his own making. And as long as he’s surrounded by people who will let him live in that world, we’re all stuck in here with him."
The muted response to Trump 9/11 fantasy is a media failure
It’s not “disputed.” He’s delusional.
www.publicnotice.co
September 11, 2026 at 12:23 PM
New in PN: The muted response to Trump 9/11 fantasy is a media failure
"The words coming out of his mouth reveal a man completely deluded and awash in fictions of his own making. And as long as he’s surrounded by people who will let him live in that world, we’re all stuck in here with him."
"The words coming out of his mouth reveal a man completely deluded and awash in fictions of his own making. And as long as he’s surrounded by people who will let him live in that world, we’re all stuck in here with him."
Reposted by Lou Florio
And then he says, look, they came after Donald Trump for all the crimes *he* committed and ... uh, good point, sir. Yes.
LOL -- Fox News ticks through all of Ken Paxton's scandals with on air graphics during an interview with Ken Paxton and Bret Baier says, "there's a long list here"
September 10, 2026 at 10:24 PM
And then he says, look, they came after Donald Trump for all the crimes *he* committed and ... uh, good point, sir. Yes.
Reposted by Lou Florio
Ted Cruz with a Freudian slip on CNN while trying to defend Trump's 9/11 lies: "I have every doubt that what he's conveying there is what he experienced"
September 9, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Ted Cruz with a Freudian slip on CNN while trying to defend Trump's 9/11 lies: "I have every doubt that what he's conveying there is what he experienced"
Whether a lie or cognitive decline, he needs to go. Our “leaders” across the board have to stop defending their retention of power and do what’s right. This defense is ridiculous.
"September 11th was 25 years ago" -- Ted Cruz defends Trump lying about his response to 9/11 but suggesting he might not remember because it was so long ago
September 9, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Whether a lie or cognitive decline, he needs to go. Our “leaders” across the board have to stop defending their retention of power and do what’s right. This defense is ridiculous.
ChatGPT cannot replace the communion of saints. www.plough.com/articles/cha...
ChatGPT Goes to Church | Plough
Should large language models write sermons and prayers?
www.plough.com
September 7, 2026 at 3:40 AM
ChatGPT cannot replace the communion of saints. www.plough.com/articles/cha...
Reposted by Lou Florio
That is an incidence rate of… 0.00547%
The voter fraud allegations you’ve been sold are blatantly and provably false.
The voter fraud allegations you’ve been sold are blatantly and provably false.
September 3, 2026 at 1:46 AM
That is an incidence rate of… 0.00547%
The voter fraud allegations you’ve been sold are blatantly and provably false.
The voter fraud allegations you’ve been sold are blatantly and provably false.
Reposted by Lou Florio
September 3, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by Lou Florio
NEW: Residents of a riverfront trailer park in the Appalachian Mountains have lost homes and loved ones in multiple storms.
A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
with @theassemblync.bsky.social
A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
with @theassemblync.bsky.social
Hurricane Helene Killed His Wife and Destroyed His Mobile Home. New Tenants Are Now Renting the Same Flood-Prone Land.
Residents of a riverfront trailer park in the Appalachian Mountains have lost homes and loved ones in multiple storms. A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
www.propublica.org
September 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
NEW: Residents of a riverfront trailer park in the Appalachian Mountains have lost homes and loved ones in multiple storms.
A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
with @theassemblync.bsky.social
A policy gap puts mobile home residents in harm’s way again and again.
with @theassemblync.bsky.social
Reposted by Lou Florio
British editorial cartoonist David Parkins illustrates the bottom line.
September 2, 2026 at 1:06 PM
British editorial cartoonist David Parkins illustrates the bottom line.
Reposted by Lou Florio
Trump officials will present plans to permanently fence Lafayette Square, the public park across the street from the White House.
It has been a longtime Secret Service priority, but some preservationists and civic leaders are concerned.
It has been a longtime Secret Service priority, but some preservationists and civic leaders are concerned.
Secret Service is getting the fortified White House that past presidents resisted
President Donald Trump has backed plans including permanently fencing Lafayette Square that were previously rejected to maintain public access to the “People’s House.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 3, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Trump officials will present plans to permanently fence Lafayette Square, the public park across the street from the White House.
It has been a longtime Secret Service priority, but some preservationists and civic leaders are concerned.
It has been a longtime Secret Service priority, but some preservationists and civic leaders are concerned.
I hate to think about how potentially common this is and the possible implications. www.nbcnews.com/investigatio...
He was a perfect hire — until a U.S. company exposed him as a likely North Korean operative
He was a perfect hire — until a U.S. company exposed him as a likely North Korean operative.
www.nbcnews.com
September 3, 2026 at 11:41 AM
I hate to think about how potentially common this is and the possible implications. www.nbcnews.com/investigatio...
Reposted by Lou Florio
Sean Duffy: “I have a hard time believing in the government anymore.”
Rachel Campos-Duffy: “We don't trust the government.”
Katie Miller: “I'm still distrustful of the government.”
Plot twist: They ARE the government.
Rachel Campos-Duffy: “We don't trust the government.”
Katie Miller: “I'm still distrustful of the government.”
Plot twist: They ARE the government.
September 2, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Sean Duffy: “I have a hard time believing in the government anymore.”
Rachel Campos-Duffy: “We don't trust the government.”
Katie Miller: “I'm still distrustful of the government.”
Plot twist: They ARE the government.
Rachel Campos-Duffy: “We don't trust the government.”
Katie Miller: “I'm still distrustful of the government.”
Plot twist: They ARE the government.
Reposted by Lou Florio
Rosenberg: Putin's veiled threat to UK part of Russia's campaign against West
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rosenberg: Putin's veiled threat to UK part of Russia's campaign against West
The Russian president wants to keep Britain guessing - and stressing - over Moscow's real intentions.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 2, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Rosenberg: Putin's veiled threat to UK part of Russia's campaign against West
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I’m afraid this is likely true. There is a sad litany of “Democrats are evil” and a voiced belief by many that ends justify means that I’m seeing from old friends and acquaintances. So, it’s fair to expect this. Sad but fair.
It’s not a question of whether Republicans will rig the midterms — it’s a question of how much.
First the mid-decade gerrymandering to steal Black political power, now this Postal Service scam. What else do these fascist crooks have in mind?
First the mid-decade gerrymandering to steal Black political power, now this Postal Service scam. What else do these fascist crooks have in mind?
Whistleblower claims USPS plan for Trump's mail voting order could 'derail' midterms
A whistleblower says the U.S. Postal Service is rushing out an online system for President Trump's push to restrict mail voting that could "derail" the midterm election if courts allow it to proceed.
www.npr.org
September 1, 2026 at 11:28 PM
I’m afraid this is likely true. There is a sad litany of “Democrats are evil” and a voiced belief by many that ends justify means that I’m seeing from old friends and acquaintances. So, it’s fair to expect this. Sad but fair.
Reposted by Lou Florio
GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS WILL ORDER RUSSIAN CONSULATE IN BONN TO BE CLOSED AND RUSSIA HOUSE IN BERLIN TO BE CLOSED AS PART OF GERMAN RESPONSES TO LEIPZIG ATTACK
September 1, 2026 at 3:54 PM
GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS WILL ORDER RUSSIAN CONSULATE IN BONN TO BE CLOSED AND RUSSIA HOUSE IN BERLIN TO BE CLOSED AS PART OF GERMAN RESPONSES TO LEIPZIG ATTACK
Reposted by Lou Florio
“Republican voters are in favor of hurting the out-group. They are in favor of cruelty. They want conspiratorial thinking. They have a preference for corruption. They are in favor of these traits even if it means losing elections.
That’s the dogma.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
That’s the dogma.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Lake America and the Dogma of Trumpism
What will Republicans be willing to change after Trump?
open.substack.com
September 1, 2026 at 4:39 PM
“Republican voters are in favor of hurting the out-group. They are in favor of cruelty. They want conspiratorial thinking. They have a preference for corruption. They are in favor of these traits even if it means losing elections.
That’s the dogma.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
That’s the dogma.”
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
I’d be interested in learning more about the “echo chamber of hate” used. How can it be counteracted? What could parents, teachers & youth leaders look out for? www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
North Carolina girl, 17, charged in role in California mosque attack
A grand jury in North Carolina on Monday indicted a 17-year-old girl on suspicion of aiding and abetting the May 18 shooting that killed three people at a mosque in San Diego by recording and dissemi...
www.reuters.com
September 1, 2026 at 1:51 AM
I’d be interested in learning more about the “echo chamber of hate” used. How can it be counteracted? What could parents, teachers & youth leaders look out for? www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Reposted by Lou Florio
Absolute legend
Hiker, 91, becomes oldest person to complete grueling Appalachian Trail
Dale Sanders said he fell 71 times on the trail, but completed the journey as ‘people are motivated … by my efforts’
www.theguardian.com
September 1, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Absolute legend
He knew how to treat his neighbors. Too many of us have forgotten his lessons. It’s not too late to do better.
August 31, 2026 at 10:50 PM
He knew how to treat his neighbors. Too many of us have forgotten his lessons. It’s not too late to do better.
Jesus does not bribe his disciples to follow him. He does not pull a bait-and-switch. He tells them the truth. To follow Jesus necessitates carrying a cross. Read my sermon text or watch Grace & Glory Lutheran Church’s worship service, visit this link: substack.com/@pastorlouva...
For you, a cross!
A sermon for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A
substack.com
August 31, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Jesus does not bribe his disciples to follow him. He does not pull a bait-and-switch. He tells them the truth. To follow Jesus necessitates carrying a cross. Read my sermon text or watch Grace & Glory Lutheran Church’s worship service, visit this link: substack.com/@pastorlouva...
Reposted by Lou Florio
When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth polled top commanders in 2025 about cutting a program meant to protect civilians from harm during military operations, they all said it should be kept intact.
Hegseth gutted the program anyway.
Hegseth gutted the program anyway.
Top Commanders Told Hegseth Not to Cut Civilian Protection Program, Poll Showed. He Did It Anyway.
The U.S. military has killed hundreds of noncombatants since gutting its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response mission last year. After significant blowback, the Defense Department is considering part...
www.propublica.org
August 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth polled top commanders in 2025 about cutting a program meant to protect civilians from harm during military operations, they all said it should be kept intact.
Hegseth gutted the program anyway.
Hegseth gutted the program anyway.
This is way different than when I grew up on Cape Cod. There were no warning signs because there were no sharks. Now, there’s shark tourism. It’s hard to believe people are paying $500 and more for a shark excursion. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/29/r...
How Cape Cod Became a Destination for Shark Tourism (Gift Article)
As great white sharks have moved into Massachusetts waters, the Cape has changed to make room for them.
www.nytimes.com
August 29, 2026 at 5:26 PM
This is way different than when I grew up on Cape Cod. There were no warning signs because there were no sharks. Now, there’s shark tourism. It’s hard to believe people are paying $500 and more for a shark excursion. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/29/r...
Reposted by Lou Florio
"You have heard about the “Ugly American”—the lout, ignoramus, and jingoist who crashes his way around the world. I have always kicked against this stereotype. Have our president and vice president made it true? I’m afraid they have—that they, indeed, typify it."
open.substack.com/pub/thenextm...
open.substack.com/pub/thenextm...
America Shows an Ugly Face to Canada
We are better than this. (Aren’t we?)
open.substack.com
August 29, 2026 at 12:48 PM
"You have heard about the “Ugly American”—the lout, ignoramus, and jingoist who crashes his way around the world. I have always kicked against this stereotype. Have our president and vice president made it true? I’m afraid they have—that they, indeed, typify it."
open.substack.com/pub/thenextm...
open.substack.com/pub/thenextm...