John Koester
@johnkoester.bsky.social
Motorcycles are good. Dogs are better. I have mixed opinions on humans.
Other things I like, my lovely wife, our sunny and warm straw bale home, the night sky.
Other things I like, my lovely wife, our sunny and warm straw bale home, the night sky.
Reposted by John Koester
Zohran Mamdani released 170K documents revealing that post-9/11 asbestos levels remained dangerous for months, despite officials saying the air was safe.
As we saw at the start of COVID, officials still treat essential workers as expendable.
This is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
As we saw at the start of COVID, officials still treat essential workers as expendable.
This is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
September 8, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Zohran Mamdani released 170K documents revealing that post-9/11 asbestos levels remained dangerous for months, despite officials saying the air was safe.
As we saw at the start of COVID, officials still treat essential workers as expendable.
This is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
As we saw at the start of COVID, officials still treat essential workers as expendable.
This is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
Reposted by John Koester
ICE turned a busy Hyattsville intersection into an armed threat against everyone watching. One goon’s handgun falls into the street. After recovering it, the goon stands with the weapon drawn toward bystanders.
When people challenge another masked goon, he responds: "You want to be next?"
When people challenge another masked goon, he responds: "You want to be next?"
August 17, 2026 at 12:13 PM
ICE turned a busy Hyattsville intersection into an armed threat against everyone watching. One goon’s handgun falls into the street. After recovering it, the goon stands with the weapon drawn toward bystanders.
When people challenge another masked goon, he responds: "You want to be next?"
When people challenge another masked goon, he responds: "You want to be next?"
Reposted by John Koester
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, these panels supply the town with electricity, which is needed for its water supply, and Israel destroyed homes, roads and olive trees as well.
April 26, 2026 at 10:35 AM
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, these panels supply the town with electricity, which is needed for its water supply, and Israel destroyed homes, roads and olive trees as well.
Reposted by John Koester
The Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of presidential records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed. n.pr/4sIYv9O
Who owns presidential records? Trump's Justice Department says it's him
The Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of presidential records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed.
n.pr
April 20, 2026 at 9:38 AM
The Trump administration asserts a nearly 50-year-old law requiring the preservation of presidential records is unconstitutional. Historians warn important papers could be destroyed. n.pr/4sIYv9O
Reposted by John Koester
WATCH: “They preach freedom of speech and non-censorship, but this was my experience.”
The Georgia student who asked JD Vance about Epstein describes how hard they tried to screen his question and hand-pick the questioners.
The Georgia student who asked JD Vance about Epstein describes how hard they tried to screen his question and hand-pick the questioners.
April 17, 2026 at 12:31 PM
WATCH: “They preach freedom of speech and non-censorship, but this was my experience.”
The Georgia student who asked JD Vance about Epstein describes how hard they tried to screen his question and hand-pick the questioners.
The Georgia student who asked JD Vance about Epstein describes how hard they tried to screen his question and hand-pick the questioners.
Reposted by John Koester
I sent a classified letter to House and Senate colleagues about a secret interpretation of surveillance law that every American should be concerned about.
Representative Massie is right. The Constitution requires EVERY member to vote against a clean reauthorization.
Representative Massie is right. The Constitution requires EVERY member to vote against a clean reauthorization.
April 16, 2026 at 11:47 PM
I sent a classified letter to House and Senate colleagues about a secret interpretation of surveillance law that every American should be concerned about.
Representative Massie is right. The Constitution requires EVERY member to vote against a clean reauthorization.
Representative Massie is right. The Constitution requires EVERY member to vote against a clean reauthorization.
I imagine Hitler was bad for tourism as well.
Now 14 months in, Canada’s rejection of the U.S. is the most successful tourism boycott in memory.
Canadians Visiting U.S. By Car Down 35% In 2 Years
Now 14 months in, Canada’s rejection of the U.S. is the most successful tourism boycott in memory.
www.forbes.com
April 14, 2026 at 6:19 PM
I imagine Hitler was bad for tourism as well.
Reposted by John Koester
Pamela Dorn sued Prospect Medical in 2024 after her husband died while under its care.
But because the now-bankrupt hospital chain never set aside money to self-insure malpractice claims, she may never have a chance to hold Prospect accountable.
By @peterelkind.bsky.social
But because the now-bankrupt hospital chain never set aside money to self-insure malpractice claims, she may never have a chance to hold Prospect accountable.
By @peterelkind.bsky.social
For-Profit Hospital Chain Never Put Aside Money for Malpractice Insurance to Compensate Injured Patients
Eager to save money, Prospect Medical promised to “self-insure” malpractice claims brought against its doctors and hospitals. The chain’s bankruptcy now threatens to leave hundreds of patients whose claims are pending with no recourse.
www.propublica.org
April 9, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Pamela Dorn sued Prospect Medical in 2024 after her husband died while under its care.
But because the now-bankrupt hospital chain never set aside money to self-insure malpractice claims, she may never have a chance to hold Prospect accountable.
By @peterelkind.bsky.social
But because the now-bankrupt hospital chain never set aside money to self-insure malpractice claims, she may never have a chance to hold Prospect accountable.
By @peterelkind.bsky.social
Reposted by John Koester
Calls are increasing inside Congress for investigations into the prediction market platform Polymarket after the latest instance where groups of anonymous traders made strategic, well-timed bets on a major geopolitical event hours before it occurred. n.pr/41Zphja
Well-timed bets on Polymarket tied to the Iran war draw calls for investigations from lawmakers
Calls are increasing inside Congress for investigations into the prediction market platform Polymarket after the latest instance where groups of anonymous traders made strategic, well-timed bets on a major geopolitical event hours before it occurred.
n.pr
April 10, 2026 at 7:41 AM
Calls are increasing inside Congress for investigations into the prediction market platform Polymarket after the latest instance where groups of anonymous traders made strategic, well-timed bets on a major geopolitical event hours before it occurred. n.pr/41Zphja
Reposted by John Koester
The DOJ quietly closed 23,000+ criminal cases in the first six months of Trump’s second administration, abandoning hundreds of investigations into terrorism, white-collar crime, drugs and other offenses as it shifted resources to pursue immigration cases.
🔗 Full story: https://propub.li/4e5vZLL
🔗 Full story: https://propub.li/4e5vZLL
April 6, 2026 at 1:00 AM
The DOJ quietly closed 23,000+ criminal cases in the first six months of Trump’s second administration, abandoning hundreds of investigations into terrorism, white-collar crime, drugs and other offenses as it shifted resources to pursue immigration cases.
🔗 Full story: https://propub.li/4e5vZLL
🔗 Full story: https://propub.li/4e5vZLL
Reposted by John Koester
"The strike is mostly led by immigrant workers," union leader Kim Kordova says of the historic JBS strike in Colorado. "This workforce is made up of workers that speak around 57 different languages from all over the world, doing this really important work, feeding our communities."
Immigrant Workers in Colorado Lead “Historic Strike” at JBS, Largest U.S. Meat Processor
More than 3,000 meatpacking workers in Greeley, Colorado, have been on strike since mid-March, the first major labor strike in the U.S. meatpacking industry since 1985. Workers at JBS USA, the U.S. su...
www.democracynow.org
April 4, 2026 at 11:36 AM
"The strike is mostly led by immigrant workers," union leader Kim Kordova says of the historic JBS strike in Colorado. "This workforce is made up of workers that speak around 57 different languages from all over the world, doing this really important work, feeding our communities."
Reposted by John Koester
Revlimid has its origin in a pill that cost patients $7.50 each.
Decades later, the cancer drug costs more than $18,000 for a month’s supply — even though it still only costs about 25 cents to manufacture.
(Published May 2025)
Decades later, the cancer drug costs more than $18,000 for a month’s supply — even though it still only costs about 25 cents to manufacture.
(Published May 2025)
The Price of Remission: This Cancer Drug Saves Lives — but Costs a Fortune. I Wanted to Know Why.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I set out to understand why a single pill of Revlimid cost the same as a new iPhone. I’ve covered high drug prices as a reporter for years. What I discovered shocked ...
www.propublica.org
April 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Revlimid has its origin in a pill that cost patients $7.50 each.
Decades later, the cancer drug costs more than $18,000 for a month’s supply — even though it still only costs about 25 cents to manufacture.
(Published May 2025)
Decades later, the cancer drug costs more than $18,000 for a month’s supply — even though it still only costs about 25 cents to manufacture.
(Published May 2025)
Reposted by John Koester
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes
Learn how to request your health insurance claim file, which can include details about what your insurer is saying about you and your case.
www.propublica.org
April 4, 2026 at 3:15 AM
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
It's disgraceful how this country treats it's service members.
“They were going to come. It was going to be a big thing. We were going to go to the beach right after. All those plans had to go out the window because they said ICE would be here."
Some Marines graduate without their parents' presence amid ICE fears
News that ICE would be stationed outside Marine Corps graduation events upended family plans, elicited national reaction and drew out protesters, including Marine veterans.
www.nbcnews.com
April 4, 2026 at 2:24 PM
It's disgraceful how this country treats it's service members.
Reposted by John Koester
FOX NEWS: Why isn't Trump involved in trying to end the government shutdown?
MIKE JOHNSON: I think he is involved
FOX NEWS: He shot down the plan yesterday
JOHNSON: Well, that's what's been reported
FOX NEWS: He said it in the Oval Office
MIKE JOHNSON: I think he is involved
FOX NEWS: He shot down the plan yesterday
JOHNSON: Well, that's what's been reported
FOX NEWS: He said it in the Oval Office
March 25, 2026 at 2:39 PM
FOX NEWS: Why isn't Trump involved in trying to end the government shutdown?
MIKE JOHNSON: I think he is involved
FOX NEWS: He shot down the plan yesterday
JOHNSON: Well, that's what's been reported
FOX NEWS: He said it in the Oval Office
MIKE JOHNSON: I think he is involved
FOX NEWS: He shot down the plan yesterday
JOHNSON: Well, that's what's been reported
FOX NEWS: He said it in the Oval Office
Reposted by John Koester
Oh Florida simply doesn't allow fraud, why haven't other states tried that.
Q: President Trump has railed against mail in voting, but yesterday he voted by mail in Florida. How do you square that?
JOHNSON: Look, I think some states have handled mail-in balloting well. Florida is a good example of that. They don't allow fraud. That's not true in other parts of the country.
JOHNSON: Look, I think some states have handled mail-in balloting well. Florida is a good example of that. They don't allow fraud. That's not true in other parts of the country.
March 25, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Oh Florida simply doesn't allow fraud, why haven't other states tried that.
Reposted by John Koester
In a sense Bianco (14%) is polling 3rd after Scott Hilton (16%, 2nd) and Undecided (1st at 24%) - in this latest poll Porter, Swalwell, and Steyer are each tied at 10%
We have to hope that the undecided vote breaks for one of the top 3 Dem candidates
We have to hope that the undecided vote breaks for one of the top 3 Dem candidates
March 25, 2026 at 3:06 PM
In a sense Bianco (14%) is polling 3rd after Scott Hilton (16%, 2nd) and Undecided (1st at 24%) - in this latest poll Porter, Swalwell, and Steyer are each tied at 10%
We have to hope that the undecided vote breaks for one of the top 3 Dem candidates
We have to hope that the undecided vote breaks for one of the top 3 Dem candidates
Reposted by John Koester
Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud Dept.-Kinda sounds like he's admitting he interfered in the election with VERY specific statistics.
I quit Twitter because he bought it, way before his confession he stole the election for the Orange Atrocity. 🍊💩
Now I'm SURE I made the right decision! 👍
I quit Twitter because he bought it, way before his confession he stole the election for the Orange Atrocity. 🍊💩
Now I'm SURE I made the right decision! 👍
March 25, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud Dept.-Kinda sounds like he's admitting he interfered in the election with VERY specific statistics.
I quit Twitter because he bought it, way before his confession he stole the election for the Orange Atrocity. 🍊💩
Now I'm SURE I made the right decision! 👍
I quit Twitter because he bought it, way before his confession he stole the election for the Orange Atrocity. 🍊💩
Now I'm SURE I made the right decision! 👍
Hit them where it hurts, their privilege.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Delta suspends special service perk for Congress members amid DHS funding battle
Airline CEOs have urged Congress to restore funding to the TSA as lengthy security lines plague US airports
www.theguardian.com
March 24, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Hit them where it hurts, their privilege.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by John Koester
The FBI Agents Association honors Robert Mueller, a “lifelong public servant,” a “decorated Marine,” and a “Vietnam veteran” who “played an important role in strengthening its ability to confront evolving national security threats.“
They rep 14K active and retired agents.
They rep 14K active and retired agents.
March 21, 2026 at 8:54 PM
The FBI Agents Association honors Robert Mueller, a “lifelong public servant,” a “decorated Marine,” and a “Vietnam veteran” who “played an important role in strengthening its ability to confront evolving national security threats.“
They rep 14K active and retired agents.
They rep 14K active and retired agents.
Reposted by John Koester
Holy shit we might have a cure for sickle cell anemia
Thompson's hematologist at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Robert A. Brodsky, published a study revealing that the research now has an overall 94% disease-free survival rate.
"[A cure is now] available to the majority, almost the entirety, of sickle cell patients.”
#GoodNews #BlackSky 🌱
"[A cure is now] available to the majority, almost the entirety, of sickle cell patients.”
#GoodNews #BlackSky 🌱
Woman Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at 2-Months-Old Wakes Up with No Pain for the First Time in Her Life After New Treatment
Tatyana Thompson, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was 2 months old, was successfully cured of the disease after she participated in Johns Hopkins research on sickle cell treatment.
people.com
March 21, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Holy shit we might have a cure for sickle cell anemia
Reposted by John Koester
Tump’s latest tweet about Robert Mueller is pure evil. But we can’t let this bring us down. Now’s the time to stand firm, speak up, and fight for what's right. Don't let it drain you. Keep fighting for what matters.
March 21, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Tump’s latest tweet about Robert Mueller is pure evil. But we can’t let this bring us down. Now’s the time to stand firm, speak up, and fight for what's right. Don't let it drain you. Keep fighting for what matters.
Reposted by John Koester
Washington state just passed a law banning law enforcement (including federal ICE agents) from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed it Thursday and it took effect immediately.
March 21, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Washington state just passed a law banning law enforcement (including federal ICE agents) from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed it Thursday and it took effect immediately.