Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 3d

This program rescued Army recruiting.
My story from a really inspiring week at Ft. Jackson, S.C.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/u... www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/u...

This Program Rescued Army Recruiting

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 3d

My story on the program the fascinating program that saved Army recruiting and the trainees it is helping become soldiers. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/u...

This Program Rescued Army Recruiting

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 3d

Hegseth credits a "Trump Bump, but this program rescued Army recruiting.
My story from Ft. Jackson, S.C.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/u...

This Program Rescued Army Recruiting

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Greg Jaffe

Hamed Aleaziz @haleaziz.bsky.social · 6d

ICE had made only 85 arrests in Washington from Jan. 20 through the end of July. But from early August until mid-September, ICE made around 1,200 arrests, according to officials with knowledge of the data.

We detail how that happened:

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/u...

How Washington Became a Testing Ground for ICE

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 6d

The best posture for the American military in febrile political times is inertness. They cannot save us …and we should neither want nor expect them to.” via @kschake.bsky.social
foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/01/t...

Trump’s Speech to Generals Was Incitement to Violence Against Americans

Military leaders’ quiet professionalism offers hope amid a maelstrom.

foreignpolicy.com

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Reposted by Greg Jaffe

The New York Times @nytimes.com · 7d

After 9/11, U.S. Special Forces were hailed as national heroes. Some crossed legal and moral lines. Mathew Golsteyn became the subject of national controversy after he was accused of killing a civilian he claims was a Taliban bomb maker. He shared his story for the first time. nyti.ms/4nWsvwY

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 7d

Senior officers, entrusted to manage complex military operations, were summoned from around the world.
They got a lecture on fitness and grooming standards.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/u...

A Novice Defense Secretary Lectures the Brass on What It Takes to Win

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 7d

A Novice Defense Secretary Lectures the Brass on What It Takes to Win.
My news analysis of Hegseth's speech. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/u...

A Novice Defense Secretary Lectures the Brass on What It Takes to Win

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 17d

Mostly just that we’ll keep doing our jobs.

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · 25d

It’s comforting because it looks a bit like his old uniform!

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Sep 7

He fits the age demographic for a print subscription!

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 29

The Pentagon is restoring a portrait of Gen. Robert E. Lee, which includes a slave guiding the Confederate general’s horse in the background, to the West Point library three years after a congressionally mandated commission ordered it removed, officials said.

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/u...

Pentagon Is Reinstalling Portrait of Confederate General at West Point Library

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 28

It’s a great piece. But it’s also nuts to me that we have to grant anonymity to experts in Baroque design. C’mon people!

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 21

I think that’s true. But I also think AI could really change warfare. Pairing drones with sophisticated AI algorithms that are good at stuff like object identification is a pretty terrifying development.
AI might not be good at creative thinking. But it could be good at killing.

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Reposted by Greg Jaffe

Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · Aug 16

Even in the annals of an erratic presidency, Trump's Alaska meeting stands out as a reversal of historic proportions. Trump abandoned his goal of an immediate cease-fire and bowed to Putin’s approach of seeking a broader deal requiring Ukraine to give up territory. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/u...

Trump Bows to Putin’s Approach on Ukraine: No Cease-Fire, Deadlines or Sanctions

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 4

Disagree on the framing. 80 percent of the piece is about Easterly, her vision and resilience. The story clearly calls out Loomer for what she is: Isalamophobe, conspiracist, cynic.
Sorry you’re offended.

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 4

Hey @anneapplebaum.bsky.social.
The story describes Easterly’s resilient and optimistic vision for the country thru her time as a cadet, the fall of Kabul— where she fought — and today. It contrasts with Loomer’s dark, conspiratorial view. Always enjoyed your work. This feels like a cheap shot.

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 3

“This isn’t about me,” Jen Easterly wrote last week. “This is about something larger.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/u...

A Fight Over a West Point Job Reveals Two Visions of America Under Trump

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Aug 3

Jen Easterly’s rise in elite policy circles over three decades and her sudden fall at the hands of Laura Loomer tell the story of how Washington is changing during President Trump’s second term and why it might never be the same.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/u...

A Fight Over a West Point Job Reveals Two Visions of America Under Trump

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Jul 29

All four-star general nominees must now interview with President Trump. The goal is to "ensure they are war fighters first — not bureaucrats,” says the WH.
Some fear it could politicize the general officer corps.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/u...

Top Generals Nominated for New Positions Must Now Meet With Trump

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Greg Jaffe

Stephanie McCrummen @mccrummen.bsky.social · Jul 26

Incredible story about Volkswagen, and modern day slavery in the Amazon via @terrencemccoy.bsky.social wapo.st/46sX08n

Volkswagen kept a dark secret in the Amazon. Then a priest made a call.

Poor laborers were lured to the automaker’s cattle ranch in the Amazon and promised a better life. Brazilian prosecutors say many were enslaved.

wapo.st

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Jul 26

Research?

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Jul 26

A standoff over a senior officer's promotion reflects an ongoing clash between Hegseth’s highly partisan worldview and the longstanding tradition of an apolitical military that pledges an oath to the Constitution
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/u...

A Clash Over a Promotion Puts Hegseth at Odds With His Generals

www.nytimes.com

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Jul 12

A typical Tuesday for Jim Mattis at the river entrance.

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Greg Jaffe @gregjaffe.bsky.social · Jun 26

General Caine Faces His First Big Test Under Trump

“In President Trump’s view, generals are chest-thumping, tough-talking cheerleaders for the military and the operations he, as commander in chief, orders them to carry out.”

www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/u...

General Caine Faces His First Big Test Under Trump

www.nytimes.com

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