Mike Stone

Find me on Bluesky here: bsky.app/profile/michae…

I, along with print photographers, have been denied entry to cover today’s Pentagon briefing. All other media were allowed in.

This is a signal: the US feels it has air superiority and will drop bombs that come from a deep magazine. Over 200,000 JDAM kits have been produced. (The thing that makes these “dumb” bombs smarter)

@MeghannMyers_ Noted

I gave a two-week deadline. A spokesman for the department did not directly answer my questions. Instead, he directed me to a story in the Daily Wire, published the day before my stated deadline, with a handful of the numbers I had requested.

Last month, I asked the Pentagon for some updated numbers on the total civilian employees it shed last year and how many it had brought on from a small set of jobs exempt from the ongoing hiring freeze. defenseone.com/policy/2026/03…

Wow, there is a @Polymarket post on my story. reuters.com/business/aeros…

The Trump administration plans to meet with executives from the biggest U.S. defense contractors at the White House on Friday to discuss ‌accelerating weapons production, reuters.com/business/aeros…

You’ve got to wonder if there is change of heart for #Anthropic over the 6 month “phase out” period.

These appear to be ATACMS.

The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed.

@BarredinDC tip- check our little engine in eastern market. Great for lil ms barred.

As the world is on eggshells expecting a potential #airstrike or more on #Iran — I want to remind everyone: This is the #Pentagon #press corps.

Scoop: AeroVironment's LOCUST counter-drone laser used by US Army near El Paso airport, sources say reuters.com/business/aeros… w @DavidJeans2

Precisely the type of story that should utilize anonymous sources.

@maustermuhle @goodweather4dc @51stnews

@goodweather4dc @51stnews Again, I did email your team.

Interesting that @51stnews contacted 40+ candidates for the snow response piece. The Goodweather team was never reached out to, but here are our thoughts: A Goodweather administration would implement a citywide severe weather readiness and response framework. Before a major weather event, that means prepositioning crews and equipment, aligning agencies and D.C. government officials under a single operational plan, and issuing clear guidance to residents so expectations are set in advance. After the storm, it means activating a unified command structure to prioritize residential streets, restore metro and bus service, ensure safe pedestrian access, and coordinate school and business reopening without unnecessary delays. Visit our website to learn more about our vision for the city. goodweatherfordc.com

@yjtorbati Done. We are where to help!

Also! Please consider subscribing to my Substack, where I share my Iran reporting yeganehtorbati.substack.com/?utm_campaign=…

I'm heartbroken to announce that I've been laid off from my position at The Washington Post. Working at this newspaper, and especially being a foreign correspondent covering Iran and Turkey over the last few short months, was a dream come true for me.

6/ The Post has lost over 375,000 subscribers in just over a year. If 10% of those readers subscribed to The 51st instead, we could hire 10 reporters and five editors, dramatically scaling our coverage of the city at this critical time. 51st.news/signup

@JakeSherman @ddiamond Shouldn’t the team fold into the @51stnews? @maustermuhle it sounds strange… but from an organizational and readership perspective it would be accretive. No?

to be clear: i have my hands full at Punchbowl News. But I'd be glad to be helpful in any way possible -- if i can. investing, guiding, whatever. I want DC sports news. i would read it. and if set up wisely, it could be a very interesting business. NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB. WNBA. incredibly competitive high school sports. 4 major universities with sports programs. the post is leaving behind a rabid sports fanbase that i think -- but don't know! -- is willing to pay for news.

Punchbowl founder says he’s open to talks about a new DC sports publication →

What you are seeing there @311DCgov is 2 vans facing off as they single track down this (narrow but normally bi-directional) street. Now @311DCgov staff: imagine one is an emergency vehicle!

Vail Resorts operations head is like: “YGFBKM - how do I catch a break”$MTN

@JakeSherman Are you going to the LV shows? I’m going week 2.

SPHERE is coming to the DMV

Our colleague @hannah_natanson is diligent, generous and resourceful. Proudly stand with her today.