Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is an experienced journalist who has been covering legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009. He has spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy, providing him with a unique perspective on naval matters. In his role as editor of USNI News, he has reported on a range of topics including shipbuilding, defense policy and international relations. His articles often cover incidents involving the U.S. military and its allies or adversaries around the world, offering insights into the complex dynamics of global security. Overall, Sam LaGrone is a knowledgeable and insightful reporter who provides valuable information to his readers about important issues affecting national security.

Biography:  https://news.usni.org/author/slagrone

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

88%

Examples:

  • The author uses loaded language such as 'espionage'
  • The author uses phrases like 'national defense photographs' creates a sense of urgency and danger
  • The title mentions espionage charges against a sailor assigned to USS Higgins (DDG-76), but it does not mention that this sailor has been charged with communicating defense information to a foreign citizen. This omission creates an impression that the sailor is being accused of spying on behalf of another country, which is not entirely accurate.

Conflicts of Interest

90%

Examples:

  • The author has a background in covering legislation, acquisition and operations for the U.S. Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.

Contradictions

86%

Examples:

  • The article mentions several instances where Pedicini allegedly gave classified documents and information to employees of unspecified foreign governments in Hampton Roads, Virginia. However, it does not provide any details about these documents or what they contained.
  • The article mentions that Pedicini was arrested shortly after an attempted espionage incident in Japan and has been in pre-trial confinement since May 19, or for more than nine months. However, it does not provide any details about this incident or why it led to Pedicini’s arrest.
  • The Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping since November
  • Three staff members of the National Democratic Institute were detained by the Houthis earlier in June

Deceptions

75%

Examples:

  • The article mentions several instances where Pedicini allegedly gave classified documents and information to employees of unspecified foreign governments in Hampton Roads, Virginia. However, it does not provide any details about these documents or what they contained.
  • The article mentions that Pedicini was arrested shortly after an attempted espionage incident in Japan and has been in pre-trial confinement since May 19, or for more than nine months. However, it does not provide any details about this incident or why it led to Pedicini’s arrest.
  • The title mentions espionage charges against a sailor assigned to USS Higgins (DDG-76), but it does not mention that this sailor has been charged with communicating defense information to a foreign citizen. This omission creates an impression that the sailor is being accused of spying on behalf of another country, which is not entirely accurate.

Recent Articles

Houthi Forces Attack Two Merchant Ships in the Gulf of Aden: MV Verbena and MV Tutor

Houthi Forces Attack Two Merchant Ships in the Gulf of Aden: MV Verbena and MV Tutor

Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024 Houthi forces attacked the Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier MV Verbena on June 13, 2024, in the Gulf of Aden, causing significant damage and injuring one civilian mariner. This incident is part of a series of attacks against merchant ships in the region since November 2023, leading to a drop in Red Sea traffic. The Houthis claimed responsibility as retaliation for international actions against their group.
Russian Warships in Cuban Waters: Strengthening Ties or a Show of Force?

Russian Warships in Cuban Waters: Strengthening Ties or a Show of Force?

Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024 Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine and frigate, have entered Cuban waters for planned military exercises amid escalating tensions with Western powers over Ukraine. The deployment of the Kazan and Admiral Gorshkov comes as Russia strengthens ties with Cuba and Venezuela, raising concerns about potential disruptions to regional stability.
Navy Sailor Charged with Espionage for Passing Classified Information to Foreign Government Employee

Navy Sailor Charged with Espionage for Passing Classified Information to Foreign Government Employee

Broke On: Thursday, 22 February 2024 A US Navy sailor has been charged with espionage for allegedly passing on classified information to a foreign government employee. Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman Bryce Pedicini is accused of failing to report solicitations and delivering documents relating to national defense multiple times between November 2021 and February 2023 in Hampton Roads, Virginia. In May 2023 while in Yokosuka Japan, Pedicini allegedly brought a personal electronic device into a restricted area and processed classified information on an unapproved system.