My blog stats skyrocketed for three days in February 2026.
I’m now sharing what happened when I analyzed the data.
BACKGROUND
”No News Release Journalism” is not a rehash of media/news releases. I started the blog in 2012 after decades of working in the mainstream media, where I handled many news releases and attended numerous news conferences. Most seasoned reporters have been through this.
Newsers and news releases are an inexpensive way to cover announcements because most of the work is done. Costs increase, of course, when deviating from the official narrative.
My website receives 100 to 130 daily views from around the world, mostly from Canada, where I’m based in Edmonton, Alberta. The site is not affiliated with any news organization. Despite this, it has garnered over 880,000 views, with most countries on the planet checking it out.
As a small, independent site, I refuse to accept advertising due to the risk of compromise. My content is a labour of love. It’s my hobby, and I share it with the world without charge or request for donations.
SPECIAL VISITORS
Check out this chart showing a sudden surge in visitor activity … [click to enlarge]
The three tall bars represent about 9,000 views, a significant increase. Interestingly, the views weren’t from Canada. Instead, they came from two obscure American communities: North Bergen, New Jersey, and Ashburn, Virginia.
The surges occurred on February 11, 12, and 13, 2026.
Wikipedia notes that North Bergen is known for politicians who have been convicted of corruption and served prison food. Ashburn, which received a substantial share of the views, is home to data collection agencies working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), arguably the world’s leading terrorist organization. The CIA is headquartered in Virginia, across the river from Washington, DC.
Denver, Colorado, and Dallas, Texas, also saw exceptionally high numbers during the surge. Both cities are hubs for various agencies involved in domestic security, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI], Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Secret Service, and the National Security Agency (NSA), which engages in electronic surveillance.
I was mistaken. My blog hadn’t attracted the attention of a Rolls-Royce Fan Club or a ladies’ quilting group.
Image courtesy of ChatGPT
WHAT SHOULD BE MADE OF THIS?
The truth is unknown, and it’s best left to those who spy to reveal their motives.
It’s concerning that law-abiding citizens, including reporters, are being spied on while performing their duties. This undermines the safety of everyone, including YOU.
Parliamentary records show that Canada’s spy agencies have files on one in four Canadians, a staggering statistic. While I don’t know the spies, I suspect they’re motivated by financial gain rather than national security. They’re the ”vaseline” people in today’s uncertain times, their employers providing a sense of economic security for those who need it.
WHAT HAPPENS ON MAY 1, 2026 …
Nothing. Except that I turn 77.
Last year, I got this surprise text from Washington, DC with warm birthday greetings — from someone I hadn’t met … [this is real, not an AI image]
Ashburn and North Bergen viewers, please download this photo. Thanks. As Canadians say, ”Have a nice day.” Now, get back to work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Christopher
Byron Christopher 
Interesting, Byron. I’m enjoying your latest book!!
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Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I used to check the visits on my websites; I gave up as I couldn’t figure out who was visiting them from overseas and the US for whatever reason, maybe I should check that again when I have time.
I also shared your blog on Facebook; maybe they will kick me off. hahaha.
Keep keeping on. Hugs.
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It’s just one big conspiracy.
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This is pretty amazing Byron! I guess once you’ve poked a hornets nest you can expect a swarm to find you… sooner or later. Happy Birthday from another corner of your universe, Las Vegas, Nevada.
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