Sign in

Jim Brunner

@jimbrunner.bsky.social
5.4K followers 652 following 536 posts

Seattle Times politics reporter Got a tip? Signal: 206-214-8789 www.seattletimes.com/author/jim-bru…

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The latest “rigged election” strategy from the Trump administration involves producing a series of strategically timed arrests of non-citizens for alleged voter fraud & promoting those events to feed the false narrative that non-citizen voter fraud is widespread. uwcip.substack.com/p/federal-fr...
uwcip.substack.com
Federal Fraud Charges Resonate With Debunked Non-Citizen Voting Narratives
A flurry of recent charges and press conferences amplifying alleged non-citizen voting make a small phenomena seem bigger
10424187
Reposted by Jim Brunner
ProPublica @propublica.org · 06/10/2026
NEW: The Trump administration keeps denying and downplaying that immigration agents have been detaining Americans. It’s wrong. We’ve found more than 500 U.S. citizens have been held against their will, including handcuffed or held at gunpoint.
projects.propublica.org
More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown — ProPublica
The government doesn’t track how often immigration officers detain U.S. citizens. So ProPublica did. We’ve found more than 500 Americans who were held against their will during this Trump administrati...
6027681579
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
State employee union puts another $1.5 million into the campaign to defeat I-645 ('millionaires' income tax repeal) bringing total to $2.5m my.pdc.wa.gov/public/regis...
my.pdc.wa.gov
public
030
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Matthew Gertz @mattgertz.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The president of the United States says that "the New York Times, and many other Artificial Media Outlets, should be arrested" for denying that the arena in which he spoke had empty seats. It's really bad! www.mediamatters.org/donald-trump...
The Ohio Arena was already full to the brim — And yet these people were still trying to get in. The New York Times said, “There were empty seats” when, in fact, there were none, and thousands of people had to be turned away. The New York Times, and many other Artificial Media Outlets, should be arrested for their dishonesty and disservice to our Country. When Bernie Sanders has 500 to 1,000 people, they make it sound like it’s the biggest event that ever took place. When PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP has 50,000 people, they make it sound like nobody showed up! President DONALD J. TRUMP
1211187270
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
NEW: WA pays record sums to pricy ($300+ an hour) law firms amid explosion in lawsuits against DCYF. In FY 2026, the state paid $43.6m to private lawyers, up from just $283k in 2020. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
seattletimes.com
WA pays record sums to pricey private lawyers amid lawsuit explosion
Amid a flood of lawsuits over abuse and neglect in the child-welfare system, the state is hiring a bevy of private defense lawyers who can charge $300 an hour.
021
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Oregon law blows!
160
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I'm at the Pagliacci. I'm at the Taco Time. I'm at the combination Pagliacci and Taco Time. www.seattletimes.com/life/food-dr...
seattletimes.com
Seattle food scene cult heroes team up for unique pizza collaborations
Taco Time Northwest and Pagliacci? Ivar’s and Big Mario’s? These four Seattle restaurants are teaming up on a pair of unique pizza collaborations this month.
0131
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
WASHINGTON (AP) — DC judge permanently dismisses case charging ex-Olympian with vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
1174699
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Absolutely dismal numbers for Tina Kotek...
011
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Gov. Ferguson publicly opposes initiative banning transgender girls from K-12 sports www.seattletimes.com/education-la...
seattletimes.com
Gov. Ferguson urges voters to reject potential trans girl athletes ban
Gov. Bob Ferguson called on voters Tuesday to reject Initiative 638, which would ban transgender girls from competing in girls K-12 sports.
1111
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Jim Lokay @jimlokay.com · 29/09/2026
If you want to really know how the outrage machine gets fired up: 1. Schmitt plans to drop “bombshell” on Smith 2. Someone plants story that Schmitt is a Vance VP contender to run same day 3. Right-wing Twittersphere gets talking points 4. Schmitt steps in it 5. Scheduled tweets go out anyway
23940291044
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A phenomenal moment in the Senate. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., claims he has evidence Jack Smith went to a HAWKS game in Atlanta. Smith denies it. Schmitt declares he has busted Jack Smith for perjury. Smith, vexed, says he went to HAWKEYES game in Maryland. WATCH IN FULL, UNINTERRUPTED
62169731570
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
That impact statement was preserved on the ballot by a 4-4 split state Supreme Court decision. If that had gone the other way, tax supporters would be sweating bullets right now...
020
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
New DHM poll shows I-645, which would repeal WA's "millionaires tax," trailing badly: 57% opposed, 35% support. Notably, if the impact statement saying I-645 passage would cut $ for K-12 etc. is removed, that slips to 44%-40%. www.dhmresearch.com/does-one-sen...
dhmresearch.com
DHM Research - Blog
Know more. Do better. DHM Research brings leaders clarity around complex planning, policy making and communication challenges.
142
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Dan Wilson's bullpen choices drove me crazy at times, but I don't actually think he's to blame for this dumb Mariners season. www.seattletimes.com/sports/marin...
seattletimes.com
5 possible replacements as Mariners begin manager search
The search for Dan Wilson's successor is expected to begin in earnest this week. Here's a list of potential managers likely to pique the Mariners' interest.
360
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Truly bonkers stuff from @propublica.org report on Trump's initial idea for virtually shutting down mail ballots: "requiring all ballots to be delivered exclusively through certified mail." www.propublica.org/article/trum...
propublica.org
The Untold Origins of Trump’s Plan to Sharply Restrict Mail-In Voting
ProPublica’s reporting reveals for the first time the extent of the White House’s role in trying to dictate how mail-in ballots are processed, spurring behind-the-scenes drama that played out for near...
041
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
PDC dismisses complaint against Let's Go Washington & Republican podcaster Brandi Kruse. No evidence of improper payments/disclosures. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
seattletimes.com
Campaign finance complaint against Let’s Go Washington, Brandi Kruse dismissed
The conservative political committee is backing three initiatives that voters will consider in November’s general election.
031
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Aman Batheja @amanbatheja.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Politico: Trump is airing a pro-Trump midterms ad on TV that -includes “paid for by the U.S. government” disclaimer text -features a song by an artist who says they didn’t approve it’s use and are now looking for a lawyer
politico.com
Trump administration launches pro-Trump TV ad ahead of midterms
The 30-second ad, apparently paid for by U.S. tax dollars, features photos and videos of Trump, the American flag and military aircraft.
471001367
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Faine Greenwood @faineg.com · 24/09/2026
Please read this article on the massive weirdos who are largely running the massively powerful and big-money AI industry in the U.S. today.
25715247
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Mark Z. Barabak @markzbarabak.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
NEW: Richard Nixon famously declared, ‘I am not a crook.’ Donald Trump, his poll numbers slumping toward Nixonian levels, is urging his supporters to act like crooks. His summons to "cheat like hell" in the midterm lays bare the president's cynicism and hypocrisy. www.latimes.com/politics/new...
latimes.com
Commentary: 'Cheat like hell.' Trump's summons to supporters lays bare his cynicism, hypocrisy
Richard M. Nixon famously declared, 'I am not a crook.' Donald J. Trump, his approval rating slumping toward Nixonian levels, is urging his backers to act like crooks in November's election.
0129
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Ryan Marino, MD @ryanmarino.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Since returning, McConnell has not appeared lucid or aware, and has remained eerily silent to the public. When the Republican finally did break his silence, he voted incorrectly on a Senate bill and had to be instructed on how to vote.
41798181
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 23/09/2026
The Pentagon Papers case rejected a prior restraint aimed at specific documents claimed to pose national security risks. Anyone who argues "national security" are magic words justifying banning three news outlets should be laughed out of court and sanctioned.
washingtonpost.com
Trump tells judge media ban is necessary to protect national security
Ahead of a court hearing, the administration cited reports about the White House ballroom and the Iran war to defend its ban against CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
24216
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The first architect on Trump's ballroom who quit last year had clashed with the president on design flaws, arguing that the plan violated building safety codes. "I am the code," Trump replied. www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
washingtonpost.com
‘I am the code’: Trump clashed with ballroom architect over safety issues
James McCrery II resigned in October after warning that the president was insisting on designs that violated fire and safety codes.
2915675
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Rumors about “rigged elections" are now a fixture of U.S. elections, leading to diminished trust in election results & democracy (broadly). These rumors can sometimes be hard to debunk, esp. in their early stages. Our UW team has identified the 6 common ways that election integrity rumors mislead:
Infographic titled "Six Ways 'Rigged Election' Rumors Mislead." A two-column table pairs six labeled categories with descriptions. The first three categories are:

No Evidence: The rumor is entirely unsubstantiated. There's no evidence to support the rumor.

Fake/False Evidence: The rumor is based on fake or synthetic evidence (e.g. AI-generated content), manipulated evidence, or false witness testimony.

Misinterpreted Evidence: This rumor is based upon real evidence that has been misinterpreted or intentionally mischaracterized to create a false impression.

A black banner then introduces the final three categories: "Real Evidence, Real Voting Issue, False Narrative."

Exaggerated Impact: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but falsely insinuates or exaggerates impact on election results.

Ignored Remedies: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but ignores and/or obscures the remedies that would address this problem

False Blame: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but either falsely attributes intent for an accidental issue or places blame on an innocent party.

Source: UW Center for an Informed Public, September 2026.
15504224
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
DOJ's humiliating losing streak continues as federal judge tosses WA lawsuit demanding voter records. 25th loss in a row. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
seattletimes.com
DOJ loses 25th lawsuit seeking voter records as judge tosses WA case
It was the 25th court loss in a row for the Trump administration as it seeks private voter data from states.
1103
Reposted by Jim Brunner
McSweeney's @mcsweeneys.net · 20/09/2026
"Unions might be a good idea at other workplaces, but it just so happens that they’re actually not a good idea at this workplace—where, coincidentally, I just so happen to own a substantial share of the company’s equity." buff.ly/xIVz3wT
buff.ly
I Support Unions, but They’re Just Not the Right Fit for the Company I Happen to Own
“Unions might be a good idea at other workplaces, but it just so happens that they’re actually not a good idea at this workplace—where, coincidentally, I jus...
119550
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Matthew Gertz @mattgertz.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
1. This is a naked attack on press freedom by a president who hates it. 2. There are limits to the president's ability to carry out this threat thanks to the First Amendment. 3. It's also a threat to the "Other Fake News Media Outlets" who can face similar punishment based on their reporting.
951915510
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Garth Marenghi's Catbus @catbus.phd · 17/09/2026
great art articulates eternal truths
script of the end of Waiting for Godot which has been modified to read

ESTRAGON: Well, shall we log off?
VLADIMIR: Yes, let's log off.
   [They do not log off]

                                  CURTAIN
1048511482
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Who is this Ed Sheeran fellow anyway?
190
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
RIP Cheetah Chrome www.youtube.com/watch?v=apgX... www.youtube.com/watch?v=997r...
youtube.com
Dead Boys | Live at CBGB's 1977
YouTube video by Marc Elliott (vonelliott)
020
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Another powerful judicial vacancy to be filled during the Trump administration: Justice Judith B. Sheindlin www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/a...
nytimes.com
After 30 Years, Judge Judy Is Stepping Down From Her TV Bench
Judith B. Sheindlin, the star of “Judge Judy” and spinoff shows, will wrap up a television career filled with acerbic takedowns of litigants.
052
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Jesse Eisinger @jeisinger.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
NEW: Remember Don Jr’s wedding ceremony? In the Bahamas… Fireworks, dancers… “Just really close friends,” Don Jr. said. Well, guess who paid for hundreds of thousands of dollars of it? A Russian oligarch who is close to Putin. www.propublica.org/article/dona...
29725255
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Justin Baragona @justinbaragona.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A little more difficult to claim you were only dressing up as an SS soldier because of you're merely a military history buff when you are actively surating Spotify playlists lamenting that Rhodesia no longer exists. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
In recent months, an account bearing Woytek’s name and photo created a public Spotify playlist called “Tales From Rhodesia,” which is captioned: “homesick for a place that no longer exists.” (The playlist was made private on Friday.)

Songs were added to the playlist as recently as last month, when “One Fire” was added. “Oh, Rhodesia I’ve given you my vow,” the song says.Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe, declared independence from the British government in 1965 after Britain insisted that the country evolve toward majority rule. It was then led by Ian Smith, who earlier said that White men were the “master” of the country, and intended to keep it. Its soldiers battled Black insurgent groups who were fighting for independence.

Some white supremacists have praised Rhodesia as an example of the superiority of having White people in charge and express nostalgia for those days. One of the songs on the playlist bearing Woytek’s name, “Zimbabwe Ruins,” describes trash “piling up” in the country and laments that: “Your heart is dead and all that’s left are bones.” The song also uses a slur to refer to African troops.

A playlist called “War” was created under Woytek’s name that includes music celebrating Southern secession (“Bonnie Blue Flag”) as well as Union anthems (“We Are Coming, Father Abraham”), and another was dedicated to military bugle calls. The Spotify account also includes playlists of modern music, including one called “Grindset” and another focused on country music.

Woytek did not answer questions about the Rhodesian playlist or its intention.
36012
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Hedge fund.
000
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Ferguson, Dem governors predict a ‘blue wave’ in November with Trump’s stances on tariffs, war washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/09/10/r...
washingtonstatestandard.com
Ferguson, Dem governors predict a ‘blue wave’ in November with Trump’s stances on tariffs, war • Washington State Standard
Ahead of elections that could determine control of Congress and states for the rest of President Donald Trump’s second term, Democratic governors say they are happy to talk to voters about the preside...
040
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
What the hell is McClatchy's plan exactly? Cut cut cut something something $$$?
270
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild @pacnwguild.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild is shocked and disappointed by McClatchy’s decision to lay off 33% of its unionized workers at the Idaho Statesman, The News Tribune (Tacoma), Tri-City Herald, The Olympian and Bellingham Herald. This includes 10 journalists in Idaho, and seven across Washington
514471
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Jim LaPorta @jimlaporta.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Gold Star family calls on Army to release internal probe into deadly attack on Kuwait base: "My son died unnecessarily" www.cbsnews.com/news/cody-kh...
cbsnews.com
Gold Star family calls on Army to release internal probe into deadly attack on Kuwait base: "My son died unnecessarily"
Six Americans were killed in the March 1 strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait.
15526
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Radley Balko @radleybalko.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This is the sort of thing that would get you labeled a conspiratorial nut if you had tried to warn about it.
14395126
Reposted by Jim Brunner
David Roberts @volts.wtf · 08/09/2026
For a certain kind of white man, there is no fear more primal than the fear that the people they have abused will gain power and treat them the same way.
572105132145
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Brendan Nyhan @brendannyhan.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Me in 2015: "Mr. Trump is the purest Green Lantern candidate we’ve seen in recent years." www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/u... The White House in 2026:
56410
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A classic of newspaper life: the WSJ editorial board pooh poohs the recent expose (by its own reporters) on Sen. John Fetterman. www.wsj.com/opinion/demo...
wsj.com
Opinion | Democrats Want Fetterman ‘on a Pike’
His support for Israel is the reason he’s now under attack from anonymous staff and Senate leaks.
0162
Reposted by Jim Brunner
The Downballot @the-downballot.com · 03/09/2026
@adambonica.bsky.social spent a year on a major investigation into the predatory fundraising techniques used by many Democratic orgs that wind up harming elderly Americans. But two prominent outlets reneged on plans to publish it. We dive deep into this important report on this week's podcast -->
the-downballot.com
How Democratic 'spam PACs' victimize vulnerable seniors
Listen now | Adam Bonica explains the harm to the elderly—and the Democratic Party
68346
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Have to wonder which potential 2028 Dem candidates will get out ahead of a “I will tear it down on Day 1” pledge
292
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
More mailed ballots are getting rejected as late, especially in rural areas. WA officials point to Trump admin postal service postmarking changes & urge people to vote early - or use drop boxes www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
seattletimes.com
Cantwell, Hobbs warn of more ballots being rejected as ‘late’ after USPS changes
The rejection of late ballots is hitting some Washington counties — particularly in rural areas — much harder.
274
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Whoa
000
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Vulnerable Reps sometimes get a pass on issue votes, but bucking the caucus on procedural unity really steams leadership. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
seattletimes.com
Gluesenkamp Perez faces possible discipline over GOP vote
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces possible Democratic discipline after joining Republicans on a procedural vote this week in the U.S. House of Representatives.
1127
Jim Brunner @jimbrunner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Checking in on former state Rep. Matt Shea …
Screenshot of Matt Shea podcast titled “What happens when you say Jesus’ name during alien abduction.”
67018
Reposted by Jim Brunner
Eliot Higgins @eliothiggins.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The US President calls on the FCC to do something about polls he finds uncomfortable.
2282879670
Reposted by Jim Brunner
River_Tam @rivertam.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I got served this on Threads and accidentally woke my (very annoyed) husband from laughing so hard when I got to The Point.
991164157