Sign in

Julia Payne

@jmpayne24.bsky.social
200 followers 254 following 86 posts

Managing Editor, The Contrarian www.contrariannews.org IN PLAY, (RUNS)

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 9h
BREAKING: Davey Hearn reflecting pool prosecution dismissed WITH PREJUDICE That means the case cannot be brought again  Huge victory for Davey, for us at @democracydefendersfund.org & our legal team colleagues Washington Litigation Group and Steptoe--& for rule of law More to follow!
441124642716
Reposted by Julia Payne
Politico @politico.com · 19/09/2026
Republican South Dakota secretary of state endorses Democrat to succeed her
dlvr.it
Republican South Dakota secretary of state endorses Democrat to succeed her
“South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation,” Monae Johnson wrote in a column published Saturday.
417747
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
2 heroic state AGs have been fighting to stop the Paramount-WBD takeover — but the Ellisons are about to force a terrible settlement. Stand with @democracydefendersaction.org & our #BlockTheMerger partners and sign our petition in my weekly column @ContrarianNews.org 👇 - TN
contrariannews.org
We’re Winning, Contrarians — And We Won’t Back Down
Publisher’s Roundup 85
191285466
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 18/09/2026
Something disturbing is happening in Gainesboro, Tennessee. Silicon Valley Venture capitalists are funding an “American heritage” (white only) community.
contrarian.substack.com
Charter Cities and the Desire for Social and Ideological Conformity
An ‘aligned community’ in Tennessee seeks to bring the culture war home.
104736
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 19/09/2026
What do Democrats need to take back the Senate and put more checks on Trump’s corruption? Senior Editor @timdickinson.bsky.social explains.
76422
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Trump's DOJ tried to settle his $10B IRS suit w/ a $1.776B slush fund for his allies Judge Williams said no—& Monday she said no again He tried to settle w/ himself & still lost. How @democracydefendersfund.org helped in this week's publisher's note @ContrarianNews.org 👇 -TN
contrariannews.org
We’re Winning, Contrarians — And We Won’t Back Down
Publisher’s Roundup 85
161107320
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 19/09/2026
The rumored ‘deal’ to usher in Paramount-Warner Bros. merger is an insult to the hundreds of thousands of workers, journalists, and consumers who will be hurt if it goes forward. These are the moments we need you, Contrarians. Californians, sign this petition. Tell AGs to stand firm
noparamountconcessions.com
#BlockTheMerger
Twelve state attorneys general sued to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Concessions don’t protect workers, consumers or creators. Tell the AGs to hold strong and take it to trial. SIGN THE P...
221569
Reposted by Julia Payne
Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Concessions don’t work. That’s why the State AGs need to take their case to trial. They've got the Ellisons on the ropes. Protect consumers and workers. Block the Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Sign the Petition! noparamountconcessions.com
noparamountconcessions.com
#BlockTheMerger
Twelve state attorneys general sued to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Concessions don’t protect workers, consumers or creators. Tell the AGs to hold strong and take it to trial. SIGN THE P...
6239821560
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
VICTORY: Judge Cooper slams & prohibits Trump & cronies continued efforts to rename the Kennedy Center (& orders other important relief) A huge win for @repbeatty.bsky.social & our cocounsel team @democracydefendersaction.org & WLG More to come!
411115303
Reposted by Julia Payne
Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#BREAKING: Over *no* public dissents, #SCOTUS *stays* the federal district court’s TRO in the Missouri redistricting case, effectively restoring the Missouri Supreme Court ruling from last week (and the 2022 map that it requires the state to use in November).
683224767
Julia Payne @jmpayne24.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
An extraordinary piece from @shalisemyoung.bsky.social for @contrariannews.org www.contrariannews.org/p/strange-fr...
contrariannews.org
Strange Fruit, Still. Still.
There is a long, dark history of lynching of Black Americans in this country, primarily in the former Confederate states, though not always.
02214
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 26/08/2026
“Parton has always used her music to call out injustice and tell stories about the downtrodden. Her songs have channeled the experiences of coal miners, migrant farm workers, unmarried pregnant women shunned by their families and driven to suicide." Meredith reflects on the life of a great American
contrariannews.org
We Will Always Love You, Dolly Parton
The country music icon, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was the rare cultural figure beloved across the politica
09310
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 20/08/2026
Courts and states are putting a stop to harmful anti-abortion laws. Here's how:
contrariannews.org
Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize
We need to afford ourselves space to think long-term and big picture, to push back on backlash, and be clear about what
06416
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
BREAKING: we are going back to court in the Kennedy Center case to STOP the flagrant violation of the courts order preventing renaming @democracydefendersaction.org & Washington Litigation Group are proud to represent @repbeatty.bsky.social to protect this treasured memorial  Our brief is here 👇
washingtonlitigationgroup.org
21380512019
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 21/08/2026
NEWS: Rep. Beatty files emergency motion asking court to block Kennedy Center board from adding Trump’s name to bldg @normeisen.bsky.social: "Trump lost in court...Now his supporters are trying to deface Kennedy Center again by putting his name back...despite a court order blocking them...”
221344
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Trump’s corruption scandals are piling up faster than ever From the DOJ slush fund to crypto payoffs to foreign business deals, the pattern is clear: Trump is using the presidency to serve himself & his allies I break down the top 10 scandals in my publisher's note 👇 -TN
contrariannews.org
Trump & Cronies’ Top 10 Corruption Scandals (Round 4)
Publisher's Roundup 78
22446173
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 02/08/2026
@normeisen.bsky.social thinks these five things are worth the money
29916
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The Trump admin’s case against Davey Hearn should have never been brought. Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology.
democracydefendersfund.org
The Trump Administration Owes Davey Hearn an Apology | Democracy Defenders Fund
Statement from Davey Hearn’s co-counsel regarding today’s decision by the U.S. government to dismiss all charges against
113982238
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Editorial Board @editorialboard.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A thread on how heroes like Dr. Anthony Fauci make Trump and the Republicans look like criminals by comparison. That's why they tried to destroy his good name. That's the story.
472372518
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 31/07/2026
Measles. Cyclospora. Raw milk. Screwworm. Here are the top ways the Trump administration and RFK, Jr. are failing this country’s public health.
1118881
Reposted by Julia Payne
Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
EXCLUSIVE: In my lawsuit against Todd Blanche, he has now submitted to a federal judge unredacted emails & documents for the court’s review. I walk through the documents & explain how Blanche continues to violate the court order and the Epstein Files Transparency Act. youtu.be/oAEHQXlYWK0?...
youtu.be
🚨 AG Blanche HANDS Judge UNREDACTED Epstein Files In MY LAWSUIT!!!
YouTube video by Katie Phang
33875402662
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
BREAKING: STATEMENT ON DOJ’S DISMISSAL OF CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST DAVEY HEARN
38467841523
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The @contrariannews.org is now #1 on Substack’s Rising in U.S. Politics chart THANK YOU to everyone who has subscribed, read, shared, & supported our work The need for independent journalism has never been greater We’re grateful to have you with us👇 -TN www.contrariannews.org
624845
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The Paramount Warners merger is not only hitting a wall of opposition in the US We @democracydefendersfund.org have also filed a complaint in the UK, which has said it is "minded to act" Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming & Benedict Wong urge that the UK do so @theguardian.com
theguardian.com
A TV and cinema calamity could be disastrous for what you watch and what you know. Act now to stop that | Alan Cumming, Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Wong
The Paramount-Warner Bros merger is being fought on both sides of the Atlantic. Britain’s culture secretary knows the risks and can intervene. She should, say actors led by Alan Cumming, Benedict Cumb...
111031269
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 24/07/2026
Breaking: Paramount has agreed to halt its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery until June 2027 while a federal court considers a lawsuit brought by 12 state attorneys general. Contrarian Publisher @normeisen.bsky.social and his partners fought hard in the courtroom to make this a reality
1439199
Reposted by Julia Payne
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 24/07/2026
Oh look. Texas also made voter registration errors. They were caught and fixed, all without needing the SAVE act or a national voter roll database. CRAZY. www.kxxv.com/news/local-n...
kxxv.com
Election errors found in Texas voter database ahead of November election
A campaign worker found errors in Texas's voter database. Here's what it means for McLennan County voters ahead of the November election.
195116493909
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 21/07/2026
Taylor Farms, the company under fire for the Cyclospora outbreak, is one that is driven by the notion that believers should dominate the government and big business rules all.
contrariannews.org
Does the Bible Want You to Have Diarrhea?
Taylor Farms executives seemed to subscribe to the theory that scripture wants believers to dominate government and that 'social gospel' is wrong.
1313639
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 21/07/2026
Senator Shaheen isn't dealing with Hegseth's inability to answer a question.
912021
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 20/07/2026
"If you can figure out a way to zero in on the most critical spots on the electoral map and then propel even a handful of people to vote who wouldn’t have voted otherwise or to switch their vote from one candidate to another, you can change everything."
contrariannews.org
The Number of Votes Needed to Change Everything Is Smaller Than You Think
There are long periods of national political-geologic stability in American history. This is not one of them. In this moment, the volcanoes keep erupting.
49440
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 20/07/2026
Hunter Biden’s transparency and truthfulness not just about his own struggles but also the state of the Democratic Party has captivated people across America.
contrariannews.org
Hunter Biden Meets the Moment
He has no reason to play nice as he moves beyond scandals and salacious photos.
420541
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 20/07/2026
Blanche continues to treat Epstein survivors as a political nuisance, rather than crime victims deserving of respect and dignity. @mimirocah1.bsky.social shares more:
contrariannews.org
Blanche's Sham Meeting With Epstein Victims Proves He's Unfit
He left them feeling dismissed and demoralized. No senator should endorse that conduct.
17389150
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 15/07/2026
Sen. Jon Ossoff grills Trump's DNI nominee on who won the 2020 election
1013940
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 15/07/2026
@briantylercohen.bsky.social joins @normeisen.bsky.social tomorrow on Coffee with Contrarians at 9:15am ET on Substack! Don't miss it: www.contrariannews.org
0197
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 16/07/2026
Another day, another hearing, another example of Interim Attorney General Todd Blanche being a national embarrassment
1124053
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 14/07/2026
With Platner out, the upcoming Convention provides a second chance for Maine voters to make their voices heard. WATCH: www.contrariannews.org/p/maine-issu…
contrariannews.org
The Maine Issue: What Lies Ahead for the Democratic Convention
Washington chose Graham Platner for Maine. Joe Lockhart explains how Maine can choose who they want for Washington.
34716
Reposted by Julia Payne
Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
NEW: My response to Todd Blanche's intentional violations of a court order to turnover unredacted Epstein Files. The short of it: follow the damn law & pay a daily fine until you do. I'll give a detailed breakdown on my YouTube channel tomorrow morning! storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
Response to Order of the Court – #20 in PHANG v. BLANCHE (D.D.C., 1:26-cv-01417) – CourtListener.com
RESPONSE TO ORDER OF THE COURT re Order, filed by KATIE PHANG. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Ballou, Brendan) (Entered: 07/13/2026)
23273762133
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
BREAKING: huge victory for our 35 judges in the slush fund case *Knocks out any legal basis for the $1.8B *Also undermines the accompanying settlements *And opens the way to ethics & financial SANCTIONS H/t to cocounsel @democracydefendersaction.org, Platkin LLP & Susman Godfrey
542833691
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
BREAKING States Prepare Lawsuit to Block Paramount’s Merger With Warner's If accurate, one of the most important developments yet in the fight to stop authoritarianism in the US We @democracydefendersaction.org have been proud to advocate for this incl helping lead the #BlockTheMerger movement
nytimes.com
States Prepare Lawsuit to Block Paramount’s Merger With Warner Bros. (Gift Article)
State attorneys general are preparing to file a lawsuit as soon as this week to halt the $111 billion deal, a potential major obstacle.
281326373
Julia Payne @jmpayne24.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
"Just consider that the Wells family is seeking truthful answers and justice in a state where one of its senators notoriously said she’d gladly attend a public lynching." @carronjphillips.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
If All Lives Mattered, This Administration Would Seek Justice for Nolan Xavier Wells’ Death
In a perfect world, the powers that be would investigate the loss of a Black teenager in a white friend group as thoroughly as if the roles were reversed.
022
Reposted by Julia Payne
Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was gunned down by ICE, leaving behind a devastated family & an angry community. @lulacorg.bsky.social's Juan Proaño joins me for the very latest, including how the family is being prevented from being able to secure Lorenzo’s body for a funeral. youtu.be/Rb-XzJfeqsk?...
youtu.be
EXCLUSIVE: NEW Details EMERGE After DEADLY ICE SHOOTING In Houston!!
YouTube video by Katie Phang
471236491
Reposted by Julia Payne
The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 09/07/2026
He's not just another person killed by ICE. His name is Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and he should still be here with his family and friends. @joycewhitevance.bsky.social
328490
Reposted by Julia Payne
Amee Vanderpool @girlsreallyrule.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
ICE claims that Araujo drove into one of their SUVs with his van and then tried to run over an agent. There were no marks on the van and KHOU11's Jeremy Rogalski found surveillance footage showing ICE chasing Araujo and cutting him off. Renee Good all over again.
8982533410439
Reposted by Julia Payne
Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
NEW: More than 1200 former DOJ employees send a letter to Senate Judiciary OPPOSING Todd Blanche’s nomination for Atty General. I break down this scathing letter & explain why this kind of public opposition speaks volumes about the uphill battle Blanche has to get the job. youtu.be/EMhYZEGYoL4?...
youtu.be
🚨Blanche HUMILIATED After DOJ Veterans REJECT Him As AG!!
YouTube video by Katie Phang
10035611197
Reposted by Julia Payne
Skye @simplyskye.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Finland President Alexander Stubb: "Trump, don't ask us anymore — you go into Venezuela & Iran, you don't ask. You make claims on Greenland, you don't ask. You think you can run the show in the Middle East, like Iran? Not without us You will lose. Every time."
Finland President Alexander Stubb makes a statement to the press at the NATO meeting. (Photo by Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu via Getty Images)
661612462
Reposted by Julia Payne
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I don't know, man, I think if Joe Biden had kept confusing Zelenskyy with Putin and Iran with Japan, the media might have made a pretty big deal about it?
18383681638
Reposted by Julia Payne
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 08/07/2026
I just want to thank all the men defending Platner for pointing out who we shouldn’t leave our drinks alone with. We see you. You’re not special. Every woman has encountered you. We appreciate the heads up.
352109001787
Reposted by Julia Payne
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The chorus against Blanche is growing 1,200+ frm. DOJ employees urged the Senate to reject his nom—citing illegal firings & political purges @democracydefendersfund.org @ldadorg.bsky.social + 101 judges called for investigation into his Epstein conflicts & ethics breaches Reject this nom! -TN
thehill.com
DOJ alums call on senators to reject Blanche nomination as attorney general
More than 1,200 former Department of Justice (DOJ) employees encouraged the Senate to reject acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to take on the role permanently, writing in a Tuesday …
311102403
Reposted by Julia Payne
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I don’t mind paying taxes when they pay for roads and schools and healthcare and libraries and post offices and fire services. I don’t like paying taxes when they pay for Trump enrichment schemes or golden ballrooms or bombs to drop on girls’ schools.
452333565
Reposted by Julia Payne
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 08/07/2026
Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon: "The AR-15, the most commonly used rifle in the United States, is a semi-automatic weapon that is banned by these purported 'laws' and we believe the Supreme Court in this coming term is going to make it explicitly clear that these are permitted."
196700240