Sign in

Russell Payne

@rpaynereport.bsky.social
450 followers 81 following 353 posts

Independent jounralist Get in touch at russellpayne.72

PostsRepliesMedia
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The politics of cannabis decriminalization have shifted. What was once a social justice-slanted issue is now big business, and some of the biggest players are cozying up to Trump www.salon.com/2026/07/25/b...
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Interesting news from CA-22. Progressive Randy Villegas is leading David Valadao (Kevin McCarthy's protégé), 48% to 44% at the moment: www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
politico.com
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Maine Democrats seem to resent their voters. If they didn't want who the voters wanted, they should have chosen a different process. www.politico.com/news/2026/07...
politico.com
‘Not the slick choice’: Maine Dems sweat Troy Jackson despite dominant victory
The progressive logger and former state legislator dominated Maine’s last-minute delegate conventions. But some voters were left unsatisfied with the process — and the presumptive nominee.
010
Reposted by Russell Payne
troy farah @troyfarah.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
great on-the-ground reporting at Delaney Hall from @rpaynereport.bsky.social for @salon.com www.salon.com/2026/07/17/a...
salon.com
At Delaney Hall, the struggle persists after cameras left - Salon.com
Volunteers say conditions have worsened at the New Jersey detention facility since the hunger strike ended
023
Reposted by Russell Payne
Salon.com @salon.com · 16/07/2026
The Trump administration is smothering press freedom and the public's right to know.
salon.com
Under Hegseth, reporters are being treated like terrorists
The Trump administration is smothering press freedom and the public's right to know
265
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Folks...
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
In a world where both parties are hated, this could be the ballgame:
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
A news story that never gets old www.salon.com/2026/07/06/t...
salon.com
Trump’s weekend war approach to Iran might never end - Salon.com
Last weekend's burst of violence might be a preview of a long-term low-boil war with Iran
120
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
www.salon.com/2026/07/13/i...
salon.com
ICE involved in fatal shooting in Maine, lawmaker says - Salon.com
The Biddeford shooting comes just a week after a Texas man was killed by ICE officers
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Another ICE "involved" shooting in Maine this morning. Details are sparse at the moment:
010
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
It's going to be really interesting to see who comes out of this Senate nomination convention in Maine. I'm still learning about some of the candidates, but I'll flag that Sen. Duckworth has come out against Nirav Shah
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Power statement from Ana Bell, the sister of Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, one of the Prairieland Nine, who were strung up on terror charges: www.thehyvemind.com/all/official...
thehyvemind.com
WATCH: Official Statement From Sister of Daniel ‘Des’ Sanchez-Estrada, the Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Moving a Box of Zines — Hyvemind
On July 7, 2026, Hyvemind received an official statement and video from Ana Bell following the conviction of her brother, Daniel Sanchez-Estrada.
123
Reposted by Russell Payne
Zeteo @zeteo.com · 10/07/2026
First Draft: Trump’s Violent Crackdowns on U.S. Cities Are Still Happening Horror in Minneapolis caused a reset of attacks on immigrants and liberals but the administration remains fascistic and lethal. In Maine, meanwhile, Graham Platner confirmed he'll withdraw Monday, writes @swin24.bsky.social:
zeteo.com
🆘 Trump’s Violent Crackdowns on U.S. Cities Are Still Happening. Don't Look Away
Horror in Minneapolis caused a reset of attacks on immigrants and liberals but the administration remains fascistic and lethal. In Maine, meanwhile, Graham Platner confirmed he'll withdraw Monday.
324176
Reposted by Russell Payne
CNN @cnn.com · 09/07/2026
A political gamble looks like it has spectacularly backfired. cnn.it/3RuKKyV
49440111
Reposted by Russell Payne
Amanda Marcotte @amandamarcotte.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I notice no one conveys the things McConnell said. You can have a lengthy but one-sided conversation with a person. thehill.com/homenews/sen...
thehill.com
McConnell spoke to GOP leaders amid uncertainty about his Senate return
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has been hospitalized since June 14, spoke to Senate Republican leaders on Monday and Tuesday amid growing speculation about whether he will return to the Senate b…
4632254
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
For my NY people out there, it looks like Lawler's days in Congress might be numbered. An internal Conley poll has her up six points:
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
On the Iran ceasefire being "over" - remember, oil prices are still artificially depressed by an ongoing release from the strategic petroleum reserve. This release is going to end somewhere around the end of the summer. www.reuters.com/business/ene...
reuters.com
Oil jumps over 5% to two-week high after Trump says deal with Iran 'over'
Oil prices jumped more than ​5% on Wednesday, hitting a two-week high after U.S. President Donald Trump said the memorandum of understanding to ‌end the conflict with Iran was "over", renewing fears o...
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
A couple of thoughts on the Graham Platner situation this morning 🧵
112
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Read my latest in Salon.com I've got to say, this is the sort of thing you wish your hunch was wrong about. The problem is that this sort of never ending conflict is too much the norm in the wars the U.S. has stumbled into over the past few decades...
salon.com
Salon.com - News, Politics, Culture, Science & Food
033
Reposted by Russell Payne
troy farah @troyfarah.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
this entire thing is insane. great reporting and breakdown from @rpaynereport.bsky.social @salon.com www.salon.com/2026/07/03/p...
salon.com
Prairieland sentences brings war on terror home - Salon.com
Protesters at ICE's Prairieland facility recieved far harsher sentences than anyone from Jan. 6's violent mob
021
Reposted by Russell Payne
derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
cant believe nyc is not only walkable but climbable
925466358
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Meet the editor of the Federalist, Sean Davis, who wants to forcibly sterilize all visitors to the United States, lest they give birth while they're here.
142
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
With Kiros' win in Colorado last night, progressive Democrats are likely to have significant leverage in any Democratic majority next year. Recent Congresses have had a less than 10-seat majority and left-wing Dems will probably have about 10 seats, if not more, in the House.
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Looking through this Politico article on centrist Dems' "freak out" and wondering how much people even really believe this. The thing about Republicans is that they don't need something to be true to use it as an attack against a candidate.
232
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Take this with a grain of salt, but the rumor going around is that people in Kentucky politics aren't expecting McConnell to return to work at all. I don't have any special info, but that was the sentiment passed to me by someone connected in regional politics people.com/mitch-mcconn...
people.com
Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, Will Not Return to Work This Week After Hospitalization 9 Days Ago
Mitch McConnell will not vote this week as he recovers after a recent hospitalization, while continuing to work with staff on Senate and Kentucky matters.
002
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
I've been reading coverage of last night's primaries all day, and this article in Politico is one of my favorites:
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Last night's results show that the left is getting bigger than any one of its superstars in NYC: www.salon.com/2026/06/24/s...
salon.com
Socialist sweep reveals New York City’s rising power centers - Salon.com
New Yorkers supported the leftmost candidates at nearly every opportunity on Tuesday
021
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I went out to vote this morning, a bit after 9 am in NY-7, and, at least at that moment, there were very few people at the polls. There were two journalists interviewing people after they voted and they said it hadn't been too crowded either. They had been there since 8.
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
I'll toss another new poll out there today, ARG has Trump at a record low 30% approval. We'll see if other polls confirm this low of an approval rating.
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A new poll out of Iowa has Democrat Josh Truek leading over the GOP nominee, Ashley Hinson, 47% to 45%, which, if accurate, would mean there's been a major pro-Dem swing there. Trump won the state by 9 points in 2024.
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I'll be interested to see the first polls of Trump post-Iran MOU. During the war, he excommunicated whatever non-interventionist constituency existed in the GOP. Now he is making enemies of the hawks...
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
While I'm interested to see the crosstabs on this one, it's amazing that people see such a divide between the haves and have-nots in today's society.
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Interesting poll from CNN and SSRS this morning. I'd be curious to see how feelings about tech oligarchs have tracked with Trump approval in the second term
001
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Exclusive: The GOP nominee for a very competitive race in South Texas really wanted to give Monarch Tracking a fat government contract for GPS devices for county vehicles. Suprise! The company's CEO is a donor of his.
122
Reposted by Russell Payne
Salon.com @salon.com · 11/06/2026
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina is hoping his record in South Texas will carry him to Congress.
salon.com
GOP candidate pushed to award a donor with a government contract - Salon.com
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina is hoping his record in South Texas will carry him to Congress
011
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Curious to see whether this proves to be the kiss of death for the Stevens campaign
021
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
It might also be a good opportunity to let Section 702 die and see if it really matters:
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Wondering if the NY Post will consider whether Trump cursed the Knicks by attending...
020
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Considering Villegas' lead is growing as more ballots are counted, it's probably a good time to highlight that this race will be a big deal in CA-22:
200
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
@msrachelforlittles.bsky.social visiting families of detainees at the aid tent outside Delaney Hall
2184
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Doing some reporting on Delaney Hall today, stay posted
142
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
More questions are percolating for Kristi Noem over that pesky jet use issue...
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I spent last Saturday with the Chuck Park campaign, checking out operations for @salon.com. What I saw was a serious campaign with significant volunteer power, but which has been overlooked in the press, probably due to lack of polling and other marquee primaries.
142
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
I read the 1600 pretty frequently, and I don't have a good reason why, tbh, but I do think there is an interesting point in this post script I'd like to dive into
100
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The Welcome Fest people's new "Promise to America" seems like it will be about as successful as every other time people have tried to revive Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" framing. In other words, it probably won't matter at all: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Centrist Democrats launch new pledge: ‘We are capitalist, not socialist’
A pair of Democratic House members who won Republican-held seats want others to sign a vow for moderate policies.
110
Reposted by Russell Payne
Salon.com @salon.com · 01/06/2026
At the Christian gathering in DC, the message to Muslims like me was clear. From my grave, I'll preach coexistence.
salon.com
Right-wing Christians want to exclude people like me — I'd rather reach out - Salon.com
At the Christian gathering in DC, the message to Muslims like me was clear. From my grave, I'll preach coexistence
034
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
It's amazing that they're choosing to do this now, when Rogan seems to be a relative nadir of trustworthiness/relevance... At this point most people have filed him under "MAGA aligned media" in their mind, despite his unsuccessful attempts to distance himself from Trump
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
I think the thing about scandal that's missing from the analysis is the fact that if there weren't a scandal in this race, the Republicans would simply invent one.
110
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Does anyone really believe that "chirping" from U.S. elected are really the main barrier to a deal with Iran?
000
Russell Payne @rpaynereport.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
On the campaign trail with Chuck Park today, who is challenging Grace Meng in the NY-6 Dem primary. Solid turnout at the Bayside town hall
120