Sign in

James Willem

@willempa.bsky.social
1.4K followers 701 following 1.1K posts

Employment and labor lawyer posting about the law and Pennsylvania courts. Formerly legal aid. KNVB fan. Cider fan. Allentown, by way of Boston, DC, Gujarat, New Haven, and Chicago, but Berkshires at heart.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by James Willem
Dave Weigel @daveweigel.bsky.social · 17h
Watching #MESen debate and Collins's voice is noticeably more quavering than it was six years ago. Not her fault, she can't control it, but clearly helps Jackson, who is not a world class debater but sounds much much younger than her.
1115210
Reposted by James Willem
Law360 @law360.bsky.social · 18h
A pair of U.S. senators from Delaware have filed an ethics complaint with the Third Circuit raising concerns over U.S. Circuit Judge Jennifer Mascott's purported operation of a public affairs agency, months after she was officially confirmed to the appellate court.
law360.com
3rd Circ. Judge Faces Ethics Complaint For Managing PR Firm - Law360
A pair of U.S. senators from Delaware have filed an ethics complaint with the Third Circuit raising concerns over U.S. Circuit Judge Jennifer Mascott's purported operation of a public affairs agency, months after she was officially confirmed to the appellate court.
023
Reposted by James Willem
Quinn Yeargain @yeargain.bsky.social · 17h
NEW: Montana Supreme Court unanimously strikes down several provisions of a 2023 state law that significantly impaired the citizen initiative process—most significantly by imposing a $3,700 filing fee and prohibiting the resubmission of any failed measure. Link here: courts.mt.gov/external/ord...
Justice Beth Baker delivered the Opinion of the Court. ¶1 Mae Nan Ellingson, Jerome Leondorf, Arlyne Reichert, Hal Harper, Bob Brown, Evan Barrett, C.B. Pearson, Carole Mackin, Mark Mackin, and Jonathan Motl (collectively, “Ellingson” or “the Ellingson Plaintiffs”) sued the State of Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen (collectively, “State”) in the First Judicial District Court to invalidate new laws governing the statewide initiative process. Ellingson alleged that several provisions of Senate Bill 93, 2023 Mont. Laws ch. 647 (“SB 93”), unconstitutionally diminished the people’s reserved power of direct democracy by imposing qualifications and procedural steps not contemplated by the Montana Constitution. In two rulings on separate motions, the District Court granted the Ellingson Plaintiffs summary judgment on four of their claims and denied relief on seven others. The parties stipulated to dismiss without prejudice all claims not resolved in Ellingson’s favor. Following entry of judgment, the District Court denied Ellingson’s motion for attorney fees. ¶2 The State appeals three of the District Court’s summary judgment rulings. The Ellingson Plaintiffs cross-appeal the denial of their request for fees. Restated, we consider the following issues on appeal: 1. What standard governs a Montana court’s review of a constitutional challenge to laws regulating the initiative and referendum process? 2. Does § 13-27-221, MCA, prohibiting resubmission of a statewide ballot measure for four years after defeat of a substantially similar measure, violate the Montana Constitution?3. Does § 13-27-228, MCA, authorizing legislative interim committees to vote on proposed ballot measures and place the result of the vote on the face of the petition, violate the Montana Constitution? 4. Does § 13-27-215, MCA, imposing a $3,700 filing fee on all proposed ballot measures, violate the Montana Constitution even though it authorizes the Secretary of State to waive the fee for hardship? 5. Did the District Court abuse its discretion when it denied Ellingson’s motion for attorney fees under the private attorney general doctrine? We affirm on all issues.
221045
Reposted by James Willem
UAW Archivist @uawarchivist.bsky.social · 19h
“Economic and Social Justice” Cartoon from the @uaw.org’s magazine Ammunition, 1967. Reprinted from an @aflcio.org publication. From the archives at the @reutherlibrary.bsky.social.
Person labeled “UAW” chiseling “economic and social justice” into a stone block shaped like the continental United States.
0155
Reposted by James Willem
Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 19h
State Rep. Aaron Bernstine has previously denied reports that he used a homophobic slur in reference to the Philadelphia state legislator.
inquirer.com
Pa. lawmaker resigns from committees following alleged homophobic slur against Malcolm Kenyatta
1194
Reposted by James Willem
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 21h
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh has secured its final legal victory against Block Communications Inc. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear BCI’s appeal. BCI must now reimburse current and former PG workers for illegal pay and healthcare cuts. Learn more: pittsburghprogress.com/supreme-cour...
The graphic reads: Supreme Court declines to hear Post-Gazette's appeal of healthcare costs and salary loss payments, securing final victory for Newspaper Guild.
3145
Reposted by James Willem
Brendel @brendelbored.bsky.social · 21h
Bro you should read about laws there’s all sorts of them
He also allegedly told law enforcement during the drive, "I will get you paid if you let me go,"
the arrest report said.
391215172
Reposted by James Willem
Philadelphia Magazine @phillymag.com · 20h
Behind the spirit, love, and Palestinian tradition shaping Saif Manna's za'atar manoushe — the pastry that reminds him most of home
phillymag.com
Anatomy of Manna Bakery's Signature Pastry
Behind the spirit, love, and Palestinian tradition shaping Saif Manna's za'atar manoushe -- the pastry that reminds him most of home
021
Reposted by James Willem
Emily Blunt Guts @glocktopus.bsky.social · 21h
Imagine contract negotiation against union reps who are all veteran DMs and deck builders. Just recognize and settle, Hasbro, you’re out of your element.
121
Reposted by James Willem
U.S. Soccer Men's National Team @usmnt.ussoccer.com · 06/10/2026
A magnificent Minnesota matchday!
0526
Reposted by James Willem
Liverpool Distribution Services at Liverpool University Press @lupdistribution.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
What happens when people are traded for coal? Daniele Valisena's compelling history uncovers the stories of Italian migrants, Belgian mining communities, and the environmental legacy they left behind. @upittpress.bsky.social bit.ly/47mXKLa #EnvironmentalHistory
033
Reposted by James Willem
ghost malone ergo propter bones @proptermalone.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
how do you send the guy who clowned himself on crudités out to do this
971636207
Reposted by James Willem
Brent Maguire @bmags94.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We've got more roof antics
210626
Reposted by James Willem
The Philadelphia Citizen @thephilacitizen.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The two measures voters can approve or reject on November 3 give an edge to small and local businesses, and make the City's art and culture department permanent. bit.ly/4dsMxx8
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Ballot Questions for the November 3 2026 General Election
Ballot questions the November 2026 election give hiring preference to small, local businesses and make the City's art department permanent
052
Reposted by James Willem
Peter Schweyer @peterschweyer.com · 06/10/2026
Important election info for college students! The biggest upcoming date? 🗓️ OCT. 19 is the voter registration deadline - visit vote.pa.gov/register now!
vote.pa.gov
011
Reposted by James Willem
Decision Desk HQ @decisiondeskhq.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Alaska could decide the Senate. The DDHQ Forecast gives Democrats a 56% chance of a majority. If they win Alaska, that rises to 75%. If Republicans hold it, it falls to 26%.
3409
Reposted by James Willem
Jaxon White @jaxonwhite.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Legislative leaders said they want a say in what happens with the up to three-quarters of a billion dollars in Meta settlement money, but didn’t say where they think the money would be best directed. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10...
spotlightpa.org
Meta settlement could spark spending fight in PA
The settlement says the attorney general controls the money, but Pennsylvania’s fiscal code says it should go into the General Fund.
012
Reposted by James Willem
Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 05/10/2026
Pa. is getting at least $516M from a Meta settlement. It could spark a political fight. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/pe…
111
Reposted by James Willem
Dutch News @dutchnewsnl.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Eelco Heinen celebrates too soon after striking a budget deal with opposition parties that lasts for exactly as long as it takes them to read the small print while Amsterdam is shocked by the shooting of a prison warden on a bustling restaurant terrace. That and more on the podcast.
soundcloud.com
The MC Escher's Budget Carousel Edition - Week 40 - 2026
Eelco Heinen celebrates too soon after striking a budget deal with opposition parties that lasts for exactly as long as it takes them to read the small print. Amsterdam is shocked by the shooting of a
021
Reposted by James Willem
geraldmcgrew @geraldmcgrew.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
*The September jobs report was disappointing from almost every perspective, with slower job growth, wages falling behind inflation, declining self-employment, and limited evidence of AI-driven productivity gains* #Jobs #Unemployment By @deanbaker13.bsky.social cepr.net/publications...
cepr.net
Six Takeaways from the September Jobs Report
The September jobs report shows slowing job growth, weaker wage gains, falling self-employment, and little evidence of an AI productivity boom.
3228
Reposted by James Willem
Kathleen Bachynski @bachynski.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
So… a man who thinks women’s reproductive rights are “abstract” got to take away our rights.
56017
Reposted by James Willem
David Gerard @davidgerard.circumstances.run.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026
henstomper

oh my god the slot machine company says i have to keep putting coins in their machine or Im Gonna Get Left Behind. thats so scary. and it has to be true because they know more about slot machines than i do

oh my god the slot machine company says if we dont give them money to build the world's biggest slot machine the chinese are gonna build it first and win all the prizes. and then there wont be any prizes anymore
30126923959
Reposted by James Willem
Ken Jennings @kenjennings.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I said this in a NY Times story last week about the WA millionaire tax, but let’s bring back shame. Even if billionaires don’t know it’s wrong to do shit like this, they should know it’s embarrassing.
fortune.com
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has now spent $100 million to fight California’s proposed billionaire tax—he could owe $13 billion if he loses | Fortune
The state’s ultrawealthy, including Larry Page and Peter Thiel, have similarly donated to efforts opposing the wealth tax.
481659230
Reposted by James Willem
Josh Shapiro @joshshapiropa.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Reproductive freedom is on the ballot this November. In joining this campaign, Pennsylvanians are rising up to continue protecting the freedom to choose in our Commonwealth.
184
Reposted by James Willem
American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Don't be afraid to READ! Get into the spooky season with this poster featuring Gustavo the Shy Ghost from Mexican artist and New York Times bestselling author Flavia Z Drago. Purchase here: bit.ly/4nZO2EO
Poster featuring an illustration of Gustavo the Shy Ghost. Text reads "Don't be afraid to READ!"
2301107
Reposted by James Willem
Tennis Updates @tennisupdates.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Novak Djokovic upsets Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and is now 32-0 in Beijing on this court Only his 4th Top 10 win of the year, 2 in Australia and 1 at Wimbledon, Zverev will have to wait until the indoor season to become #1, he had to win both here and Shanghai.
6537
Reposted by James Willem
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
A few highlights from GOP State Senator Dan Dawson's jaw-dropping speech during #ialegis debate on Friday. Dawson chairs the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee and was one of six GOP senators to vote no on the bill to allow a huge tax giveaway for a proposed steel mill in southeast Iowa.
28424
Reposted by James Willem
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Workers continue to strike at Duquesne Light. IBEW Local 29 began the work stoppage Oct. 1 over numerous issues, including wages and working conditions. Pittsburgh Progress Founding Worker Member Andrew Goldstein shares more from the picket line: pittsburghprogress.com/duquesne-lig...
The graphic reads: Duquesne Light workers strike over wages, working conditions
094
Reposted by James Willem
Hilltown Families @hilltownfamilies.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
📚 Eric Carle Museum in Amherst. October brings author signings, the Halloween BOOk Bash, Grandmother Moon, and hands-on art studios. #EricCarle #PictureBooks #WesternMass hilltownfamilies.org/featured-ad/...
hilltownfamilies.org
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - Hilltown Families
The Carle in Amherst, MA launches October with The Carle After Dark, a Pay-As-You-Wish event, and a Color Quest art series for families. Throughout the month, enjoy special storytimes, author visits,…
021
Reposted by James Willem
Cider Review @ciderreview.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Wata Cider: On Founding Lebanese Cider Culture. Jack speaks with Soha Frem about founding Wata Cider, and essentially creating a new cider culture in Lebanon. An incredible story that shows how rich the tapestry of world cider is becoming. #cider #lebanon
cider-review.com
Wata Cider: On Founding Lebanese Cider Culture
Jack chats with Soha Frem, a maker who has created a whole new cider culture while tackling Lebanon’s surplus local apple crisis.
084
Reposted by James Willem
American Hockey League @theahl.com · 04/10/2026
Welcome to the American Hockey League, Cole Beaudoin! @hartford-wolf-pack.bsky.social | #HFDvsLV
063
Reposted by James Willem
NPR @npr.org · 03/10/2026
More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it. (via @kcur.org) n.pr/4zcGXGJ
n.pr
This grain could be an answer to drought-prone fields – if more Americans eat it
More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it.
3531568
Reposted by James Willem
Rick Perlstein @rickperlstein.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
A Hasidic Jew, with the sidecurls, hat, and everything, is being deported. For the alleged crime of antisemitism. For peacefully protesting Israel. Where he is a citizen; and to which he is being deported.
611239
Reposted by James Willem
Rabih Alameddine @rabihalameddine.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Truth
054196
Reposted by James Willem
Bruce Gorrie @bsrg1.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
PP Arnold is 80 today, the fact she's still around and performing fills me with joy
914316
Reposted by James Willem
Lehigh Football Nation @lfn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
End of 3Q, Lehigh is up 34-0 on Fordham. I really like fresh pasta in Little Italy, and the Botanical Gardens are something everyone should visit someday. And Fordham has a beautiful campus. Lehigh is thoroughly in control and is dominating on the scoreboard and the stat sheet.
041
Reposted by James Willem
Miss Mainwaring @miss-mainwaring.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
My siblings and I were taken to shop there twice a year to buy winter and summer wardrobes. For me 4 school and 2 Sunday dresses, 2 pairs of shoes— with lunch at the Zodiac Room (amazing child’s menu) and a visit to Couture for our mother.
31786
Reposted by James Willem
Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
GOP ads right now are all about attacking trans people. Over, and over, and over. I was a gay teen in 2004 watching the Bush campaign try to win on attacking gay marriage, but the resort to this hate drive in campaign ads feels so dialed up now. I can’t imagine being an lgbt kid watching tv today.
662349474
Reposted by James Willem
UAW @uaw.org · 03/10/2026
“The support that these Alamo Drafthouse workers received from the community shows that St. Louis is a union town, and I believe that the labor movement in the city is going to make a massive comeback.” www.stlpr.org/economy-busi...
stlpr.org
Alamo Drafthouse workers in St. Louis vote to unionize over tips, cuts to hours
Online ordering systems that cut workers’ tips and hours catalyzed the union efforts, which the United Auto Workers hopes will strengthen the St. Louis labor movement.
12610
Reposted by James Willem
derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Neiman Marcus closed its downtown Dallas flagship on Wednesday. The store played a notable role in the history of desegregation in Dallas. Previously, Black shoppers across the US could enter department stores, but they weren't allowed to try on clothes without adhering to certain conditions. 🧵
A notice about the Neiman Marcus store opening in downtown Dallas.An old photo of the Dallas flagship.
10459721689
Reposted by James Willem
Eric Lipton NYT @ericlipton.nytimes.com · 03/10/2026
JUST POSTED: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have pushed a multibillion oil deal with Russia as part of peace talks that will bring profits to their family business partners. A new front for Trump-era conflicts of interest. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
nytimes.com
U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies (Gift Article)
President Vladimir V. Putin brought up a sale of Russian energy assets with President Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, pushing a deal that raises new questions about conflicts of inter...
24730531793
Reposted by James Willem
Tick Tock Tennis @ticktocktennis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Svitolina Sticks Around For the past few years, Elina Svitolina has completely shut down her season after the US Open. But this year, with a spot in the WTA Finals on the line, the Ukrainian is staying booked, busy... and winning, rallying past Katerina Siniakova today.
3471
Reposted by James Willem
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Notice how they also brag about the number of naturalizations having plummeted; a sign of how much they detest legal immigration. /also, the removals number is largely fake. The actual number is 650-700k.
35933299
Reposted by James Willem
Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 28/09/2026
Trump wants to divert child care funds from low-income working families to married couples with a stay-at-home parent. Supporting economically struggling families, including full-time caregivers, is a good idea. Taking money from working families to do it is not.
epi.org
New Trump child care plan would strip resources from low-income working families: A better solution is to fully fund the Child Care and Development Fund instead of redirecting resources away from work...
The Trump administration is proposing a new plan to divert child care funds away from working families, which will lead to a loss of child care subsidies for some, increased child care costs for every...
21412
Reposted by James Willem
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I may be giving away some intel here but there is talk of an explicit instruction from the White House/DHS to cap the number of naturalizations carried out each month.
515231
Reposted by James Willem
Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 03/10/2026
🥰✊
0155
Reposted by James Willem
Raffi Melkonian @rmfifthcircuit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I'm sorry, what? scholar.google.com/scholar_case...
It is an oft-repeated statement that "[t]he appellants will not be permitted to feed one can of worms to the trial judge and another to the appellate court." Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 544 S.W.2d 219, 222 (Ky. 1976), overruled on other grounds by, Wilburn v. Commonwealth, 312 S.W.3d 321, 326-29 (Ky. 2010). Some version of this "can of worms" phrase appears in fifty published and 230 unpublished Kentucky opinions.[15] There are, of course, many additional opinions not using this specific phrase that rely on the basic, black-letter-law concept behind it, that appellate courts do not have the authority to review issues that were not raised before or decided by the trial court. See, e.g., Reg'l Jail Auth. v. Tackett, 770 S.W.2d 225, 228 (Ky. 1989) (citing Kentucky cases for this concept which were published between 1961 and 1938).
4321313
Reposted by James Willem
Abraham Gutman @abgutman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The @phillynewsguild.bsky.social ratified a new 3 year contract! Raises? ✅ Bonus? ✅ AI protections? ✅ Faster vacation accruals? ✅ All won, not given — and I couldn’t have been be more proud to fight for my incredible colleagues at The Philadelphia Inquirer at the bargaining table.
inquirer.com
Philadelphia Inquirer employees secure new union contract with raises and AI protections
Under the new three-year contract, members will see healthcare costs increase for the first time in 20 years, the union said.
0103
Reposted by James Willem
Kathleen Bachynski @bachynski.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
“The stress is audible in Lehigh Valley farmers’ voices as they describe an ever-growing list of pressure…topped by preharvest spikes in diesel fuel prices… As rising grocery prices continue to hit consumers’ wallets, the producer end of the farm-to-table spectrum say they’re under the same strains”
mcall.com
Lehigh Valley farmers under pressure as fuel and other prices rise. ‘There’s not much of a profit to be made’
Lehigh Valley farmers face an ever-growing list of pressure points, topped by preharvest spikes in diesel fuel prices.
184
Reposted by James Willem
Amy Nathan @amynathan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"An inspiring, important, and often-neglected story of a civil rights icon," says the KIRKUS Review of the new book RIDING INTO HISTORY, about "U.S. Army PFC Sarah Louise Keys (1928-2023), who resisted bus segregation three years before Rosa Parks. www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
Photo of the cover of the book RIDING INTO HISTORY, showing PFC Sarah Louise Keys in her uniform for the Women's Army Corps
184