Emmett O'Connell
@emmettoconnell.bsky.social
Blogger, podcaster, local government communicator, rec soccer defender
OlympiaTime.com
theolympiastandard.com
OlympiaTime.com
theolympiastandard.com
Can't believe I Iive in a state where we're wringing out hands about taking down a white supremacist statue but SeaTac erasure is pedal to the metal
January 17, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Can't believe I Iive in a state where we're wringing out hands about taking down a white supremacist statue but SeaTac erasure is pedal to the metal
Throw the idea of a 100-Justice Supreme Court in the pile of good government ideas that need to happen, including uncapping Congress and the state legisiture, folding special districts into general government and normalizing political boundaries of local governments
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/16/t...
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/16/t...
The Case For A 100-Justice Supreme Court
With the current mess that the US is in, there has been plenty of talk of “what comes after” and how to think about the big structural changes needed to prevent another authoritarian fr…
www.techdirt.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Throw the idea of a 100-Justice Supreme Court in the pile of good government ideas that need to happen, including uncapping Congress and the state legisiture, folding special districts into general government and normalizing political boundaries of local governments
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/16/t...
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/16/t...
Baton Rouge PD will deploy a $1M military-grade Stalker VXE30 surveillance drone used in war zones. Its long-range, high-powered monitoring marks a dangerous escalation in police militarization and demands strict oversight.
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
Baton Rouge Acquires a Straight-Up Military Surveillance Drone
The Baton Rouge Police Department announced this week that it will begin using a drone designed by military equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin and Edge Autonomy, making it one of the first local p...
www.eff.org
January 17, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Baton Rouge PD will deploy a $1M military-grade Stalker VXE30 surveillance drone used in war zones. Its long-range, high-powered monitoring marks a dangerous escalation in police militarization and demands strict oversight.
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
🧵
What’s happening in this DCYF debate isn’t misinformation or simple concern trolling. It’s malinformation: real facts arranged to imply something more sinister than the evidence supports. That distinction matters. /1
mynorthwest.com/john-curley/...
What’s happening in this DCYF debate isn’t misinformation or simple concern trolling. It’s malinformation: real facts arranged to imply something more sinister than the evidence supports. That distinction matters. /1
mynorthwest.com/john-curley/...
WA rep. finds unaccounted child care funds - MyNorthwest.com
WA officials probe potential fraud in child care funds amid rising concerns from Minnesota's government programs.
mynorthwest.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:48 PM
🧵
What’s happening in this DCYF debate isn’t misinformation or simple concern trolling. It’s malinformation: real facts arranged to imply something more sinister than the evidence supports. That distinction matters. /1
mynorthwest.com/john-curley/...
What’s happening in this DCYF debate isn’t misinformation or simple concern trolling. It’s malinformation: real facts arranged to imply something more sinister than the evidence supports. That distinction matters. /1
mynorthwest.com/john-curley/...
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank publicly rejected the Legislature’s authority and vowed to defy state law, violating his oath to uphold Washington’s Constitution. That breach of duty is explicit grounds for recall under the state constitution and statute.
www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/...
www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/...
Militant right wing sheriff Keith Swank is openly inviting his Pierce County constituents to try to recall him - and they should - NPI's Cascadia Advocate
An individual who mocks lawmakers to their faces and vows to encourage breaking the laws of the jurisdiction they have sworn an oath to faithfully execute is not a person who should be in law enforcem...
www.nwprogressive.org
January 17, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank publicly rejected the Legislature’s authority and vowed to defy state law, violating his oath to uphold Washington’s Constitution. That breach of duty is explicit grounds for recall under the state constitution and statute.
www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/...
www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/...
The Marcus Whitman statue in Olympia functions like a Confederate monument: built to promote a false, harmful myth that justified colonization and white dominance. The state should stop debating relocation and fully remove it to tell the truth about history.
olympiatime.com/2026/01/17/t...
olympiatime.com/2026/01/17/t...
The Whitman Statue Is Our Confederate General Statue. It is Time to Go – Olympia Time
olympiatime.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:25 PM
The Marcus Whitman statue in Olympia functions like a Confederate monument: built to promote a false, harmful myth that justified colonization and white dominance. The state should stop debating relocation and fully remove it to tell the truth about history.
olympiatime.com/2026/01/17/t...
olympiatime.com/2026/01/17/t...
Here is to normalizing post Christmas lights in the northern latitudes.
January 17, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Here is to normalizing post Christmas lights in the northern latitudes.
Why is voter turnout among young people consistently low? We often blame apathy or lack of education, but the real answer might be hidden in our biology. It’s time to look at how brain development shapes our democracy.
🧵
/1
🧵
/1
January 17, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Why is voter turnout among young people consistently low? We often blame apathy or lack of education, but the real answer might be hidden in our biology. It’s time to look at how brain development shapes our democracy.
🧵
/1
🧵
/1
Seattle’s Latino murals, led by artist Rene Julio Diaz, use public walls to explore migration, identity, and community. His work blends culture and current issues, fostering dialogue, connection, and belonging across neighborhoods.
thefulcrum.us/community/se...
thefulcrum.us/community/se...
Washington Murals Tell Stories of Migration, Identity, and Community
Many Latino artists in Seattle use walls as canvases to tell stories and display powerful messages. One of them is Rene Julio Diaz, a muralist from Mexico City who believes mural art must be meaningfu...
thefulcrum.us
January 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Seattle’s Latino murals, led by artist Rene Julio Diaz, use public walls to explore migration, identity, and community. His work blends culture and current issues, fostering dialogue, connection, and belonging across neighborhoods.
thefulcrum.us/community/se...
thefulcrum.us/community/se...
"Of course they’re going to do what the algorithm demands—which, on today’s right, means snappy, confrontational, fact-agnostic propaganda for the regime. That’s what the ecosystem rewards... If you think that’s grim today, wait till you see the future."
www.thebulwark.com/p/if-you-thi...
www.thebulwark.com/p/if-you-thi...
If You Think MAGA Journalism Is Bad Now, Just Wait
The mayhem in Minnesota is partially the fault of one pup “reporter” chasing clicks.
www.thebulwark.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:12 PM
"Of course they’re going to do what the algorithm demands—which, on today’s right, means snappy, confrontational, fact-agnostic propaganda for the regime. That’s what the ecosystem rewards... If you think that’s grim today, wait till you see the future."
www.thebulwark.com/p/if-you-thi...
www.thebulwark.com/p/if-you-thi...
A fundraiser for an ICE agent that wasn’t just pro-police but white supremacist, using antisemitic language, “America First” signals, and Great Replacement rhetoric, showing how extremist ideology sits at the core of some anti-immigrant fundraising.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com/news-and-pol...
This Fundraiser for the ICE Shooter Speaks Volumes About What’s Happening Here
The posting has been adjusted, but not that much.
slate.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:19 PM
A fundraiser for an ICE agent that wasn’t just pro-police but white supremacist, using antisemitic language, “America First” signals, and Great Replacement rhetoric, showing how extremist ideology sits at the core of some anti-immigrant fundraising.
slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com/news-and-pol...
Interfaith leaders protested at the Idaho Capitol, accusing lawmakers of misusing Christianity to justify laws harming trans, immigrant, and marginalized communities. Clergy called for church–state separation, compassion, and moral courage as the legislative session began.
favs.news/faith-leader...
favs.news/faith-leader...
Faith Leaders Protest Idaho Laws at Capitol Worship
People of faith gathered at the Idaho State Capitol for an interfaith worship service protesting legislation targeting trans people, immigrants, and the poor.
favs.news
January 13, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Interfaith leaders protested at the Idaho Capitol, accusing lawmakers of misusing Christianity to justify laws harming trans, immigrant, and marginalized communities. Clergy called for church–state separation, compassion, and moral courage as the legislative session began.
favs.news/faith-leader...
favs.news/faith-leader...
If you live in Washington State, don't take your lights down
January 13, 2026 at 3:54 AM
If you live in Washington State, don't take your lights down
Reposted by Emmett O'Connell
There's A LOT going on right now in struggle b/w democracy & authoritarianism, so it's hard to keep up. But it's going to be REALLY important that we pay attention to (and keep pushing back against) how election lies (from 2020) are being mobilized in ways that threaten election integrity in 2026.
Judge blocks Trump’s elections order in lawsuit by vote-by-mail states Oregon and Washington
A Trump executive order included new requirements to prove citizenship and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day.
www.seattletimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:12 PM
There's A LOT going on right now in struggle b/w democracy & authoritarianism, so it's hard to keep up. But it's going to be REALLY important that we pay attention to (and keep pushing back against) how election lies (from 2020) are being mobilized in ways that threaten election integrity in 2026.
Post your favorite Star Trek character. Wrong answers only.
January 11, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Post your favorite Star Trek character. Wrong answers only.
Last week I wrote about how these rumor disasters happen and a little comms advice on how to prep and respond. But the @cip.uw.edu recently wrote a approach that could be expanded to inoculate communities by covering in real time how rumors spread. 🧵
/1
/1
1/ Ever wonder how a rumor in MN becomes a physical confrontation in WA in 72 hours? It’s a new model: Participatory Disinformation. WA's digital ecosystem is perfectly primed for these outbreaks. 🧵
January 11, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Last week I wrote about how these rumor disasters happen and a little comms advice on how to prep and respond. But the @cip.uw.edu recently wrote a approach that could be expanded to inoculate communities by covering in real time how rumors spread. 🧵
/1
/1
The Freedom Foundation is suing Oregon to block a new law banning impersonation of union representatives, arguing it violates the First Amendment.
Unions say the law stops fraud and misleading mailers aimed at persuading workers to drop membership.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/05/c...
Unions say the law stops fraud and misleading mailers aimed at persuading workers to drop membership.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/05/c...
Conservative think tank asks court to block Oregon union fraud law • Oregon Capital Chronicle
An Olympia-based conservative think tank is suing Oregon over a new law that makes it illegal to impersonate a union representative.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com
January 10, 2026 at 4:33 PM
The Freedom Foundation is suing Oregon to block a new law banning impersonation of union representatives, arguing it violates the First Amendment.
Unions say the law stops fraud and misleading mailers aimed at persuading workers to drop membership.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/05/c...
Unions say the law stops fraud and misleading mailers aimed at persuading workers to drop membership.
oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/05/c...
A right-wing misinformation frenzy over real Minnesota fraud cases spiraled into mass ICE raids, frozen federal funds, and violent clashes. Trump and MAGA media tied the scandals to Somali communities, escalating xenophobia and political retaliation.
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/how-the...
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/how-the...
How the Right-Wing Outrage Machine Prompted the Conflagration in Minnesota
More than 2,000 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are on the...
talkingpointsmemo.com
January 10, 2026 at 4:29 PM
A right-wing misinformation frenzy over real Minnesota fraud cases spiraled into mass ICE raids, frozen federal funds, and violent clashes. Trump and MAGA media tied the scandals to Somali communities, escalating xenophobia and political retaliation.
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/how-the...
talkingpointsmemo.com/news/how-the...
The 1926 Rose Bowl symbolized two paths of exclusion: the South used football to repackage Jim Crow pride, while the Northwest embedded white supremacy through law and bureaucracy. One hid racism in spectacle; the other normalized it through quiet, lasting policies.
olympiatime.com/2026/01/10/t...
olympiatime.com/2026/01/10/t...
January 10, 2026 at 1:51 PM
The 1926 Rose Bowl symbolized two paths of exclusion: the South used football to repackage Jim Crow pride, while the Northwest embedded white supremacy through law and bureaucracy. One hid racism in spectacle; the other normalized it through quiet, lasting policies.
olympiatime.com/2026/01/10/t...
olympiatime.com/2026/01/10/t...
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna subpoenaed and threatened a journalist with prosecution for posting a publicly available university bio, falsely calling it “doxxing.” It’s blatant First Amendment intimidation and misuse of congressional power.
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/09/r...
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/09/r...
Rep. Luna Threatens Journalist With Prison For Posting… Public University Bio
If you want to understand how far MAGA Republicans have strayed from any actual “free speech” principles, look no further than this: Congress issued a subpoena to Rolling Stone journali…
www.techdirt.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna subpoenaed and threatened a journalist with prosecution for posting a publicly available university bio, falsely calling it “doxxing.” It’s blatant First Amendment intimidation and misuse of congressional power.
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/09/r...
www.techdirt.com/2026/01/09/r...
A federal judge blocked Trump’s election order requiring proof of citizenship and Election Day ballot receipt, siding with Oregon and Washington. The court ruled Trump lacked authority to change election law, protecting mail voting and postmarked ballots.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/r...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/r...
Federal judge blocks Trump election order, siding with Oregon, Washington • Washington State Standard
A federal judge in Washington state permanently blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a 2025 executive order.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:15 PM
A federal judge blocked Trump’s election order requiring proof of citizenship and Election Day ballot receipt, siding with Oregon and Washington. The court ruled Trump lacked authority to change election law, protecting mail voting and postmarked ballots.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/r...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/r...
The Center Square rumor washes a debunked video from Minnesota to create context for even more rumors here in Washington State. The problem is, MSN.com and regional news outlets pick up TCS as if it is reputable
/1
/1
January 9, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The Center Square rumor washes a debunked video from Minnesota to create context for even more rumors here in Washington State. The problem is, MSN.com and regional news outlets pick up TCS as if it is reputable
/1
/1
A tenured Tennessee professor fired for sharing a Charlie Kirk headline without comment was reinstated and awarded $500,000 after the university admitted it violated its own termination process under political pressure.
boingboing.net/2026/01/07/p...
boingboing.net/2026/01/07/p...
Professor fired for sharing Charlie Kirk headline gets $500,000 and his job back
APSU admits it "did not follow the required termination process." Professor gets $500K and his job back.
boingboing.net
January 9, 2026 at 2:04 PM
A tenured Tennessee professor fired for sharing a Charlie Kirk headline without comment was reinstated and awarded $500,000 after the university admitted it violated its own termination process under political pressure.
boingboing.net/2026/01/07/p...
boingboing.net/2026/01/07/p...
ICE’s racial profiling under Trump echoes WWII-era internment of Japanese Americans. Using race and language to target immigrants, it shows how U.S. immigration policy still relies on exclusion.
theconversation.com/racial-profi...
theconversation.com/racial-profi...
Racial profiling by ICE agents mirrors the targeting of Japanese Americans during World War II
Asian Americans have drawn parallels between today’s attacks on Latinos and a historically exclusive immigration policy that favors some families over others.
theconversation.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:02 PM
ICE’s racial profiling under Trump echoes WWII-era internment of Japanese Americans. Using race and language to target immigrants, it shows how U.S. immigration policy still relies on exclusion.
theconversation.com/racial-profi...
theconversation.com/racial-profi...
Despite pledges to block access, ICE and CBP searched Washington driver’s license data at least nine times Aug–Nov via a law-enforcement data network, UW researchers found. The state says ICE access ended mid-November, but gaps remain.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
ICE searched WA driver’s license data into November, report finds • Washington State Standard
Despite vows to restrict immigration agents' access to Washington license information, the data sharing continued, researchers said Thursday.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Despite pledges to block access, ICE and CBP searched Washington driver’s license data at least nine times Aug–Nov via a law-enforcement data network, UW researchers found. The state says ICE access ended mid-November, but gaps remain.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...