Erin Sellers
@merrywanderer.bsky.social
She/they
Queer artist 🦋😈💕
Journalist at @rangemedia.co
Lover of Spokane
Washington politics
Wannabe goth 🦇🩸⚔️
Slide into my DMs with those news tips 👀
Secure comms on Signal: 509-850-0488
Queer artist 🦋😈💕
Journalist at @rangemedia.co
Lover of Spokane
Washington politics
Wannabe goth 🦇🩸⚔️
Slide into my DMs with those news tips 👀
Secure comms on Signal: 509-850-0488
Pinned
Erin Sellers
@merrywanderer.bsky.social
· Nov 18
I’m a full time City Hall and politics reporter, but when I can squeeze it in, I LOVE labor reporting. And I especially love labor reporting that’s inclusive of and centers sex workers - because sex work *is* work and sex workers deserve labor rights. For a thread of my labor stories, scroll!
Unlucky enough to be sick on my birthday and the day I was supposed to go back to work, lucky enough to be surrounded by people who love me and take care of me 🥺
January 6, 2026 at 5:44 AM
Unlucky enough to be sick on my birthday and the day I was supposed to go back to work, lucky enough to be surrounded by people who love me and take care of me 🥺
I forgot the menswear guy was on Bluesky and I’ve been having a lazy Tuesday morning (I’m on vacation) reading his posts. This one got me bad
December 30, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I forgot the menswear guy was on Bluesky and I’ve been having a lazy Tuesday morning (I’m on vacation) reading his posts. This one got me bad
This is so cool!
I was able to use a vending machine to make donations to local non-profit organizations today. And of course, my vending order included bus passes. A great way to make giving simple and fun. Available at the Spokane Valley Mall through January 1 by the food court.
December 28, 2025 at 3:09 AM
This is so cool!
Depressing, sharp and written by a real person:
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
December 22, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Depressing, sharp and written by a real person:
Reposted by Erin Sellers
BREAKING: At least 16 files from the Epstein release disappeared from DOJ's webpage, including a photo of Trump, with no explanation.
At least 16 files have disappeared from the DOJ webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein
The Justice Department’s webpage for documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is missing at least 16 of its files a day after they were released.
bit.ly
December 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
BREAKING: At least 16 files from the Epstein release disappeared from DOJ's webpage, including a photo of Trump, with no explanation.
Reposted by Erin Sellers
This is 404 Media's @jasonkoebler.bsky.social waving at himself through a Flock camera; one of 60 we learned was left exposed to the open internet. Not only could anyone with a link livestream it, but some admin portals were open with no login credentials required.
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
December 22, 2025 at 4:37 PM
This is 404 Media's @jasonkoebler.bsky.social waving at himself through a Flock camera; one of 60 we learned was left exposed to the open internet. Not only could anyone with a link livestream it, but some admin portals were open with no login credentials required.
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
www.404media.co/flock-expose...
Reposted by Erin Sellers
Washington may regulate Flock in next legislative session: Amid a nationwide backlash over privacy concerns, state legislators are looking to clamp down on data retention for automated license plate reader cameras.
Washington may regulate Flock in next legislative session – RANGE Media
Amid a nationwide backlash over privacy concerns, state legislators are looking to clamp down on data retention for automated license plate reader cameras.
rangemedia.co
December 19, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Washington may regulate Flock in next legislative session: Amid a nationwide backlash over privacy concerns, state legislators are looking to clamp down on data retention for automated license plate reader cameras.
Reposted by Erin Sellers
More and more of those arrested don’t have criminal records, according to new data. (Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard)
Immigration arrests in WA surged in recent months • Washington State Standard
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown intensified across Washington in the late summer and early fall, new data indicates.
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 3:00 AM
More and more of those arrested don’t have criminal records, according to new data. (Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard)
Reposted by Erin Sellers
….so supposedly the Sheriff is auditing his officers’ searches monthly to make sure the searches are legit
With searches like this I’m not sure the auditing is working
With searches like this I’m not sure the auditing is working
‘Operation Pimp Juice,’ ‘Serial Beer Thief,’ and Grand Theft Excavator:
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
‘Operation Pimp Juice,’ ‘Serial Beer Thief,’ and Grand Theft Excavator – RANGE Media
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
rangemedia.co
December 18, 2025 at 1:58 AM
….so supposedly the Sheriff is auditing his officers’ searches monthly to make sure the searches are legit
With searches like this I’m not sure the auditing is working
With searches like this I’m not sure the auditing is working
Reposted by Erin Sellers
‘Operation Pimp Juice,’ ‘Serial Beer Thief,’ and Grand Theft Excavator:
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
‘Operation Pimp Juice,’ ‘Serial Beer Thief,’ and Grand Theft Excavator – RANGE Media
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
rangemedia.co
December 18, 2025 at 1:12 AM
‘Operation Pimp Juice,’ ‘Serial Beer Thief,’ and Grand Theft Excavator:
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
Some of the other weird sh*t local officers and agencies nationwide were searching for using Spokane County Flock cameras.
Reposted by Erin Sellers
1/ At bargaining yesterday, @propublica.org management said that they should have 100% discretion to replace workers with AI and would not commit to labeling future AI-generated content.
December 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
1/ At bargaining yesterday, @propublica.org management said that they should have 100% discretion to replace workers with AI and would not commit to labeling future AI-generated content.
Reposted by Erin Sellers
“I saw this person’s hair getting pulled, a struggle. I saw her clothes getting pulled up. I saw her bra … It was upsetting,” Marc Stewart, a former committeeman of the KCRCC, testified Monday. “When people were coming out, I saw the looks on their faces. Yeah. I won’t forget that.”
Trial begins for a security guard involved in Coeur d’Alene’s Republican town hall fiasco where a woman was dragged out by her arms for jeering at an emcee on stage.
“‘My wife is blind. There is no need to grab me, I need to reconnect with my wife.””
More: www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
“‘My wife is blind. There is no need to grab me, I need to reconnect with my wife.””
More: www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Trial of security guard from Coeur d'Alene Republican town hall begins with debate on freedom to dissent versus freedom to 'command'
After Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris told Hayden resident Ben Stallings to leave a chaotic and politically charged Republican legislative town hall, the only thing Stallings said he was concerned ...
www.spokesman.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
“I saw this person’s hair getting pulled, a struggle. I saw her clothes getting pulled up. I saw her bra … It was upsetting,” Marc Stewart, a former committeeman of the KCRCC, testified Monday. “When people were coming out, I saw the looks on their faces. Yeah. I won’t forget that.”
Such a good thread!
Good Morning.
I’m sitting outside courtroom 15 at the Kootenai Co. Courthouse for the criminal trial for the KCRCC Town Hall incident last February.
Capacity issues today, so we’ll be waiting to observe for a while.
Bailiff said hour(s) with an S. I brought office work, no fear. #idpol
I’m sitting outside courtroom 15 at the Kootenai Co. Courthouse for the criminal trial for the KCRCC Town Hall incident last February.
Capacity issues today, so we’ll be waiting to observe for a while.
Bailiff said hour(s) with an S. I brought office work, no fear. #idpol
December 16, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Such a good thread!
So heartbreaking to see this happen across the state. One thing I noticed about this statement that I would love to see media outlets adopt: a *driver* struck and killed a pedestrian. Too often I see a *car* struck a pedestrian.
Early Sunday morning, a driver struck and killed a 38-year-old named Allie who was biking across Beacon Ave S. The driver fled the scene. As a lifelong cyclist who’s had my share of close calls, my heart goes out to Allie’s family and friends.
December 16, 2025 at 1:22 AM
So heartbreaking to see this happen across the state. One thing I noticed about this statement that I would love to see media outlets adopt: a *driver* struck and killed a pedestrian. Too often I see a *car* struck a pedestrian.
😬😬😬
Paul didn’t have a contract and said technically he wasn’t hired, but was volunteering his time.
SRO said without a contract, there couldn’t be any guns.
There were three exchanges over the matter.
He said he would get a contract for a dollar so he can bring guns.
SRO said without a contract, there couldn’t be any guns.
There were three exchanges over the matter.
He said he would get a contract for a dollar so he can bring guns.
December 15, 2025 at 10:07 PM
😬😬😬
Have hope, comrade 💜💜
(New work desk art acquired at the annual Brrzaar)
(New work desk art acquired at the annual Brrzaar)
December 15, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Have hope, comrade 💜💜
(New work desk art acquired at the annual Brrzaar)
(New work desk art acquired at the annual Brrzaar)
I bought a house this year and taxes are feeling really intimidating. Do any Spokane moots on here have an affordable tax person they like?
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
I bought a house this year and taxes are feeling really intimidating. Do any Spokane moots on here have an affordable tax person they like?
Reposted by Erin Sellers
Six months after ICE apprehended 47 people, including nine kids, in Hays County, Tex., County Judge Ruben Becerra said DHS has ignored his attempts to get answers:
“We’re not told why they took them, and we’re not told where they took them. By definition, that’s a kidnapping.”
(Published Oct.)
“We’re not told why they took them, and we’re not told where they took them. By definition, that’s a kidnapping.”
(Published Oct.)
How Trump is Building a Violent, Shadowy Federal Police Force
Trump’s DHS appointees have dismantled civil rights guardrails, protected agents’ anonymity and encouraged them to wear masks, threatened groups that stood in their way, and overwhelmed legal challeng...
www.propublica.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:20 AM
Six months after ICE apprehended 47 people, including nine kids, in Hays County, Tex., County Judge Ruben Becerra said DHS has ignored his attempts to get answers:
“We’re not told why they took them, and we’re not told where they took them. By definition, that’s a kidnapping.”
(Published Oct.)
“We’re not told why they took them, and we’re not told where they took them. By definition, that’s a kidnapping.”
(Published Oct.)
Reposted by Erin Sellers
ProPublica spoke to about 150 people who had lived in homeless encampments when cities cleared them out in “sweeps.”
We distributed notecards so people could tell us about the toll in their own words.
➡️ This is what they wrote: https://propub.li/3MTlm33
We distributed notecards so people could tell us about the toll in their own words.
➡️ This is what they wrote: https://propub.li/3MTlm33
December 12, 2025 at 3:15 AM
ProPublica spoke to about 150 people who had lived in homeless encampments when cities cleared them out in “sweeps.”
We distributed notecards so people could tell us about the toll in their own words.
➡️ This is what they wrote: https://propub.li/3MTlm33
We distributed notecards so people could tell us about the toll in their own words.
➡️ This is what they wrote: https://propub.li/3MTlm33
News you can use!
Flockenheit 451: a new column from Lauren Pangborn on those pesky Flock cameras, why they have no place in a free society and what you can do locally to fight back against their pervasiveness:
Flock-enheit 451 – RANGE Media
COLUMN: Why Flock cameras have no place in a free society and what you can do about it
rangemedia.co
December 12, 2025 at 10:04 PM
News you can use!
Reposted by Erin Sellers
December 10, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Reposted by Erin Sellers
“Alien.” “Ice pick-up.” “immigration violation.” Reporting from RANGE revealed more than 1,000 immigration searches were made on Spokane County Flock cameras this year, including hundreds of searches made by Border Patrol and Homeland Security:
“Alien.” “Ice pick-up.” “immigration violation.” – RANGE Media
More than 1,000 immigration searches were made on Spokane County Flock cameras this year.
rangemedia.co
December 10, 2025 at 9:50 PM
“Alien.” “Ice pick-up.” “immigration violation.” Reporting from RANGE revealed more than 1,000 immigration searches were made on Spokane County Flock cameras this year, including hundreds of searches made by Border Patrol and Homeland Security:
Reposted by Erin Sellers
Two cities — Eugene, OR + Cambridge, MA — have terminated contracts w/ Flock Safety since Friday bc Flock kept its ALPR cameras recording even after they asked for them to be deactivated. In the fall, officials in Evanston, IL bagged Flock cameras for the same reason
therecord.media/flock-safety...
therecord.media/flock-safety...
Flock cameras remained active in two cities where officials had asked for them to be turned off
Officials in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Eugene, Oregon, found that some Flock Safety license plate readers were still active after the municipalities asked for services to be terminated.
therecord.media
December 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Two cities — Eugene, OR + Cambridge, MA — have terminated contracts w/ Flock Safety since Friday bc Flock kept its ALPR cameras recording even after they asked for them to be deactivated. In the fall, officials in Evanston, IL bagged Flock cameras for the same reason
therecord.media/flock-safety...
therecord.media/flock-safety...
Reposted by Erin Sellers
This story is so much more than "people took a plea deal." This was a hard choice between fighting for what they believe in and what each person can reasonably endure. It's also a hallmark of our justice system to put people in that position.
The plea deal turns a potential felony sentence that could mean six years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines into three years of probation and a few thousand dollars in restitution costs.
Four of the Spokane 9 accept plea deals – RANGE Media
ICE protestors facing federal charges made a hard choice, but some fear a chilling effect: ‘They want to frighten people so they are afraid to use their First Amendment rights.’
rangemedia.co
December 10, 2025 at 1:56 AM
This story is so much more than "people took a plea deal." This was a hard choice between fighting for what they believe in and what each person can reasonably endure. It's also a hallmark of our justice system to put people in that position.
Reposted by Erin Sellers
More than 80% of children charged as adults in state court are not white, data shows. Some Washington lawmakers would like to pass a law that would retroactively remove "juvenile points" that can lengthen sentences, but such proposals face stiff opposition.
www.investigatewest.org/most-childre...
www.investigatewest.org/most-childre...
In Washington, youth of color face harsher sentences
More than 80% of children charged as adults in state court are not white, data shows
www.investigatewest.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
More than 80% of children charged as adults in state court are not white, data shows. Some Washington lawmakers would like to pass a law that would retroactively remove "juvenile points" that can lengthen sentences, but such proposals face stiff opposition.
www.investigatewest.org/most-childre...
www.investigatewest.org/most-childre...