Author | Lightnews

James Wagner

@jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social

1.3K followers 1.1K following 6K posts

cranky radical, fussy aesthete, humanist, generalist, partner of @bhoggard

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · Sep 9

I love this image, of a plucky caterer, maybe family, working on some celebratory bunting

tall vertical ladder resting on clothesline, clear Midwest September sky, the comfort of stars and stripes in a time and in a place (1936/WI) we imagine more innocent, white apron, rolled slacks, shirt sleeves

Reposted by James Wagner

Claas Gefroi @claasgefroi.bsky.social · 1d

Worüber ihr kein Wort von Merz, Spahn, Söder hören werdet: Ein Gutachten zum Weihnachtsmarkt-Anschlag in Magdeburg stuft diesen als rechtsextrem motiviert ein. Der Täter plante ihn jahrelang, kündigte ihn an und verortete sich selbst in einem rechtsextremen Netzwerk. #Stadtbild

Anschlag in Magdeburg: Gutachten stellt Ermittlungsergebnisse zu Amokfahrer infrage - WELT

Ein 40-seitiges Gutachten, das WELT exklusiv vorliegt, analysiert die Tat von Taleb al-Abdulmohsen und widerlegt die These vom wirren Einzelgänger. Der Psychiater plante seinen Anschlag jahrelang, kün...

www.welt.de

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 6h

one can hope

one must do more than hope

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Prisonculture @prisonculture.bsky.social · 1d

People across the country are fighting for their lives and also to protect their neighbors. They are doing so in the 100s of thousands every single day. You can choose to join the fight or you can pretend that "no one is doing anything."

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gregorg @greg.org · 16h

they not only didn't stop it, they were "able to support swift completion of this important work thanks to the generous philanthropy of our donors."

John Garrison Marks @johngmarks.com · 22h

I see that @whitehousehistory.bsky.social put out a statement yesterday stating that they were able to complete a “comprehensive digital scanning project” to document the East Wing, and that the historic artifacts have been preserved and stored.

Oct 22, 2025 Washington, D.C. —
Since 1961, the mission of the White House Historical Association has been to document and share the history of the White House while providing private, non-taxpayer funding to preserve and enhance the White House Collection of furnishings, fine art, and decorative objects, maintaining the museum standard set by our founder, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. While the Association has never had a role in reviewing or approving changes to the physical structure of the White House building, we remain dedicated to advancing the public’s understanding of The White House and its history — from when the cornerstone was set in 1792, to present — ensuring that all of its stories are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Upon announcement of the Ballroom construction project by the White House, the White House Historical Association supported the preservation of East Wing history through a comprehensive digital scanning project and photography to create an historic record. The East Wing and gardens have been captured in detail for the benefit of our nation and historic artifacts from the East Wing have been preserved and stored. The White House Historical Association was able to support swift completion of this important work thanks to the generous philanthropy of our donors.
November 1 marks 225 years since John and Abigail Adams moved into a White House that has undergone scores of changes and many additions over 47 presidencies. Our important role will continue with the support of thousands of Americans who cherish the historic White House and the history of those who have lived and worked there for 225 years.

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Meredith Plays Horn @meredithmoo25.bsky.social · 1d

Happy about this agreement but let’s be clear: the “challenged industry” is Broadway shows making record profits while the people who make eight shows a week happen are struggling to keep up with the cost of living in NYC

But glad an agreement was reached and strike averted!

The New York Times @nytimes.com · 1d

Broadway has averted a strike that could have done serious damage to an already challenged industry. The tentative agreement, which still requires ratification by union members, comes five days after a similar agreement with actors and stage managers.

Broadway Averts Strike as Musicians Reach Deal With Producers

The tentative agreement, which still requires ratification by union members, comes five days after a similar agreement with actors and stage managers.

nyti.ms

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Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 16h

Because President Botstein understands the job of a university president. Protective your students.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 17h

A Bard College student was kidnapped by ICE and Bard’s administration is advocating for his release and has created a website to assist the rest of the community in joining them.

That’s what academic leaders should be doing for their students right now. www.instagram.com/p/DQKSTDJkeF...

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

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Second Ave. Sagas @2avesag.as · 17h

He did not “seem to agree.” He fully agreed. And it wasn’t “apparent” Islamophobia. It was full-on Islamophobia.

Becky with the good scare 🎃👻💀🕸️ @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social · 21h

Andrew Cuomo had a good debate night. Then he went on Sid Rosenberg's radio show and seemed to agree that Zohran Mamdani would cheer another 9/11 www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...

Cuomo under fire after apparent Islamophic comment

The former governor appeared to agree that Zohran Mamdani would cheer “another 9/11,” but insisted that wasn’t what he meant

www.cityandstateny.com

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Emissary Of Night | ليلى @diplomatofnight.com · 17h

I have more or less accepted that Islamophobia will just become more, not less common among liberals and left wingers as more Muslims get elected lol

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Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 1d

🚨🚨🚨 BREAKING: The ENTIRE White House East Wing has been demolished (despite Trump PROMISING it would not be touched) as the 34x convicted felon moves forward with $300M+ personal ballroom

White House East Wing demolished as Trump moves forward with ballroom construction, AP photos show

Associated Press photos show the entire White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves forward with a ballroom construction.

apnews.com

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Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · May 21

🚨🚨🚨 I'm going to post this video every day so we never forget what the 34x convicted felon & adjudicated rapist Trump did. 🚨🚨🚨

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 7h

“The residence was designed by the Irish-born architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style. … Constructed between 1792 and 1800, its exterior walls are Aquia Creek sandstone painted white.”
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_H...

not

James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 13h

I know from Canada

if Trump thinks he can cajole our friendly neighbor to the north with imbecilic rants and threats, he’s mistaken

the noble nation is far smarter than any given Ivy League university or almost every Democratic politician

James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 14h

awaiting the inventiveness of the New York Times’ inevitable “both sides” take on Trump’s newest foreign policy statement

tgage @tgagemurphy.bsky.social · 22h

Trump talking about killing people:

Reposted by James Wagner

Sam @samd.bsky.social · 14h

The New York Times is bothsidesing the illegal destruction of half of the White House

beyond parody

A Pile of Rubble: After 123 Years, the East Wing Is Gone
Critics are outraged over President Trump's demolition of the East Wing to make way for his $300 million ballroom. Others say it was time for change.
5 MIN READ
Early

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 14h

the United States of America is a country that can’t and won’t prosecute political criminals, tyrants, and genocides

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 16h

it just now dawned on me

that prominent highlighted building right across the street from Trump’s new throne room?

it’s the headquarters of the United States Department of the Treasury

I expect he will find it handy

Julie Votes Boo @juliededit.bsky.social · 1d

We are so fucked

Brian J. Karem @briankarem.bsky.social · 1d

Originally it wasn't going to disturb any part of the existing White House. Now? according to this model Trump showed in the Oval today The Ballroom? it's going to be nearly twice the size of the existing WH.

Reposted by James Wagner

God @thegodpodcast.com · 1d

If you’re driving around in unmarked cars, wearing masks, and kidnapping people, you’re not one of the good guys.

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PK 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇵🇸 @paul.kidd.id.au · 16h

People are calling it ‘the Epstein Ballroom’.

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Zohran Kwame Mamdani @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social · 1d

It's not just what Andrew Cuomo is saying—it's who's funding him.

The single largest donor to a pro-Cuomo SuperPAC is Airbnb cofounder/board member Joe Gebbia, who promotes vile and racist messages about immigrants.

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Erin Reed @erininthemorning.com · 5d

8. Some Dems are not just refusing to abandon their trans constituents—they’re leaning in. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez reaffirmed her commitment to her trans constituents in a video message posted to Instagram. NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani released a two-minute campaign ad centered on trans history.

As Some Dems Run From Trans People, Zohran Mamdani's Latest Ad Shows Real Support

The 2 minute ad features Sylvia Rivera's story, Mamdani's commitment to transgender people, and even music from the legendary late trans artist SOPHIE.

www.erininthemorning.com

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Kat Tenbarge @kattenbarge.bsky.social · 1d

It’s not lost on me that Cuomo, who has been repeatedly credibly accused of sexual harassment, is using AI-generated examples of gender violence to try and smear his opponent, who has never been accused of it

Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · 1d

Andrew Cuomo’s campaign just posted — and quickly deleted — this AI-generated ad depicting “criminals for Zohran Mamdani.”

Features a Black man in a keffiyeh shoplifting, an abuser, a trespasser, a trafficker, a drug dealer, and a drunk driver all declaring support for Mamdani.

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 18h

inspired the leader’s new ballroom

but this one will be god-awful gaudy

and all in gold

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 18h

“..an accomplished architect, [Jefferson] envisioned the White House as a reflection of classical ideals. ..he added the east and west colonnades to connect the main residence to service buildings… These covered walkways..inspired by Palladian architecture…” www.whitehousehistory.org/an-ever-chan...

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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 1d

"Destruction of federal property is a federal crime-18 U.S. Code § 1361 defines it as willfully injuring or committing any depredation of U.S. gov't property-Damage exceeding $1k is a felony w/ a fine-up to 10 yrs in prison or both"

Meanwhile-took me forever to get permits to repaint my mailbox.

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James Wagner @jamesarthurwagner.bsky.social · 21h

we await more color pictures of the supreme leader’s new city palace, while speculating on the color of the exterior