Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Mary Beth Williams

@mbwilliams.bsky.social

1.4K followers 890 following 1.5K posts

Made from Maine Wabanakiak, Isles of Shoals fishermen, and Welsh coal miners. Oregon transplant. Constitutional law and state/tribal/fed gov't wonk (JD). North Atlantic historian obsessed with wampum, cod fishing, and dual-host pathogens.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · May 3

If you believe climate change is an existential threat, then don't support any Democratic member of Congress who advocates for:

1. Generative AI
2. Cryptocurrency mining
3. Indoor cannabis cultivation

unless they can immediately point to a detailed plan to make said activity carbon neutral.

6 25

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Seth Cotlar @sethcotlar.bsky.social · 8h

Two big GOP activists from Oregon were in DC last month for meetings with Trump admin officials. On their podcast they talk about a plan they discussed to nullify the results of Oregon's 2026 federal elections. Pass federal voter ID law, then refuse to seat OR delegation because OR didn't comply.

Ep. 18: September to Remember
October 6 • S1 E18 • 44 min
Also, we proposed a idea how to do a end run on vote by mail. Concept is based on what Trump proposed. When you vote, you check everyone's citizenship as well as voter ID.
In a vote by mail state, you might be able to check citizenship during voter registration. You can send copies of your passport and your birth certificate in.
How in the world are you going to check our voters?
Voter ID, right? Vote by mail. So that creates a problem for Oregon.
But if federal government new requirement is to check both, and if Oregon can comply with the requirements, what would happen to our election result? I'm talking about the entire federal delegation.
For federal elections, we're talking about only federal elections.
COMMON SENSE
Vascluar

Ep. 18: September to Remember
October 6 • S1 E18 • 44 min
So entire federal delegation, congressmen and senators could be challenged, could be unseated because you didn't follow federal requirements to elect them. So I said the trade-off is worth it. You know why?
Democrats control two Senate seats out of six congressional seats. We only control one. They control five.
You talk about trade-off, right?
COMMON SENSE
Sanctuany

33 700 1.3K

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Jonathan Cohn @jonathancohn.bsky.social · 9h

Trump has been illegally bombing boats off the coast of Venezuela.

Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff forced a vote on reasserting Congress's role over war powers and ending this reckless
warmongering.

It failed 48-51.

Murkowski and Paul voted yes.

Fetterman voted no.

100 670 1.9K

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 7h

For those not familiar, the Ninth Circuit now livestreams oral arguments. Tomorrow's oral arguments in State of Oregon, et al. v. Trump, et al., will be heard in San Francisco Courtroom 2 at 9:00 am PDT, Thursday 10/9. www.ca9.uscourts.gov/media/live-o...

Streaming Oral Arguments

www.ca9.uscourts.gov

2 3

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Jeffrey F Steiner @jfs.bsky.social · 11h

Antifa IT sucks ass too. Everybody has a Guy Fawkes avatar as their profile pic and none of them can remember their goddamn passwords.

3 5 150

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Popehat Agitates And Irritates @kenwhite.bsky.social · 12h

OK. It's going to be coming out soon because of the relentless investigations of Pam Bondi and Kash Patel, so I might as well admit it before the news breaks:

I am the General Counsel of Antifa.

340 980 8.1K

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 10h

If Trump is using his Truth Social DMs to communicate with federal officials, the Presidential Records Act would like a word.

Sean O’Kane @seanokane.bsky.social · 11h

WSJ is reporting that the Truth Social post where Trump told Pam Bondi to prosecute Comey *really was supposed to be a private message*

www.wsj.com/politics/pol...

Inside the Justice Department Where the President Calls the Shots

The president has executed a wholesale transformation of the Justice Department, taking control in ways he could have only dreamed of in his first term.

www.wsj.com

1 5

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Dave Byrnes @djbyrnes1.bsky.social · 15h

Back in federal judge Sara Ellis' courtroom in Chicago for a second day of discussion on a proposed restraining order to rein in federal immigration agents' violent behavior.

Debate began on this issue on Monday, and ended without the court entering a formal order.

Dave Byrnes @djbyrnes1.bsky.social · 2d

@unraveledpress.com & other press have been threatened, shot with less-lethals and arrested while reporting on federal immigration activities in Chicagoland and on the resulting protests at Broadview.

I'm now at a hearing asking the federal court to rein ICE & co in. I'll let you know how it goes.

unraveled @unraveledpress.com · 2d

Well, yeah, we're suing ICE.

This wasn't really a hard decision. As little faith as we have in institutions, we recognize the value of drawing visible lines in the sand. We drew ours personally a while ago, but better late than never.

May every protester be freed and may this occupation end.

10 210 710

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Denise Wheeler @denisedwheeler.bsky.social · 1d

Reuters photographer Jonathan Ernst noticed that Bondi flipped open a file during the Senate hearing and he zoomed in.

Inside were her crib notes for attacking the senators.

The GOP now practicing Cliff's Notes Fascism

In other words, under oath Bondi was purely a performance.

Bondi senate hearing had a folder full of notes for attacking the senators

780 6.7K 16K

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

Not sure how Kristi Noem was able to eat at one of our beloved PDX Burgervilles with all the raging fires, exploding bombs, and bullets whizzing by. Somehow she survived, but her marionberry shake apparently caught a stray round.

2 1 6

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

It might be coincidence that Trump decided to make Wyden's hometown his latest target of military invasion. It's likely that Trump is so afflicted with dementia that he is clueless about Wyden's investigations. But Stephen Miller is in control and knows how to wind up Trump, point, and release him.

2 7

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

One week later, a White House memo referenced "riots" in Portland and LA that resulted in a 1000x increase in "attacks" on ICE, despite only 4 reported injuries—all in June—during 2025.

Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence

NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

www.whitehouse.gov

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

On 9/25, Sen. Wyden went directly to JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon for answers, keeping Epstein's name in the news.

Wyden Presses JPMorgan Chief Dimon for Answers on Jeffrey Epstein

www.nytimes.com

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

Less than a month ago, Sen. Wyden introduced the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act (PETRA) to compel Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to turn over Epstein-related Treasury records to Senate investigators. www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-memb...

New Wyden Bill Would Force Treasury to Turn Over Epstein Files | The United States Senate Committee on Finance

New Wyden Bill Would Force Treasury to Turn Over Epstein Files

www.finance.senate.gov

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

Sen. Wyden's investigations hit pay dirt, uncovering $1.5 billion, including over $100 million in transactions with sanctioned Russian banks. Initially, Wyden tried to get more information from the banks; when blocked by regulations, he turned to the Treasury Dept, now under the Trump Admin.

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 1d

Trump is a very simple animal: If he feels aggrieved or threatened, he lashes out with whatever means he has.

Sen. Ron Wyden is not just an adopted Oregonian, but a 40+ year Portlander. For months, Wyden, ranking member of Senate Finance, has been digging into Epstein bank records (see below.) 1/x

In Epstein Case, Follow the Money, Democratic Senator Says

www.nytimes.com

1 1 4

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

Never trust LEO’s version of events. Demand every federal LEO wear (and activate) a body cam.

Gillian Brockell @gbrockell.bsky.social · 2d

Claim: 10 cars rammed ICE
Truth: No cars rammed ICE

Claim: She boxed ICE in
Truth: ICE boxed her in

Claim: She shot a rifle at ICE
Truth: She did not have a rifle

Claim: ICE returned fire
Truth: Only ICE fired

Claim: She drove herself to the hospital
Truth: Paramedics found her

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 2d

Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

NPR @npr.org · 2d

Update: Illinois asked a judge to block the Trump administration from federalizing the Illinois National Guard and from sending Guard members from other states, but the judge declined to do so, for now.

Federal judge declines to immediately block National Guard deployment in Illinois

Illinois asked a judge to block the Trump administration from federalizing the Illinois National Guard and from sending Guard members from other states, but the judge declined to do so, for now.

n.pr

30 88 310

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

Oops, forgot the attach the article: www.politico.com/live-updates...

Rep. Jared Golden gets a primary from the left

Maine state auditor Matt Dunlap is challenging the battleground Democrat.

www.politico.com

1 2

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

Yay, Matt! This is great news. I knew Matt way back when and he was one of the kindest voices when I lost my Maine House race by a hair.

I was hoping Tiffany would jump in, but I realize she's got a lot on her plate.

1 4

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

This is really sad. For all the mocking the OR state capitol building receives (yes, it really does look like a wedding cake,) I loved entering the building every workday and walking past the four Depression-era murals in the rotunda. I hope the damage to our sister state's capitol is fixable.

Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 2d

Last night, an intruder broke into the Legislative Building and damaged several facilities and historical artifacts.

There was significant damage in our State Reception Room, which is a particularly important space. We are still assessing the damage.

1 1

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

According to the Oregonian this morning, Trump ordered NG troops from both CA and TX without even reading Judge Immergut's 10/4 order eviscerating his blatantly false justification deploying 200 OR NG members. [source: www.oregonlive.com/portland/202... ]

Sunday, Oct. 5:

The Portland Marathon skirted the South Waterfront ICE facility and a handful of people in pajamas sat outside the building eating donuts and reading newspapers while outside the White House Trump declared “Portland is burning to the ground” and criticized Immergut, saying she “ought to be ashamed of himself.”

He also said he had not read her Saturday order.

1 2

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 2d

It's only Monday, but I think this might be the most significant poll question reported this week.

Mary Dudziak @marydudziak.bsky.social · 2d

Has Trump’s second term posed a greater or lesser threat to the rule of law than you expected? @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/m...

Has Trump’s second term posed a greater or lesser threat to the rule of law than you expected?
Circular graph showing over half answered: much more than I expected, about a quarter: more than I expected, about an eighth: similar threat to what I expected, small sliver: much less threat than I expected.

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · 3d

Judge Immergut has issued her written TRO prohibiting the Trump administration from relocating or deploying federalized national guard troops to Oregon.

Here it is:

Case 3:25-cv-01756-IM|
Document 68
Filed 10/05/25
Page 1 of 2
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON
STATE OF OREGON; the
CITY OF PORTLAND; and STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
Case No. 3:25-cv-1756-IM
SECOND TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
Plaintiffs,
v.
DONALD TRUMP, in his official capacity as President of the United States; PETE HEGSETH, in his official capacity as Secretary of Defense; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; KRISTI NOEM, in her official capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security: and U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY,
Defendants.
Based on this Court's prior Opinion and Order Granting Plaintiffs' First Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, ECF 56; the hearing on Plaintiffs' Second Motion for Temporary Restraining Order; and the newly submitted declarations, ECF 60, 63, 65, this Court GRANTS Plaintiffs' Second Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, ECF 59, and ORDERS as follows:
1. Defendants are temporarily enjoined from deploying federalized members of the
National Guard in Oregon.

This Second Temporary Restraining Order expires by its own terms in fourteen
days on October 19, 2025.
3. Plaintiffs are ORDERED to post a nominal bond of $100 within 48 hours. The
bond shall be filed in the Clerk's Office and be deposited into the registry of the Court.
4. Defendants' Request to Stay or Administratively Stay this Second Temporary
Restraining Order, which was raised in the hearing on Plaintiffs' Second Motion for Temporary
Restraining Order, is DENIED.
The Court Clerk will contact the parties to schedule a telephone hearing on
October 17, 2025, to address whether this Second Temporary Restraining Order should be
extended for another 14 days.
Any motion for a Preliminary Injunction shall be filed no later than October 17,
2025; Defendants' opposition shall be due no later than October 23, 2025, and Plaintiffs' reply
shall be due on October 27, 2025.
A combined hearing on the preliminary injunction motion and a trial on the merits
under Rule 65(a)(2) is set for October 29, 2025, before the Honorable Judge Karin J. Immergut, in Courtroom 13A, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
IT IS SO ORDERED
DATED this 5th day of October.
/s/

50 540 1.9K

Reposted by Mary Beth Williams

diabolicalengineer.bsky.social @diabolicalengineer.bsky.social · 3d

This might have been the angriest judge of any of the cases I've listened to this year.

3 2 57

Mary Beth Williams @mbwilliams.bsky.social · 3d

Tonight's excitement in print already.

The Oregonian @oregonian.com · 3d

A federal judge Sunday night issued a new broader order barring any National Guard members from being relocated from any state for federal service in the state of Oregon.

Judge issues new broader order barring any National Guard from relocating to Oregon

U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a second broader temporary restraining order late Sunday night.

www.oregonlive.com

1 2