Leah Sottile
@leahsottile.bsky.social
Independent journalist. Books: Blazing Eye Sees All, When The Moon Turns To Blood. Podcasts: Hush, Burn Wild, Two Minutes Past Nine, Bundyville. High Country News correspondent. Subscribe to Substack. www.leahsottile.com
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Leah Sottile
@leahsottile.bsky.social
· Mar 25
Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age
Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age
bookshop.org
Out today: Blazing Eye Sees All, my investigation into the wide spiritual world of the New Age. It is an unintentional story of extremism, feminism, climate change, deception, power, myth and the very nature of believing. I hope you read it.
bookshop.org/p/books/blaz...
bookshop.org/p/books/blaz...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Across the West, lawmakers are skipping over the will of voters and yanking fluoride.
Want fluoride in the water? Too bad. - High Country News
Across the West, lawmakers are skipping over the will of voters and yanking fluoride.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Across the West, lawmakers are skipping over the will of voters and yanking fluoride.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Incredible. Progressive challenger Katie Wilson now has a 91-vote lead in Seattle’s race for mayor. She had been steadily gaining on incumbent Bruce Harrell.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
November 10, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Incredible. Progressive challenger Katie Wilson now has a 91-vote lead in Seattle’s race for mayor. She had been steadily gaining on incumbent Bruce Harrell.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
There are about 8,000 ballots left to count.
As an avid fan of Joyce Carol Oates, the absolute queen of brutality, I shudder to think what she's doing to Elon in the plot playing out in her mind.
November 10, 2025 at 8:29 PM
As an avid fan of Joyce Carol Oates, the absolute queen of brutality, I shudder to think what she's doing to Elon in the plot playing out in her mind.
Last night at a book event in Bend, Oregon, an audience member asked “do you think liberal feminism ruined the workplace?” The question seemed out of left field but we all had a good laugh and the person said they were kidding. I just found out why that person asked that! The NYT is a joke.
November 8, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Last night at a book event in Bend, Oregon, an audience member asked “do you think liberal feminism ruined the workplace?” The question seemed out of left field but we all had a good laugh and the person said they were kidding. I just found out why that person asked that! The NYT is a joke.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Read it and your day will get better. www.hcn.org/issues/57-11...
November 7, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Read it and your day will get better. www.hcn.org/issues/57-11...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
I've never published anything so close to my heart. Hope ya love it.
A heavy music festival in Blackfeet Nation this summer was abut more than just music – it was a protective ceremony to shelter Indigenous youth from suicidal distress.
buff.ly/aQQC7EX
buff.ly/aQQC7EX
Heavy metal is healing teens on the Blackfeet Nation - High Country News
In response to youth suicides, teachers show students the power of headbanging at Fire in the Mountains festival.
www.hcn.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I've never published anything so close to my heart. Hope ya love it.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Until this episode, we haven’t discussed the actions of former Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier much. This week, we talk about the day he came to the newspaper office before it closed, and asked the publisher to unpublish a letter from Rebecca Zuber. Auxier is now a judge in Portland.
In Columbia County, Oregon there is essentially no media - one reason vetted facts are so hard to come by in the Sarah Zuber case. And we find out that in a place with no reporters, there are a disturbing number of scandals.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Episode 5: The Good Old Boys Club
Podcast Episode · Hush · S2 E5 · 50m
podcasts.apple.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Until this episode, we haven’t discussed the actions of former Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier much. This week, we talk about the day he came to the newspaper office before it closed, and asked the publisher to unpublish a letter from Rebecca Zuber. Auxier is now a judge in Portland.
This story by @btoastie.bsky.social made me weep with joy. Journalism like this is an antidote for our times.
A heavy music festival in Blackfeet Nation this summer was abut more than just music – it was a protective ceremony to shelter Indigenous youth from suicidal distress.
buff.ly/aQQC7EX
buff.ly/aQQC7EX
Heavy metal is healing teens on the Blackfeet Nation - High Country News
In response to youth suicides, teachers show students the power of headbanging at Fire in the Mountains festival.
www.hcn.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:44 PM
This story by @btoastie.bsky.social made me weep with joy. Journalism like this is an antidote for our times.
I'll be at Portland Book Festival this Saturday at 3 pm for a pop-up reading at the art museum! Like all pop-up readers, I've been given a mere 15 minutes... so don't be late!
pdxbookfest.org/schedule/
pdxbookfest.org/schedule/
Events Archive - PDX Book Fest
pdxbookfest.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I'll be at Portland Book Festival this Saturday at 3 pm for a pop-up reading at the art museum! Like all pop-up readers, I've been given a mere 15 minutes... so don't be late!
pdxbookfest.org/schedule/
pdxbookfest.org/schedule/
Until this episode, we haven’t discussed the actions of former Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier much. This week, we talk about the day he came to the newspaper office before it closed, and asked the publisher to unpublish a letter from Rebecca Zuber. Auxier is now a judge in Portland.
In Columbia County, Oregon there is essentially no media - one reason vetted facts are so hard to come by in the Sarah Zuber case. And we find out that in a place with no reporters, there are a disturbing number of scandals.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Episode 5: The Good Old Boys Club
Podcast Episode · Hush · S2 E5 · 50m
podcasts.apple.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Until this episode, we haven’t discussed the actions of former Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier much. This week, we talk about the day he came to the newspaper office before it closed, and asked the publisher to unpublish a letter from Rebecca Zuber. Auxier is now a judge in Portland.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
I've raved about Hush in the past, but I think this is the most interesting episode so far: it's about how people get their information and how they evaluate it in today's messed up information ecosystem. Those of you who know what I study will know why this one is so relevant to my own work.
In this week's episode of Hush, we look at the last remaining group to tell a true crime story: the media.
This is probably my favorite episode of this series because of what it reveals about the decline of media in Oregon and across the West. (1/4)
This is probably my favorite episode of this series because of what it reveals about the decline of media in Oregon and across the West. (1/4)
‘Hush’ Episode 5: The good old boys club
The "Hush" team discovers how new media is working to take on – and reinforce – a culture of secrecy after a new scandal rocks Columbia County.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:59 PM
I've raved about Hush in the past, but I think this is the most interesting episode so far: it's about how people get their information and how they evaluate it in today's messed up information ecosystem. Those of you who know what I study will know why this one is so relevant to my own work.
A thread from Ryan on the decline of local media across Oregon, and why this week's episode of Hush is so pivotal.
In this week's episode of Hush, we look at the last remaining group to tell a true crime story: the media.
This is probably my favorite episode of this series because of what it reveals about the decline of media in Oregon and across the West. (1/4)
This is probably my favorite episode of this series because of what it reveals about the decline of media in Oregon and across the West. (1/4)
‘Hush’ Episode 5: The good old boys club
The "Hush" team discovers how new media is working to take on – and reinforce – a culture of secrecy after a new scandal rocks Columbia County.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A thread from Ryan on the decline of local media across Oregon, and why this week's episode of Hush is so pivotal.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Rural Californians living without power.
Coho salmon finding new life.
Indigenous youth finding joy in heavy metal.
The November issue of High Country News captures a West in flux — and in motion.
buff.ly/HYteQGv
Coho salmon finding new life.
Indigenous youth finding joy in heavy metal.
The November issue of High Country News captures a West in flux — and in motion.
buff.ly/HYteQGv
November 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Rural Californians living without power.
Coho salmon finding new life.
Indigenous youth finding joy in heavy metal.
The November issue of High Country News captures a West in flux — and in motion.
buff.ly/HYteQGv
Coho salmon finding new life.
Indigenous youth finding joy in heavy metal.
The November issue of High Country News captures a West in flux — and in motion.
buff.ly/HYteQGv
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Wow what a great day to listen to the brand new episode of Hush & also every other episode of Hush from podcast superheroes @leahsottile.bsky.social & @ryanjhaas.bsky.social:
‘Hush’ Episode 5: The good old boys club
The "Hush" team discovers how new media is working to take on – and reinforce – a culture of secrecy after a new scandal rocks Columbia County.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Wow what a great day to listen to the brand new episode of Hush & also every other episode of Hush from podcast superheroes @leahsottile.bsky.social & @ryanjhaas.bsky.social:
In Columbia County, Oregon there is essentially no media - one reason vetted facts are so hard to come by in the Sarah Zuber case. And we find out that in a place with no reporters, there are a disturbing number of scandals.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Episode 5: The Good Old Boys Club
Podcast Episode · Hush · S2 E5 · 50m
podcasts.apple.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
In Columbia County, Oregon there is essentially no media - one reason vetted facts are so hard to come by in the Sarah Zuber case. And we find out that in a place with no reporters, there are a disturbing number of scandals.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Dick Cheney shot his friend in the face the right way.
by Ezra Klein
by Ezra Klein
November 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Dick Cheney shot his friend in the face the right way.
by Ezra Klein
by Ezra Klein
Reposted by Leah Sottile
"I’m not trying to dis anybody, but the nature of it, I believe was somewhat political."
In episode 4 of Hush, @leahsottile.bsky.social and I begin to uncover some of the deeper motivations that have driven the interest into how Sarah Zuber died.
In episode 4 of Hush, @leahsottile.bsky.social and I begin to uncover some of the deeper motivations that have driven the interest into how Sarah Zuber died.
‘Hush’ Episode 4: Boogeyman
The Hush team looks at the ways police focused on two men in Sarah Zuber's life and how a true crime trope took police down the wrong path.
www.opb.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:21 PM
"I’m not trying to dis anybody, but the nature of it, I believe was somewhat political."
In episode 4 of Hush, @leahsottile.bsky.social and I begin to uncover some of the deeper motivations that have driven the interest into how Sarah Zuber died.
In episode 4 of Hush, @leahsottile.bsky.social and I begin to uncover some of the deeper motivations that have driven the interest into how Sarah Zuber died.
Local police participated in a drug raid. The feds had coordinated beforehand to have ICE to take cannabis farm workers into custody, straining Oregon sanctuary laws. A killer story for @theintercept.com by Theo Whitcomb.
theintercept.com/2025/11/03/i...
theintercept.com/2025/11/03/i...
Feds Kept Local Sheriff in Dark About ICE Role in Cannabis Raid — Straining Oregon Sanctuary Laws
The DEA coordinated with ICE before the raid to take cannabis farm workers into custody and deport them — straining Oregon’s sanctuary laws.
theintercept.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Local police participated in a drug raid. The feds had coordinated beforehand to have ICE to take cannabis farm workers into custody, straining Oregon sanctuary laws. A killer story for @theintercept.com by Theo Whitcomb.
theintercept.com/2025/11/03/i...
theintercept.com/2025/11/03/i...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Four episodes out, four to go. You know how at the end of each episode I ask you to rate and review, or tell a friend about the show? Yeah, I actually really mean that. If you like Hush, if you want it to stick around, now’s the time to share!
In the first days after Sarah Zuber died, investigators turned their attention to the men in her life: her father, and her boyfriend. That's the focus of this week's episode of Hush.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Episode 4: Boogeyman
Podcast Episode · Hush · 10/29/2025 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Four episodes out, four to go. You know how at the end of each episode I ask you to rate and review, or tell a friend about the show? Yeah, I actually really mean that. If you like Hush, if you want it to stick around, now’s the time to share!
I met the woman in this story in Milwaukie days after this all happened, it appears. This story is so wild and so sad; everyone wants to help, no one knows how.
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
A top Portland political aide took in a homeless woman. He abandoned her at a state park days later
"If I could do it over, I would do it differently.”
www.oregonlive.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:05 PM
I met the woman in this story in Milwaukie days after this all happened, it appears. This story is so wild and so sad; everyone wants to help, no one knows how.
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...
Four episodes out, four to go. You know how at the end of each episode I ask you to rate and review, or tell a friend about the show? Yeah, I actually really mean that. If you like Hush, if you want it to stick around, now’s the time to share!
In the first days after Sarah Zuber died, investigators turned their attention to the men in her life: her father, and her boyfriend. That's the focus of this week's episode of Hush.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Episode 4: Boogeyman
Podcast Episode · Hush · 10/29/2025 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Four episodes out, four to go. You know how at the end of each episode I ask you to rate and review, or tell a friend about the show? Yeah, I actually really mean that. If you like Hush, if you want it to stick around, now’s the time to share!
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Got a new story about a little-known HHS agency with a massive job: the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
ASPR gave us Operation Warp Speed.
Now it's being run by a conspiracy theorist who calls those vaccines “genocide.” www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
ASPR gave us Operation Warp Speed.
Now it's being run by a conspiracy theorist who calls those vaccines “genocide.” www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
October 30, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Got a new story about a little-known HHS agency with a massive job: the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
ASPR gave us Operation Warp Speed.
Now it's being run by a conspiracy theorist who calls those vaccines “genocide.” www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
ASPR gave us Operation Warp Speed.
Now it's being run by a conspiracy theorist who calls those vaccines “genocide.” www.msnbc.com/msnbc/meet-a...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
A California private investigator. A 17-year-old boyfriend. An unconstrained rumor mill.
This week's episode of Hush looks at the long term effects of when true crime tropes went wrong in Columbia County.
This week's episode of Hush looks at the long term effects of when true crime tropes went wrong in Columbia County.
‘Hush’ Episode 4: Boogeyman
The Hush team looks at the ways police focused on two men in Sarah Zuber's life and how a true crime trope took police down the wrong path.
www.opb.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
A California private investigator. A 17-year-old boyfriend. An unconstrained rumor mill.
This week's episode of Hush looks at the long term effects of when true crime tropes went wrong in Columbia County.
This week's episode of Hush looks at the long term effects of when true crime tropes went wrong in Columbia County.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
NEW: Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, keeps shooting out of the ground in Oklahoma.
Experts say it means even more wastewater is spreading underground, poisoning the state’s water supply.
Experts say it means even more wastewater is spreading underground, poisoning the state’s water supply.
Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, is spewing from old wells. Experts warn of a pollution crisis spreading underground and threatening Oklahoma’s drinking water.
www.propublica.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NEW: Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, keeps shooting out of the ground in Oklahoma.
Experts say it means even more wastewater is spreading underground, poisoning the state’s water supply.
Experts say it means even more wastewater is spreading underground, poisoning the state’s water supply.
The fine folks at Portland Monthly asked for my picks for the upcoming Portland Book Festival. If you're asking me, go see Jess Walter, Omar El Akkad and @keithrosson.bsky.social next weekend. www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-cul...
Local Authors on the 2025 Portland Book Festival Lineup
Jonathan Hill and Leni Zumas share their book fest picks.
www.pdxmonthly.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:08 PM
The fine folks at Portland Monthly asked for my picks for the upcoming Portland Book Festival. If you're asking me, go see Jess Walter, Omar El Akkad and @keithrosson.bsky.social next weekend. www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-cul...