Sydney Brownstone
@sydbrownstone.bsky.social
Investigative reporter @theseattletimes. Biological parent of two cats and married to @willjames. Email: sbrownstone@seattletimes.com
Jurors ruled that the City of Seattle must pay $30.5 million to the father and estate of Antonio Mays Jr., the 16-year-old reportedly slain by "CHOP security" in 2020 during the Seattle racial justice protests. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Seattle CHOP verdict: City must pay $30.5 million to family of slain teen
A King County jury found Seattle was negligent in its response to the fatal shooting of a teenager in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone in 2020.
www.seattletimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Jurors ruled that the City of Seattle must pay $30.5 million to the father and estate of Antonio Mays Jr., the 16-year-old reportedly slain by "CHOP security" in 2020 during the Seattle racial justice protests. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
"Be petty and incredibly annoying with authority." Yes yes yes yes yes yes
A weird ending note for a weird year: I wrote a manifesto for journalists in 2026.
leahsottile.substack.com/p/66-clarity
leahsottile.substack.com/p/66-clarity
66. Clarity
A Living Manifesto on Journalism for 2026 and Beyond
leahsottile.substack.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:13 PM
"Be petty and incredibly annoying with authority." Yes yes yes yes yes yes
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Here’s a gift link to this stunner Washpost story, quoting the 60 Minutes correspondent on the CECOT story, who accuses Bari Weiss of spiking the piece all because the Trump Administration wouldn’t comment.
“Government silence is a statement, not a VETO.”
wapo.st/3YL4T3D
“Government silence is a statement, not a VETO.”
wapo.st/3YL4T3D
‘60 Minutes’ correspondent says CBS’s Bari Weiss abruptly pulled segment on Trump deportations
CBS News pulled a ‘60 Minutes’ segment about a prison in El Salvador one day before it was set to air because the Trump administration declined to participate.
wapo.st
December 22, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Here’s a gift link to this stunner Washpost story, quoting the 60 Minutes correspondent on the CECOT story, who accuses Bari Weiss of spiking the piece all because the Trump Administration wouldn’t comment.
“Government silence is a statement, not a VETO.”
wapo.st/3YL4T3D
“Government silence is a statement, not a VETO.”
wapo.st/3YL4T3D
My colleagues and I have interviewed dozens of people about the death of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr., reportedly shot by CHOP security.
Themes we often hear: He was up to no good. Security was protecting us.
Here’s a video of Mays 3 days before his death.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Themes we often hear: He was up to no good. Security was protecting us.
Here’s a video of Mays 3 days before his death.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
New footage of teen killed at Seattle CHOP discovered on eve of trial
The clip was in hundreds of hours of video livestreamed by Omari Salisbury, one of the first reporters on the scene after Antonio Mays Jr.’s unsolved shooting.
www.seattletimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:14 PM
My colleagues and I have interviewed dozens of people about the death of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr., reportedly shot by CHOP security.
Themes we often hear: He was up to no good. Security was protecting us.
Here’s a video of Mays 3 days before his death.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Themes we often hear: He was up to no good. Security was protecting us.
Here’s a video of Mays 3 days before his death.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Years ago, my colleagues at Business Insider and I tracked YouTuber “cancellation” arcs. What we found is that for many entertainers, “cancellation” actually sets the stage for a redemption arc, one that can raise their profile higher than ever. It wasn’t career-ending. It was fuel.
November 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Years ago, my colleagues at Business Insider and I tracked YouTuber “cancellation” arcs. What we found is that for many entertainers, “cancellation” actually sets the stage for a redemption arc, one that can raise their profile higher than ever. It wasn’t career-ending. It was fuel.
"Some people in the industry don't think ethics and rules apply to them—due to their desire for power and influence, pursuit of ‘friendship’ with sources, or a combination of some or all of those things." - @karenho.bsky.social.
www.thehandbasket.co/p/moral-rot-...
www.thehandbasket.co/p/moral-rot-...
Moral rot in elite journalism is killing the whole field
The Nuzzi/RFK Jr. mess and the revelation of Epstein’s journo pals lay bare a profound moral absence at the heart of our free press.
www.thehandbasket.co
November 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
"Some people in the industry don't think ethics and rules apply to them—due to their desire for power and influence, pursuit of ‘friendship’ with sources, or a combination of some or all of those things." - @karenho.bsky.social.
www.thehandbasket.co/p/moral-rot-...
www.thehandbasket.co/p/moral-rot-...
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
The Seattle Police Department's chief operating officer, Brian Maxey, and chief legal officer, Becca Boatright, were both sacked this morning. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Chief Shon Barnes fires top civilian leaders in Seattle police
The police department’s chief operating officer, Brian Maxey, and general counsel, Rebecca Boatright, were let go by Chief Shon Barnes, sources said.
www.seattletimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The Seattle Police Department's chief operating officer, Brian Maxey, and chief legal officer, Becca Boatright, were both sacked this morning. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
What began in the 1990s as a modest incentive meant to foster economic development in a nascent field became a billion-dollar windfall of questionable effectiveness.
Big Tech got a billion in tax breaks. What did WA get?
www.seattletimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:37 PM
What began in the 1990s as a modest incentive meant to foster economic development in a nascent field became a billion-dollar windfall of questionable effectiveness.
Dozens of people were present at the killing of Antonio Mays Jr. at CHOP.
Several people witnessed it. Someone knows who the shooters were.
Talk to us. st.news/chopsurvey
Several people witnessed it. Someone knows who the shooters were.
Talk to us. st.news/chopsurvey
Tell us about your experiences at CHOP
Five years on, we hope people will be willing to speak with us about what they witnessed at the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest. If you participated in the protests or policing, or you observed either f...
st.news
October 27, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Dozens of people were present at the killing of Antonio Mays Jr. at CHOP.
Several people witnessed it. Someone knows who the shooters were.
Talk to us. st.news/chopsurvey
Several people witnessed it. Someone knows who the shooters were.
Talk to us. st.news/chopsurvey
5 yrs after a Black teen was killed at CHOP, city officials + some protesters say he was firing a gun before he was shot.
There’s no evidence of that in videos we’ve reviewed, including those filed by city to defend itself in a lawsuit from the boy’s father.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
There’s no evidence of that in videos we’ve reviewed, including those filed by city to defend itself in a lawsuit from the boy’s father.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
New Seattle CHOP videos contradict city’s narratives on teen death
A father’s civil suit reveals videos that could change how the public views the unsolved, highly politicized death of his son. A trial set for next week could be the public’s last chance for answers.
www.seattletimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 7:50 PM
5 yrs after a Black teen was killed at CHOP, city officials + some protesters say he was firing a gun before he was shot.
There’s no evidence of that in videos we’ve reviewed, including those filed by city to defend itself in a lawsuit from the boy’s father.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
There’s no evidence of that in videos we’ve reviewed, including those filed by city to defend itself in a lawsuit from the boy’s father.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
This is Panther, and he is the goodest boy at the King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
October 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This is Panther, and he is the goodest boy at the King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Whoa:
Former Republican State Senator Joe Fain Is a Candidate for KUOW’s Board
KUOW, Seattle’s NPR station, reported on rape allegations against him in 2018
Former Republican State Senator Joe Fain Is a Candidate for KUOW’s Board
KUOW, Seattle’s NPR station, reported on rape allegations against him in 2018
Former State Senator Joe Fain Candidate for KUOW’s Board, Station Reported on Rape Allegations Against Him
The first thing that pops up when you Google “KUOW Joe Fain,” is the station’s headline from 2018. “‘You raped me.’ Former Seattle official accuses Washington state...
www.thestranger.com
August 28, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Whoa:
Former Republican State Senator Joe Fain Is a Candidate for KUOW’s Board
KUOW, Seattle’s NPR station, reported on rape allegations against him in 2018
Former Republican State Senator Joe Fain Is a Candidate for KUOW’s Board
KUOW, Seattle’s NPR station, reported on rape allegations against him in 2018
At 35 years old I have learned that "sub" is short for "submarine sandwich." www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
August 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
At 35 years old I have learned that "sub" is short for "submarine sandwich." www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
ATTN CAPITOL HILL! Blewett, famous porch sitter of 14th (you’ll often see him with his brother Snoqualmie), is missing. Check your basements and laundry rooms, where he has been known to frequent!
July 18, 2025 at 12:24 AM
ATTN CAPITOL HILL! Blewett, famous porch sitter of 14th (you’ll often see him with his brother Snoqualmie), is missing. Check your basements and laundry rooms, where he has been known to frequent!
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
JUST IN: Judge restrains LAPD from using nonlethal munitions against journalists, detaining or assaulting journalists covering protests or restricting their movements under most circumstances..
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
July 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
JUST IN: Judge restrains LAPD from using nonlethal munitions against journalists, detaining or assaulting journalists covering protests or restricting their movements under most circumstances..
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
This week is the five-year anniversary of the unsolved, fatal shooting that ended CHOP. We have an update on details of the case - including potential evidence police may have lost - and are continuing to talk to people about what they know or remember.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Lost evidence and ‘attorneys’ eyes only’: New info in 2020 CHOP killing
Five years after a teen’s killing ended the Capitol Hill Organized Protest, the homicide case is shrouded in secrecy and potential evidence has disappeared.
www.seattletimes.com
June 28, 2025 at 4:17 PM
This week is the five-year anniversary of the unsolved, fatal shooting that ended CHOP. We have an update on details of the case - including potential evidence police may have lost - and are continuing to talk to people about what they know or remember.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Thank you @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social @isabellabreda.bsky.social & Lynda Mapes for capturing the story of one of the most inspiring scientists and human beings I know. @noaa.gov and all of us have lost.
The dreams Trump is taking away from so many - those are the ones that made America great.
The dreams Trump is taking away from so many - those are the ones that made America great.
‘They took away my American dream’: A federal biologist in Seattle let go of her job to save benefits
Anna Kagley began her science career with the federal government 38 years ago. Suddenly, it was over.
www.seattletimes.com
June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Thank you @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social @isabellabreda.bsky.social & Lynda Mapes for capturing the story of one of the most inspiring scientists and human beings I know. @noaa.gov and all of us have lost.
The dreams Trump is taking away from so many - those are the ones that made America great.
The dreams Trump is taking away from so many - those are the ones that made America great.
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
June 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Unbelievably proud to have collaborated with these two, who just won the nation's top honor for young journalists for their work on Lost Patients.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
June 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Unbelievably proud to have collaborated with these two, who just won the nation's top honor for young journalists for their work on Lost Patients.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
I am a deeply anxious flyer. The last time I was at an airport I had a panic attack and threw up. No joke, watching “The Rehearsal” has made me feel so much better about flying — especially knowing a lot of pilots have probably watched it too.
June 6, 2025 at 2:27 AM
I am a deeply anxious flyer. The last time I was at an airport I had a panic attack and threw up. No joke, watching “The Rehearsal” has made me feel so much better about flying — especially knowing a lot of pilots have probably watched it too.
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
Pete Hegseth’s Defense Department tried to bar a CNN journalist from serving as a pool reporter for an upcoming foreign trip.
Other reporters threatened to boycott the trip.
Guess what happened next.
The Pentagon caved.
Via @oliverdarcy.bsky.social
www.status.news/p/pete-hegse...
Other reporters threatened to boycott the trip.
Guess what happened next.
The Pentagon caved.
Via @oliverdarcy.bsky.social
www.status.news/p/pete-hegse...
May 27, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Pete Hegseth’s Defense Department tried to bar a CNN journalist from serving as a pool reporter for an upcoming foreign trip.
Other reporters threatened to boycott the trip.
Guess what happened next.
The Pentagon caved.
Via @oliverdarcy.bsky.social
www.status.news/p/pete-hegse...
Other reporters threatened to boycott the trip.
Guess what happened next.
The Pentagon caved.
Via @oliverdarcy.bsky.social
www.status.news/p/pete-hegse...
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
tired: people AI-generating rando images of themselves as anime
WIRED: AI’s energy use already represents as much as 20 percent of global data-center power demand, new analysis has found
WIRED: AI’s energy use already represents as much as 20 percent of global data-center power demand, new analysis has found
AI Is Eating Data Center Power Demand—and It’s Only Getting Worse
A new analysis of AI hardware being produced and how it is being used attempts to estimate the vast amount of electricity being consumed by AI.
www.wired.com
May 22, 2025 at 7:25 PM
tired: people AI-generating rando images of themselves as anime
WIRED: AI’s energy use already represents as much as 20 percent of global data-center power demand, new analysis has found
WIRED: AI’s energy use already represents as much as 20 percent of global data-center power demand, new analysis has found
HONORED to receive this recognition with the fabulous @esmyjimenez.bsky.social!!!
🌟 The 2025 Livingston Award Finalists for National Reporting!
These exceptional journalists under 35 are telling stories that challenge assumptions and deepen our understanding of the nation.
Read their work here: loom.ly/LAVASEQ
#JournalismExcellence
These exceptional journalists under 35 are telling stories that challenge assumptions and deepen our understanding of the nation.
Read their work here: loom.ly/LAVASEQ
#JournalismExcellence
April 23, 2025 at 10:28 PM
HONORED to receive this recognition with the fabulous @esmyjimenez.bsky.social!!!
“Lost Patients” has been nominated for a Peabody alongside Embedded, The New Yorker, Serial and more. Couldn’t be prouder to be part of this with @willjames.bsky.social and @esmyjimenez.bsky.social, amazing humans and journalists.
peabodyawards.com/stories/nomi...
@peabodyawards.bsky.social
peabodyawards.com/stories/nomi...
@peabodyawards.bsky.social
Nominees in Docs, News, Public Service, Podcast Announced - The Peabody Awards
The Peabody Awards and Center for Media & Social Impact Launch We Disrupt This Broadcast, New Podcast Featuring Interviews with Quinta Brunson, Damon Lindelof, Ramy Youssef, Pamela Adlon, Charlie Broo...
peabodyawards.com
April 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
“Lost Patients” has been nominated for a Peabody alongside Embedded, The New Yorker, Serial and more. Couldn’t be prouder to be part of this with @willjames.bsky.social and @esmyjimenez.bsky.social, amazing humans and journalists.
peabodyawards.com/stories/nomi...
@peabodyawards.bsky.social
peabodyawards.com/stories/nomi...
@peabodyawards.bsky.social
Reposted by Sydney Brownstone
A proposal in the Legislature to bring Washington’s local jails under state oversight was designed partly to protect people like Hien Trung Hua, one of dozens who have lost their lives in city and county lockups in recent years. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Push for WA jail oversight dies in Legislature, disappointing grieving families
The bill would have created a state council to monitor jail conditions. It failed to progress last month amid opposition from some local officials and budget woes.
www.seattletimes.com
March 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A proposal in the Legislature to bring Washington’s local jails under state oversight was designed partly to protect people like Hien Trung Hua, one of dozens who have lost their lives in city and county lockups in recent years. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...