brandon soderberg
@bsoderberg.bsky.social
I live in Baltimore and I report on cops, guns, and drugs / Cowriter, "I Got a Monster" / Soderberg v. Carrion / bsoderberg.com
Pinned
brandon soderberg
@bsoderberg.bsky.social
· Dec 29
Baltimore's Crime Numbers Game: A Three-Part Series
A three-part series on the past 30-plus years of rising crime and rising police budgets.
therealnews.com
"Baltimore's Crime Numbers Game," a three-part, two-year, ~14k word look at Baltimore crime data and Baltimore police corruption history from 1990-2024 now has a landing page. Very proud of this project: therealnews.com/baltimores-c...
Reposted by brandon soderberg
"Why I lost faith in zoning." tinyurl.com/5n8sh428 Baltimore’s former zoning board executive director, on why she supports @mayorbmscott.bsky.social bills to promote more density and multi-family housing in the city. [OP-ED]
Baltimore’s former zoning board director explains why she lost faith in zoning | Baltimore Brew
The mayor’s “Housing Options and Opportunity” legislation – including Bill 25-0066 – will go a long way toward fixing an unfair system. [OP-ED]
tinyurl.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:39 PM
"Why I lost faith in zoning." tinyurl.com/5n8sh428 Baltimore’s former zoning board executive director, on why she supports @mayorbmscott.bsky.social bills to promote more density and multi-family housing in the city. [OP-ED]
Reposted by brandon soderberg
These people do 10 times more tryhard linguistic parsing than any Oberlin sophomore
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 4:25 PM
These people do 10 times more tryhard linguistic parsing than any Oberlin sophomore
Reposted by brandon soderberg
It took me 10 months to obtain the public records that shed light on this investigation. Allegany County at first tried to redact Ternent's name from the records, but the MPIA Compliance Board sided with me.
Ternent abruptly retired soon after I got the unredacted report.
Ternent abruptly retired soon after I got the unredacted report.
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
It took me 10 months to obtain the public records that shed light on this investigation. Allegany County at first tried to redact Ternent's name from the records, but the MPIA Compliance Board sided with me.
Ternent abruptly retired soon after I got the unredacted report.
Ternent abruptly retired soon after I got the unredacted report.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Cumberland city leaders reviewed the incident before promoting Ternent to chief in 2020, the mayor told me.
"We believed it was something the chief had handled through the city’s process," the mayor said of the 2015 investigation.
"We believed it was something the chief had handled through the city’s process," the mayor said of the 2015 investigation.
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Cumberland city leaders reviewed the incident before promoting Ternent to chief in 2020, the mayor told me.
"We believed it was something the chief had handled through the city’s process," the mayor said of the 2015 investigation.
"We believed it was something the chief had handled through the city’s process," the mayor said of the 2015 investigation.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Lt. Chuck Ternent told his police chief he was "disgusted and embarrassed by the filthy conversations" he had with the girl, a 17-year-old he met at National Night out.
He was never criminally charged and appears to have received a relatively light punishment: a 24-hour leave.
He was never criminally charged and appears to have received a relatively light punishment: a 24-hour leave.
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Lt. Chuck Ternent told his police chief he was "disgusted and embarrassed by the filthy conversations" he had with the girl, a 17-year-old he met at National Night out.
He was never criminally charged and appears to have received a relatively light punishment: a 24-hour leave.
He was never criminally charged and appears to have received a relatively light punishment: a 24-hour leave.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
My latest: In 2015, a Cumberland police officer told his boss he'd had "filthy" conversations with a high schooler.
In 2020, Cumberland city leaders made that officer chief of police.
In 2020, Cumberland city leaders made that officer chief of police.
He admitted ‘filthy’ chats with a teen. Cumberland kept it quiet and made him police chief.
He admitted to ‘filthy’ chats with a teen. Cumberland still made him police chief.
New records show a Cumberland, Maryland officer admitted “filthy” messages with a teen before becoming police chief — a case the city kept quiet.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 1:28 PM
My latest: In 2015, a Cumberland police officer told his boss he'd had "filthy" conversations with a high schooler.
In 2020, Cumberland city leaders made that officer chief of police.
In 2020, Cumberland city leaders made that officer chief of police.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
"Drugs are not forbidden because they are dangerous, they are dangerous because they are forbidden,” said Peter Krykant, who "hit the global harm reduction scene with a bang," running an unauthorized overdose prevention site from a van in Glasgow.
People who knew and worked with him pay tribute:
People who knew and worked with him pay tribute:
Remembering Peter Krykant, Who Knew Harm Reduction Couldn’t Wait
It’s been a few months since Peter Krykant’s passing in July, at the age of 48. He hit the global ...
filtermag.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
"Drugs are not forbidden because they are dangerous, they are dangerous because they are forbidden,” said Peter Krykant, who "hit the global harm reduction scene with a bang," running an unauthorized overdose prevention site from a van in Glasgow.
People who knew and worked with him pay tribute:
People who knew and worked with him pay tribute:
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Reposted by brandon soderberg
New data release🚨
The Real-Time Crime Index is now updated through September. The sample of 545 agencies finds murder down 19% through September with double-digit drops in violent and property crime nationwide.
The historic drop in US crime continued through Q3 2025.
realtimecrimeindex.com
The Real-Time Crime Index is now updated through September. The sample of 545 agencies finds murder down 19% through September with double-digit drops in violent and property crime nationwide.
The historic drop in US crime continued through Q3 2025.
realtimecrimeindex.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
New data release🚨
The Real-Time Crime Index is now updated through September. The sample of 545 agencies finds murder down 19% through September with double-digit drops in violent and property crime nationwide.
The historic drop in US crime continued through Q3 2025.
realtimecrimeindex.com
The Real-Time Crime Index is now updated through September. The sample of 545 agencies finds murder down 19% through September with double-digit drops in violent and property crime nationwide.
The historic drop in US crime continued through Q3 2025.
realtimecrimeindex.com
Reposted by brandon soderberg
I remember when Colombians used to talk about the Medellin cartel, the Cali cartel, and the Blue cartel (blue being the color of the Air Force). The US military also has long history drug related corruption. Drug prohibition is an equal opportunity corruptor. Venezuela certainly isn’t immune.
Trump Team Calls Maduro a ‘Cartel’ Boss. That Word Doesn’t Mean What You Think.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I remember when Colombians used to talk about the Medellin cartel, the Cali cartel, and the Blue cartel (blue being the color of the Air Force). The US military also has long history drug related corruption. Drug prohibition is an equal opportunity corruptor. Venezuela certainly isn’t immune.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
You know how Trump thinks Antifa is a real organization? This is like that — except he wants to launch a war over an imaginary cartel. Cartel de los Soles is not a literal organization! It’s a slang expression dating back to the 90s that refers to corrupt generals who wear suns on their shoulders.🙄
Trump Team Calls Maduro a ‘Cartel’ Boss. That Word Doesn’t Mean What You Think.
Venezuelans coined a figure of speech for the phenomenon of generals corrupted by drug money: “Cartel de los Soles.” Then the US started talking about it as a literal organization.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Venezuelans coined a figure of speech for the phenomenon of generals corrupted by drug money: “Cartel de los Soles.” Then the US started talking about it as a literal organization.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/u...
Trump Team Calls Maduro a ‘Cartel’ Boss. That Word Doesn’t Mean What You Think.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
You know how Trump thinks Antifa is a real organization? This is like that — except he wants to launch a war over an imaginary cartel. Cartel de los Soles is not a literal organization! It’s a slang expression dating back to the 90s that refers to corrupt generals who wear suns on their shoulders.🙄
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Come through @redemmas.org 11/28 and hang w/ @baltimoredsa.org for a screening of WTO/99 and discussion with @prophetkotto.bsky.social, @jessdouglas.bsky.social, and @bsoderberg.bsky.social!
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
November 16, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Come through @redemmas.org 11/28 and hang w/ @baltimoredsa.org for a screening of WTO/99 and discussion with @prophetkotto.bsky.social, @jessdouglas.bsky.social, and @bsoderberg.bsky.social!
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
If you missed this excellent doc when it screened at @newnextfilmfest.bsky.social come to Red Emma's and watch it on Black Friday; panel afterward with me @jessdouglas.bsky.social and WTO/99's editor @prophetkotto.bsky.social
Come through @redemmas.org 11/28 and hang w/ @baltimoredsa.org for a screening of WTO/99 and discussion with @prophetkotto.bsky.social, @jessdouglas.bsky.social, and @bsoderberg.bsky.social!
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
$10-$15 suggested donation to @baltlegal.bsky.social: bit.ly/WTOBALT
RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/wto-99
November 16, 2025 at 9:35 PM
If you missed this excellent doc when it screened at @newnextfilmfest.bsky.social come to Red Emma's and watch it on Black Friday; panel afterward with me @jessdouglas.bsky.social and WTO/99's editor @prophetkotto.bsky.social
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Put simply, not all collaborations are funding are good help and money, and I am very selective, even as we can always use the money. But I’ve been in this business long enough to know to make smart tortoise decisions, not rash hare moves.
November 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Put simply, not all collaborations are funding are good help and money, and I am very selective, even as we can always use the money. But I’ve been in this business long enough to know to make smart tortoise decisions, not rash hare moves.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
I should be transparent. The NYT has approached @mississippifreepress.org reporters and editors about potential reporting partnerships. We have declined to have those conversations. We know it’s a reader play and don’t want clubby NYT control/influence on our reporting choices for obvious reasons.
🚨 Re ethical “national” media: The NEW YORK Times isn’t only news source with nat’l news, reach. Since 2020, readers in 50 states have grown @mississippifreepress.org reach nationally *and* in 82 counties, 8 bureaus.
Your gifts elevate ethical, non-misogynistic news as a new model.
Mfp.ms/donate
Your gifts elevate ethical, non-misogynistic news as a new model.
Mfp.ms/donate
November 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I should be transparent. The NYT has approached @mississippifreepress.org reporters and editors about potential reporting partnerships. We have declined to have those conversations. We know it’s a reader play and don’t want clubby NYT control/influence on our reporting choices for obvious reasons.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
did a ton of fun research for this project!! i love doing research and interviews if that is a thing anyone wants to hire me for in the future lol bsky.app/profile/pete...
Hello fellow Bluesky flyers: If you're a fan of Texas legend #GuyClark, my new book is out today about his 1975 debut album. I wrote it for the Guy Clark Foundation, with a big assist from @natalieweiner.bsky.social who did some great interviews. Order page is here: guyclark.com/store
November 14, 2025 at 11:23 PM
did a ton of fun research for this project!! i love doing research and interviews if that is a thing anyone wants to hire me for in the future lol bsky.app/profile/pete...
In terms of larger political impacts national media focus on, this is it; I'd add Ferguson often does this stuff. In 2021, Ferguson could've overturned (lame duck) Gov Hogan's veto of drug paraphernalia decrim. He didn't. Promised to "revisit." That was 4 yrs ago therealnews.com/maryland-dem...
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
In terms of larger political impacts national media focus on, this is it; I'd add Ferguson often does this stuff. In 2021, Ferguson could've overturned (lame duck) Gov Hogan's veto of drug paraphernalia decrim. He didn't. Promised to "revisit." That was 4 yrs ago therealnews.com/maryland-dem...
Reposted by brandon soderberg
When Bruce Springsteen sang "at night, we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines", he was talking about people who log on to LinkedIn after 6pm to write fanfiction about how good they are at their job.
November 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
When Bruce Springsteen sang "at night, we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines", he was talking about people who log on to LinkedIn after 6pm to write fanfiction about how good they are at their job.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Fun with clearance rates: Agency here is reporting a 143.8% homicide clearance rate this year.
November 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Fun with clearance rates: Agency here is reporting a 143.8% homicide clearance rate this year.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Something absolutely perfect about Larry Summers riffing about the scourge of woke cancel culture being unfair to predatory men in a friendly email to his pal JEFFREY EPSTEIN.
November 13, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Something absolutely perfect about Larry Summers riffing about the scourge of woke cancel culture being unfair to predatory men in a friendly email to his pal JEFFREY EPSTEIN.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
BACKBEATS is out today!
Come see me & @andreapitzer.bsky.social at Kramers in DC tonight at 7: kramers.com/events/36367...
DM me a receipt if you’d like a signed book plate in the mail.
And read an excerpt in @rollingstone.com: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Come see me & @andreapitzer.bsky.social at Kramers in DC tonight at 7: kramers.com/events/36367...
DM me a receipt if you’d like a signed book plate in the mail.
And read an excerpt in @rollingstone.com: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
![PRAISE FOR
BACKBEATS
"[Exhibits] passion and deep knowledge... The only moments I put this book down were to pause and listen to the perfect examples that Lingan, a drummer himself, cites as crucial.... Here we see and hear the music of our lives."
-BILL JANOVITZ, author of Leon Russell: The Master of Space
and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History
"A thrilling ride... In exquisite detail and deft prose, John Lingan relates the creative insights and technical mastery of fifteen of rock's most influential groove merchants-many still unsung. In doing so, he reclaims the rock narrative from all those frontmen and guitarists, showing how the wizards at the back of the stage were moving the music all along."
-IAN S. PORT, author of The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll
"An intelligent, heartfelt, and long-overdue tribute to the unsung heroes of modern music. Because, let's face it—if it ain't got that swing, it don't mean a thing."
-BRAD TOLINSKI, coauthor of Play It Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of the Electric Guitar
"Backbeats glows with enthusiasm and delivers an insightful glimpse into the sultans of swing who create fire by rubbing two sticks together."
—BOB SPITZ, author of The Beatles:
The Biography and Led Zeppelin: The Biography
"Sitting ten feet from stardom, drummers have had a central but slightly removed view of rock 'n' roll. A drummer himself, John Lingan captures that unique perspective.... Backbeats delivers to the reader something fresh and different. It's a hit."
-PRESTON LAUTERBACH, author of The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:vqnmqsaa3izkhob7bopcxus2/bafkreifwmo4y4cy7rnpvycg35dhm654zd4bze7fuuul2ndyrt2zmpqzurm@jpeg)
November 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
BACKBEATS is out today!
Come see me & @andreapitzer.bsky.social at Kramers in DC tonight at 7: kramers.com/events/36367...
DM me a receipt if you’d like a signed book plate in the mail.
And read an excerpt in @rollingstone.com: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Come see me & @andreapitzer.bsky.social at Kramers in DC tonight at 7: kramers.com/events/36367...
DM me a receipt if you’d like a signed book plate in the mail.
And read an excerpt in @rollingstone.com: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
directed by Joel Potrykus
We need to free Walmart workers from whatever the fuck this is
November 11, 2025 at 9:42 PM
directed by Joel Potrykus
Reposted by brandon soderberg
I’ve voted 7 times to reopen the government in a way that holds Trump accountable for his lawlessness and prevents a health care crisis.
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
November 10, 2025 at 12:48 AM
I’ve voted 7 times to reopen the government in a way that holds Trump accountable for his lawlessness and prevents a health care crisis.
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
Reposted by brandon soderberg
I don’t know if I’m ever going to get over Trump saying “big play coming up” on 2nd and 7.
Government is shut down. Chaos in airports. 42 million going hungry. 24 million face skyrocketing healthcare costs. Economy in turmoil. And the president of the United States is in the Fox broadcast booth calling plays for a football game.
November 9, 2025 at 11:38 PM
I don’t know if I’m ever going to get over Trump saying “big play coming up” on 2nd and 7.
Reposted by brandon soderberg
Checking out that new Springsteen biopic
November 8, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Checking out that new Springsteen biopic