Josiah Bates
@josiahbates.bsky.social
Reporter at @thetrace.org
New book in the works on the rise of elite police units
Thinking about crime, policing, journalism, and the NBA
NEWSLETTER: https://tinyurl.com/yh6ssud5
🇯🇲🇹🇹
https://www.josiahbates.com
New book in the works on the rise of elite police units
Thinking about crime, policing, journalism, and the NBA
NEWSLETTER: https://tinyurl.com/yh6ssud5
🇯🇲🇹🇹
https://www.josiahbates.com
Reposted by Josiah Bates
🧵 1/ We’re devastated about the layoffs at The Washington Post, which are gutting D.C. reporting. These journalists are an incalculable loss for our city. The 51st’s mission has always felt urgent, but now we know it needs to kick into high gear.
February 4, 2026 at 7:21 PM
🧵 1/ We’re devastated about the layoffs at The Washington Post, which are gutting D.C. reporting. These journalists are an incalculable loss for our city. The 51st’s mission has always felt urgent, but now we know it needs to kick into high gear.
This episode of Martin is second to none
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 AM
This episode of Martin is second to none
What a disgrace
WaPo's Matt Murray told staff the paper is shuttering sports, moving remaining staff to features, shrinking foreign coverage, restructuring metro, closing books coverage, suspending Post Reports podcast
“Whole company now waiting for a live or die email” one staffer said
More in tonight’s Status
“Whole company now waiting for a live or die email” one staffer said
More in tonight’s Status
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
What a disgrace
I'm lukewarm on this. He's on an expiring so they're not taking on some crazy contract. Simmons was always trade bait. I wish they coulda kept him though cause he can hoop and he was much better defensively than I thought he'd be.
Shams Charania: "BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN."
February 3, 2026 at 8:50 PM
I'm lukewarm on this. He's on an expiring so they're not taking on some crazy contract. Simmons was always trade bait. I wish they coulda kept him though cause he can hoop and he was much better defensively than I thought he'd be.
Danny Ainge has lost the plot
Shams Charania: "BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN."
February 3, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Danny Ainge has lost the plot
I’m torn. One day I want Tatum to come back, the next day I want him to wait till next season. Let’s talk it out #NBASky #SkyHoops #Celtics
Report: Jayson Tatum 'reevaluating his situation,' return this season 'up in the air.' www.si.com/nba/celtics/...
Report: Jayson Tatum 'reevaluating his situation,' return this season 'up in the air.'
Jayson Tatum has been very public about his desire to come back and play this season. Back in September, Tatum went on a media blitz explaining his rehab and hi
www.si.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Look what happens when you have some resolve and stand on business
Harvard University refused to cave to President Trump's extortion demands, even as other universities and leading law firms kowtowed. And now, Trump has dropped his demands for a $200 million payout to the US government. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Trump Drops Demand for Cash From Harvard After Stiff Resistance
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Look what happens when you have some resolve and stand on business
More than four years after the Oxford school shooting, families are still waiting for a promised state investigation.
For @thetrace.org I reported on what officials said would happen, what didn't happen, and why families say the delay matters
For @thetrace.org I reported on what officials said would happen, what didn't happen, and why families say the delay matters
The Oxford High Shooter Is Behind Bars. Families Still Want to Know How He Went Undetected
Hana St. Juliana was one of four students killed by a classmate. Four years later, her father — and other victims’ families — are waiting for a state review.
www.thetrace.org
February 2, 2026 at 5:49 PM
More than four years after the Oxford school shooting, families are still waiting for a promised state investigation.
For @thetrace.org I reported on what officials said would happen, what didn't happen, and why families say the delay matters
For @thetrace.org I reported on what officials said would happen, what didn't happen, and why families say the delay matters
Reposted by Josiah Bates
I think a $46 million opening for a $90 million movie is better than an $8 million opening for a $40 million movie, and yet
February 1, 2026 at 12:58 AM
I think a $46 million opening for a $90 million movie is better than an $8 million opening for a $40 million movie, and yet
Reposted by Josiah Bates
BREAKING: Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents Thursday night while he was covering the Grammy Awards. He called the arrest an "attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration."
Former CNN journalist Don Lemon arrested in connection with Minnesota protest: Sources
Journalist Don Lemon has been arrested in connection with an incident several weeks ago in which anti-ICE protesters disrupted a service at a Minnesota church.
abcnews.go.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:46 PM
BREAKING: Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents Thursday night while he was covering the Grammy Awards. He called the arrest an "attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration."
Sorry this completely discredits the HOF
Bill Belichick not elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot, per Seth Wickersham.
January 27, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Sorry this completely discredits the HOF
Fam…
Weiss' full remarks to CBS News staff (1/4)
January 27, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Fam…
It's not just Minneapolis.
In Philly, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is openly warning that ICE is creating fear, confusion, and distrust in communities.
She's also not backing down from her criticism despite the backlash.
Great piece by Mensah Dean for @thetrace.org
In Philly, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is openly warning that ICE is creating fear, confusion, and distrust in communities.
She's also not backing down from her criticism despite the backlash.
Great piece by Mensah Dean for @thetrace.org
ICE Is Shattering Trust in Law Enforcement, Says Philly Sheriff
Rochelle Bilal's warnings to federal agents drew headlines and controversy on social media. In an interview with The Trace, she doubles down.
www.thetrace.org
January 27, 2026 at 6:02 PM
It's not just Minneapolis.
In Philly, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is openly warning that ICE is creating fear, confusion, and distrust in communities.
She's also not backing down from her criticism despite the backlash.
Great piece by Mensah Dean for @thetrace.org
In Philly, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is openly warning that ICE is creating fear, confusion, and distrust in communities.
She's also not backing down from her criticism despite the backlash.
Great piece by Mensah Dean for @thetrace.org
Reposted by Josiah Bates
New from me and @ariberman.bsky.social: The DOJ’s “Ransom” Letter to Minnesota Reveals How Trump Plans to Rig the Midterms
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The DOJ’s “ransom” letter to Minnesota reveals how Trump plans to rig the midterms
After ICE killed Alex Pretti, US Attorney Pam Bondi tells Minnesota to hand over its voter roll to "bring an end to the chaos."
www.motherjones.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:25 PM
New from me and @ariberman.bsky.social: The DOJ’s “Ransom” Letter to Minnesota Reveals How Trump Plans to Rig the Midterms
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Josiah Bates
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara: "People have had enough. This is the third shooting in less than 3 weeks. The MPD went the entire year last year recovering about 900 guns from the street, arresting hundreds of violent offenders, and we didn't shoot anyone ... this is not sustainable."
January 25, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara: "People have had enough. This is the third shooting in less than 3 weeks. The MPD went the entire year last year recovering about 900 guns from the street, arresting hundreds of violent offenders, and we didn't shoot anyone ... this is not sustainable."
Reposted by Josiah Bates
Law-enforcement agencies that are legitimately interested in public safety do not issue statements like this immediately after a fatal shooting.
Even police departments in podunk towns will usually issue a pro forma “under investigation until further notice” press release.
Even police departments in podunk towns will usually issue a pro forma “under investigation until further notice” press release.
DHS (once again) announces conclusion (within 3 hours) without any investigation.
- Conclusion about federal agent's intent
- Conclusion about individual's intent
- Implicit conclusion about timing of disarming the individual and shooting him
- Conclusion about federal agent's intent
- Conclusion about individual's intent
- Implicit conclusion about timing of disarming the individual and shooting him
January 24, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Law-enforcement agencies that are legitimately interested in public safety do not issue statements like this immediately after a fatal shooting.
Even police departments in podunk towns will usually issue a pro forma “under investigation until further notice” press release.
Even police departments in podunk towns will usually issue a pro forma “under investigation until further notice” press release.
Reposted by Josiah Bates
The NBA has postponed today’s Warriors-Wolves game in Minneapolis.
January 24, 2026 at 7:48 PM
The NBA has postponed today’s Warriors-Wolves game in Minneapolis.
Reposted by Josiah Bates
Federal agents have been involved in another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday.
Follow @cnn.com for updates:
Follow @cnn.com for updates:
A man has been fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, police chief tells CNN. DHS says he was armed. Follow live updates.
https://cnn.it/4jVbNgy
https://cnn.it/4jVbNgy
January 24, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Federal agents have been involved in another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday.
Follow @cnn.com for updates:
Follow @cnn.com for updates:
MPJ whenever he sees the Celtics
January 24, 2026 at 2:07 AM
MPJ whenever he sees the Celtics
Look what everyday people are doing in Minnesota while the cowards at law firms and academic institutions stay hidden
Volunteers in Minnesota Deliver Groceries So Immigrants Can Hide at Home
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Look what everyday people are doing in Minnesota while the cowards at law firms and academic institutions stay hidden
Reposted by Josiah Bates
The White House is touting a new analysis from the @counciloncj.org showing that homicides and crime reached record or near-record lows in 2025.
But violence has been falling at a quick pace since at least 2022, when the U.S. began recovering from the historic spike in violence that began in 2020.
But violence has been falling at a quick pace since at least 2022, when the U.S. began recovering from the historic spike in violence that began in 2020.
January 22, 2026 at 8:53 PM
The White House is touting a new analysis from the @counciloncj.org showing that homicides and crime reached record or near-record lows in 2025.
But violence has been falling at a quick pace since at least 2022, when the U.S. began recovering from the historic spike in violence that began in 2020.
But violence has been falling at a quick pace since at least 2022, when the U.S. began recovering from the historic spike in violence that began in 2020.
An administration that pushes "law and order" has pulled over $1 billion from gun violence prevention, mental health and public safety programs. More details on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com
Trump Has Slashed Federal Funding for Gun Violence Prevention. But How Much Exactly?
For a new analysis, The Trace catalogued how many grants were canceled or redirected during Trump’s first year in office.
www.thetrace.org
January 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM
An administration that pushes "law and order" has pulled over $1 billion from gun violence prevention, mental health and public safety programs. More details on the numbers from @bychipbrownlee.com
Well earned
January 19, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Well earned
Reposted by Josiah Bates
Four attorneys told ABC News they have been denied access to their clients at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, where they are being held, which they say would violate 5th & 6th Amendment rights to due process & the right to consult with counsel. abcnews.go.com/US/lawyers-a...
Lawyers allege Dept. of Homeland Security is denying legal counsel to Minnesota detainees
Four attorneys told ABC News they have been denied access to their clients at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, where they are being held.
abcnews.go.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:02 AM
Four attorneys told ABC News they have been denied access to their clients at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, where they are being held, which they say would violate 5th & 6th Amendment rights to due process & the right to consult with counsel. abcnews.go.com/US/lawyers-a...
Homie turned his back, ran 15 yards and said "eff it"
January 19, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Homie turned his back, ran 15 yards and said "eff it"