Leah Sottile
@leahsottile.bsky.social
Independent journalist | Co-founder @thewesternedge.bsky.social
Books: Blazing Eye Sees All, When The Moon Turns To Blood. Podcasts: Hush, Burn Wild, Two Minutes Past Nine, Bundyville.
www.leahsottile.com
Books: Blazing Eye Sees All, When The Moon Turns To Blood. Podcasts: Hush, Burn Wild, Two Minutes Past Nine, Bundyville.
www.leahsottile.com
Pinned
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
I'm genuinely amazed the Deanna Gwyn replied to that person's vitriolic email. She didn't reply to my email taking her to task for supporting a budget that would have closed our Public Library.
It seems she only replies to constituents if she agrees with them.
It seems she only replies to constituents if she agrees with them.
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 18, 2026 at 5:24 PM
I'm genuinely amazed the Deanna Gwyn replied to that person's vitriolic email. She didn't reply to my email taking her to task for supporting a budget that would have closed our Public Library.
It seems she only replies to constituents if she agrees with them.
It seems she only replies to constituents if she agrees with them.
Next Thursday, come on out to hear me ask @letsgomathias.bsky.social one million questions about his INCREDIBLE new book, To Catch a Fascist. You need a ticket, which you can get here: cstpdx.com/event/to-cat...
To Catch a Fascist with Christopher Mathias | Clinton Street Theater
The Oregon Justice Resource Center is bringing Christopher Mathias to Portland for an evening in conversation with local journalist and author Leah Sottile.
cstpdx.com
February 18, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Next Thursday, come on out to hear me ask @letsgomathias.bsky.social one million questions about his INCREDIBLE new book, To Catch a Fascist. You need a ticket, which you can get here: cstpdx.com/event/to-cat...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Fantastic reporting from this new journalism project! If you live in Oregon or Washington, definitely consider getting a subscription if you can spare some $$.
A December media blitz over a police oversight board in Salem missed how the city’s police union leveraged political spending to control a controversial city decision.
The first investigation by The Western Edge is out now.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
The first investigation by The Western Edge is out now.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 10:51 PM
Fantastic reporting from this new journalism project! If you live in Oregon or Washington, definitely consider getting a subscription if you can spare some $$.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Another excellent piece from excellent journalists, covering something that had been biting at me. This country will never get its shit together until we figure out a way to deal with violence that isn't "lock someone up and throw away the key."
A December media blitz over a police oversight board in Salem missed how the city’s police union leveraged political spending to control a controversial city decision.
The first investigation by The Western Edge is out now.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
The first investigation by The Western Edge is out now.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 18, 2026 at 5:30 AM
Another excellent piece from excellent journalists, covering something that had been biting at me. This country will never get its shit together until we figure out a way to deal with violence that isn't "lock someone up and throw away the key."
Reposted by Leah Sottile
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 6:21 PM
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
As a Salem resident, I want to share, promote and support Lean Sottile and Ryan Haas newly launched journalism endeavor “The Western Edge”. It’s something we sorely need.
That being said, I also vehemently disagree with the article, but I still find the work vital and valid.
That being said, I also vehemently disagree with the article, but I still find the work vital and valid.
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 18, 2026 at 12:04 AM
As a Salem resident, I want to share, promote and support Lean Sottile and Ryan Haas newly launched journalism endeavor “The Western Edge”. It’s something we sorely need.
That being said, I also vehemently disagree with the article, but I still find the work vital and valid.
That being said, I also vehemently disagree with the article, but I still find the work vital and valid.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Fascinating article about attempts at redemption after a serious crime and incarceration, and how those seeking political gain took advantage of the situation.
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Fascinating article about attempts at redemption after a serious crime and incarceration, and how those seeking political gain took advantage of the situation.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
horrifying story, excellently reported
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 9:11 PM
horrifying story, excellently reported
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Incredible piece about some of Salem's inner workings. Though none of this is surprising, it's wonderful to see a spotlight on it.
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Incredible piece about some of Salem's inner workings. Though none of this is surprising, it's wonderful to see a spotlight on it.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Salem, Oregon, has always been a prison town. But late last year, city leaders were confronted with what to do when formerly incarcerated people want to join civic life.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
@thewesternedge.bsky.social has uncovered how a series of backroom deals and a smear campaign roiled the city for weeks.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
This is a story about local Salem, OR politics, but the dynamics described here are symptomatic of the current state of our politics and media. The ease and rapidity with which the right can whip up a digital lynch mob is pretty terrifying...and the effectiveness of it is also a bad sign.
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 7:13 PM
This is a story about local Salem, OR politics, but the dynamics described here are symptomatic of the current state of our politics and media. The ease and rapidity with which the right can whip up a digital lynch mob is pretty terrifying...and the effectiveness of it is also a bad sign.
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Is Redemption Possible in Oregon's Capital City?
The Western Edge uncovered a manufactured crisis, backroom deals, political spending, AI slop and a city council bending to appease a police union.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 17, 2026 at 6:21 PM
The story of a police union, a mayor’s race and a pardoned murdered in Oregon’s capital city. The first investigation by @ryanjhaas.bsky.social and myself, for @thewesternedge.bsky.social.
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Consider a subscription.
www.thewesternedge.media/p/is-redempt...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
It has been a crazy week, but I just want to say that the amount of support @leahsottile.bsky.social and I have received is extremely motivating and heartening. Everyone who has checked us out or subscribed rules.
(And even most of the critics are coming from a caring place, imo.)
Thank you 🙏
(And even most of the critics are coming from a caring place, imo.)
Thank you 🙏
This is easily the hardest thing I've ever had to write.
I Had a Dream Journalism Job. Here's Why I Quit.
The rot that hollowed out trust in corporate media finally reached OPB. I had to go.
westernedgemedia.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:39 PM
It has been a crazy week, but I just want to say that the amount of support @leahsottile.bsky.social and I have received is extremely motivating and heartening. Everyone who has checked us out or subscribed rules.
(And even most of the critics are coming from a caring place, imo.)
Thank you 🙏
(And even most of the critics are coming from a caring place, imo.)
Thank you 🙏
This is absolutely brutal. Just SIXTY journalists make up Oregon's largest newspaper chain.
In testimony on a journalism funding bill, a Carpenter Media representative reveals that the company that owns the largest share of newspapers in Oregon employs 60 journalists. Before Carpenter bought them, the Pamplin chain employed 110 people and EO 185, though not all were journalists.
February 13, 2026 at 1:34 AM
This is absolutely brutal. Just SIXTY journalists make up Oregon's largest newspaper chain.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
I am so excited for this event. If you've followed either @letsgomathias.bsky.social or @leahsottile.bsky.social, you'll know you're in for an insightful discussion about antifascist action. As always, grateful to @cstpdx.bsky.social for hosting great community events.
To Catch a Fascist by Chris Mathias takes readers inside the underground fight against rising fascism in the U.S. where anti-fascists infiltrate far-right groups to expose white supremacists hiding in plain sight. Hear more at our event Feb 26 at Clinton Street Theater.
dsnp.co/gg2d8g
dsnp.co/gg2d8g
February 12, 2026 at 10:46 PM
I am so excited for this event. If you've followed either @letsgomathias.bsky.social or @leahsottile.bsky.social, you'll know you're in for an insightful discussion about antifascist action. As always, grateful to @cstpdx.bsky.social for hosting great community events.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Many of you know the work @leahsottile.bsky.social and @ryanjhaas.bsky.social do here in the Northwest, but ahead of the launch of our first reported story next week, we wanted to share a recap of some of our past work. You may be new to us or you may have missed some; either way, let's catch up.
We Like to Dig.
Where we've been, and where we're going.
www.thewesternedge.media
February 12, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Many of you know the work @leahsottile.bsky.social and @ryanjhaas.bsky.social do here in the Northwest, but ahead of the launch of our first reported story next week, we wanted to share a recap of some of our past work. You may be new to us or you may have missed some; either way, let's catch up.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Worth a read from @leahsottile.bsky.social, who frames journalism pay/industry issues well (and who Spokanites have to thank for helping launch Volume Music Festival). ⬇️
When OPB both cancelled Hush and fired me in an email, I had to think hard about why I ever worked for an outlet who couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter.
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
Why I Won't Quit
"Why had I compromised my independence for an organization that couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter?"
open.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Worth a read from @leahsottile.bsky.social, who frames journalism pay/industry issues well (and who Spokanites have to thank for helping launch Volume Music Festival). ⬇️
Extremely Oregon hot take: Gov Cup in Salem, Oregon plays the best music of any coffee shop in the state.
February 12, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Extremely Oregon hot take: Gov Cup in Salem, Oregon plays the best music of any coffee shop in the state.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Reposted by Leah Sottile
When OPB both cancelled Hush and fired me in an email, I had to think hard about why I ever worked for an outlet who couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter.
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
Why I Won't Quit
"Why had I compromised my independence for an organization that couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter?"
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:19 PM
When OPB both cancelled Hush and fired me in an email, I had to think hard about why I ever worked for an outlet who couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter.
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
Reposted by Leah Sottile
OPB has been the gold standard of journalism in this state for so many years, it's incredibly disheartening to hear what's been happening behind the scenes, especially from someone whose work I respect enormously!
This is easily the hardest thing I've ever had to write.
I Had a Dream Journalism Job. Here's Why I Quit.
The rot that hollowed out trust in corporate media finally reached OPB. I had to go.
westernedgemedia.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:04 PM
OPB has been the gold standard of journalism in this state for so many years, it's incredibly disheartening to hear what's been happening behind the scenes, especially from someone whose work I respect enormously!
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Leah has been doing some real shit for a while. It's worth reading anything and everything she puts out.
When OPB both cancelled Hush and fired me in an email, I had to think hard about why I ever worked for an outlet who couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter.
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
Why I Won't Quit
"Why had I compromised my independence for an organization that couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter?"
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Leah has been doing some real shit for a while. It's worth reading anything and everything she puts out.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Want journalism about the northwest that doesn't helicopter in, err on basic facts, and condescend to us? Subscribe to @thewesternedge.bsky.social This excerpt from @leahsottile.bsky.social on why it's necessary 🔥
February 10, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Want journalism about the northwest that doesn't helicopter in, err on basic facts, and condescend to us? Subscribe to @thewesternedge.bsky.social This excerpt from @leahsottile.bsky.social on why it's necessary 🔥
Reposted by Leah Sottile
Everyone go subscribe to The Western Edge. Leah and Ryan have consistently done some of the most important and interesting journalism in the Western US.
When OPB both cancelled Hush and fired me in an email, I had to think hard about why I ever worked for an outlet who couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter.
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
My first contribution to @thewesternedge.bsky.social:
open.substack.com/pub/westerne...
Why I Won't Quit
"Why had I compromised my independence for an organization that couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter?"
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Everyone go subscribe to The Western Edge. Leah and Ryan have consistently done some of the most important and interesting journalism in the Western US.
Reposted by Leah Sottile
We continue our essay series on why The Western Edge exists. @leahsottile.bsky.social writes with heart about why she keeps reporting, even when the job -- and the boardroom jockeys -- will never understand her work.
Why I Won't Quit
"Why had I compromised my independence for an organization that couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me why my journalism didn’t matter?"
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:23 PM
We continue our essay series on why The Western Edge exists. @leahsottile.bsky.social writes with heart about why she keeps reporting, even when the job -- and the boardroom jockeys -- will never understand her work.