Erica C. Barnett

ericacbarnett.bsky.social

02 August 2026 10:54

Interim chief Andre Sayles says he has a home in Illinois rather than Wisconsin, as I previously reported based on sources inside the city, including multiple sources in SPD. His wife and kids live in their home in Illinois. He said he also has a home in East King County.

Erica C. Barnett

ericacbarnett.bsky.social

02 August 2026 10:53

This week I learned that there are a lot of people running around calling themselves reporters in this town who get enraged when they aren't spoonfed information by people in power. (Most of the reporters are awesome, and have credited my scoops, but a special few appear to be giant babies)

Joyce Millman

joycemillman.bsky.social

28 July 2026 00:00

I’m relatively new here, but I’m learning that this city has a lot of weird local pols.

Joyce Millman

joycemillman.bsky.social

28 July 2026 00:00

If the deputy chief is capable enough to be left in charge for weeks at a time, then he should be chief. WTF are we paying Barnes $300,000 a year for? Why even hire somebody who won’t move here? I don’t get it.

Erica C. Barnett

ericacbarnett.bsky.social

27 July 2026 23:59

I think this kind of reaction is pretty outsized for a reasonable question—if a big-city police chief is out of town much of the time, including on weekends, holidays, and during the summer when violent incidents are more common, that's a matter of obvious public interest.