Sign in

Brenna Smith

@brennasmith.bsky.social
16K followers 164 following 36 posts

WSJ visual investigative reporter. Past: Baltimore Banner, New York Times, & Bellingcat.

PostsRepliesMedia
Brenna Smith @brennasmith.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Talked with Storybench about the reporting process behind our visual investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti. Storybench's behind-the-scenes series is a resource I've used for years, and I'm honored my team's work is now a part of it. Read it here: www.storybench.org/how-an-open-...
storybench.org
How an open-source investigation by the Wall Street Journal unmasked the official narrative of the killing of Alex Pretti - Storybench
U.S. Border Patrol head Greg Bovino justified the shooting of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents at a protest in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, saying the 37-year-old ICU nurse was aiming to cause...
0103
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Brian Whitton @noslouch.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
@jackgillum.bsky.social @brennasmith.bsky.social Emma Scott and Belle Cushing If you're not following them you should. If you haven't subscribed this is one is worth it
032
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Eileen Clancy 🧿 @clancyny.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
WSJ: Far-Right Groups Buzz With Violent Talk on How to Respond to ‘No Kings’ Protest By @brennasmith.bsky.social and @cammcw.bsky.social Gift link!
wsj.com
Far-Right Groups Buzz With Violent Talk on How to Respond to ‘No Kings’ Protest
The Proud Boys and other extremists are capitalizing on Saturday’s planned demonstrations against Trump policies.
137333
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Happy spring! You can have a smaller bouquet of pre-tariff flowers...or you can have a pricier, post-tariff bouquet. Read @briaovers.bsky.social in @thebaltimorebanner.com on the 💰🌷 situation. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/article/flow...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Maryland florists face tough choices as tariffs hit imports
Local sellers and growers are grappling with rising costs and uncertainty.
041
Brenna Smith @brennasmith.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Today is my first day as a visual investigations reporter for @wsj.com! Super excited for this next adventure. Send all tips, OSINT tools, and general nerdiness to brenna.smith[at]wsj[dot]com.
5638
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Mike Singer (of Key Bridge collapse footage infamy) on why people track the Dali: “A lot of people don’t want it to come back. I don’t want it to come back.” @brennasmith.bsky.social with the capstone of our anniversary coverage @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
They watched the Key Bridge fall. Now they follow the Dali.
Mike Singer’s livestream riveted the world last year. He and thousands of others are dedicated ship watchers — specifically keeping tabs on the Dali.
031
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
This Homeland Security quote about the need for the National Fire Academy is 👀 “We are only authorizing travel for mission critical programs. This isn’t one.” www.thebaltimorebanner.com/western-mary...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Western Maryland town alarmed by National Fire Academy shutdown
Emmitsburg, a tiny Western Maryland town, fears the Trump administration’s suspension of the National Fire Academy classes will harm the economy. And emergency workers say the public will be less safe...
21210
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Kaitlin Newman @kaitlinobscura.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Had a ton of fun working on this with @brennasmith.bsky.social 🐝
0121
Brenna Smith @brennasmith.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
As the federal funding cuts rip through our country, in Maryland, it could take out our tiniest, most indispensable workers: bees. Read my & Kaitlin Newman's latest: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cl...
thebaltimorebanner.com
The race to save the bee collection at a lab stung by Trump cuts
The Eastern Ecological Science Center’s Bee Lab in Prince George’s County is funded by the U.S. Geological Survey. Volunteers helped preserve bees as they worry about the lab’s fate amid Trump’s feder...
083
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ben Conarck @conarck.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
"A sudden shuttering would put at risk nearly 300,000 bees in the collection that hadn’t yet been properly preserved. Their little bodies left to rot in an empty lab building. Gnawed by mice, scattered by insects. Decades of research, gone." www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cl...
thebaltimorebanner.com
The race to save the bee collection at a lab stung by Trump cuts
The Eastern Ecological Science Center’s Bee Lab in Prince George’s County is funded by the U.S. Geological Survey. Volunteers helped preserve bees as they worry about the lab’s fate amid Trump’s feder...
42317
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Giana Han @giana-jade.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
The NFL has begun its investigation into allegations that Justin Tucker engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior. With @brennasmith.bsky.social, Julie Scharper and Jonas Shaffer: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/raven...
thebaltimorebanner.com
The NFL is in Baltimore investigating Justin Tucker accusations
NFL investigators were in Baltimore this week interviewing massage therapists who have accused Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior.
053
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Mike Baker @mikebaker.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Six massage therapists say that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in inappropriate behavior at four high-end spas and wellness centers. He was banned from two spas. via the Baltimore Banner www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/raven...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate behavior by six massage therapists
Women say Justin Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals and, in three instances, apparently left ejaculate on tables after massages.
2279
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Baltimore Banner @thebaltimorebanner.com · 30/01/2025
Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's behavior was so egregious, two massage therapists say they ended his sessions early. Two spas say they banned him. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/raven...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate behavior by six massage therapists
Women say Justin Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals and, in three instances, apparently left ejaculate on tables after massages.
24199108
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Cody Boteler @codyboteler.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
thebaltimorebanner.com
Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate behavior by six massage therapists
Women say Justin Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals and, in three instances, apparently left ejaculate on tables after massages.
193
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Rona Kobell @rkobell.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in inappropriate behavior at 4 high-end spas and wellness centers in the Bmore area, according to 6 massage therapists.@thebaltimorebanner.com @juliemore19.bsky.social @brennasmith.bsky.social @justinfenton.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/raven...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate behavior by six massage therapists
Women say Justin Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals and, in three instances, apparently left ejaculate on tables after massages.
061
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Dylan Segelbaum @dylansegelbaum.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
By @justinfenton.bsky.social, @brennasmith.bsky.social and @juliemore19.bsky.social: Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by six massage therapists. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
thebaltimorebanner.com
Ravens' Justin Tucker accused of inappropriate behavior by six massage therapists
Women say Justin Tucker repeatedly exposed his genitals and, in three instances, apparently left ejaculate on tables after massages.
054
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Jess Nocera @jessmnocera.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi... Howard County's three state senators are urging Gov. Wes Moore to appoint immigration attorney Alicia Altamirano, public policy expert Michele Douglas and state labor official Daniel Newberger to fill the open seats on the Howard Community College board.
thebaltimorebanner.com
Senators move to fill vacancies on depleted Howard Community College board
Howard County senators are recommending three individuals to Howard Community College’s Board of Trustees, which will likely have to confront questions about the tenure of its controversial president,...
01212
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Cody Boteler @codyboteler.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
I am always here for the careful reporting that @brennasmith.bsky.social brings to Baltimore:
thebaltimorebanner.com
One woman’s crusade for the sex workers Baltimore ignores
Kristina Page runs an outreach service for sex workers who often are shut out from help in Baltimore.
171
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Pamela Colloff @pamelacolloff.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
ICYMI: "Up to 30% of the state’s wildfire-fighting force earns as little as $26.90 for a 24-hour shift. That’s because they’re prisoners in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation." By the great @keribla.bsky.social: www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
How you can help the incarcerated firefighters battling L.A. wildfires
The Los Angeles-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to ending mass incarceration, started a fundraiser on Friday to support the fire crews of California’s prisons.
06423
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Herman Wong @hermanywong.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Ira Glass on his Baltimore and magician roots: “If you’re from Baltimore, you just don’t get too big for your britches. That’s built into you.” Lovely story by @brennasmith.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
From boy magician to ‘This American Life’: Ira Glass’s Baltimore
“This American Life” host Ira Glass was once a boy magician in Baltimore. This is his story.
082
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
For policy and practical reasons, Baltimore's myriad services often fail to reach sex workers. Here is the story of one woman who is trying on her own to help them. @brennasmith.bsky.social + @jessicagallagher.bsky.social for @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
One woman’s crusade for the sex workers Baltimore ignores
Kristina Page runs an outreach service for sex workers who often are shut out from help in Baltimore.
0189
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ben Conarck @conarck.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Enlightening and depressing reporting in @thebaltimorebanner.com this morning, by @brennasmith.bsky.social on the underworld of sex work in Baltimore, where a local advocate named Kristina Page is taking it upon herself to connect women with services. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
One woman’s crusade for the sex workers Baltimore ignores
Kristina Page runs an outreach service for sex workers who often are shut out from help in Baltimore.
12210
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
'This American Life' host Ira Glass cut his teeth as a boy magician in Baltimore. Great piece by @brennasmith.bsky.social, and these Glass family photos are A+
thebaltimorebanner.com
From boy magician to ‘This American Life’: Ira Glass’s Baltimore
“This American Life” host Ira Glass was once a boy magician in Baltimore. This is his story.
55714
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ken Armstrong @bykenarmstrong.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
A trait that investigative reporter Gary Cohn was known for? Relentless optimism. “You would think after decades looking into death and despair, and people doing things for the wrong reasons, you would start to believe that’s how things work. He was not like that.” www.inquirer.com/obituaries/g...
inquirer.com
Gary Cohn, a Pulitzer Prize winner and former Inquirer reporter, has died at 72
Mr. Cohn won a Pulitzer in 1998 for an investigative series on the dangers posed to workers and the environment when old ships are dismantled. He also worked for the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.
0165
Reposted by Brenna Smith
NPR @npr.org · 26/12/2024
A shy rescue dog named Scrim has been on the run after jumping from a second floor window. It was his second escape and the jump was caught on surveillance camera. People have been posting sightings of the dog running around various neighborhoods of New Orleans ever since.
wwno.org
‘We all see ourselves in him’: How Scrim went from shy stray to New Orleans’ favorite outlaw
“Scrim, it turns out, had a whole life before New Orleans,” said Doug McCash, arts and culture writer for The Times-Picayune.
1852197
Reposted by Brenna Smith
awkword @awkword.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
One chopped off part of a newborn’s finger, and choked two nurses in a rage. Another drained the wrong side of a patient’s chest, and lied about it on the chart. These are the unemployed doctors who get jobs in state prisons. A look at NY, with @reuvenblau.bsky.social for @thecity.bsky.social
thecity.nyc
Doctors Sanctioned for Glaring Medical Mistakes Find a Place to Practice in NY State Prisons
They’ve been judged guilty of medical misconduct, negligence, incompetence and even felonies. An investigation by THE CITY reveals that 10 such doctors found work treating incarcerated patients.
1616098
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Justin Fenton @justinfenton.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
I am proud to have helped with this important story, published in conjunction with the New York Times. Please spend some time with it and support this kind of local journalism you only get from the Banner: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/pu...
thebaltimorebanner.com
They entered treatment. Drugs, overdoses and deaths followed.
Baltimore addiction programs draw patients with free housing while collecting millions. Some say one company offered little help.
23510
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Justin Fenton @justinfenton.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Short 🧵: Earlier this year, I was haunted when I heard the story of a young mother who died in an apartment with her infant child, who in turn died as a result of not being fed. I wanted to know more about the circumstances.
12822
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Mike Hixenbaugh @mikehixenbaugh.com · 20/12/2024
Here’s a portion of our report with @noticiastelemundo.bsky.social about a young woman from Venezuela who was murdered in Dallas and then used for research as her mother desperately sought to have her body returned home. Full story and video here: www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
1178
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ken Armstrong @bykenarmstrong.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
New, from @bloomberg.com The Egg: A story of extraction, exploitation and opportunity This investigation of the human egg trade (and egg theft) takes you from India➡️Argentina➡️Greece➡️Taiwan➡️US.... Superb work from a team of extraordinary reporters. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
bloomberg.com
The Global Fertility Trade: A Story of Extraction, Exploitation and Opportunity
Following human eggs as they’re exchanged across open, gray and black markets — reaping rewards for an extremely high price.
24321
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Jason Leopold @jasonleopold.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
🧵 If you can spare a couple of hours, please read this groundbreaking, yearlong global investigation by my @bloomberg.com colleagues into the money, opportunity & exploitation into the booming fertility industry. I guarantee once you start reading you won't be able to stop 🎁 tinyurl.com/fbvykfxa
bloomberg.com
The Global Fertility Trade: A Story of Extraction, Exploitation and Opportunity
Following human eggs as they’re exchanged across open, gray and black markets — reaping rewards for an extremely high price.
14270118
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Chris Morran @themorrancave.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
A NY mom lost custody of her toddler & newborn for 5 months after testing positive for fentanyl the hospital had given her in her epidural. In Oklahoma, a newborn was placed in foster care for 11 days after the mom tested positive for meth. The culprit? a heartburn drug the hospital had given her.
themarshallproject.org
Hospitals Gave Them Meds During Childbirth. Why Did Patients Get In Trouble?
Mothers were reported after they were given medications used routinely for pain or in epidurals, to reduce anxiety or to manage blood pressure during cesarean sections.
21565237
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Mike Hixenbaugh @mikehixenbaugh.com · 11/12/2024
More on Susy here: www.adweek.com/tvnewser/nbc...
adweek.com
How NBC News Broke a Major Story—and Honored a Late Colleague
The NBC News team completed an investigation initiated by senior enterprise editor Susan Carroll, who died in May.
1115
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Mike Hixenbaugh @mikehixenbaugh.com · 11/12/2024
A note about this story: The reporting was started by my friend, Susan Carroll, before her sudden death this spring. The trove of public records that are the basis for the article were sitting in her email; we found them after she died, then worked to finish her story. Read it for her, please.
17028
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
NEW from @thebaltimorebanner.com: Luigi Mangione's life online. via @brennasmith.bsky.social @elliew0lfe.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Luigi Mangione’s social media portrays privileged man, interest in utilitarianism
Luigi Mangione’s name had barely been released when the internet turned its attention to his digital footprint, poring over his posts and profiles for insight into the man accused of killing Brian Tho...
064
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Justin Fenton @justinfenton.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Just weeks before the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, suspect Luigi Mangione was reported missing to authorities in San Francisco by his mother www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cr...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Luigi Mangione updates: Murder charges filed in New York
Luigi Mangione, a Maryland native, has been arrested on gun charges in Pennsylvania and is a person of interest in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
0197
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
The Mangiones are prominent in Baltimore — and are particularly known for their philanthropy and work in the healthcare sector. Via @justinfenton.bsky.social @brennasmith.bsky.social Follow @thebaltimorebanner.com for much more.
02618
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cr...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Luigi Mangione's sprawling family found success after patriarch's rise
Nick Mangione Sr. had a ready retort when people questioned how he had purchased a high-profile local country club in the 1970s: “They asked me what family I belonged to. I told them, ‘I belong to the...
163
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Bykowicz @bykowicz.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
The Mangiones are prominent in Baltimore — and are particularly known for their philanthropy and work in the healthcare sector. Via @justinfenton.bsky.social @brennasmith.bsky.social Follow @thebaltimorebanner.com for much more.
1144
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ben Conarck @conarck.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Unraveling the significance of the "The Mangione family of Baltimore County:” multi-million-dollar real estate developers, country clubs, radio stations, star athletes... via @justinfenton.bsky.social + @brennasmith.bsky.social of @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cr...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Luigi Mangione's sprawling family found success after patriarch's rise
Nick Mangione Sr. had a ready retort when people questioned how he had purchased a high-profile local country club in the 1970s: “They asked me what family I belonged to. I told them, ‘I belong to the...
1113753
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Ryan Mac 🙃 @rmac.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
With the UHC CEO shooting and subsequent discussion of wealth inequality, there's been a few reductive arguments about what mainstream media covers and who it serves. I won't argue that media outlets are anywhere near perfect, but this story shows how good reporting can interrogate power.
2533
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Justin Fenton @justinfenton.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
As always, read @Tim_Prudente: Maryland collector ‘hit the mother lode’ of Egyptian art. Then the FBI called. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/anne-arundel...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Maryland collector ‘hit the mother lode’ of Egyptian art. Then the FBI called.
Hobbyist Mark Ragan of Edgewater found himself enmeshed in the underworld of art smuggling when he bought a handful of Egyptian antiquities on eBay.
073
Brenna Smith @brennasmith.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
A Maryland man launched a message in a bottle off the coast of Brazil 16 years ago. Last week, it washed ashore an Australian beach over 10,000 miles away. The odds? 1 in 1,000. Read more on how the 🍾 survived this nearly impossible journey. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
thebaltimorebanner.com
From Brazil to Australia: Maryland man’s message in a bottle defies odds
Joe Johnson, a Baltimore County native and retired lawyer, is amazed as anyone that a message in a bottle he tossed from a cruise ship turned up in Australia.
181
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
actual lol www.newyorker.com/news/news-de...
Reached for comment, the author of the letter said, “If you print that, I will deny I wrote it.” When he was reminded that it had been sent from the same personal e-mail account that he still uses, he said, “I don’t care. I’ll just say it never happened
405134871945
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Luann Gibbs @luanngibbs.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
⚠️STOP SCROLLING! ⚠️ Gobble up this tale of a turkey love-triangle. 🦃
071
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Julie Scharper @juliemore19.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
If you read one story this Thanksgiving, let it be @brennasmith.bsky.social’s story of a turkey love triangle.
163
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Cody Boteler @codyboteler.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
A true Thanksgiving Day drama. Gobble it up yall.
152
Brenna Smith @brennasmith.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
In Howard County, Thelma and Louise weren't outlaws—they were turkeys. And their love triangle with a tom named Sergeant? Pure drama 🦃 www.thebaltimorebanner.com/howard-count...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Thelma and Louise: A tale of love, death and ruffled feathers in Howard County
Lots of us are eating turkeys on Thanksgiving. The story of Thelma and Louise, rescue turkeys at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary in Howard County, might make you reconsider.
01711
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Brandy Zadrozny @brandyzadrozny.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
New: Recordings from private autism conferences show Trump HHS pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vilifying & conspiracy theorizing about agencies he's set to lead. Videos show RFK Jr comparing CDC vaccine programs to "Nazi death camps" & calling for researchers to be jailed. www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
nbcnews.com
RFK Jr. attacked the CDC’s ‘fascism’ and likened vaccinating children to abuse by the Catholic Church
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, also argued for jailing vaccine scientists in previously unreported comments at autism conferences.
22627791488
Reposted by Brenna Smith
Jess Nocera @jessmnocera.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Months after members of Howard Community College's Board of Trustees abruptly resigned, county state senators want to increase the board from seven to nine members. With @brennasmith.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
thebaltimorebanner.com
Howard Community College president digs in as senators seek to expand board
The county’s three senators plan to introduce their bill when the General Assembly convenes in January.
066