Today I and more than 300 journalists were “impacted,” as The Washington Post’s top editor put it.

The other way to say it is: I was laid off.

I’m using that word on purpose—because words matter. Direct language forces clarity about responsibility and consequences. And right now, clarity has never been more important.

I’m not going to pretend this feels good. It doesn’t.

But I also know my worst day in journalism is still easier than what a lot of people deal with every day. I’m lucky in ways that matter.

So here’s what I’m doing next:

I’m going to keep reporting independently, aggressively, fairly and transparently, using the same instincts I’ve used for two decades. I’ll follow and verify information, and explain the systems underneath the headlines.

Here is what you can do to help:

If you have tips, documents, leads, recordings, screenshots, patterns you’re seeing — send them along.

 If you work in government, politics, tech, labor, or media start leading (responsibly, please).

And if you have a podcast, book me.

You can reach me at:

Signal: Azi.99

[email protected]

AziPaybarah.substack.com 

TikTok.com/@Azi.Paybarah 

instagram.com/azipaybarah

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