Laura J. Nelson
@laurajnelson.bsky.social
Reporter at the Wall Street Journal in Los Angeles. Former @latimes.com reporter, native Kansan and green thumb. 🌱 Tips and ideas: laura.nelson@wsj.com, or on Signal (ljn.89).
Pinned
Laura J. Nelson
@laurajnelson.bsky.social
· Oct 20
Some news: Today is my first day at the Wall Street Journal!
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
In the final hours of 2025, some high-profile tech investors criticized a proposed tax on the ultrawealthy in California, while some big-name billionaires took steps to create distance between themselves and the Golden State -- more from me and @benglickman.bsky.social: www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
Threat of California Billionaire Tax Draws Criticism From Ultrawealthy
Hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman is among the billionaires who have taken issue with the proposal’s idea of taxing the wealthy’s assets.
www.wsj.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:12 PM
In the final hours of 2025, some high-profile tech investors criticized a proposed tax on the ultrawealthy in California, while some big-name billionaires took steps to create distance between themselves and the Golden State -- more from me and @benglickman.bsky.social: www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
You: Wow, look at how badly Andrew Tate lost this fight
Me, also a normal person: Is that the guy from Too Hot To Handle?
Me, also a normal person: Is that the guy from Too Hot To Handle?
🚨 Andrew Tate has been BATTERED and comprehensively beaten by a novice boxer, Chase DeMoor
December 21, 2025 at 5:13 PM
You: Wow, look at how badly Andrew Tate lost this fight
Me, also a normal person: Is that the guy from Too Hot To Handle?
Me, also a normal person: Is that the guy from Too Hot To Handle?
“I’ve waited 30 years,” said a woman who filed a complaint to the FBI about Jeffrey Epstein's interest in “child pornography” in 1996, about a decade before investigators began scrutinizing him. “I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
Epstein Files Include 1996 Child Porn Complaint That F.B.I. Ignored
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
“I’ve waited 30 years,” said a woman who filed a complaint to the FBI about Jeffrey Epstein's interest in “child pornography” in 1996, about a decade before investigators began scrutinizing him. “I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
A tough one to report and write, but hopefully conveys with sensitivity the difficulty the Reiners faced as a family: www.wsj.com/us-news/rob-...
The Final Hours and Shocking End to Rob and Michele Reiner’s Efforts to Save Their Son
The Reiners supported their son through stints in rehab, made a movie about addiction with him, and let him live in a guesthouse. Prosecutors charged him with their murder.
www.wsj.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A tough one to report and write, but hopefully conveys with sensitivity the difficulty the Reiners faced as a family: www.wsj.com/us-news/rob-...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Yellow-Red-Blue, by Wassily Kandinsky, 1925 (detail, rotated), 📸 by @riogiancarlo.bsky.social
December 16, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Yellow-Red-Blue, by Wassily Kandinsky, 1925 (detail, rotated), 📸 by @riogiancarlo.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Well this is pretty wild
[🎁]
[🎁]
The Married Scientists Torn Apart by a Covid Bioweapon Theory
www.nytimes.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Well this is pretty wild
[🎁]
[🎁]
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Billionaires Amass War Chests to Fight AI Regulation
* Goal is influence ahead of 2026 midterm elections
* More than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced by state lawmakers in 2025
* Leading the Future super PAC has $100 million+
www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech...
by @laurajnelson.bsky.social
* Goal is influence ahead of 2026 midterm elections
* More than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced by state lawmakers in 2025
* Leading the Future super PAC has $100 million+
www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech...
by @laurajnelson.bsky.social
Tech Titans Amass Multimillion-Dollar War Chests to Fight AI Regulation
Some are battling state AI laws and threatening to punish candidates who oppose rapid deployment of the technology.
www.wsj.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Billionaires Amass War Chests to Fight AI Regulation
* Goal is influence ahead of 2026 midterm elections
* More than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced by state lawmakers in 2025
* Leading the Future super PAC has $100 million+
www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech...
by @laurajnelson.bsky.social
* Goal is influence ahead of 2026 midterm elections
* More than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced by state lawmakers in 2025
* Leading the Future super PAC has $100 million+
www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech...
by @laurajnelson.bsky.social
So thankful for all the dear friends who’ve welcomed me at their Thanksgiving tables over the years and shared their family traditions. Today my aggressively Midwestern green bean casserole (yes, with potato chips) shared a table with Persian beets and saffron rice. America!
November 28, 2025 at 3:26 AM
So thankful for all the dear friends who’ve welcomed me at their Thanksgiving tables over the years and shared their family traditions. Today my aggressively Midwestern green bean casserole (yes, with potato chips) shared a table with Persian beets and saffron rice. America!
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Elliott Erwitt, 1988
November 27, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Elliott Erwitt, 1988
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
“When you are dying, at least in my limited experience, you start remembering everything.” Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy, writes about receiving a terminal diagnosis. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/4SkkDI
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 22, 2025 at 4:10 PM
“When you are dying, at least in my limited experience, you start remembering everything.” Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy, writes about receiving a terminal diagnosis. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/4SkkDI
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
California is home to more billionaires than any other state. Voters may have a chance next year to hit them with a 5% wealth tax.
My story with @laurajnelson.bsky.social:
www.wsj.com/business/cal...
My story with @laurajnelson.bsky.social:
www.wsj.com/business/cal...
The California Campaign to Introduce a First-of-Its-Kind Billionaire’s Tax
A union-backed ballot measure is aimed at raising healthcare funding. But it faces opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
www.wsj.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM
California is home to more billionaires than any other state. Voters may have a chance next year to hit them with a 5% wealth tax.
My story with @laurajnelson.bsky.social:
www.wsj.com/business/cal...
My story with @laurajnelson.bsky.social:
www.wsj.com/business/cal...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
NEW: The End of the Line: the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s Neom gigaproject - a 500m tall, 170km long wall-like building intended ultimately to house 9 million people - can’t get out of the ground, say more than 20 former Neom architects, engineers and senior executives.
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
End of The Line: how Saudi Arabia’s Neom dream unravelled
Mohammed bin Salman’s utopian city was undone by the laws of physics and finance
ig.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:56 AM
NEW: The End of the Line: the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s Neom gigaproject - a 500m tall, 170km long wall-like building intended ultimately to house 9 million people - can’t get out of the ground, say more than 20 former Neom architects, engineers and senior executives.
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
ig.ft.com/saudi-neom-l...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
CNN's Clarissa Ward tracked down and confronted a top advisor to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who held American journalist Austin Tice after his capture in 2012.
"Of course, Austin is dead. Austin is dead," he said in a video captured on hidden cameras. www.cnn.com/2025/10/28/politi...
"Of course, Austin is dead. Austin is dead," he said in a video captured on hidden cameras. www.cnn.com/2025/10/28/politi...
The road that led, 13 years later, to hearing: ‘Austin is dead’ | CNN Politics
The mystery of what happened to Austin Tice has plagued multiple US administrations. Since the Assad regime fell in December 2024, witnesses have emerged, including many who point to one man that CNN tracked to an apartment in Beirut.
www.cnn.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:57 PM
CNN's Clarissa Ward tracked down and confronted a top advisor to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who held American journalist Austin Tice after his capture in 2012.
"Of course, Austin is dead. Austin is dead," he said in a video captured on hidden cameras. www.cnn.com/2025/10/28/politi...
"Of course, Austin is dead. Austin is dead," he said in a video captured on hidden cameras. www.cnn.com/2025/10/28/politi...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
10 years ago tonight
October 28, 2025 at 5:15 AM
10 years ago tonight
at what point do they let the runner-up teams start playing
October 28, 2025 at 4:33 AM
at what point do they let the runner-up teams start playing
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Newsom, Harris both considering runs for president in 2028
Newsom, Harris both considering runs for president in 2028
Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s considering a run for president in 2028 — a day after former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made the same pronouncement.
www.latimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Newsom, Harris both considering runs for president in 2028
Some news: Today is my first day at the Wall Street Journal!
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
October 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Some news: Today is my first day at the Wall Street Journal!
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
I'll be reporting from L.A., tracking big California stories and digging into the nexus between politics and tech. Really excited to get started.
For coffees, tips, ideas, gossip, etc., I'm at Laura.Nelson@wsj.com.
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
An artillery shell fired during 250th anniversary celebration of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton on Saturday detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, damaging a California Highway Patrol vehicle on JD Vance's security detail www.nytimes.com/2025/10/19/u...
Artillery Shell Detonated Over Interstate 5 During Marines’ Celebration, California Officials Say
www.nytimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
An artillery shell fired during 250th anniversary celebration of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton on Saturday detonated prematurely over Interstate 5, damaging a California Highway Patrol vehicle on JD Vance's security detail www.nytimes.com/2025/10/19/u...
I’m honestly very surprised that their most popular recipe of all time is BEEF STEW. I would read 5,000 words on this phenomenon.
Five stars and more than 26,000 comments: The classic Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. nyti.ms/4nKw4Xn
October 18, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I’m honestly very surprised that their most popular recipe of all time is BEEF STEW. I would read 5,000 words on this phenomenon.
Some personal news, as they say: This is my last day at the
@latimes.com.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared their time, expertise and stories over the last 13 years, and to my kind and brilliant colleagues. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it.
@latimes.com.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared their time, expertise and stories over the last 13 years, and to my kind and brilliant colleagues. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it.
September 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Some personal news, as they say: This is my last day at the
@latimes.com.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared their time, expertise and stories over the last 13 years, and to my kind and brilliant colleagues. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it.
@latimes.com.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared their time, expertise and stories over the last 13 years, and to my kind and brilliant colleagues. Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it.
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
As I was saying…
Jimmy Kimmel is Back!
YouTube video by Jimmy Kimmel Live
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 4:27 AM
As I was saying…
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Protester found not guilty of assault against federal officer at L.A. immigration protest despite top Border Patrol official's testimony. Latest w/ @brittnymejia.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
Protester found not guilty of assault despite top Border Patrol official's testimony
A misdemeanor assault case against Brayan Ramos-Brito was the first to go to trial after dozens of people were accused of impeding or attacking federal agents during protests against immigration enfor...
www.latimes.com
September 17, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Protester found not guilty of assault against federal officer at L.A. immigration protest despite top Border Patrol official's testimony. Latest w/ @brittnymejia.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
California's incarcerated firefighters, who make about $30 per day, could get a big raise
California's incarcerated firefighters, who make about $30 per day, could get a big raise
On Thursday, California lawmakers unanimously approved a plan to pay incarcerated firefighters the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour while assigned to an active fire, a raise of more than 700%.
www.latimes.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:50 PM
California's incarcerated firefighters, who make about $30 per day, could get a big raise
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
"The U.S. agricultural workforce fell by 155,000 — about 7 percent — between March and July, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That tracks with Pew Research Center data that shows total immigrant labor fell by 750,000 from January through July."
'The whole thing is screwed up': Farmers in deep-red Pennsylvania struggle to find workers
They're pushing lawmakers to move faster on a farm labor solution, even as the president cracks down on immigration.
www.politico.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:32 PM
"The U.S. agricultural workforce fell by 155,000 — about 7 percent — between March and July, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That tracks with Pew Research Center data that shows total immigrant labor fell by 750,000 from January through July."