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.
Disclosures today show that Google co-founder Sergey Brin made a $20-million political contribution, one of his largest and most public donations ever. Details on the new effort that he and other wealthy founders/execs are funding, called Building a Better California: www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Sergey Brin Backs New California Political Effort as Threat of Wealth Tax Looms
The Google co-founder joined other wealthy individuals in backing a new nonpartisan, nonprofit organization aimed at tackling housing affordability.
www.wsj.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Disclosures today show that Google co-founder Sergey Brin made a $20-million political contribution, one of his largest and most public donations ever. Details on the new effort that he and other wealthy founders/execs are funding, called Building a Better California: www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
A proposed billionaire tax has some of the richest Californians eyeing the exits. First, they’ll have to contend with the state's dogged tax collectors.
Had fun with this @wsj.com story:
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
Had fun with this @wsj.com story:
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
The Hardest Part About Being a Billionaire in California: Proving You Left
Advisers recommend leaving breadcrumbs, like a ‘we’ve moved’ note on the Christmas card, and you really do have to quit the country club.
www.wsj.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:02 AM
A proposed billionaire tax has some of the richest Californians eyeing the exits. First, they’ll have to contend with the state's dogged tax collectors.
Had fun with this @wsj.com story:
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
Had fun with this @wsj.com story:
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
If you've ever walked into a hotel room and realized with horror that the bathroom was behind a barn door, or even a curtain, this story is for you: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
Hotels Are Getting Rid of Proper Bathroom Doors and Guests Are Revolting
Lodgers looking for peace and quiet are struggling in the era of sliding barn doors, frosted glass panes and sometimes no separation at all.
www.wsj.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:49 PM
If you've ever walked into a hotel room and realized with horror that the bathroom was behind a barn door, or even a curtain, this story is for you: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Rob Bonta passes on run for California governor
Rob Bonta passes on run for California governor
The state attorney general won’t enter a crowded 2026 field and will seek reelection instead.
dlvr.it
January 12, 2026 at 4:51 AM
Rob Bonta passes on run for California governor
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
This video is short and effective at showing what happened.
An ICE officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, according to Homeland Security. Federal and city officials provided different narratives about the events that led up to the shooting.
Read more: on.wsj.com/4aPEIAe
Read more: on.wsj.com/4aPEIAe
January 7, 2026 at 11:32 PM
This video is short and effective at showing what happened.
The woman shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis today, Renee Nicole Good, was the mother of a 6-year-old boy. His father died in 2023.
“There’s nobody else in his life,” his grandfather said. “I’ll drive. I’ll fly. To come and get my grandchild.” www.startribune.com/she-was-an-a...
“There’s nobody else in his life,” his grandfather said. “I’ll drive. I’ll fly. To come and get my grandchild.” www.startribune.com/she-was-an-a...
‘She was an amazing human being’: Mother identifies woman shot, killed by ICE agent
Renee Nicole Good, 37, lived in the Twin Cities with her partner.
www.startribune.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:19 PM
The woman shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis today, Renee Nicole Good, was the mother of a 6-year-old boy. His father died in 2023.
“There’s nobody else in his life,” his grandfather said. “I’ll drive. I’ll fly. To come and get my grandchild.” www.startribune.com/she-was-an-a...
“There’s nobody else in his life,” his grandfather said. “I’ll drive. I’ll fly. To come and get my grandchild.” www.startribune.com/she-was-an-a...
How does Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang feel about California’s proposed billionaire tax?
“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it. I’m perfectly fine with it.” www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it. I’m perfectly fine with it.” www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Nvidia CEO Says He’s ‘Perfectly Fine’ With Billionaires Tax
Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, the world’s ninth-richest person and head of the most valuable company, said he isn’t concerned about a billionaires tax under consideration in his h...
www.bloomberg.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:15 AM
How does Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang feel about California’s proposed billionaire tax?
“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it. I’m perfectly fine with it.” www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes I guess they would like to apply, so be it. I’m perfectly fine with it.” www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
“Newsom, who is 58, has a memoir coming out next month. This is a traditional rite of passage for people running for president, which he is, even though we are supposed to pretend that he hasn’t decided yet.” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Front-Runner
California’s Gavin Newsom would rather be wrong than weak.
www.theatlantic.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:15 AM
“Newsom, who is 58, has a memoir coming out next month. This is a traditional rite of passage for people running for president, which he is, even though we are supposed to pretend that he hasn’t decided yet.” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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