Laura Byrne
@laurabyrne.bsky.social
Column Editor and Podcast Producer @TheJournal_ie. Presenter of @TheExplainerPod. Formerly @Storyful & @TodayFM. Views my own, etc.
Reposted by Laura Byrne
The internet is deeply broken. I want to see what this NY times story is, because I’ve seen a few people chatting about it. Searching for it doesnt work because Google is broken, so is the search within Bluesky and X. It used to not be difficult to find out the source of a “main character” article
The New York Times says it used private personal data obtained by a hacker who stole millions of student records from a major US university and then shared it with the NYT’s source, who is *squints* an “opponent of affirmative action”
Lots of questionable ethical choices crammed into one paragraph:
Lots of questionable ethical choices crammed into one paragraph:
July 4, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The internet is deeply broken. I want to see what this NY times story is, because I’ve seen a few people chatting about it. Searching for it doesnt work because Google is broken, so is the search within Bluesky and X. It used to not be difficult to find out the source of a “main character” article
What really happened on board the MV Matthew?
The Explainer · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Reposted by Laura Byrne
“So they changed the colours of his vestments. So what? Have you seen what he looks like the rest of the time? Virtually every Child of Prague figurine I’ve ever seen looks like what would happen if all of the Elfs on the Shelfs got together and elected a Pope.”
Surrealing in the Years:
Surrealing in the Years:
Surrealing in the Years: Mayo Pride's 'Child of Drag' is a 'dreadful blasphemy'. So what?
Have you seen what he looks like the rest of the time?
jrnl.ie
June 7, 2025 at 8:12 AM
“So they changed the colours of his vestments. So what? Have you seen what he looks like the rest of the time? Virtually every Child of Prague figurine I’ve ever seen looks like what would happen if all of the Elfs on the Shelfs got together and elected a Pope.”
Surrealing in the Years:
Surrealing in the Years:
Reposted by Laura Byrne
Google search just isn’t what it used to be.
On this week’s episode of The Explainer, @laurabyrne.bsky.social asks @stokel.bsky.social: what broke it, and can it be fixed?
Listen on Spotify https://spoti.fi/4kq5BMN
Listen on Apple https://apple.co/4djk6j7
On this week’s episode of The Explainer, @laurabyrne.bsky.social asks @stokel.bsky.social: what broke it, and can it be fixed?
Listen on Spotify https://spoti.fi/4kq5BMN
Listen on Apple https://apple.co/4djk6j7
June 7, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Google search just isn’t what it used to be.
On this week’s episode of The Explainer, @laurabyrne.bsky.social asks @stokel.bsky.social: what broke it, and can it be fixed?
Listen on Spotify https://spoti.fi/4kq5BMN
Listen on Apple https://apple.co/4djk6j7
On this week’s episode of The Explainer, @laurabyrne.bsky.social asks @stokel.bsky.social: what broke it, and can it be fixed?
Listen on Spotify https://spoti.fi/4kq5BMN
Listen on Apple https://apple.co/4djk6j7
'No-one wants to talk here': The silence surrounding the killing of Claire Collins jrnl.ie/6668165
'No-one wants to talk here': The silence surrounding the killing of Claire Collins
On Tuesday, a jury returned an open verdict into the death of Claire Collins and a verdict of suicide into the death of her husband, Joe Collins.
jrnl.ie
April 6, 2025 at 7:57 AM
'No-one wants to talk here': The silence surrounding the killing of Claire Collins jrnl.ie/6668165
Thanks to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's Rachel Morrogh for advocating for survivors of sexual assault in this piece:
Opinion: Watching Conor McGregor in The White House was dystopian and disturbing
Head of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, says it’s important now that everyone stands with survivors of sexual violence.
www.thejournal.ie
March 18, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Thanks to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's Rachel Morrogh for advocating for survivors of sexual assault in this piece:
Majority of county councils failed to collect the Derelict Sites Levy for two years in a row jrnl.ie/6645162
Majority of county councils failed to collect the Derelict Sites Levy for two years in a row
17 out of 31 local authorities didn’t collect any money from landowners.
jrnl.ie
March 17, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Majority of county councils failed to collect the Derelict Sites Levy for two years in a row jrnl.ie/6645162
Reposted by Laura Byrne
Zelenskyy is now fighting on two fronts - against Russia, which wants Ukraine's lands, and the Trump administration, which wants Ukraine's resources.
My interview on Morning Ireland ...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
My interview on Morning Ireland ...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Up to Europe to give Ukraine security guarantees, says Trump
Donnacha Ó Beacháin, DCU, discusses the latest efforts on the road towards a possible peace deal for Ukraine.
www.rte.ie
February 28, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Zelenskyy is now fighting on two fronts - against Russia, which wants Ukraine's lands, and the Trump administration, which wants Ukraine's resources.
My interview on Morning Ireland ...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
My interview on Morning Ireland ...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Laura Byrne
One of these two is a draft-dodging sexual predator, tyrant & con-man who ran for office to stay out of jail.
The other is a hero who risked his life to save his country & has shown remarkable courage & ingenuity in fending off a murderous invasion.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c6...
The other is a hero who risked his life to save his country & has shown remarkable courage & ingenuity in fending off a murderous invasion.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c6...
Trump tells Zelensky 'make a deal or we're out' in angry White House meeting - follow live
The US president calls his Ukrainian counterpart
www.bbc.com
February 28, 2025 at 5:59 PM
One of these two is a draft-dodging sexual predator, tyrant & con-man who ran for office to stay out of jail.
The other is a hero who risked his life to save his country & has shown remarkable courage & ingenuity in fending off a murderous invasion.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c6...
The other is a hero who risked his life to save his country & has shown remarkable courage & ingenuity in fending off a murderous invasion.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c6...
Reposted by Laura Byrne
Europe needs to get real, and fast, about where it stands with the United States. Ukraine can't wait.
February 28, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Europe needs to get real, and fast, about where it stands with the United States. Ukraine can't wait.
The most appalling, disgusting scenes just now. How is this actual reality 🙃
Donald Trump tells Volodymyr Zelenskyy he's 'gambling with World War Three' as both presidents argue in unprecedented scenes in the Oval Office. jrnl.ie/6636214
'You're not acting at all thankful': Trump and Zelenskyy clash in Oval Office meeting
It’s just days since Trump called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections”.
jrnl.ie
February 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The most appalling, disgusting scenes just now. How is this actual reality 🙃
Big thanks to @davidkorowicz.bsky.social for his great insights into what we should do to prepare for storms, supply chain shocks and all that this uncertain world can now bring… #stormeowyn #climate #climatechange
Chatted today with @laurabyrne.bsky.social of @thejournal.ie 's The Explainer podcast about risk and preparedness . www.thejournal.ie/podcasts/66f...
How can Ireland prepare for future storms and other risks?
Read, share and shape the news on TheJournal.ie - Breaking Irish and International News
www.thejournal.ie
February 8, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Big thanks to @davidkorowicz.bsky.social for his great insights into what we should do to prepare for storms, supply chain shocks and all that this uncertain world can now bring… #stormeowyn #climate #climatechange
Took a while, but they got there...
Micheál Martin has been elected as the new Taoiseach
www.thejournal.ie/michael-mart...
Micheál Martin has been elected as the new Taoiseach
www.thejournal.ie/michael-mart...
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin elected as Taoiseach for the second time
The Fianna Fáil leader will select his new Cabinet later today.
www.thejournal.ie
January 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Took a while, but they got there...
Micheál Martin has been elected as the new Taoiseach
www.thejournal.ie/michael-mart...
Micheál Martin has been elected as the new Taoiseach
www.thejournal.ie/michael-mart...
Reposted by Laura Byrne
Louise* looks at the pressure to be fit and healthy in the New Year and says it can be a really challenging time for anyone with an eating disorder.
http://jrnl.ie/6587401t
http://jrnl.ie/6587401t
Opinion: When in the grip of anorexia, New Year's resolutions were huge for me — not anymore
Louise* looks at the pressure to be fit and healthy in the New Year and says it can be a really challenging time for anyone with an eating disorder.
jrnl.ie
January 11, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Louise* looks at the pressure to be fit and healthy in the New Year and says it can be a really challenging time for anyone with an eating disorder.
http://jrnl.ie/6587401t
http://jrnl.ie/6587401t
Opinion: When in the grip of anorexia, New Year's resolutions were huge for me — not anymore jrnl.ie/6587401
Opinion: When in the grip of anorexia, New Year's resolutions were huge for me — not anymore
Louise* looks at the pressure to be fit and healthy in the New Year and says it can be a really challenging time for anyone with an eating disorder.
jrnl.ie
January 11, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Opinion: When in the grip of anorexia, New Year's resolutions were huge for me — not anymore jrnl.ie/6587401
Reposted by Laura Byrne
The US government has branded Dublin's 2023 riots as "white identity terrorism", carried out by Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists. Report by our journalist @trishdevlin.bsky.social
http://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-riots-white-identity-terrorism-6589040-Jan2025/
http://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-riots-white-identity-terrorism-6589040-Jan2025/
US government brands Dublin riots as terrorism by Irish white supremacists
New report monitoring global terror incidents lists Ireland as one of six countries targeted by white supremacists.
www.thejournal.ie
January 10, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The US government has branded Dublin's 2023 riots as "white identity terrorism", carried out by Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists. Report by our journalist @trishdevlin.bsky.social
http://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-riots-white-identity-terrorism-6589040-Jan2025/
http://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-riots-white-identity-terrorism-6589040-Jan2025/
Child dies after being fatally assaulted at a home in Wexford overnight jrnl.ie/6560475
Child dies after being fatally assaulted at a home in Wexford overnight
The incident happened on William Street last night.
jrnl.ie
December 2, 2024 at 8:32 AM
Child dies after being fatally assaulted at a home in Wexford overnight jrnl.ie/6560475
Brain injury: Rehab is crucial, but survivors are often forgotten and just left to exist jrnl.ie/6554038
Brain injury: Rehab is crucial, but survivors are often forgotten and just left to exist
Dr Karen Foley of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland says early rehab is key, but this area is substantially under-resourced in this country.
jrnl.ie
November 27, 2024 at 9:46 PM
Brain injury: Rehab is crucial, but survivors are often forgotten and just left to exist jrnl.ie/6554038
Conor McGregor removed from ‘Hitman’ video game after losing civil sexual assault case jrnl.ie/6553074
Conor McGregor removed from ‘Hitman’ video game after losing civil sexual assault case
He appeared in the video game as a character called ‘The Disruptor’, a billionaire MMA fighter.
jrnl.ie
November 25, 2024 at 6:16 PM
Conor McGregor removed from ‘Hitman’ video game after losing civil sexual assault case jrnl.ie/6553074
Huge €5 billion 'black hole' uncovered in Fine Gael's manifesto spending plan jrnl.ie/6551579
Huge €5 billion 'black hole' uncovered in Fine Gael's manifesto spending plan
The discovery is an uncomfortable one for the government party.
jrnl.ie
November 24, 2024 at 1:27 AM
Huge €5 billion 'black hole' uncovered in Fine Gael's manifesto spending plan jrnl.ie/6551579
‘That’s not true’: Simon Harris walks away from voter who says he’s ‘done nothing’ for carers jrnl.ie/6551100
‘That’s not true’: Harris walks away from voter who says he’s ‘done nothing’ for carers
Harris has been accused of not caring about people with disabilties and their carers, with some calling his response “shameful” and “dismissive”.
jrnl.ie
November 23, 2024 at 7:42 AM
‘That’s not true’: Simon Harris walks away from voter who says he’s ‘done nothing’ for carers jrnl.ie/6551100
Nikita Hand 'overwhelmed' by support after winning 'nightmare' case against Conor McGregor jrnl.ie/6550805
Nikita Hand 'overwhelmed' by support after winning 'nightmare' case against Conor McGregor
Asked if she felt vindicated following the jury’s decision, she said: “Yes, I do. Thank you.”
jrnl.ie
November 22, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Nikita Hand 'overwhelmed' by support after winning 'nightmare' case against Conor McGregor jrnl.ie/6550805
Jury finds Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel in 2018 jrnl.ie/6550030
Jury finds Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel in 2018
The Mixed Martial Arts fighter denies raping Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel on 9 December 2018.
jrnl.ie
November 22, 2024 at 4:57 PM
Jury finds Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel in 2018 jrnl.ie/6550030
Big thanks to @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social for this piece for us at @thejournal.ie about his documentary tonight, looking at the art, architecture and writing brought by early Christianity in Ireland.
Blindboy Boatclub: 'The arrival of Christianity to Ireland is fascinating' jrnl.ie/6545528
Blindboy Boatclub: 'The arrival of Christianity to Ireland is fascinating' jrnl.ie/6545528
Blindboy Boatclub: 'The arrival of Christianity to Ireland is fascinating'
The artist, author and podcaster has a new documentary airing tonight, looking at the origins, evolution and cultural legacy of Christianity in Ireland.
jrnl.ie
November 21, 2024 at 7:28 AM
Big thanks to @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social for this piece for us at @thejournal.ie about his documentary tonight, looking at the art, architecture and writing brought by early Christianity in Ireland.
Blindboy Boatclub: 'The arrival of Christianity to Ireland is fascinating' jrnl.ie/6545528
Blindboy Boatclub: 'The arrival of Christianity to Ireland is fascinating' jrnl.ie/6545528
Opinion: Foreign Policy must be at the centre of the General Election campaign jrnl.ie/6547027
Opinion: Foreign Policy must be at the centre of the General Election campaign
Dr Barry Colfer says we can’t be complacent about the dangers of a changing world, and this concern should be front and centre as an election issue.
jrnl.ie
November 20, 2024 at 8:43 AM
Opinion: Foreign Policy must be at the centre of the General Election campaign jrnl.ie/6547027