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
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
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."
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
California legislative leaders have introduced a last-minute deal aimed at increasing oil production in Kern County’s oil fields while further restricting offshore drilling. @laurajnelson.bsky.social @grace2e.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
California legislators strike last-minute deal to help oil industry but limit offshore drilling
The compromise would streamline environmental approvals for new wells in oil-rich Kern County and make offshore drilling more difficult by tightening the safety and regulatory requirements for pipelin...
www.latimes.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
California legislative leaders have introduced a last-minute deal aimed at increasing oil production in Kern County’s oil fields while further restricting offshore drilling. @laurajnelson.bsky.social @grace2e.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Shortly after Trump accused Sen. Schiff (@schiff.senate.gov) of mortgage fraud, Schiff's attorney wrote to DOJ that there was “no factual basis” for the claims — but “ample basis” for an investigation of Bill Pulte's work digging into Trump’s political opponents.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Schiff lawyer told Justice Department it should investigate Pulte for probing mortgages of Trump opponents
An attorney for Sen. Adam Schiff told the Department of Justice that there was 'no factual basis' to investigate Schiff over mortgage fraud claims, but 'ample' reason to investigate the Trump official...
www.latimes.com
September 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Shortly after Trump accused Sen. Schiff (@schiff.senate.gov) of mortgage fraud, Schiff's attorney wrote to DOJ that there was “no factual basis” for the claims — but “ample basis” for an investigation of Bill Pulte's work digging into Trump’s political opponents.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
“In the more than four decades since I started at the L.A. Times, we’ve never had a reporter cover water with the depth and persistence of Ian James.”
@raineytime.bsky.social has a Q&A with my friend and colleague @ianjames.bsky.social, a true legend: www.latimes.com/california/n...
@raineytime.bsky.social has a Q&A with my friend and colleague @ianjames.bsky.social, a true legend: www.latimes.com/california/n...
The hunt for water: a 45-mile tunnel, retired farmland and desalination all loom
Your morning catch-up: A conversation with the L.A. Times' water savant, Supreme Court upholds immigration raids and more big stories.
www.latimes.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
“In the more than four decades since I started at the L.A. Times, we’ve never had a reporter cover water with the depth and persistence of Ian James.”
@raineytime.bsky.social has a Q&A with my friend and colleague @ianjames.bsky.social, a true legend: www.latimes.com/california/n...
@raineytime.bsky.social has a Q&A with my friend and colleague @ianjames.bsky.social, a true legend: www.latimes.com/california/n...
Just a PSA for anyone who likes fancy coffee table books or wants to get a jump on their holiday shopping: Taschen's ruinously great annual sale is this weekend: www.taschen.com/en/books/sale/
www.taschen.com
September 6, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Just a PSA for anyone who likes fancy coffee table books or wants to get a jump on their holiday shopping: Taschen's ruinously great annual sale is this weekend: www.taschen.com/en/books/sale/
So hard to choose a favorite from this wonderful @NewYorker feature of New Yorkers in their living rooms, but it might be this shot of Colson Whitehead on a couch that is at least 12 feet long (but could actually be much longer!). www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
September 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
So hard to choose a favorite from this wonderful @NewYorker feature of New Yorkers in their living rooms, but it might be this shot of Colson Whitehead on a couch that is at least 12 feet long (but could actually be much longer!). www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
A federal judge this morning ruled in a blistering opinion that Trump’s deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal www.latimes.com/california/s...
Trump deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal, judge rules in blistering opinion
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration’s deployment of U.S, militaty troops to Los Angeles during immigration raids earlier this year was illegal.
www.latimes.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:32 PM
A federal judge this morning ruled in a blistering opinion that Trump’s deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
California’s lightning-fast push for partisan redistricting reflects Trump’s new America (w/ David G. Savage, @melodygutierrez.bsky.social @laurajnelson.bsky.social):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
California's lightning-fast push for partisan redistricting reflects Trump's new America
In the last week, with lightning speed, the nation's foremost political leaders have jettisoned any pretense of political fairness in favor of an all-out partisan war for power.
www.latimes.com
August 24, 2025 at 7:43 PM
California’s lightning-fast push for partisan redistricting reflects Trump’s new America (w/ David G. Savage, @melodygutierrez.bsky.social @laurajnelson.bsky.social):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Happy tomato season to all who celebrate 🍅
August 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Happy tomato season to all who celebrate 🍅
I have used my free will on my first Saturday in Sacramento to try a Korean corn dog that is half mozzarella stick and also coated in hot Cheeto dust
August 23, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I have used my free will on my first Saturday in Sacramento to try a Korean corn dog that is half mozzarella stick and also coated in hot Cheeto dust
NEW: Ratcheting up the pressure in the national fight over control of Congress, the California Legislature has approved a Nov. 4 special election in which voters will decide whether to redraw the state’s electoral lines to help Democrats. www.latimes.com/california/s...
August 21, 2025 at 10:19 PM
NEW: Ratcheting up the pressure in the national fight over control of Congress, the California Legislature has approved a Nov. 4 special election in which voters will decide whether to redraw the state’s electoral lines to help Democrats. www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Laura J. Nelson
Erik Menendez goes before the California Parole Board today. I’m in Sacramento to cover the hearing and will bring you updates as soon as it’s over. But what does the parole board consider? Who testifies? You can read our preview below: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Will the Menendez brothers finally be set free? What to expect at their parole hearings
Erik and Lyle Menendez will go before a California parole board this week. By Friday afternoon — more than 35 years after they gunned down their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion — both brothers coul...
www.latimes.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Erik Menendez goes before the California Parole Board today. I’m in Sacramento to cover the hearing and will bring you updates as soon as it’s over. But what does the parole board consider? Who testifies? You can read our preview below: www.latimes.com/california/s...