Laura Weiss
@lauralew105.bsky.social
Writer covering social issues especially health justice, disability, immigration & labor mostly for Prism Reports and New Republic. Editor at IndyKids. Forever NACLA. I also have a TV newsletter and beloved cat. She/her. Website: Lauraweiss.me
Pinned
Laura Weiss
@lauralew105.bsky.social
· Oct 27
After massive CDC cuts, what’s left of COVID-19 mitigation efforts?
Massive cuts at CDC and growing hostility toward vaccination under Kennedy leave the public more vulnerable to COVID-19, experts say
prismreports.org
My latest for @prismreports.org on the chaos at the CDC, amid the government shutdown and what it means in terms of the ongoing threat of Covid. As @drdemetre.bsky.social put it: “there’s going to be really poor outcomes for people who can least afford them.” prismreports.org/2025/10/27/c...
So personally I’d love universal healthcare
The new Google AI image generator automatically embeds an invisible (and hard to remove) watermark into every picture it generates. This is good.
But it’s useless unless platforms integrate it to automatically detect AI content and warn users.
But it’s useless unless platforms integrate it to automatically detect AI content and warn users.
November 26, 2025 at 5:35 PM
So personally I’d love universal healthcare
Reposted by Laura Weiss
“Testing the ceasefire”
What are words anyway?
What are words anyway?
BREAKING: At least 24 people are dead and 54 wounded after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began in October, officials say.
Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire's latest test as hospitals say 20 killed
Israel's military says it has launched new airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began on October 10.
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 7:44 AM
“Testing the ceasefire”
What are words anyway?
What are words anyway?
Reposted by Laura Weiss
i know we've all laughed about the worm and the affair but this is a profoundly dangerous person who should be expelled from the government.
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 7:43 PM
i know we've all laughed about the worm and the affair but this is a profoundly dangerous person who should be expelled from the government.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Behind this important reversal is a member of the Coast Guard who saw what was happening and had the courage to leak it to the press. That person deserves serious praise.
November 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Behind this important reversal is a member of the Coast Guard who saw what was happening and had the courage to leak it to the press. That person deserves serious praise.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
RFK Jr’s CDC posting lies about vaccines and autism on their website isn’t just misinformation, it’s intentionally weaponized eugenicist rhetoric that will kill people.
November 20, 2025 at 7:57 PM
RFK Jr’s CDC posting lies about vaccines and autism on their website isn’t just misinformation, it’s intentionally weaponized eugenicist rhetoric that will kill people.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Everyone in the US knows:
Swastikas and nooses ARE hate symbols.
They do not belong anywhere, including the Coast Guard. (WTAF?)
Swastikas and nooses ARE hate symbols.
They do not belong anywhere, including the Coast Guard. (WTAF?)
“We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to a fear of reprisal.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Everyone in the US knows:
Swastikas and nooses ARE hate symbols.
They do not belong anywhere, including the Coast Guard. (WTAF?)
Swastikas and nooses ARE hate symbols.
They do not belong anywhere, including the Coast Guard. (WTAF?)
Reposted by Laura Weiss
KEEP SHARING YOUR STORIES about increased ACA premiums due to the disappearance of subsidies. The stories clearly are having an impact, they help people feel less helpless, and they create solidarity that leads to action.
Mine went from $395→ $821. What happened for you?
Mine went from $395→ $821. What happened for you?
November 18, 2025 at 3:28 PM
KEEP SHARING YOUR STORIES about increased ACA premiums due to the disappearance of subsidies. The stories clearly are having an impact, they help people feel less helpless, and they create solidarity that leads to action.
Mine went from $395→ $821. What happened for you?
Mine went from $395→ $821. What happened for you?
Just gave. Join me!
in the last 5 days these laid-off VIBE staffers have only made it to 31% of their GoFundMe goal after being laid off. please show them the same support you showed Teen Vogue!!
November 17, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Just gave. Join me!
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Rest in Power, Alice Wong.
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.”
November 15, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Rest in Power, Alice Wong.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Immigrants had their visas revoked and were deported over jokes about Charlie Kirk on social media.
Why?
Because the regime claims it won’t tolerate any violent political speech.
Yet Trump just pardoned Suzanne Ellen Kaye, a woman who threatened to kill FBI agents in the wake of Jan 6th.
Why?
Because the regime claims it won’t tolerate any violent political speech.
Yet Trump just pardoned Suzanne Ellen Kaye, a woman who threatened to kill FBI agents in the wake of Jan 6th.
Florida woman spent 18 months in prison for threatening FBI. Trump pardoned her
Boca Raton’s Suzanne Ellen Kaye, who went by “Angry Patriot Hippie” online, had said the videos that got her convicted were meant as a joke.
amp.miamiherald.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:20 AM
Immigrants had their visas revoked and were deported over jokes about Charlie Kirk on social media.
Why?
Because the regime claims it won’t tolerate any violent political speech.
Yet Trump just pardoned Suzanne Ellen Kaye, a woman who threatened to kill FBI agents in the wake of Jan 6th.
Why?
Because the regime claims it won’t tolerate any violent political speech.
Yet Trump just pardoned Suzanne Ellen Kaye, a woman who threatened to kill FBI agents in the wake of Jan 6th.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Interesting how ICE flights weren't impacted by the shutdown. Just commercial flights. Yet we had to end the shutdown for the airlines?
Sure, Jan.
Sure, Jan.
November 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Interesting how ICE flights weren't impacted by the shutdown. Just commercial flights. Yet we had to end the shutdown for the airlines?
Sure, Jan.
Sure, Jan.
So proud of the amazing students at @indykidsnews.bsky.social for their latest issue! Working with these kids is a bright spot amid the horrors. Check it out!!
indykids.org/wp-content/u...
indykids.org/wp-content/u...
indykids.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:39 PM
So proud of the amazing students at @indykidsnews.bsky.social for their latest issue! Working with these kids is a bright spot amid the horrors. Check it out!!
indykids.org/wp-content/u...
indykids.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
“It’s like The Twilight Zone,” one CDC staffer says of the sudden shifts at the agency.
Scientists vanish, truth gets censored, and the new boss thinks expertise is optional. Tune in as “Data” and “Evidence” are written out of the script.
nymag.com/intelligence...
Scientists vanish, truth gets censored, and the new boss thinks expertise is optional. Tune in as “Data” and “Evidence” are written out of the script.
nymag.com/intelligence...
Working at the CDC Is a Living Hell
Gaslighting, surveillance, and layoffs under the RFK Jr. regime.
nymag.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM
“It’s like The Twilight Zone,” one CDC staffer says of the sudden shifts at the agency.
Scientists vanish, truth gets censored, and the new boss thinks expertise is optional. Tune in as “Data” and “Evidence” are written out of the script.
nymag.com/intelligence...
Scientists vanish, truth gets censored, and the new boss thinks expertise is optional. Tune in as “Data” and “Evidence” are written out of the script.
nymag.com/intelligence...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
The problem isn't that they caved for a promised vote; the problem is that the vote will be a meaningless gesture impressing no one but Senate Democrats.
It will fail. ACA beneficiaries will suffer considerably as a result and there will be no consequences of any kind for Republicans.
It will fail. ACA beneficiaries will suffer considerably as a result and there will be no consequences of any kind for Republicans.
Whoa -- Sen. Durbin went to up Leader Thune during the vote last night to tell him that on the shutdown vote and ACA promise that "8 of us are sticking our neck out that you're going to keep your word. I hope you will. He said 'I assure you I will,'" Durbin says just now
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The problem isn't that they caved for a promised vote; the problem is that the vote will be a meaningless gesture impressing no one but Senate Democrats.
It will fail. ACA beneficiaries will suffer considerably as a result and there will be no consequences of any kind for Republicans.
It will fail. ACA beneficiaries will suffer considerably as a result and there will be no consequences of any kind for Republicans.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
THE SUPREME COURT WON’T REVISIT GAY MARRIAGE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE IS LOVE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE WINS. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
(and a big fuck you to Kim Davis. Babe, it’s over. Go find another hobby. Buhbye)
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE IS LOVE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE WINS. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
(and a big fuck you to Kim Davis. Babe, it’s over. Go find another hobby. Buhbye)
Supreme Court won't revisit landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
Kim Davis asked the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges appealing damages she owed a gay couple after she denied them a marriage license.
www.usatoday.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
THE SUPREME COURT WON’T REVISIT GAY MARRIAGE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE IS LOVE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE WINS. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
(and a big fuck you to Kim Davis. Babe, it’s over. Go find another hobby. Buhbye)
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE IS LOVE
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
LOVE WINS. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
(and a big fuck you to Kim Davis. Babe, it’s over. Go find another hobby. Buhbye)
Reposted by Laura Weiss
This deal to reopen the government is fucking disgraceful.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 PM
This deal to reopen the government is fucking disgraceful.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Yesterday, Georgia Representative Buddy Carter introduced the Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests (MAMDANI) Act, to defund NYC as long as Zohran Mamdani is mayor.
The GOP is attacking American cities and democracy itself. How long can we pretend this isn't a civil war?
The GOP is attacking American cities and democracy itself. How long can we pretend this isn't a civil war?
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Yesterday, Georgia Representative Buddy Carter introduced the Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests (MAMDANI) Act, to defund NYC as long as Zohran Mamdani is mayor.
The GOP is attacking American cities and democracy itself. How long can we pretend this isn't a civil war?
The GOP is attacking American cities and democracy itself. How long can we pretend this isn't a civil war?
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Watching RFK jr run away from someone collapsing feels like a harbinger of things to come
November 6, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Watching RFK jr run away from someone collapsing feels like a harbinger of things to come
Christ
RFK Jr's response to someone collapsing nearby him was to haul ass out of the room as quickly as possible
November 7, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Christ
Reposted by Laura Weiss
here is my story about how Zohran's focus on community amid the loneliness epidemic helped young people connect their politics to an organizing infrastructure, that interviewed ZM, and does not use the NYT's framing of "they don't know how to make friends" :-) and also ran 4 days before NYT's lol
Zohran Mamdani's Establishment-Fighting Campaign Built Community for Young People
“What Mamdani has done is not only inspire and mobilize young people, but he has exposed the establishment and some of their calcified views of participation and inclusion.”
www.teenvogue.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
here is my story about how Zohran's focus on community amid the loneliness epidemic helped young people connect their politics to an organizing infrastructure, that interviewed ZM, and does not use the NYT's framing of "they don't know how to make friends" :-) and also ran 4 days before NYT's lol
Reposted by Laura Weiss
😎😎😎😎 GOOD THINGS CAN STILL HAPPEN 😎😎😎😎
November 5, 2025 at 5:22 AM
😎😎😎😎 GOOD THINGS CAN STILL HAPPEN 😎😎😎😎
Reposted by Laura Weiss
The current government shutdown is now officially the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 35-day shutdown of President Trump’s first term. The impact of the shutdown, having lasted 35 full days, has already been felt across the country. nyti.ms/3Xaygvt
November 5, 2025 at 5:20 AM
The current government shutdown is now officially the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 35-day shutdown of President Trump’s first term. The impact of the shutdown, having lasted 35 full days, has already been felt across the country. nyti.ms/3Xaygvt
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Mamdani: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant."
November 5, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Mamdani: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant."
Reposted by Laura Weiss
I yearn for a political party where not endorsing Mamdani while praising Dick Cheney gets you automatically booted out
November 4, 2025 at 11:37 PM
I yearn for a political party where not endorsing Mamdani while praising Dick Cheney gets you automatically booted out
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Lex McMenamin, one of many valuable Teen Vogue reporters laid off today, said, "Majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. There are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue." 💔
As @sifill.bsky.social noted, this is NOT a business decision. Goal is to suppress knowledge, analysis. 🧵
As @sifill.bsky.social noted, this is NOT a business decision. Goal is to suppress knowledge, analysis. 🧵
November 4, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Lex McMenamin, one of many valuable Teen Vogue reporters laid off today, said, "Majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. There are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue." 💔
As @sifill.bsky.social noted, this is NOT a business decision. Goal is to suppress knowledge, analysis. 🧵
As @sifill.bsky.social noted, this is NOT a business decision. Goal is to suppress knowledge, analysis. 🧵