Laura
@laurasenkevitch.bsky.social
Non-profit leader, full-time fundraiser, lifelong friend
Reposted by Laura
"Mark Lutter, founder of the non-profit Charter Cities Institute[,] released a white paper about turning Guantánamo Bay into a 'freedom city' with the tagline 'From Detention To Development.'"
December 7, 2025 at 10:57 PM
"Mark Lutter, founder of the non-profit Charter Cities Institute[,] released a white paper about turning Guantánamo Bay into a 'freedom city' with the tagline 'From Detention To Development.'"
Reposted by Laura
💔 This is Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast – wiped out by Russian missiles, drones, artillery and occupied since Feb 2024.
Once home to thousands, with schools, hospitals, jobs at the plant and even a direct train to Kyiv. Now it exists only in memories and pre-war photos.
Once home to thousands, with schools, hospitals, jobs at the plant and even a direct train to Kyiv. Now it exists only in memories and pre-war photos.
December 8, 2025 at 11:08 AM
💔 This is Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast – wiped out by Russian missiles, drones, artillery and occupied since Feb 2024.
Once home to thousands, with schools, hospitals, jobs at the plant and even a direct train to Kyiv. Now it exists only in memories and pre-war photos.
Once home to thousands, with schools, hospitals, jobs at the plant and even a direct train to Kyiv. Now it exists only in memories and pre-war photos.
Reposted by Laura
"Soon, CNN will run live odds on world events where its viewers can gamble on them in real time on their smartphones."
CNN Partners With a Gambling App That Lets You Wager on Starvation in Gaza
The app company’s two biggest investors are also heavily invested in the Israeli military.
truthout.org
December 5, 2025 at 10:28 PM
"Soon, CNN will run live odds on world events where its viewers can gamble on them in real time on their smartphones."
Reposted by Laura
China makes 70% of the world’s drones. Blake Resnick wants to change that. Backed by Sam Altman and Peter Thiel, the Brinc founder is on his way to making his quadcopters the top choice for America’s cops—if only he can get the federal government to ban his primary competitor.
Brinc Founder Blake Resnick Wants To Kick Chinese Drones Out Of U.S. Skies
Backed by Sam Altman and Peter Thiel, Brinc founder Blake Resnick is on his way to making his quadcopters the top choice for America’s cops—if only he can get the federal government to ban his primary...
www.forbes.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:24 PM
China makes 70% of the world’s drones. Blake Resnick wants to change that. Backed by Sam Altman and Peter Thiel, the Brinc founder is on his way to making his quadcopters the top choice for America’s cops—if only he can get the federal government to ban his primary competitor.
Reposted by Laura
Italy opens an investigation to find Italians who were part of a trend of foreigners (possibly including Americans) paying big money to sniper "safari" in Bosnia.
Just awful. Find them and throw away the key.
Just awful. Find them and throw away the key.
🧵 La procura di Milano ha avviato un'indagine su alcuni italiani che avrebbero pagato membri dell'esercito serbo-bosniaco per recarsi a Sarajevo e uccidere cittadini durante i quattro anni di assedio della città negli anni '90
November 12, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Italy opens an investigation to find Italians who were part of a trend of foreigners (possibly including Americans) paying big money to sniper "safari" in Bosnia.
Just awful. Find them and throw away the key.
Just awful. Find them and throw away the key.
Reposted by Laura
For the millionth time, please stop putting special characters in words. There is no algorithm here to supress your posts. All you're doing is harming people who have muted words (thanks for activating people's trauma when they put up safeguards!) and people who rely on screen readers
November 13, 2025 at 3:51 AM
For the millionth time, please stop putting special characters in words. There is no algorithm here to supress your posts. All you're doing is harming people who have muted words (thanks for activating people's trauma when they put up safeguards!) and people who rely on screen readers
Reposted by Laura
⚡️ Following Russia's massive attack on the night of Nov. 8, the subway and some trolleybus routes in Kharkiv are not operating. This is due to a problem with the power supply.
Some city residents are without electricity, water, and heating for more than a day.
Some city residents are without electricity, water, and heating for more than a day.
November 9, 2025 at 9:34 AM
⚡️ Following Russia's massive attack on the night of Nov. 8, the subway and some trolleybus routes in Kharkiv are not operating. This is due to a problem with the power supply.
Some city residents are without electricity, water, and heating for more than a day.
Some city residents are without electricity, water, and heating for more than a day.
Reposted by Laura
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
Reposted by Laura
Gotland is a favorite holiday destination for many Swedes. The island has also become a key strategic location as the NATO country’s military ramps up defense spending.
A Swedish Holiday Hotspot Is Now a Strategic Outpost Against Russia
Gotland is a favorite vacation destination for many Swedes. It’s also become a key strategic location as the NATO country’s military ramps up defense spending.
bloom.bg
November 8, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Gotland is a favorite holiday destination for many Swedes. The island has also become a key strategic location as the NATO country’s military ramps up defense spending.
Reposted by Laura
I know this is pedantic, but Kim Davis was not "jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses." She was jailed for contempt of court because she refused to follow a court order (she had stopped issuing all marriage licenses). NYT makes it sound like the Woke Police broke down her door.
November 7, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I know this is pedantic, but Kim Davis was not "jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses." She was jailed for contempt of court because she refused to follow a court order (she had stopped issuing all marriage licenses). NYT makes it sound like the Woke Police broke down her door.
Reposted by Laura
In wartime Ukraine, one’s future can vanish in a heartbeat. That’s why some Ukrainians are turning to tarot — a deck of cards that symbolizes life’s themes, spiritual lessons, and everyday experiences, used for both divination and self-reflection — to gain some semblance of control amid chaos.
It’s all in the cards — Ukrainians consult tarot readers about wartime fears
The viewer count ticks upward — dozens, then hundreds, sometimes nearly a thousand. Just about everyone has tuned in for the same reason: to hear Tetya (Auntie) Fania’s latest predictions about the th...
kyivindependent.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:28 AM
In wartime Ukraine, one’s future can vanish in a heartbeat. That’s why some Ukrainians are turning to tarot — a deck of cards that symbolizes life’s themes, spiritual lessons, and everyday experiences, used for both divination and self-reflection — to gain some semblance of control amid chaos.
Reposted by Laura
Our thoughts with Bloody Sunday families now as court finds former British paratrooper Soldier F not guilty of murders that day in 1972.
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
October 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Our thoughts with Bloody Sunday families now as court finds former British paratrooper Soldier F not guilty of murders that day in 1972.
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
Reposted by Laura
#Ukraine’s corruption fighters are under fire.
Even after the July reversal of the controversial law stripping NABU & SAPO of independence, attacks on the agencies continue.
Read more in our latest blog: humanrightsfirst.org/library/why-...
Even after the July reversal of the controversial law stripping NABU & SAPO of independence, attacks on the agencies continue.
Read more in our latest blog: humanrightsfirst.org/library/why-...
Why Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions Remain at Risk - Human Rights First
By Suchita Uppal Last week, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out searches targeting former National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) detectives now working at Ukrzaliznytsia, the state railway op...
humanrightsfirst.org
September 30, 2025 at 9:16 PM
#Ukraine’s corruption fighters are under fire.
Even after the July reversal of the controversial law stripping NABU & SAPO of independence, attacks on the agencies continue.
Read more in our latest blog: humanrightsfirst.org/library/why-...
Even after the July reversal of the controversial law stripping NABU & SAPO of independence, attacks on the agencies continue.
Read more in our latest blog: humanrightsfirst.org/library/why-...
Reposted by Laura
At tomorrow’s #UNGCUSASummit, our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social will join business & civil society leaders to explore how the private sector can advance social sustainability and human rights amid global crises. Learn more about the annual summit: globalcompactusa.org/annualsummit
September 24, 2025 at 6:24 PM
At tomorrow’s #UNGCUSASummit, our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social will join business & civil society leaders to explore how the private sector can advance social sustainability and human rights amid global crises. Learn more about the annual summit: globalcompactusa.org/annualsummit
Reposted by Laura
In Kherson, a city scarred by invasion, occupation, and relentless bombardment, a new documentary reveals its latest horror — the ‘Human Safari.’
Full doc at:
khersonhumansafari.com/
🎥: @zarinazabrisky.bsky.social @corrie-ua.bsky.social
Full doc at:
khersonhumansafari.com/
🎥: @zarinazabrisky.bsky.social @corrie-ua.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
In Kherson, a city scarred by invasion, occupation, and relentless bombardment, a new documentary reveals its latest horror — the ‘Human Safari.’
Full doc at:
khersonhumansafari.com/
🎥: @zarinazabrisky.bsky.social @corrie-ua.bsky.social
Full doc at:
khersonhumansafari.com/
🎥: @zarinazabrisky.bsky.social @corrie-ua.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura
TOMORROW: Join Human Rights First President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social and Senior Advisor Scott Busby on Wednesday, Sept. 17, for an online briefing on the integrity and future of the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Register below.
Register below.
Briefing on the State Department’s Human Rights Reports - Human Rights First
Briefing on the State Department’s Human Rights ReportsWednesday, September 17, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET Join Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First, and Scott Busby, Senior Advisor, for a ...
humanrightsfirst.org
September 16, 2025 at 4:35 PM
TOMORROW: Join Human Rights First President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social and Senior Advisor Scott Busby on Wednesday, Sept. 17, for an online briefing on the integrity and future of the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Register below.
Register below.
Reposted by Laura
The trial of former British paratrooper Soldier F opened in Belfast yesterday, 53 years after #BloodySunday. He is charged with 2 murders & 5 attempted murders. Our Sr. advisor @dooleydooley.bsky.social tells you what you needs to know in this brief explainer. #speirgorm
Explainer: Soldier F on Trial for Bloody Sunday Murders - Human Rights First
The trial of Former British paratrooper Lance Corporal Soldier F opened this week in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is charged with two murders and five attempted murders on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1...
humanrightsfirst.org
September 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The trial of former British paratrooper Soldier F opened in Belfast yesterday, 53 years after #BloodySunday. He is charged with 2 murders & 5 attempted murders. Our Sr. advisor @dooleydooley.bsky.social tells you what you needs to know in this brief explainer. #speirgorm
Reposted by Laura
Great news this morning as Polish court finds activists Hajnowka 5 innocent.
I was at their trial last week - statement from @humanrightsfirst.org here
@valeriahaensel.bsky.social @piotrczaban.bsky.social @fulelo.bsky.social
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
I was at their trial last week - statement from @humanrightsfirst.org here
@valeriahaensel.bsky.social @piotrczaban.bsky.social @fulelo.bsky.social
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
September 8, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Great news this morning as Polish court finds activists Hajnowka 5 innocent.
I was at their trial last week - statement from @humanrightsfirst.org here
@valeriahaensel.bsky.social @piotrczaban.bsky.social @fulelo.bsky.social
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
I was at their trial last week - statement from @humanrightsfirst.org here
@valeriahaensel.bsky.social @piotrczaban.bsky.social @fulelo.bsky.social
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
Pretty Women’s on tv and— Why did we stop serving sorbet in between courses (like it was a ‘palate cleanser’ and not ‘just a really nice little treat)? We should bring that back. I think we all want this.
September 7, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Pretty Women’s on tv and— Why did we stop serving sorbet in between courses (like it was a ‘palate cleanser’ and not ‘just a really nice little treat)? We should bring that back. I think we all want this.
Reposted by Laura
Latvian HRD Ieva Raubiško returns to court tomorrow after 3 postponed “final” hearings, facing prison for helping 5 asylum seekers at the Belarus border. This trial has dragged on too long—the court must end it by acquitting Ieva. Solidarity is not a crime. Read more ⬇️
Latvian Activist Who Helped Asylum Seekers Awaits Verdict After Multiple Delays - Human Rights First
On August 19, Latvian Human Rights Defender Ieva Raubiško will once again appear in court to learn whether she will be sent to prison for helping a group of asylum seekers at Latvia’s border with Bela...
humanrightsfirst.org
August 18, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Latvian HRD Ieva Raubiško returns to court tomorrow after 3 postponed “final” hearings, facing prison for helping 5 asylum seekers at the Belarus border. This trial has dragged on too long—the court must end it by acquitting Ieva. Solidarity is not a crime. Read more ⬇️
Reposted by Laura
Here are 10 of the world's most recognizable tech companies founded or co-founded by Ukrainians.
PayPal, WhatsApp, Grammarly — 10 global companies you didn't know have Ukrainian roots
It's a fact little known around the world: Some of the biggest names in tech were founded by Ukrainian-born entrepreneurs, including PayPal, WhatsApp, and Grammarly.
These companies, now headquartere...
kyivindependent.com
August 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Here are 10 of the world's most recognizable tech companies founded or co-founded by Ukrainians.
Reposted by Laura
NEW REPORT by our @dooleydooley.bsky.social and @mayafp.bsky.social details how people with disabilities in #Ukraine are being left without adequate housing, care, or protection, with recommendations on how to better support them.
Read here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/nowhere-to-go/
Read here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/nowhere-to-go/
July 25, 2025 at 5:48 PM
NEW REPORT by our @dooleydooley.bsky.social and @mayafp.bsky.social details how people with disabilities in #Ukraine are being left without adequate housing, care, or protection, with recommendations on how to better support them.
Read here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/nowhere-to-go/
Read here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/nowhere-to-go/
Reposted by Laura
The government has proposed expanding the mandatory collection of social media identifiers. It would widen social media surveillance to include not only travelers and visa applicants and visa holders, but also their U.S. citizen contacts.
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
The Government’s Growing Trove of Social Media Data
It’s increasingly collecting and using social media information to make high-stakes decisions related to immigration.
www.brennancenter.org
July 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The government has proposed expanding the mandatory collection of social media identifiers. It would widen social media surveillance to include not only travelers and visa applicants and visa holders, but also their U.S. citizen contacts.
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...