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
The future of Medicaid is “really scary” for people with Long COVID - The Sick Times
The deep cuts to Medicaid funding in the Trump administration’s spending bill of almost $1 trillion — as well as new requirements making Medicaid more difficult to obtain and maintain — will hit disad...
thesicktimes.org
Medicaid is the bare minimum for people with Long COVID and other complex conditions. But instead of improving it, amid skyrocketing disability claims, the Trump administration is making it worse. The impact could be catastrophic.
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
Wow, this Hep B vaccine policy rollback is like the scariest anti-vax thing that's happened yet. www.npr.org/sections/sho...
CDC advisers vote to overturn decades-long policy on hepatitis B vaccine for infants
In a controversial move, the vaccine advisory group reversed a recommendations for universal immunizing of newborns intended to protect them from a virus that attacks the liver.
www.npr.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Wow, this Hep B vaccine policy rollback is like the scariest anti-vax thing that's happened yet. www.npr.org/sections/sho...
"Censorship is being used as a business tactic. Silencing is happening because people are scared for their jobs, careers, & sometimes even their lives." --a TV writer on threats to free speech under Trump.
My latest for @prismreports.org: prismreports.org/2025/12/04/t...
My latest for @prismreports.org: prismreports.org/2025/12/04/t...
TV and film writers say they’ve faced increasing censorship threats under Trump
Attempts to curtail free speech present an existential threat to the Writers Guild of America’s 11,000 members, who are still finding their footing amid an industry-wide contraction
prismreports.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
"Censorship is being used as a business tactic. Silencing is happening because people are scared for their jobs, careers, & sometimes even their lives." --a TV writer on threats to free speech under Trump.
My latest for @prismreports.org: prismreports.org/2025/12/04/t...
My latest for @prismreports.org: prismreports.org/2025/12/04/t...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Television & film writers say they’ve faced increasing censorship threats under Trump, @lauralew105.bsky.social reports. Attempts to curtail free speech present an existential threat to the Writers Guild of America’s 11,000 members, who are finding their footing amid an industry-wide contraction.
TV and film writers say they’ve faced increasing censorship threats under Trump
Attempts to curtail free speech present an existential threat to the Writers Guild of America’s 11,000 members, who are still finding their footing amid an industry-wide contraction
prismreports.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Television & film writers say they’ve faced increasing censorship threats under Trump, @lauralew105.bsky.social reports. Attempts to curtail free speech present an existential threat to the Writers Guild of America’s 11,000 members, who are finding their footing amid an industry-wide contraction.
Do you like writing and looking for an uplifting way to give back to the next generation?
Then you should volunteer to mentor with IndyKids, an ad-free independent newspaper produced by kids! The next sessions are just 4 Saturdays in Jan/Feb 11-12:30pm EST on Zoom.
indykids.org/volunteer-wi...
Then you should volunteer to mentor with IndyKids, an ad-free independent newspaper produced by kids! The next sessions are just 4 Saturdays in Jan/Feb 11-12:30pm EST on Zoom.
indykids.org/volunteer-wi...
Volunteer with IndyKids - IndyKids
IndyKids Volunteer Opportunities Do you have a passion for children’s literacy and progressive journalism? IndyKids helps students age 10-14 improve writing, reading and research skills while learning...
indykids.org
December 3, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Do you like writing and looking for an uplifting way to give back to the next generation?
Then you should volunteer to mentor with IndyKids, an ad-free independent newspaper produced by kids! The next sessions are just 4 Saturdays in Jan/Feb 11-12:30pm EST on Zoom.
indykids.org/volunteer-wi...
Then you should volunteer to mentor with IndyKids, an ad-free independent newspaper produced by kids! The next sessions are just 4 Saturdays in Jan/Feb 11-12:30pm EST on Zoom.
indykids.org/volunteer-wi...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Tens of millions of Americans have #LongCOVID, a number we can only expect to grow as people become reinfected multiple times. Yet despite this increased need for healthcare, the government is slashing Medicaid.
Read more from @lauralew105.bsky.social: bit.ly/3MhxU48
Read more from @lauralew105.bsky.social: bit.ly/3MhxU48
December 3, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Tens of millions of Americans have #LongCOVID, a number we can only expect to grow as people become reinfected multiple times. Yet despite this increased need for healthcare, the government is slashing Medicaid.
Read more from @lauralew105.bsky.social: bit.ly/3MhxU48
Read more from @lauralew105.bsky.social: bit.ly/3MhxU48
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Great news and a win for public health! We need pillars like Planned Parenthood around to continue providing quality accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare.
And a friendly reminder that today is Giving Tuesday should you feel so inclined to support any of your favorite worthwhile causes.
And a friendly reminder that today is Giving Tuesday should you feel so inclined to support any of your favorite worthwhile causes.
JUST IN: One Big Beautiful Bill ban on Planned Parenthood is blocked again by Judge Indira Talwani (MA/Obama), this time on suit brought by 22 states & DC. Judge says ban's lack of clarity imposes unconstitutional burden on states. w/ @alicemiranda.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Judge blocks provision of law that strips Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood affiliates
The judge’s order lifting the funding ban applies to 22 states and D.C.
www.politico.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Great news and a win for public health! We need pillars like Planned Parenthood around to continue providing quality accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare.
And a friendly reminder that today is Giving Tuesday should you feel so inclined to support any of your favorite worthwhile causes.
And a friendly reminder that today is Giving Tuesday should you feel so inclined to support any of your favorite worthwhile causes.
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter slams the White House for using “Juno” in an ICE arrest video:
“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
December 2, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter slams the White House for using “Juno” in an ICE arrest video:
“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
Medicaid is the bare minimum for people with Long COVID and other complex conditions. But instead of improving it, amid skyrocketing disability claims, the Trump administration is making it worse. The impact could be catastrophic.
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
The future of Medicaid is “really scary” for people with Long COVID - The Sick Times
The deep cuts to Medicaid funding in the Trump administration’s spending bill of almost $1 trillion — as well as new requirements making Medicaid more difficult to obtain and maintain — will hit disad...
thesicktimes.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Medicaid is the bare minimum for people with Long COVID and other complex conditions. But instead of improving it, amid skyrocketing disability claims, the Trump administration is making it worse. The impact could be catastrophic.
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
My feature for @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/12/02/t...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
This morning, we published a detailed feature by @lauralew105.bsky.social examining how upcoming cuts and changes to Medicaid under Trump will harm people with Long COVID. It includes suggestions for how people can push back against these policies. (2/10)
The future of Medicaid is “really scary” for people with Long COVID - The Sick Times
The deep cuts to Medicaid funding in the Trump administration’s spending bill of almost $1 trillion — as well as new requirements making Medicaid more difficult to obtain and maintain — will hit disad...
thesicktimes.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
This morning, we published a detailed feature by @lauralew105.bsky.social examining how upcoming cuts and changes to Medicaid under Trump will harm people with Long COVID. It includes suggestions for how people can push back against these policies. (2/10)
Reposted by Laura Weiss
Straight-up Nazi shit
December 2, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Straight-up Nazi shit
Reposted by Laura Weiss
I cannot even begin to express my rage at this lie
reading this through me back into my pandemic EMT life, attempting to resuscitate a child experiencing a cardiac arrest secondary to COVID while a father says “we heard that the vaccine was riskier than COVID for kids” and a mother wails in agony
reading this through me back into my pandemic EMT life, attempting to resuscitate a child experiencing a cardiac arrest secondary to COVID while a father says “we heard that the vaccine was riskier than COVID for kids” and a mother wails in agony
NEW: The F.D.A. announced in an internal memo that 10 children died "because of" the Covid shot. Other experts want to see proof.
“This is a profound revelation,” Dr. Prasad's memo said. “For the first time, the U.S. F.D.A. will acknowledge that Covid-19 vaccines have killed American children.”
“This is a profound revelation,” Dr. Prasad's memo said. “For the first time, the U.S. F.D.A. will acknowledge that Covid-19 vaccines have killed American children.”
F.D.A. Attributes 10 Children’s Deaths to Covid Vaccines
www.nytimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I cannot even begin to express my rage at this lie
reading this through me back into my pandemic EMT life, attempting to resuscitate a child experiencing a cardiac arrest secondary to COVID while a father says “we heard that the vaccine was riskier than COVID for kids” and a mother wails in agony
reading this through me back into my pandemic EMT life, attempting to resuscitate a child experiencing a cardiac arrest secondary to COVID while a father says “we heard that the vaccine was riskier than COVID for kids” and a mother wails in agony
“I felt like I lived a double life. How could this sick side of me be so central, so enormous, yet so unseen by those who knew and loved me?”please read this beautiful essay in @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely. - The Sick Times
If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.
thesicktimes.org
November 29, 2025 at 2:41 PM
“I felt like I lived a double life. How could this sick side of me be so central, so enormous, yet so unseen by those who knew and loved me?”please read this beautiful essay in @thesicktimes.org: thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
Reposted by Laura Weiss
WHOA. Trump says he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, who once said that he wanted to “shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.” He had people killed as part of his narco-trafficking ring, which he at times operated directly out of his presidential office.
November 29, 2025 at 12:05 AM
WHOA. Trump says he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, who once said that he wanted to “shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.” He had people killed as part of his narco-trafficking ring, which he at times operated directly out of his presidential office.
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...