Laura Barnes
@laurabarnes.bsky.social
Writer, western North Carolina native, tech content team leader, hiker/biker/runner, pescatarian, researcher, Gen X + Scorpio w/Sag. moon, Sag. rising.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
"It’s statements like these from Mr. Colbert that have rankled many rightwing fundamentalists over the years because they can’t simply claim he’s being inaccurate or even particularly judgy."
The Inconvenient Faith of Stephen Colbert
The core of why Trump World hates him.
charlotteclymer.substack.com
July 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
"It’s statements like these from Mr. Colbert that have rankled many rightwing fundamentalists over the years because they can’t simply claim he’s being inaccurate or even particularly judgy."
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Writers’ union urges investigation into Paramount move to cancel Colbert show
Writers’ union urges investigation into Paramount move to cancel Colbert show
Writers Guild of America requests New York attorney general investigate ‘potential wrongdoing’ after shock cancellation
The Writers Guild of America has called on New York state officials to launch an investigation into Paramount following its sudden decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Writers Guild of America East and the Writers Guild of America West asked New York state attorney general Letitia James to investigate Paramount over “potential wrongdoing” after the company announced the cancellation of the ‘Late Show’ on Thursday. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Writers’ union urges investigation into Paramount move to cancel Colbert show
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Wall Street Journal editorial board:
"Our worst fears about Mr. Kennedy are coming true..."
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
"Our worst fears about Mr. Kennedy are coming true..."
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
Opinion | RFK Jr. Is Already Vindicating His Critics
Shrinking HHS makes sense, but giving power to antivaccine crusader David Geier doesn’t.
www.wsj.com
March 31, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Wall Street Journal editorial board:
"Our worst fears about Mr. Kennedy are coming true..."
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
"Our worst fears about Mr. Kennedy are coming true..."
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
Reposted by Laura Barnes
For the past two years, CNN has been documenting illicit fentanyl users, most of whom are in recovery. The adversity they face, both physical and mental, is enormous. What does it even look like to recover from abusing a street drug 50 times stronger than heroin?
A way out: Life after fentanyl is full of hope and heartbreak for these four women | CNN
For the past two years, CNN has been documenting illicit fentanyl users, most of whom are in recovery. The adversity they face, both physical and mental, is enormous. What does it even look like to re...
www.cnn.com
March 31, 2025 at 1:01 AM
For the past two years, CNN has been documenting illicit fentanyl users, most of whom are in recovery. The adversity they face, both physical and mental, is enormous. What does it even look like to recover from abusing a street drug 50 times stronger than heroin?
Reposted by Laura Barnes
We need more Jon Ossoffs in the Democratic Party.
This is just fantastic.
This is just fantastic.
March 22, 2025 at 10:44 PM
We need more Jon Ossoffs in the Democratic Party.
This is just fantastic.
This is just fantastic.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Elbows up, Canada.
March 22, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Elbows up, Canada.
After the floods in WNC, I appreciated my local stores and venues even more. Canceled Amazon Prime. Buying direct from creators/publishers/growers/manufacturers as much as possible. It feels like a muscle Americans need to flex. 💪🏻🇺🇸
February 28, 2025 at 2:06 AM
After the floods in WNC, I appreciated my local stores and venues even more. Canceled Amazon Prime. Buying direct from creators/publishers/growers/manufacturers as much as possible. It feels like a muscle Americans need to flex. 💪🏻🇺🇸
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Peppa Pig to have new brother or sister, mother of popular TV character says
Peppa Pig to have new brother or sister, mother of popular TV character says
‘I’m due in the summer, and we’re all so excited,’ Mummy Pig, voiced by actor Morwenna Banks, announces on Good Morning Britain
The animated television character Peppa Pig, famed for her love of jumping up and down in muddy puddles, is to have a new…
www.theguardian.com
February 28, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Peppa Pig to have new brother or sister, mother of popular TV character says
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Great episode from @wunc.org about rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. A lot of roads need repair, but how do you design them to withstand the future climate? North Carolina is working on that, something not many communities do after a disaster. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The road to rebuilding after Helene
Podcast Episode · The Broadside · 02/27/2025 · 19m
podcasts.apple.com
February 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Great episode from @wunc.org about rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. A lot of roads need repair, but how do you design them to withstand the future climate? North Carolina is working on that, something not many communities do after a disaster. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Pfizer | Big Game Commercial 2025 | Knock Out
YouTube video by Pfizer
www.youtube.com
February 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Reposted by Laura Barnes
The performer of the National Anthem at the Superbowl, Jon Batiste, is one of the Kennedy Center board members Trump may have fired a couple days ago and replaced with himself. We still don’t have a list of who’s affected, I think. Bizarre spectacle.
February 9, 2025 at 11:38 PM
The performer of the National Anthem at the Superbowl, Jon Batiste, is one of the Kennedy Center board members Trump may have fired a couple days ago and replaced with himself. We still don’t have a list of who’s affected, I think. Bizarre spectacle.
Meet your heroes. ❤️ @jonathanvanness.bsky.social
February 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Meet your heroes. ❤️ @jonathanvanness.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Ahead of Kendrick’s performance today, here’s a look back at the greatest halftime show ever, including the political, cultural & social messages Prince sent through his choice of songs and the story he was telling about Black music, ownership and creative control. www.anildash.com//2021/02/05/...
How Prince won the Super Bowl - Anil Dash
A blog about making culture. Since 1999.
www.anildash.com
February 9, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Ahead of Kendrick’s performance today, here’s a look back at the greatest halftime show ever, including the political, cultural & social messages Prince sent through his choice of songs and the story he was telling about Black music, ownership and creative control. www.anildash.com//2021/02/05/...
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Boosting, in case you missed it. But call dems, too.
☎️We need *every* Dem Senator & at least 4 Repubs to vote against RFK's confirmation for HHS. These are the Rs most needing your calls:
Mitch McConnell (KY)
Bill Cassidy (LA)
Chuck Grassley (IA)
Joni Ernst (IA)
Thom Tillis (NC)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
Mitch McConnell (KY)
Bill Cassidy (LA)
Chuck Grassley (IA)
Joni Ernst (IA)
Thom Tillis (NC)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
The Republicans to Watch During Kennedy’s Confirmation Hearings
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Boosting, in case you missed it. But call dems, too.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
I recently reposted a former congressional staffer who said that when an issue got 20-30 calls it would get representatives freaked out and ready to do something. It takes less than you’d think, because so few people actually take that kind of action
January 29, 2025 at 8:25 PM
I recently reposted a former congressional staffer who said that when an issue got 20-30 calls it would get representatives freaked out and ready to do something. It takes less than you’d think, because so few people actually take that kind of action
Reposted by Laura Barnes
Whoever wrote this headline for the NYT should be willing to:
1) take named responsibility for his/her judgment call, and
2) explain whether NYT would use same 'steely' framing for a press conference by Ron Ziegler (Watergate), 'Baghdad Bob' (Iraq), or North Korean news—and if not, why not.
1) take named responsibility for his/her judgment call, and
2) explain whether NYT would use same 'steely' framing for a press conference by Ron Ziegler (Watergate), 'Baghdad Bob' (Iraq), or North Korean news—and if not, why not.
January 30, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Whoever wrote this headline for the NYT should be willing to:
1) take named responsibility for his/her judgment call, and
2) explain whether NYT would use same 'steely' framing for a press conference by Ron Ziegler (Watergate), 'Baghdad Bob' (Iraq), or North Korean news—and if not, why not.
1) take named responsibility for his/her judgment call, and
2) explain whether NYT would use same 'steely' framing for a press conference by Ron Ziegler (Watergate), 'Baghdad Bob' (Iraq), or North Korean news—and if not, why not.
Just another day in this new president’s America. Chaos, revenge, financial gain, and media attention are the strategy here.
January 24, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Just another day in this new president’s America. Chaos, revenge, financial gain, and media attention are the strategy here.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
In an exclusive interview with WIRED, celebrated intellectual property lawyer Mark Lemley elaborates on why he quit and what he makes of the AI copyright battlefield.
‘Neo-Nazi Madness’: Meta’s Top AI Lawyer on Why He Fired the Company
In an exclusive interview with WIRED, celebrated intellectual property lawyer Mark Lemley elaborates on why he quit and what he makes of the AI copyright battlefield.
www.wired.com
January 23, 2025 at 12:12 PM
In an exclusive interview with WIRED, celebrated intellectual property lawyer Mark Lemley elaborates on why he quit and what he makes of the AI copyright battlefield.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
If you haven't called your two Senators yet, I honestly don't know what to say.
This is beyond important; it's life-or-death, on a grand scale.
Find your two Senators' contact info here, & call to tell them vote NO on Jan. 29. It will take *one minute.*
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
This is beyond important; it's life-or-death, on a grand scale.
Find your two Senators' contact info here, & call to tell them vote NO on Jan. 29. It will take *one minute.*
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
January 23, 2025 at 1:19 AM
If you haven't called your two Senators yet, I honestly don't know what to say.
This is beyond important; it's life-or-death, on a grand scale.
Find your two Senators' contact info here, & call to tell them vote NO on Jan. 29. It will take *one minute.*
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
This is beyond important; it's life-or-death, on a grand scale.
Find your two Senators' contact info here, & call to tell them vote NO on Jan. 29. It will take *one minute.*
www.senate.gov/senators/sen...
Reposted by Laura Barnes
STORY HERE: In looking through the order in full, the key takeaway: This is a setback for Griffin, but by no means paving way Riggs to have election certified. There's a long way to go. I try my best to quickly boil it down here--> #ncpol
andersonalerts.substack.com/p/nc-supreme...
andersonalerts.substack.com/p/nc-supreme...
Supreme Court denies Griffin's request to overturn election, says protest must first go through lower court
The North Carolina Supreme Court unanimously rejected Griffin's request to overturn the state Supreme Court race, but the race remains far from over.
andersonalerts.substack.com
January 23, 2025 at 1:29 AM
STORY HERE: In looking through the order in full, the key takeaway: This is a setback for Griffin, but by no means paving way Riggs to have election certified. There's a long way to go. I try my best to quickly boil it down here--> #ncpol
andersonalerts.substack.com/p/nc-supreme...
andersonalerts.substack.com/p/nc-supreme...
Reposted by Laura Barnes
BREAKING: LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand register their marriages on the first day of the law giving them equal status.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand register their marriages on the first day of law giving them equal status
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal on the first day a law takes effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
apnews.com
January 23, 2025 at 1:21 AM
BREAKING: LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand register their marriages on the first day of the law giving them equal status.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
2/ This "essentially shuts down the civil rights division."
They've been told they must not file "any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest." Any consent deceres finalized in the last 90 days must be sent to the DoJ chief of staff. BAD:
They've been told they must not file "any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest." Any consent deceres finalized in the last 90 days must be sent to the DoJ chief of staff. BAD:
![Except: “It’s beyond unusual —it’s unprecedented. We’ve never seen this before at this scale with any transfer of power, regardless of the ideology of any incoming president or administration,” said Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “This should make Americans both angry and deeply worried. This is more than just a changing course of philosophy — this is exactly what most people [in the civil rights community] feared: a Justice Department that was created to protect civil rights literally abdicating its duty and responsibility to protect Americans from all forms of discrimination.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:3r4tlcv62hpq3uumf7jdfr5u/bafkreiboiqi3ew264s3vil47aie46jf3t3f27m4i53euvvh24bpftfzzri@jpeg)
January 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
2/ This "essentially shuts down the civil rights division."
They've been told they must not file "any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest." Any consent deceres finalized in the last 90 days must be sent to the DoJ chief of staff. BAD:
They've been told they must not file "any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest." Any consent deceres finalized in the last 90 days must be sent to the DoJ chief of staff. BAD:
Reposted by Laura Barnes
"In his protest against 5,509 ballots cast by military and overseas voters, Griffin has focused solely on such ballots drawn from four of the state's most-Democratic leaning, urban counties"
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
Race for North Carolina Supreme Court seat is last uncertified statewide contest in the nation
The N.C. Supreme Court is weighing whether to toss out more than 60,000 ballots cast in the race for a seat on that tribunal. That race is the last uncertified statewide contest in the nation.
www.wunc.org
January 22, 2025 at 7:13 PM
"In his protest against 5,509 ballots cast by military and overseas voters, Griffin has focused solely on such ballots drawn from four of the state's most-Democratic leaning, urban counties"
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
www.wunc.org/politics/202... #ncpol
Reposted by Laura Barnes
My name was on this list, and I sure as hell voted. In person, with ID. If you're in NC, check this list to make sure your ballot isn't being challenged.
We have updated TheGriffinList.com to include an additional 5,500 registered North Carolinian voters that Jefferson Griffin wants tossed:
• 691 active military members
• 41 of their family members
• 4,776 other overseas voters
• 691 active military members
• 41 of their family members
• 4,776 other overseas voters
The Griffin List
A list of 60,273 North Carolina voters – these are registered voters who showed ID to
early vote in the November 2024 election – whose votes Jefferson Griffin wants to not be counted.
...
TheGriffinList.com
January 22, 2025 at 4:23 PM
My name was on this list, and I sure as hell voted. In person, with ID. If you're in NC, check this list to make sure your ballot isn't being challenged.
Reposted by Laura Barnes
If you’re not aware of what’s happening in NC, read this www.thenation.com/article/arch...
A Profound Threat to American Democracy Is Unfolding in North Carolina
www.thenation.com
January 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
If you’re not aware of what’s happening in NC, read this www.thenation.com/article/arch...