Matt Laslo - Journalist, writer & comms prof. w/ TV & radio experience

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nDash Writer Profile for Matt Laslo

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About Me

Based in Washington, I'm a journalist, writer and communication professor. I've been covering campaigns and every aspect of federal policy since 2006.

In that time, I've been a contributor with WIRED, VICE News, VICE News Tonight (formerly with HBO), The Daily Beast, Rolling Stone and Playboy. I served as managing editor of startup culture publication, The News Station (RIP), from 2020 through 2021. I also run and write for The LCB (Laslo Congressional Bureau), public radio member station’s sole remaining bureau in the nation’s capital.

While I've filed stories for NPR and more than 40 of its affiliates, I've also written for The Atlantic, Billboard, Campaigns and Elections Magazine, Countable, GEN Medium, NBC Think (their non-partisan opinion vertical), OZY.com, The Chattanooga Courier, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Guardian (op-eds under my professor cap), Mic, The News of Delaware County, The Metro, The Omaha World-Herald, The Trace, This American Life, Thompson Reuters (op-eds), USA Today and Washingtonian Magazine, among others.

Since 2009, I've sat on the board at the Regional Reporters Association where I help represent the dwindling numbers of local reporters based in Washington.

In 2011, I graduated cum laude from The Johns Hopkins University MA in Government and Public Policy program. Since 2016, I've taught in that program as an adjunct political communications professor focused on new media's impact on government and the media historically, today and, always, with an eye towards tomorrow.

I'm also an adjunct with Boston University's Washington, D.C. Program (BA and MA).

Also, for a couple years, I taught journalism writing -- along with tricks of the professional communication trade -- to sophomores trying to get into the acclaimed Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. I've also trained private and public sector P.R. professionals at George Washington University, teaching Media Relations in Digital World (2018, 2019, 2020) and Advanced Writing for Comms. (2019).

I can be found on most all social media platforms as @MattLaslo.

Industries I Write About

Technology

Law & Politics

Industrial

Business

Finance

Lifestyle

Science & Medicine

Pop Culture

Real Estate

Education

My Writing Samples

The Fight Over Section 230—and the Internet as We Know It

My coverage of Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - which shields social media firms from liability for user's posts - has been quoted in the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, Duke Law and Technology Review, Cornell Law Review, University of Chicago Legal Forum and 15+ other law reviews and a few books. It's been assigned in syllabuses at UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, DePaul University, UT Austin School of Law and Johns Hopkins, as well as quoted in letters to Congress and the FCC.

Deepfake democracy: How AI is bamboozling Congress and threatening Election 2024

This piece exemplifies my deep grasp of artificial intelligence, or AI, even as the federal lawmakers I cover continue to ask the wrong questions heading into Election 2024.

Senator Gardner, Radical Centrist

This piece exemplifies how I can write around basically anything, including a senator running from my questions.

The Return of the Old Republican Guard

History matters, in more ways than one. After hitting the campaign trail for The Atlantic in 2010, I proceeded to cover the tea party wave of freshmen Republicans from when they first landed in Washington til some formed the Freedom Caucus and eventually joined former President Donald Trump's White House.

The End of 'America First?' Trump's Hawkish New Advisers Suggest Shift in Foreign Policy

Wayne Coyne Invites You Inside His Mind With First Public Art Exhibit

Music is life. Got my start covering entertainment in Philadelphia during the undergrad, and it's been my tempo since. Also, personally friends with numerous bands, including Grammy winners and runners up you listen to...

Musicians Are Begging Mitch McConnell to Save Live Music Before It's Too Late

COVID, sadly, combined my love of music with my disdain for politics as usual...

Commentary: Is this database a bigger threat than Facebook?

The problem with 'fake news' comes from trying to prove you're not it

To protect America, skilled policy experts must fill the Trump administration

One of the harder pieces I've ever written, but being a professor in Washington I need to stay above the partisan squabbles. I only wish more policy experts took me up on it.

The Shaky Future of a Post-Roe Federal Privacy Law

Moderate Republicans Test Party Unity

History matters, which you wouldn't know from reading most contemporary political reporting.

Baltimore Protests Turn Violent

My phone was stolen out of my hand after I recorded a felony on it while on assignment for NPR in Baltimore in the wake of the killing of Freddie Gray at the hands of law enforcment.

Should Tech CEOs Go to Jail Over Data Misuse? Some Senators Say Yes

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) seems to be in the minority when it comes to his proposal to jail tech CEOs.

Centuries-Old Benefit Lets U.S. Lawmakers Use Tax Dollars For Social Media

These House Democrats Are Still Warning Their Party: Impeachment May Backfire

When writing for more liberal publications, I like to regularly showcase Democrats who go against the party's increasingly progressive bent.

Before Mueller’s Testimony, Dems Demand More Election Security

I was covering cyber security before Congress debated it (and they've still barely acted...).

The Political Theater Behind the Bipartisan Data Privacy Push

Always finding depth, even when covering made-for-TV events, like the president's annual State of the Union address.

Trump Administration OKs Deal to Import Pot from Canada

Congress Is Pissed at Facebook and the FTC

You wouldn't know lawmakers are mad, because Congress still hasn't done anything about it.

Chuck and Nancy want you to stop talking so much about the Green New Deal

Tension makes for good story telling. But hyper-partisanship has left us with an increasingly predictable Congress, so, as a feature writer, I'm always looking for genuine internal party squabbles to cover. The tension is real; if not necessarily the story of the day.

Congress Has a Lo-Fi Plan to Fix the Classified Documents Mess

I like this piece's colorful descriptions of the secret world of classified documents.

The TikTok CEO’s Face-Off With Congress Is Doomed

Can Capitol Hill Crush a Beer Monopoly?

Coronavirus is revealing why local news is so important. It's also killing it.

Psychologist-congressman from Pittsburgh pushing mental health approach to mass shootings

Important piece (even in light of the psychologist-congressman's stunningly hypocritical fall from grace).

Inside the Democrats' secret plan to make the $2 trillion infrastructure bill green

Congress speaks out in the wake of Queen Elizabeth's death

Bassetts Ice Cream sales to China could melt without Export-Import Bank

On eve of Pacific Rim trade vote, area legislators wary of another NAFTA

Philly-area lawmakers question changes at EPA, Department of Energy

Originally written as an NPR script, this piece shows how I turn seemingly irrelevant national headlines into relevant local news.

McConnell’s GOP Haters Are Overlooking His Greatest Achievement

Mitch McConnell Is About to Steamroll Democrats with Another 30 Conservative Judges By the End of th

A Race to Bridge the Analog Divide in US Politics

The Twitter Whistleblower’s Testimony Has Senators Out for Blood

Don’t Call the New Federal Gun Law a Gun Law

"Today’s U.S. senators know mass shootings more than they know legislating. The data is undeniable..."

Congress Still Doesn't Have an Answer for Ransomware

The Feds Need to 'Grow a Set and Do Their Jobs'

Writers rarely have a say in their headlines. That said, important anti-trust piece.

A US Bill Would Ban Kids Under 13 From Joining Social Media

Inside Bipartisan Push for Legal Weed Research

Fentanyl, Mandatory Minimums and the Death Penalty: Trump’s War on Drugs

Republican Governors Outpace Trump on Guns

The Push to Ban TikTok in the US Isn’t About Privacy

The US Congress Is Starting to Question This Whole Crypto Thing

Senators Warn the Next US Bank Run Could Be Rigged

Tech Giants Claim Competition Exists. House Dems Don't Buy It

Can Congress Fund a Real Fight Against Opioids?

The contemporary Congress talks a big game, while also overseeing a lot of needless deaths.

2017: The Year Pot Policy Stood Still as Opioids Ravaged the Nation

I'm usually a few years ahead of the political class. And my tears aren't for the cameras.

Bipartisan Deal Could Protect Obamacare for Next Two Years

I was in the Capitol as Obamacare was crafted behind closed doors, and in the Supreme Court as Justice John Roberts upheld it as constitutional.

Republicans Tried and Failed to Repeal Obamacare in the Dead of Night

Congress Members Aim to Restore Dignity to Incarcerated Women

What It Means Now That the Senate Has 'Gone Nuclear'

GOP to Silicon Valley: Promote the Far Right or Else

Dirt Vs. Synthetic Tracks - What's Best For Horse Racing?

I'm a quick study, even becoming an expert on horse racing a few years back. I've now covered the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore more than five times over the years.

How the senator from Sandy Hook beat the NRA by caving to the GOP

N.J. Republicans bristle at proposal to ‘wind down’ flood insurance program

Struggle against cyberterrorism must transcend politics, U.S. lawmakers say

Historically black colleges, universities get boost under measure sailing through Congress

Koch brothers turn on Pa. conservative running for U.S. Senate

Again, internal party squabbles have been the most engaging stories to come out of Washington in recent years, even decades.

Most Congressional lawmakers still question Trump administration plan of Atlantic coast oil drilling

Philly area lawmakers oppose Trump plan to cut Amtrak funding

Some area Democrats supporting Trump trade moves, while GOP lawmakers object

Talk of previous high court nominee, ‘nuclear option’ as vote on Gorsuch nears

Doing my MA thesis on the filibuster -- along with a focus on the uptick in partisanship since the eighties -- has come in handy; if irregularly.

Climate Solutions Caucus begins bipartisan quest to combat climate change

Sled Free Or Die! Kids Defy Police, Sled Down Capitol Hill

Virginia Tribes Make Progress Toward Gaining Federal Recognition

Jeff Sessions just made it easier for police to take your money — and buy luxury cars with it

Always looking for ways to engage readers who are otherwise, rightfully, bored by today's tired politics.

Food Companies Take Fight Against GMO-Labeling To Federal Level

From food fights to food, I've covered hundreds, if not thousands, of local issues with national implications over the years.

Lawmakers Weigh Responses After Gyrocopter Lands On Capitol Grounds

Virginia’s Two U.S. Senators Diverge On Keystone XL Pipeline

Where two Democrats diverge, you find me, it seems. Just more interesting stories to tell than the whole she-said-she-said game.

Prince Paul, Dan The Automator Reunite In D.C.

Barrasso Pushes To Get Wyoming Natural Gas Sold Overseas

Wyoming's Natural Gas Could Decrease Russia's Influence In Europe

Barrasso Blames Inaction For Wildfires, Others Blame Funding Cuts

Efforts To Repeal Methane Emissions Rule Hits Snag

Wyo. Lawmakers Send Power Over Education To State

Western Fires Have Become Part Of The Political Landscape

Governor Gordon Supports Barrasso Effort To Reform The Endangered Species Act

Wyoming Congressional Republicans Defend Positions On Climate And Endangered Species

AZ Gop Members of Congress Support Norquist's Tax Pledge

Another old radio script from before NPR member stations paid attention to the web (sigh...).

Five-Year-Old Texan Confronts Lawmakers About Healthcare Funding

NH Senators Split Vote Over Consumer Bureau Nominee

Shaheen And Ayotte Fight Online Sales Tax

I see I've covered a lot of tax policy over the years. Feeling kinda boring over here. Please, don't judge (too harshly).

Biden teases 2024 White House run while rocking with Bruce Springsteen

Patricia Taft is the Black great-granddaughter of a U.S. president — and she's taking on Washington

McCain Wins Concession on Flights Over Grand Canyon.

Gov Brewer Pushes New Federalism in DC

Almost unreadable NPR script, but shows I've covered minerals and mining; copper and now uranium (old NPR scripts are so embarrassing and not meant for public consumption).

Scheduled Pentagon Cuts Could Hurt Arizona Economy

I know the military, along with its accompanying contracting industry, backwards, forwards and backwards again.

Hundreds March In D.C. To Honor Law Enforcement, ‘Charlie Hebdo’ Victims

Obama’s Budget Includes Repatriation, A Signature Issue For One Md. Congressman

Transportation and tax policy wrapped together in one easily digestible story meant to be easy on distracted and tired ears.

Gridlock On The Hill Could Hamper Homeland Security, Local Police

Random fact: The Washington press corps works double-time during government shutdowns (napping in the Capitol's recording studios is common!), even as we're forced to watch all our temporarily-outta-work-friends across the region living their best brunch lives all over our feeds!!! Nothing is fair in government and war.

UFO Whistleblower, Meet a Conspiracy-Loving Congress

UFOs -- or UAPs now, according to NASA -- are a topic I never expected to ask senators about!

Transportation Bill Could Be A Hallmark Of Barbara Boxer's Senate Career

GOP Shakeup Could Have An Effect On California

Even Republicans are getting tired of misinformation out of the White House

For Some Reason the GOP Is Suddenly Interested in Digging Into Ukraine Corruption Again

The Reason Republicans Won't Even Vote on the Violence Against Women Act

The Virginia Primary Is a Huge Test of Biden's Fresh Endorsements and Bloomberg's Cash

Experience

Contributor

Write exclusive features focused on technology issues in Congress, including AI, social media, data privacy, gun violence, elections, etc. Stories often among most popular on site and highlighted in their daily newsletter. *Quoted in Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, Cornell Law Review & 15+ other law reviews, technology books (like, Social Media, Freedom of Speech, and the Future of Our Democracy (Oxford Univ. Press, 2022)) and assigned in syllabuses at NYU, JHU, UNC, DePaul, etc.

Founder, Bureau Chief, Correspondent, Intern Coordinator, Janitor

My congressional wire service. Regularly break news, with stories picked up by outlets from Politico to the Boston Globe. I've personally filed stories for NPR member stations in 47 of 50 states. Trained 45 interns; alumni have gone on to Washington Post, NPR, CNN, Fox News, CBS, Marketplace, Sunlight Foundation, WSKG, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, etc.

Adjunct Professor

I lecture on new media's impact on government and the media, taking students on a tour from the nation's founding through today, always with an eye towards the next generation of new media. Guest lectures: fmr. Rep. David Jolly, Dave Weigel, Ben Jacobs, John Stanton and Sue Davis; fmr. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows asked to audit one of my courses.

Adjunct Professor

In 2016, I taught Rhetoric vs. Reality, an overview of how rhetoric has evolved to adapt to new mediums over time. When there are no COVID lockdowns, I'm invited to lecture students in their Washington campus on the history of the Washington press corps, with an eye to how technology has changed - and is changing - the relationship between politicians and the press. Lecture is usually accompanied with me leading students on a tour of the Capitol.

Managing Editor, Correspondent

Flipped unread local cannabis PR blog into culture-focused, national alt-weekly quoted by more than 100 news outlets, including VICE, Politico Playbook, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Newsmax, USA Today, etc. Built freelancer network of 260+ contributors in 14 months. Oversaw publication of 900+ news pieces, exclusive features, original fiction, new songs, poetry (including musicians), diverse op-eds, videos, visual essays & comics, along with an engagingly eclectic weekly newsletter.

Correspondent

Assisted their political team in covering the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, clashes between police and BLM protesters, government shutdowns, Elections 2016, 2018 and 2020 and assisted in a profile of Rep. Matt Gaetz ("Daily Beast is looking for my birth certificate!" he complained to a colleague), etc. Exclusive coverage of alt-right, gun-control, criminal justice, health care, LGBTQ issues, immigration, tech, judiciary, Roe. v. Wade, cannabis, Supreme Court, etc.

Correspondent

Wrote up to five stories a week; helped build their Election 2020 politics team; regularly broke foreign & domestic news on gun-control, foreign conflicts, climate change, efforts to re-make the judiciary, etc. On-air correspondent for Emmy winning show VICE News Tonight (then-HBO, now Viceland). Flown to Tallahassee, Fla. to profile former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried as she was setting up the state's medicinal cannabis program, which she's enrolled in.

Op-Ed Contributor

Op-ed contributor under my professor cap. Focused on today's evolving media, conspiracies, the decline in local newspapers, partisanship, cannabis, DOJ targeting leakers, etc.

Correspondent

One of my best pieces to date is my profile of former Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, through the lens of cannabis for their March 2020 issue, which was Playboy's last print edition ever. I also covered Congress for Playboy.

Correspondent

Wrote up to four enterprise stories a week on cannabis, opioid crisis, gun-control, a gov't shutdown, congressional baseball shooting, female incarceration, fmr. FBI Director James Comey Russia testimony, filibuster, etc. My breaking news and exclusive features regularly led their homepage. Exclusive sit-down Q&As with Sens. Elizabeth Warren (cannabis), Chris Murphy (guns) & Mark Warner (cyber). Work quoted in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, Pritzker School of Law (Northwestern).

Op-ed Contributor

Under my professor cap, I wrote op-eds on the Department of Homeland Security monitoring reporters, the uptick in conspiracy theories on streaming apps, whether social media firms are critical infrastructure or not, press freedom and the contemporary confirmation process for Supreme Court justices.

Adjunct Professor

Taught journalism writing, interviewing techniques, using new media in the field, etc.

Op-ed Contributor

Op-eds often led website; generated thousands of comments; republished across the globe. Topics included the media, partisanship, Election 2016, Brexit, Supreme Court, cannabis, redistricting, etc.

Correspondent

On-air correspondent; filed 8-10 stories a week. Helped direct their election coverage, including the Republican and Democratic national political conventions. • Breaking News Award; live reporting during Capitol shooting (2014; Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Assoc.) • Outstanding News Series Award; “Federal Spending and the DC Area” (2013; Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Assoc.) • Radio/Television Correspondents Association; Judge, prestigious Joan S. Barone Award (2010 & 2014)

Washington Correspondent

Washington correspondent responsible for covering Congress for NPR member stations in Tennessee (WPLN), Kentucky (WEKU), Oklahoma (KGOU and KOSU), Oregon (OPB), Washington state (KUOW), Alabama (APR), Wyoming (Wy. Public Media) and National Native News. Blog most read on site. On board of Regional Reporters Association (2009 – Present). Have been quoted in PEW Research Center reports on today's evolving Washington press corps.