Breaking the News

Breaking the News offers a mix of critical analysis on media coverage, political dynamics, and societal issues from a veteran reporter's perspective. It explores topics like COVID-19's effects, media ethics, political discourse, climate change, aviation safety, and Supreme Court controversies, providing insights into current events, technology, and the importance of continuing education and adaptability.

Media Critique Political Analysis COVID-19 Pandemic Climate Change Technology and Innovation Judicial System Aviation Safety Education and Learning Economic Trends

The hottest Substack posts of Breaking the News

And their main takeaways

Election Countdown, 295 Days to Go: Fortune-Telling vs Reporting.

513 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Government Courts News
  1. It's important to focus on reporting current events rather than predicting the future in politics.
  2. News organizations should use their resources to produce stories about what is happening now, instead of speculating about the future.
  3. Avoid stories based on polls, political framing, or candidate 'momentum' in reporting to maintain audience trust.
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The Culture of Aviation Safety

397 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Aviation Safety Accidents Air Travel Investigations
  1. An analysis of aviation safety includes three new case studies, illustrating the complexity of keeping commercial aviation safe.
  2. A business jet in Naples, Florida had a tragic incident due to engine failures, sparking discussions in the aviation world on potential causes like the Idle-Cutoff possibility.
  3. A Pakistan International Airlines crash in Karachi revealed a chaotic situation in the cockpit, with the crew neglecting crucial flight protocols, ultimately leading to a disastrous outcome.

ProPublica Takes Another Look at Wuhan

974 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. ProPublica revisited its report on the Wuhan lab leak theory, based on new information and reports from various government agencies.
  2. The initial story was criticized for relying on translations and interpretations that were later found to be inaccurate or misleading.
  3. Transparency in reporting and investigation is crucial, especially when dealing with complex and sensitive topics like the origins of a global pandemic.

Election Countdown, 264 Days to Go: Fuzzy Talk About ‘Fuzzy Memory’

397 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Policy Media Government Candidates
  1. Dr. Charan Ranganath distinguishes between everyday forgetting and consequential memory loss, urging focus on actual capabilities rather than age-related slip-ups.
  2. Joe Biden's eloquence shines in longer, less rushed settings, like in major speeches and podcast-style interviews, showcasing a different side than his press availabilities.
  3. In politics, appearances often influence getting the job, but effectiveness in doing the job is what truly matters; the distinction is crucial when discussing candidates like Biden.

In Which We Buy a Car from Elon Musk

961 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
💼 Business Consumer
  1. The author decided to buy a Tesla Model Y after considering various electric car options.
  2. They chose Tesla due to its market leadership, availability, price, tax benefits, suitability, and despite concerns about Elon Musk.
  3. The decision reflects a shift to a more popular choice compared to the author's usual trend of selecting alternative or unique options.

What We Learned from the Wind.

731 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Systems
  1. The destructive wind was caused by a 'downburst,' which is a torrent of colder air that creates high-velocity vortices when it hits the ground.
  2. Extreme weather events like this signal the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to withstand the impacts of climate change.
  3. Households can adapt to disruptions with a mix of old and new strategies, like using candles, flashlights, smartphones, and public resources like libraries.

Supremely Calm, Supremely Confident.

692 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Aviation Crisis Management YouTube
  1. Commercial air travel is remarkably safe due to procedures, cooperation, and accountability.
  2. Controllers in aviation maintain unflappable competence even in high-stress situations.
  3. Listening to the exchanges between controllers and pilots can provide insights into the calm, structured response during emergencies.

‘On the Media’, Behind the Scenes

692 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
  1. Discovering the intricate craft behind producing news programs is both humbling and inspiring.
  2. According to one perspective, life is an ongoing struggle against destruction and in pursuit of progress.
  3. Exciting shifts in economic thinking are occurring, emphasizing purposeful planning over market dictates.

Troubles in the Skies: Chinese Spy Balloon, Another Runway Close Call.

692 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. There are concerns over a Chinese spy balloon that crossed into U.S. airspace.
  2. The Chinese balloon may not have revealed any new information as critical military sites are publicly known.
  3. A close call in Austin between a FedEx and Southwest plane highlights the dangers in aviation, even with advanced systems.