The hottest Investigative Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top News Topics

From the Old Editor: "We Care If It's True. We Don't Care Why."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10503 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Racket is relaunching as a bigger investigative newsroom with a new editor-in-chief and more staff, aiming to produce more long-form reporting while still responding to the news cycle.
  2. The editorial philosophy emphasizes rigorous verification and truth over partisan takes or forcing staff onto ideological slates, encouraging reporters to follow stories wherever they lead.
  3. They plan to rebuild FOIA capabilities, try new formats (timelines, glossaries, a Monday 'Swamp Log'), and ask readers for patience and feedback as they find a steady rhythm.

The New York Times Can't Stop Sucking

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12053 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. The New York Times has faced criticism for its handling of the Russia investigation stories, with claims of repeated mistakes and bias in their reporting.
  2. Important details about key figures, like George Papadopoulos, were often misrepresented or overlooked, leading to confusion about their roles in the investigation.
  3. Despite numerous errors, the paper continues to publish similar narratives, sparking frustration over their journalistic practices and the accuracy of their reporting.

Interview With Tucker Carlson: Looking Back on Eight Years of Political Mysteries

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. There are new investigations into important issues like intelligence activities and the origins of Covid, which could bring new information to light.
  2. The changing media landscape is becoming more significant, especially with the decline of traditional news outlets, creating space for alternative voices.
  3. The conversation also touched on a range of political topics, indicating a sense of curiosity and hope for uncovering the truth in the coming years.

Seems Like Targeting

Astral Codex Ten • 22162 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Investigative journalism can have chilling effects on criticism and dissent.
  2. Media coverage can be influenced by personal connections and alliances.
  3. Journalists may target individuals based on popularity and the desire for clicks.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Special Livestream at 1 p.m. ET: On the Ongoing Global Engagement Center Saga

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1885 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. There's a special livestream discussing the Global Engagement Center and how it relates to State Department censorship. It's good to stay informed about these current events.
  2. Both hosts have faced some scrutiny from the Global Engagement Center due to their reporting. It's interesting how investigative journalism can sometimes attract unwanted attention.
  3. A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit seeking information on the GEC's actions against journalists. This highlights the ongoing tension between government transparency and media freedom.

Channeling Curiosity

Range Widely • 530 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Investigative Journalism
  1. Pablo Torre's podcast _Pablo Torre Finds Out_ covers a wide range of topics beyond sports, aiming to entertain and inform across various subjects.
  2. Pablo Torre's show structure includes deep-dive episodes, talk show-style segments with friends, and one-on-one interviews with notable personalities, allowing for a diverse range of content.
  3. Balancing investigative reporting with entertaining content, Pablo Torre's podcast provides insightful stories while treating sports fans like adults.

A December Shout To My Co-Conspirators

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 589 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Independent journalism can have a powerful impact by uncovering exclusive stories and challenging authority
  2. Growing newsletter subscriber numbers show a demand for unique content, with paid subscribers crucial for sustainability
  3. Newsletter updates and content variety, including podcasts and bilingual stories, keep readers engaged and interested

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 216: Sharyl Attkisson

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. An experienced investigative reporter will explain how major newsrooms can shape, steer, or quietly bury stories and how “consensus” narratives are often manufactured.
  2. Pharmaceutical interests can influence media narratives and scientific debate, which can obscure information and sway public health policy.
  3. Independent reporting is essential to expose these pressures, and there is an active petition urging the Senate to repudiate harmful COVID-era policies while protecting bodily autonomy, free speech, and limits on emergency powers.

EXCLUSIVE: Harvard Professor Ryan Enos Found GUILTY in Massive Critical Race Theory Data Fraud

Karlstack • 785 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. A Harvard professor, Ryan Enos, has been accused of serious data fraud in his research related to Critical Race Theory. This could lead to him retracting a whole book based on this flawed research.
  2. Enos's work showed irregularities in data, including unjustified deletions and missing information, raising concerns about its integrity. Whistleblowers have played a key role in bringing these issues to light.
  3. There are larger implications as Claudine Gay, the President of Harvard, has been implicated in covering up the misconduct. This situation highlights potential corruption within academic institutions.

Transcript: Alec MacGillis

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 294 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Schools were closed in Ontario for 135 days during the pandemic, leading to high rates of chronic absenteeism.
  2. Chronic absenteeism rates have nearly doubled nationwide, with some cities experiencing rates over 40%.
  3. The erosion of the norm of going to school during the pandemic has made attendance somewhat optional for many families, posing a significant challenge in rebuilding this social norm.

A Rebuttal

Points And Figures • 666 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Sheriff Dart should rethink the situation regarding Steve Fanady's treatment in jail. It seems unfair and has raised concerns about his rights.
  2. There are serious allegations against Dart, but his supporters deny them strongly. They believe he is being targeted by people who don’t like him.
  3. Chicago's media needs to dig deeper into corruption instead of just reporting on it later. Investigative journalism is important for the city's residents.

Update 8/2/23

FOIA Around And Find Out • 432 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Author is involved in litigations under Freedom of Information Act and Open Records laws against the US government and individuals.
  2. Author is a journalist without formal training, focusing on researching scandals and seeking transparency from the government.
  3. Author emphasizes the importance of citizens questioning government actions and being informed about their privacy rights.

Who Blew Up Putin's Pipelines?

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Several countries, including the U.S., Norway, and Ukraine, are being investigated for their possible roles in the explosions that destroyed Russian pipelines under the Baltic Sea. Each of these countries has denied involvement but also had reasons to benefit from the pipelines' destruction.
  2. Seymour Hersh, an investigative journalist, suggested that U.S. Navy divers planted explosives during a NATO exercise. The allegations sparked a debate, with various parties pointing fingers at each other, but no definitive proof has surfaced yet.
  3. The issue of insurance for the pipelines plays a significant role in this mystery. Depending on who is found responsible for the explosions, it could impact financial claims, potentially benefiting or hurting Russia's Gazprom.

Le papa : Mediapart

L'Atelier Galita • 219 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Mediapart is a well-known investigative journalism outlet that has been involved in many high-profile revelations.
  2. Investigative journalism is costly, time-consuming, and critical for revealing important facts and holding power accountable.
  3. Mediapart follows an independent journalism code, relies on subscriber revenue, and uses a technique of progressive revelations to maintain media attention.

What is Steve Bannon hiding about Jeffrey Epstein?

Michael Tracey • 161 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Steve Bannon has over 15 hours of interviews with Jeffrey Epstein that he hasn’t released. This footage could reveal important information about Epstein's life and activities.
  2. Bannon has been silent about why he won't share this footage, even though he often talks to journalists. People are curious about what he's hiding.
  3. The interviews included discussions about Epstein's relationships with powerful figures, including Donald Trump, which makes the content even more relevant and intriguing.

Fact Check: Jonathan Scott's report on Morocco

untidy • 275 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Reports showed discrepancies between Jonathan Scott's claims and the actual evidence presented by organizations like Citizen Lab and Amnesty International.
  2. The shutdown of Hacking Team was misrepresented in Jonathan Scott's report.
  3. Claims made by Scott about spyware on mobile devices were deemed exaggerated.

Julie K. Brown: Groundbreaking Epstein journalist, or ridiculous myth-peddler?

Michael Tracey • 84 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Julie K. Brown's reporting on Jeffrey Epstein triggered serious investigations that led to his arrest. Her Miami Herald series sparked public interest and political action against Epstein and his associates.
  2. Brown has faced criticism for using Virginia Giuffre's fictionalized accounts in her book without proper context. This raises questions about the reliability of the information she presents in her reporting.
  3. Despite her recognition as an expert on Epstein, there are concerns about her credibility and the sources she relies on. Critics argue that she hasn't adequately addressed the troubling aspects of her narrative.

Here's what happens if you ask trivially basic questions about Epstein, Part 2

Michael Tracey • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Asking basic questions about claims related to high-profile cases can lead to unexpected reactions, sometimes even hostile ones, instead of straightforward answers.
  2. Claims about large numbers of victims can often be exaggerated or unverified, highlighting the importance of supporting statements with clear evidence.
  3. Skepticism and the need for verification are essential in journalism, especially in sensitive matters like victimization and allegations of abuse.

ProPublica Takes Another Look at Wuhan

Breaking the News • 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.

Exclusive: Healthcare CEO refuses to resign or provide proof of doctorate following Karlstack investigation

Karlstack • 510 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. Questions regarding honesty and qualifications of top executives can severely impact an organization's reputation.
  2. Verification of educational credentials is crucial, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
  3. Investigative journalism plays a vital role in uncovering potential misconduct and ensuring transparency in professional environments.

University of San Diego Retracts Illegal Job Posting Following Karlstack Inquiry

Karlstack • 476 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. A professor posted a job ad requiring the postdoc to be a woman but later retracted it, claiming it was open to everyone.
  2. The story highlights the importance of investigative journalism in exposing deceptive practices and holding people accountable.
  3. Transparency plays a crucial role in preventing illegal actions, and it is essential to call out such behavior to pressure institutions into more ethical practices.

How the U.S. State Department spends millions of dollars to coordinate Western media and direct investigative journalism against its geopolitical rivals and enemies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 211 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. The U.S. State Department spends a lot of money to influence media coverage against its rivals. This shows how powerful and coordinated media can be.
  2. Many journalists and media outlets may not realize they are being funded or influenced by the U.S. government. This raises questions about the independence of journalism.
  3. People notice that despite having many different media outlets, they often share the same viewpoints. This suggests there might be stronger connections among them than we think.

First People Sickened By COVID-19 Were Chinese Scientists At Wuhan Institute Of Virology, Say US Government Sources

Michael Shellenberger • 685 HN points • 13 Jun 23
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. The first people sickened by COVID-19 were Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
  2. They were engaged in 'gain-of-function' research on SARS-like coronaviruses when they fell ill.
  3. Significant evidence points towards the accidental escape of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the Wuhan lab.

A Rogue Reporter vs. The American Empire (w/ Matt Kennard) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 151 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. The U.S. plays a large role in influencing foreign elections and governments, often undermining leaders who promote democratic socialism in favor of its own corporate interests. This has been seen in places like Bolivia.
  2. The media often fails to expose the darker side of U.S. foreign policies. Instead of revealing the truths about interventions and human rights violations, they uphold narratives that support the idea of the U.S. as a benevolent force.
  3. Zionism and the Israel lobby heavily influence political discourse, particularly around Palestine. Criticism of this influence has increased, leading many to reconsider their views on colonialism and imperialism.

The Atlantic Exposes CNN Ban On Reporting Possible Wuhan Lab Accident, Because "Racism"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 530 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. The Atlantic exposed CNN's ban on reporting a possible Wuhan lab accident due to racism allegations.
  2. An internal CNN survey revealed viewer distrust caused by biased COVID coverage.
  3. CNN's pandemic reporting failures, like misleading vaccine information and disregarding the lab accident theory, have eroded public trust.

Friday Bites: TLAMs, Vision Pro, What is the WSJ Thinking?

ChinaTalk • 192 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism
  1. The Navy's supply of TLAMs is limited and crucial for potential conflicts in the Pacific region.
  2. The Vision Pro technology has promising features but faces challenges with social integration and developer support.
  3. The Wall Street Journal's recent layoffs, including its US-China bureau, may hinder its ability to produce investigative reports on important global issues like US-PRC relations.

Nellie Bly in the mad-house

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Investigative Journalism
  1. Nellie Bly's investigative journalism exposed the harsh reality of how women deemed insane were mistreated, leading to reforms in mental health treatment.
  2. Nellie Bly's daring undercover assignment at a lunatic asylum showcased the power of investigative journalism to drive societal change, especially for women reporters.
  3. The impact of Nellie Bly's work transcended mere reporting, sparking profound investigations into institutional practices and highlighting the significant role of journalism in advocating for marginalized individuals.

Inside Pandora's Box

Diane Francis • 279 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. The Pandora Papers show a large amount of hidden money and tax evasion linked to powerful people around the world.
  2. Investigative journalists worked hard to sort through millions of documents to uncover this information.
  3. This data leak highlights how corruption and financial wrongdoing can involve politicians, dictators, and other famous figures.

SVB and bank capital, revisited

Without Warning • 39 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💰 Finance Investigative Journalism
  1. Financial crises are often triggered by events in ad hoc filings like 8Ks, not the usual 10Ks.
  2. Analysis should consider how markets assess crises in real-time, not just post-facto Excel analysis.
  3. The 2023 bank crisis started when Silicon Valley Bank suggested its business was less viable in an 8K filing.

The Biggest, Most Corrupt News Organization You Have Never Heard of

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims to fight corruption globally but is heavily funded by the US government, which raises questions about its true motives.
  2. OCCRP focuses on investigating foreign governments deemed hostile to US interests and now appears to influence political situations in allied countries as well, like India.
  3. There are concerns that OCCRP and similar organizations act as tools for the US government, potentially pushing for regime change and affecting the reputation of nations without them realizing it.

How German taxpayer-funded fact-checkers conducted covert surveillance of a private meeting for the purpose of smearing Alternative für Deutschland and justifying calls to ban the party

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 88 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. German taxpayer-funded fact-checkers conducted covert surveillance of a private meeting to smear Alternative für Deutschland
  2. Alternative für Deutschland is polling high in Germany, causing concern for other political parties
  3. There are suspicions of an orchestrated attack on Germany's second most popular party, the AfD

MY FIFTY YEARS WITH DAN ELLSBERG

Seymour Hersh • 107 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Journalism
  1. Seymour Hersh had a close and impactful relationship with Dan Ellsberg for over 50 years, centered around Vietnam War discussions and shared experiences.
  2. Dan Ellsberg played a crucial role in leaking the Pentagon Papers and exposing White House abuses during the Vietnam War era.
  3. Ellsberg's dedication to truth and exposing secret operations, even at personal risk, left a lasting impact on those around him.