The hottest Investigative Reporting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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When it comes to scams, journalism is letting down the public

How to Survive the Internet • 139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. Many people have shared their scam experiences, highlighting how common these issues are. They often feel lost because police and mainstream media aren't helping them.
  2. Journalists can play a crucial role in exposing and stopping scams. It's important for them to recognize this responsibility beyond just informing the public.
  3. The media often misses ongoing scams because they lack the resources or willingness to investigate them. This can lead to many victims not receiving the help they need.

Correction, New York Times

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6201 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. A major news outlet misstated the ages tied to a criminal plea; official records show the plea involved a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, not a conviction related to a 14-year-old.
  2. Reporting on the case is messy and often inaccurate, and many outlets failed to respond to correction requests, though a few reporters quickly clarified their wording.
  3. A broader review of how the case was covered is being planned, with critics saying the overall reporting has serious problems and promising more investigation.

Scientific American Is a Scandal Prone Mess and Can't Do Science

The DisInformation Chronicle • 540 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🔬 Science Investigative Reporting
  1. Scientific American publicly dismissed the Wuhan lab‑leak theory and labeled a high‑clearance virologist’s claims as conspiracy, prompting questions about whether the magazine ignored his relevant expertise and access to classified materials.
  2. The magazine’s editorial decisions and communications lack transparency, with editors publicly attacking the scientist, failing to answer direct questions, and facing internal personnel controversies.
  3. Past ties between a former Scientific American editor and Jeffrey Epstein, revealed in released emails, further damage the publication’s credibility and raise concerns about its judgment and vetting.

Open Letter to the Columbia Journalism Review, on the Atrocious New York Times

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15531 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. Good journalism needs to distinguish between accurate reporting and failure. It's important for journalists to cover complex issues accurately and avoid spreading misinformation.
  2. Editorial choices can significantly impact the credibility of a news outlet. When claims are repeated without proper fact-checking, it can damage trust with readers.
  3. Criticism of media should be taken seriously, especially if reports have misled the public. Transparency and accountability in journalism are vital for maintaining a healthy relationship with the audience.

Maybe This is Why You Shouldn't Have Published the Andrew Huberman Story

Freddie deBoer • 16120 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. The Andrew Huberman story did not include serious allegations like those in the Neil Gaiman story. It focused on infidelity and tardiness instead of misconduct.
  2. The way the Huberman story was presented created misunderstandings, leading many to think it was a MeToo story. The excitement around it suggested serious accusations were involved.
  3. It's important for journalism to clearly differentiate between bad behavior and harmful misconduct. Mixing them can dilute the serious conversation around issues like sexual assault.
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Breaking: Photo of Scientology's Obstructor-In-Chief Julian Swartz Published For The First Time

Yashar's Newsletter • 5719 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. Julian Swartz, a top Scientology official, has been covering up crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence, for years.
  2. Swartz's role in Scientology is to protect the organization at all costs, even if it means committing crimes like silencing victims and destroying lives.
  3. Swartz has been involved in covering up sex crimes by Scientologists, including cases of sexual assault, rape, and molestation of children.

News Blackout in Effect

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18611 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. There is an ongoing media blackout in effect, creating a situation similar to Sovietization.
  2. Allegations suggest a coordinated effort to discredit a New York Post expose about Hunter Biden's laptop before the 2020 election.
  3. The involvement of powerful intelligence figures raises concerns about potential subversion of electoral processes.

[Editorial] In defense of critical citations

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 305 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. Treating all citations as endorsements harms investigative work because it discourages journalists and researchers from citing primary sources and doing forensic analysis.
  2. Direct citations to primary materials — even from extremist forums — are valuable evidence that let readers verify claims. They help reveal internal dynamics and avoid reliance on secondhand summaries.
  3. Critiques should focus on language, synthesis, and how sources are used rather than raw citation counts, since context determines whether a citation implies endorsement.

LibsofTikTok is hiring an investigative journalist to launder her hate campaigns

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1731 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. Libs of TikTok is looking to hire an investigative journalist to enhance their media image and legitimacy.
  2. The job involves verifying sources and facts, but it is associated with a controversial far-right media brand.
  3. Recent events show that their posts have led to significant backlash, including bomb threats to businesses.

MY LAI, AND ITS OMENS

Seymour Hersh • 58 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
💾 History Investigative Reporting
  1. US soldiers in 1968 killed large numbers of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai and nearby hamlets, and very few people were held accountable for those massacres.
  2. A Pentagon Inspector General study in 1967 found that many troops didn’t understand the Geneva Conventions and some admitted they would mistreat or kill prisoners; that report was rewritten or shelved and not acted on.
  3. The failure to train, enforce, and respond to those warnings helped create conditions for atrocities and cover-ups, highlighting a need for stronger training and accountability in wartime.

How to support journalism

The Watch • 677 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. Support journalism by subscribing to trustworthy outlets. Subscriptions help keep essential news sources alive and able to do their work.
  2. You can also give to local news organizations and independent journalists directly. This helps them produce quality reporting that might otherwise struggle for funding.
  3. Encouraging emails and legal support is crucial for journalists facing threats. A simple note can uplift them, and legal services are vital as free press faces challenges.

Intrusion Truth Methods: How Can They Get It Right Again and Again?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Investigative Reporting
  1. Intrusion Truth has a track record of correctly identifying Chinese threat actors tied to APT groups, leading to US DoJ indictments.
  2. Their success stems from starting investigations by leveraging report findings, receiving tips, and exploring science and technology companies in specific regions.
  3. Intrusion Truth's methods showcase the value of outdated research, the importance of community collaboration for threat hunting, and the need for deep understanding of the threat environment.

Who is Thomas Crooks?

Who is Robert Malone • 24 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate Trump, and there are many details revealing his online activity and ideological shift that contradict the FBI's claims. This suggests there may have been more to his motives than previously stated.
  2. Crooks' online presence showed a range of disturbing interests and a change from being a Trump supporter to opposing him, hinting at influences that need further investigation.
  3. The FBI has faced criticism for not being transparent about their findings in the Crooks case, which could lead to distrust and more conspiracy theories among the public.

But wait, there's more: Julie K. Brown's growing credibility problem

Michael Tracey • 33 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. Julie K. Brown has faced credibility issues due to her reliance on Virginia Giuffre's questionable accounts. This raises doubts about the validity of the claims surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
  2. Giuffre's accusations have been a key part of many narratives about Epstein, suggesting a wider cover-up involving powerful people.
  3. There are criticisms about how some theories regarding Epstein connect to hidden agendas without addressing the inconsistencies in the evidence presented by sources like Giuffre.

The Rainy Day Problem

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. The Air Force's lack of planning has left Airmen and families in uncertainty and chaos due to funding shortfalls.
  2. The 'Rainy Day Problem' highlights how organizations, like the Air Force, must plan to protect their stakeholders from foreseeable issues.
  3. Failure to address the funding shortfall swiftly and improve planning could lead to erosion of trust within the Air Force and impact readiness.

Happy New Year! (And thanks for your patience.)

Unreported Truths • 47 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. It's a new year and the writer feels that 2025 might start off with some challenges. They plan to share more insights and news with their readers soon.
  2. There are ongoing concerns about the H5N1 flu, which has been a topic since 2005. The writer is set to discuss this issue more in depth soon.
  3. The writer expresses appreciation for the patience of their audience and encourages them to stay tuned for upcoming news and articles.

Who Killed Jeanette?

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. Jeanette DePalma went missing in 1972, and her body was found weeks later in a strange location with eerie signs surrounding it. This has led to many theories about her death, including links to Satanism.
  2. No clear cause of death was determined because of the condition of her body, but the investigation faced many challenges, including inconsistent tips and a lack of cooperation from local residents.
  3. Many years later, interest in the case remains because of its mysterious nature, and people are still curious about the possible occult connections and why the community was reluctant to talk about it.

Who’s Responsible for the Toxic Train Disaster in East Palestine, Ohio?

The Status Kuo • 3 HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigative Reporting
  1. The blame game around the toxic train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, has become highly political, with Republicans targeting the infrastructure bill and current administration.
  2. The ultimate responsibility for the disaster lies with Norfolk Southern, due to a combination of mechanical failures, inadequate safety measures, and regulatory loopholes.
  3. There is a need to revisit and strengthen regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials by rail to prioritize public safety over industry interests.

Joxley Reads 28.01.24

Joxley Writes • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📰 News Investigative Reporting
  1. The shocking history of illegal adoption in Georgia and its long-lasting effects were uncovered by a BBC report and documentary.
  2. Criminal gangs were involved in vast networks trading stolen babies during the Soviet period and early stages of Georgian independence.
  3. Access to the full post archives on Joxley Writes requires a subscription with a 7-day free trial.