The hottest Protests Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Activism, Uncensored: Alligator Alcatraz

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1585 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Politics Activism Government
  1. Alligator Alcatraz is a new immigration detention center in Florida designed to hold over 3,000 illegal immigrants. It's built quickly on an old airstrip in the Everglades.
  2. Florida Republicans are using the facility to raise money by selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise, which has caused mixed reactions from the public.
  3. The facility has sparked significant political debate and protests, highlighting different opinions on immigration issues in the state.

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Civil Rights History Government
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Glastonbury—and the Purge of the Jews

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6580 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Protests Media International relations Free speech
  1. The Glastonbury festival saw performances intertwined with strong anti-Israel sentiments, showcasing a loud protest atmosphere. Many attendees were actively chanting against the Israeli military.
  2. Some performers used their platforms to express controversial views, including calls for harm against Israeli defense forces. This sparked discussions and backlash across various media.
  3. The coverage of these events highlights a growing trend of linking criticism of Israel with broader social movements, raising concerns about how this affects perceptions of Jewish communities.

Right wing creators are dominating L.A. protest coverage

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1761 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Right-wing Protests Social media Technology
  1. Right wing creators are playing a big role in covering protests in Los Angeles. They're shaping how these events are viewed and discussed online.
  2. Elon Musk recently had a falling out with Trump after supporting him for a long time. Musk's relationship with the MAGA movement is now uncertain.
  3. The break between Musk and Trump shows how tech and politics can conflict, highlighting the changing dynamics in these worlds.

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.
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The "Mostly Peaceful" Revolution

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12731 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Elections Policy Government Public Opinion
  1. Protests labeled as 'mostly peaceful' can overshadow the real violence and chaos happening during events. This phrase has caused confusion about what is truly going on during protests.
  2. Political narratives around protests can shape public perception and influence voter behavior. People often feel caught between political extremes and may become frustrated with both sides.
  3. Refusing to acknowledge the concerns of voters about issues like immigration can lead to political backlash. Politicians need to listen to the public or risk losing support.

Here's a Perfect Example of Why Matt Yglesias Should Debate Me

Freddie deBoer • 7116 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Morality Protests Political strategy Critique
  1. Critics often challenge prominent figures to engage in debates, which can help them address different perspectives. Debates allow for a more dynamic exchange of ideas, rather than just responding to fans or supporters.
  2. When discussing protests, it's important to recognize the moral motivations behind people's actions. Not waving the American flag at certain protests can stem from a refusal to endorse the government's actions.
  3. Simplifying political discussions by avoiding moral considerations can lead to a disconnect with the everyday concerns of people. Engaging with moral arguments is crucial in understanding why people feel strongly about specific issues.

Chartbook 391 How to predict a 1 in 1,000 year riot: the insurance expertise gearing up to commodify America's agony.

Chartbook • 1344 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Civil Unrest Insurance Political violence Social Issues
  1. The rise of protests in America has led to the insurance industry developing new ways to predict and analyze civil unrest. They are focusing on how to manage the risks and losses from these events.
  2. Big data and statistical models are now used to assess the likelihood and impact of riots and protests across various locations in the US. This helps identify high-risk areas for potential damage.
  3. Recent protests like those seen in 2020 are changing how insurance companies view risks. They see political unrest as a serious threat that may lead to significant losses, prompting them to adjust their policies accordingly.

Chartbook 390 Beyond LA: Logics of escalation from Black Lives Matter (2020) to "No Kings" (June 14 2025)

Chartbook • 1630 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Protests Policy Analysis Immigration
  1. Protests are increasing in LA due to a heavy military response to immigration issues. This creates a tense environment that could escalate further.
  2. The Trump administration is focusing on a confrontational approach to gather support from his base. They aim to use fear and division to unify and rally their followers.
  3. Upcoming events, like the planned 'No Kings' protests on June 14, show a deep divide in America and indicate that tensions could spread beyond LA.

Activism, Uncensored: The LA Riots

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4113 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Government Social Issues
  1. There are disagreements about the impact of the recent LA riots, with some saying it's a small part of downtown while others see it as a bigger issue. It's important to look deeper into what's really happening in the city.
  2. The media has been criticized for downplaying the violence, echoing phrases like 'mostly peaceful' from previous protests. This has raised questions about how events are reported.
  3. Local leaders, like the LA Mayor, are focusing on the idea that the unrest is limited to specific areas, suggesting it's not representative of the whole city. People are left to interpret how much this matters.

Blood, soil, and Jeremy Clarkson

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political Ideologies Protests
  1. Jeremy Clarkson has become a popular voice for UK farmers through his show, Clarkson's Farm, but his views also link to far-right ideas and nationalism.
  2. Many farmers feel undervalued and nostalgic for the past, making them susceptible to far-right populism that blames migrants for their struggles.
  3. Not all farmers share these extreme views, and there are movements working towards a fairer and more sustainable agriculture, showing that positive change is possible.

TGIF: ICE Raid on Aisle 4

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2253 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Government Media Social Issues
  1. Protests in Los Angeles have become chaotic as people express anger over immigration policies. Some are protesting while others are looting, which complicates the message they want to send.
  2. Despite the dramatic actions, many feel that burning cars and vandalizing shops isn't an effective way to communicate their frustration. It's causing harm to the very community they're trying to support.
  3. There are plans for meetups and events around the country for those interested in independent journalism. This could be a great chance to connect with others who share similar interests.

The Democrats have a flag problem

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1354 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Patriotism Protests Identity politics Nationalism
  1. The left should embrace American patriotism instead of distancing itself from it. Showing support for America can help gain more allies in their cause.
  2. It's important for the left to focus on winning and stop acting like victims. Being more positive can attract voters.
  3. The left needs strong, confident leaders who can communicate their values effectively. Having a bold presence can resonate with people and gather support.

Everything Feels Like It Doesn't Make Sense

Kyla’s Newsletter • 320 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Disinformation Technology Economy Social media
  1. Our lives are filled with contradictions, where technology promises a better future but the reality feels chaotic. We need to recognize the gap between the ideal futures promised by AI and the struggles we face today.
  2. AI and social media are often misaligned, causing disinformation while claiming to help us. This shows how the tools intended to connect us can also create confusion and frustration.
  3. The stories we tell ourselves about progress can ignore the very real human costs. It's important to see and acknowledge the work and lives behind the technology and systems that support our convenience.

Immigration protests and media distrust: Everything comes back to 2020

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Immigration Civil Rights Trust
  1. The recent immigration protests in Los Angeles are serious, but the city's size means not everywhere is affected. Media reports can downplay the situation, but it's clear there's unrest.
  2. Past media coverage during protests, especially in 2020, has led to distrust. Many felt the media downplayed violence and unrest, saying protests were mostly peaceful when that wasn't the full story.
  3. The credibility of traditional media has been damaged since 2020. Some are skeptical of their current portrayal of protests, believing that the truth is not always fully reported.

Transcript - America This Week, June 13, 2026: "Trumpship Troopers: New Riot Footage and the No Kings Protests."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 865 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Nuclear Politics Public Policy Political Activism Media Analysis
  1. Protests may happen again, similar to 2020, following a local incident that has sparked public outrage. People are getting ready for protests nationwide.
  2. A recent video by Tulsi Gabbard warns that we are closer to nuclear war than ever. She discusses the massive destruction a modern nuclear bomb could cause.
  3. The current political climate is creating tension between nuclear powers, and there are real fears about escalating conflicts. Many are not fully aware of the dangers that come with nuclear threats.

Over 250 Photos From Around the Nation and the World From the Historic “No Kings Day” Protests

Proof • 203 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Election Public Opinion Political Commentary Social movements
  1. The 'No Kings Day' protests saw massive participation from people around the world, highlighting a strong global sentiment against Donald Trump.
  2. In contrast to the crowded protests, Trump's birthday celebration was poorly attended and described as lackluster and disappointing.
  3. Despite some instances of far-right violence, the overall atmosphere of the protests remained peaceful, showing unity among anti-Trump protesters.

Who Is Burning Cars and Throwing Rocks in LA? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1015 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Political Analysis Public Trust
  1. Immigration has become a huge issue in today's society, affecting political views and actions. It's important to understand why it matters to so many people.
  2. Protests in places like LA can be very chaotic, and different sides have very different views on what's happening. Seeing things for yourself or trusting reliable sources is key.
  3. The media landscape is changing, and people often live in different realities based on what they believe. It's essential to look at the facts from multiple angles.

‘Delete That Photo or We’ll F— You Up’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1034 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Immigration Law enforcement Civil Rights Public Safety
  1. Protests can quickly escalate in intensity and violence. During one recent protest in Los Angeles, demonstrators began throwing rocks at police vehicles without any arrests being made.
  2. The signs of unrest, like anger and aggression in protests, can indicate potential for bigger conflicts in the future.
  3. Maintaining a platform for independent journalism is crucial for informing the public about important issues like these protests.

Google-affiliated military AI expo cracks down on journalists amid Code Pink disruptions

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1058 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Military AI Technology Protests Government
  1. Journalists faced harassment at a military AI expo organized by Eric Schmidt, highlighting tensions between security and freedom of the press.
  2. Protests against U.S. and Israeli military actions gained attention at the event, revealing strong opposition to the narratives being presented.
  3. The expo focused on using AI for military and national security, with discussions around how technology can be used for 'regime change' and information control.

What I Saw on an ICE Operation. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 820 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Supreme Court Protests
  1. There were big protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, with clashes happening between protesters and law enforcement. The situation has highlighted strong feelings about immigration policies in the area.
  2. In a notable Supreme Court decision, the court made a ruling that could change how discrimination laws work in America, questioning the idea of protected groups. This could have major implications for affirmative action.
  3. New proposals in New York aim to fast-track assisted dying laws, raising concerns about making it too easy for individuals to choose death. This has sparked a debate about the ethics of such legislation.

Send the troops home

Situation Normal • 80 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Civil Rights Protests Government Military
  1. Protests have many different sides, so it's important to see the full picture rather than label them simply as peaceful or violent.
  2. Local law enforcement knows how to handle protests better than federal troops, who might cause confusion and logistical issues.
  3. When facing government actions that threaten safety, it's crucial to speak out and demand the return of troops to protect the community.

Code Pink disrupts former Google CEO's interview at his DC AI expo

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 773 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Technology Military Human Rights
  1. Code Pink, a protest group, interrupted an interview with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt to speak out against technology being used in warfare. They chanted phrases like 'No Tech for Genocide' to draw attention to the issue.
  2. The protests were fueled by ongoing violence in Gaza, with activists condemning companies like Google for their role in supporting military actions. They highlighted the toll of the conflict, citing thousands of civilian casualties.
  3. This was one of multiple protests by Code Pink during an AI expo, where they aimed to raise awareness about the impact of military contracts on innocent lives. Their actions have sparked conversations about ethics in technology and military partnerships.

Demonstrator ejected from Palantir's talk at DC AI expo

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 793 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Surveillance Military AI Human Rights
  1. A protestor was removed from an AI Expo in Washington, D.C. for chanting against Palantir's role in military surveillance and actions in Gaza.
  2. The protest highlighted concerns about the impact of AI and technology on warfare, especially regarding innocent civilians.
  3. The protestor aimed to raise awareness among attendees about the consequences of Palantir's business practices.

What Would You Do?

KERFUFFLE • 71 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Violence Civil Rights Immigration Government
  1. Many people misunderstand that protests can be spontaneous and not always organized by groups. This means the reactions during protests can be chaotic and unpredictable.
  2. When people feel their basic rights and families are threatened, they might turn to violent protests because they see no other way to fight back. Understanding this helps explain their actions.
  3. Political violence is often a last resort for people facing oppressive situations. It's important to recognize this reality, even if we don't agree with it.

False Flag Attack

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Legislation Political Opinion Public Reaction
  1. Waving Mexican flags in protests can symbolize pride and solidarity among immigrant communities, especially during challenging times.
  2. In past protests, the visibility of Mexican flags was criticized, but the current environment shows a shift in focus from seeking acceptance to defending against aggressive policies.
  3. Protesters aren't waving flags to win over public opinion but to affirm their identity and resist what they see as an attack on their community.

In Soviet Germany, the government protests YOU

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 230 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Government Elections Political parties Activism
  1. Protests in Germany are increasingly targeting those labeled as 'the right,' which now includes not just far-right parties but also center-right ones. This means many voters are being seen as needing 'reeducation.'
  2. The government is allegedly using taxpayer money to finance protests against political opposition, which raises questions about fairness in democracy. Nonprofit groups linked to the state are involved in organizing these protests.
  3. There is a growing tension in German politics where opposition to the ruling parties is being met with protests and accusations of extremism, which might push voters towards more populist, right-wing parties.

Images From the Violent Protests in Downtown L.A.

KERFUFFLE • 51 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Social Issues News Coverage Photography Public Sentiment
  1. There were violent protests happening in downtown Los Angeles recently. The situation seems intense and chaotic.
  2. Photographs were taken to capture the events of the protests. Images can provide a different perspective on what's happening.
  3. The person sharing these images has complicated feelings about the protests. They plan to share more thoughts on the matter later.

The Summer of Protest Is Here. This Primer Will Help You Understand What You See.

Proof • 33 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Media Disinformation Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. Corporate media and far-right groups have made it harder for people to understand protests. They have created confusion around the language we use to talk about these events.
  2. It's important to change how we discuss protests to ensure everyone gets a clearer picture of what is happening. Better communication can help educate the public.
  3. Being informed about the context of protests can help people form their own opinions, instead of relying on misleading narratives from the media.

Activism, Uncensored: A Clash of Inauguration Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Rights Government
  1. Protests can bring together people with very different views, leading to chaotic interactions on the streets. It's a reminder that activism often sparks intense emotions and actions.
  2. Some protesters use art and symbols to express their messages, which can be open to interpretation. This shows how deeply feelings about rights and identity can influence what people create and display.
  3. It’s important to document events like these without judgment, allowing visuals to tell the story. Capturing these moments helps us understand the context of today's activism.

More on the Violence in L.A.

KERFUFFLE • 21 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Violence Immigration Police Civil Rights
  1. There was violence during recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, with protesters throwing rocks at police vehicles. This shows a tense and escalating situation between protesters and law enforcement.
  2. The California Highway Patrol responded to the chaos by closing parts of the freeway, indicating that safety was a major concern during the protests.
  3. A detailed discussion on the events is available through an interview, presenting different perspectives on the situation in Los Angeles. Listening to it can provide more context about the unrest.

Breaking The Iron Triangle of Elite Hate

Welcome to Absurdistan • 6132 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Government Protests Economic Impact Media influence International relations
  1. Canada's Liberal Party, in power for a century, is projected to lose to Conservatives.
  2. The government funded NGO, CAHN, was found to drive bureaucratic action by labelling opposition as hate.
  3. Trudeau's invocation of the Emergencies Act based on fabricated intelligence led to backlash against his leadership.

Protestors Stage Die-Ins At Several Florida DMVs Over Trans Drivers License Ban

Erin In The Morning • 5011 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Protests Legislation Social justice Civil Rights
  1. Protesters staged die-ins at multiple Florida DMVs against the new policy prohibiting transgender individuals from changing their gender markers on driver's licenses.
  2. The protests were organized by various organizations in Florida and involved over 100 participants laying on the ground for 37 minutes to symbolize the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
  3. The risks associated with incorrect gender markers on official documents for transgender individuals include increased harassment and abuse, while correct gender markers are crucial for lowering suicide risk and supporting their transition.

Canada first. Then the Spanish. Then the French. The Irish. Now the Germans. And Friday, the Poles.

Welcome to Absurdistan • 5640 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Protests Globalization Government Corruption
  1. Protests against climate regulations and globalization are happening worldwide.
  2. There is growing distrust and resistance towards government narratives and actions.
  3. The working class and immigrants are at the forefront of demanding change and better economic opportunities.

Activism, Uncensored: On January 6th, Protests for and Against Donald Trump

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Activism Election Polarization Culture war
  1. There were protests on January 6th about Donald Trump's election results. Some people wanted Congress to not certify the election, while others were asking for pardons for those involved in the earlier protests.
  2. The protests highlighted a deep divide in American culture and politics. People on both sides expressed strong beliefs and emotions regarding Trump and the events of January 6th.
  3. A video by Ford Fischer showed different viewpoints from these protests. It offered a clear look at the ongoing cultural conflicts in the country.

Guatemala Just Ran January 6th In Reverse

Persuasion • 3852 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Democracy Corruption Protests International relations Political Movements
  1. Guatemala recently experienced a successful pro-democracy movement against a corrupt political establishment.
  2. A largely-indigenous grassroots movement mobilized to demand respect for their votes and succeeded in getting the new president sworn in.
  3. The international community largely overlooked Guatemala's impressive defense of democracy, pointing to various reasons like lack of attention and conflicting support from different political factions.