The hottest Violence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Record Low Crime Rates Are Real, Not Just Reporting Bias Or Improved Medical Care

Astral Codex Ten • 25534 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. U.S. violent and property crime rates are at or near historic lows, with the murder rate possibly the lowest in 250 years and many crimes at multi-decade lows.
  2. The decline looks real rather than just underreporting, because independent victim surveys, consistently reported crimes like car theft, and murder counts all show similar downward trends.
  3. Improved medical care doesn’t explain the drop in murders—lethality per violent incident has stayed stable or injuries have grown worse—and researchers offer multiple plausible explanations (technology, policing, demographics, lead decline, etc.) without a single agreed cause.

Culture Links, 3/7/2026

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. A shared American moral horizon — belief in hard work, getting ahead, and playing by the rules — lets many regional and lifestyle differences coexist, but the shift to a credentialed, post‑industrial economy has left large groups feeling cut off from that American Dream and its meaning.
  2. New communication technologies and large-scale migration have weakened elite control over shared facts and authority, fueling populism and social instability while prompting elites to try to reassert control over the information sphere.
  3. Violence and the struggle for force shaped most of human history, and only when states monopolized violence could societies shift status competition into commerce, innovation, and institutions; at the same time, high agreeableness can be exploited by very disagreeable people, so societies need a balance of trust and vigilance.

The real bullying happens at home

Disaffected Newsletter • 5015 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. Many serious issues stem from troubled home environments rather than just bullying at school. A supportive home life is really important for children's mental health.
  2. Kids often act out or show strange behaviors due to trauma at home, and these issues can be overlooked or not understood by others. Parents play a huge role in shaping their child's well-being.
  3. There's a big need for society to talk more openly about child abuse and hold parents accountable. It's crucial to recognize that many violent behaviors in youth can often be traced back to a harmful upbringing.

What a Trans Shooter Doesn’t Mean

Singal-Minded • 380 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. You can't simply equate a transgender identity with violence; being trans is not evidence of dangerousness.
  2. One shooter’s trans status doesn't prove a broader causal link between being trans and committing violent acts, so don't generalize from a single case.
  3. Discussions should focus on evidence, motives, and context — like mental health or radicalization — instead of stigmatizing an entire group.

Trump’s Brownshirts

Robert Reich • 30268 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Violence and threats of violence are embedded in Trumpian politics.
  2. Trump's rhetoric has incited an army of vigilantes causing increased intimidation and attacks.
  3. Historical parallels highlight the dangers of political violence and the impact of leaders' actions on followers.
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Canada and the U.S. Now Have Something Horrific in Common

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📰 News Violence
  1. A mass shooting at a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge killed and injured many, erasing the belief that school shootings are only an American problem.
  2. The town is tiny and remote, so residents, victims, and the shooter were closely connected and the whole community is deeply traumatized.
  3. Canadian officials used different language and approaches—calling the suspect 'gunperson' and respecting a preferred gender identity—highlighting a distinct national response to such violence.

I Told You: Chaos is Coming

Freddie deBoer • 17481 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. People are feeling lost and disconnected in today's world, which can lead to dangerous behaviors like violence. This sense of emptiness makes some look for meaning in extreme actions.
  2. Many young people are struggling to find real meaning in life, and they might turn to historic ideologies that feel hollow or even joke-like. They want something to hold on to, but everything feels lightweight.
  3. The solution may lie in connection and community. If people can reach out and support each other, there might be hope for a better future, but this is not an easy path.

Stochastic Terror

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. The media can influence public perception and actions, which has been evident in political events, including attempts on leaders' lives. It's important to be aware of how narratives are shaped.
  2. Society often overlooks the reality of women's violence, which can lead to misunderstandings about abusive behaviors, even when they are clearly happening.
  3. There are diverse topics discussed in the media that range from serious issues to light-hearted humor, showcasing varied perspectives and cultural commentary.

Who killed Jean Pormanove?

Read Max • 3609 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. Jean Pormanove, a French livestreamer, died after participating in a brutal and humiliating marathon stream with friends. The stream involved a lot of physical challenges and humiliations that he complained about.
  2. Kick, the streaming platform where the event took place, has a reputation for allowing extreme and often toxic content. This environment encourages such harmful behavior among streamers and viewers.
  3. Graven's participation in the streams reflects a deeper cultural issue of bullying and the need for acceptance, showing how social dynamics can push individuals to tolerate harmful situations.

Welcome to Boomland

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5831 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Boomland, a fireworks emporium in Missouri, serves as a symbol of American complexities and fears.
  2. The region, historically marked by the New Madrid earthquake zone, faces a looming threat of catastrophic seismic activity.
  3. The author reflects on the state of America, the government's handling of crises, and the need for individuals to define moral principles amidst chaos.

Oklahoma Appoints Libs Of TikTok "To Make Schools Safer," Violent Threats Follow Her Posts

Erin In The Morning • 4127 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Chaya Raichik, creator of Libs of TikTok, was appointed to make schools safer but her posts led to violent threats.
  2. Raichik's appointment to the Library Media Advisory Committee has sparked controversy due to her history of targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. Despite criticism, Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters supports far-right influencers and causes, impacting LGBTQ+ policies in the state.

Shin Guards

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. The story showcases how childhood games can sometimes lead to unexpected violence. The characters are just kids but their actions escalate quickly.
  2. The main character grapples with their identity and feelings of powerlessness, especially when witnessing a friend getting hurt. It highlights the struggle of fitting in while facing personal conflicts.
  3. Friendship dynamics play a major role in the scene, showing how peer pressure can influence actions and decisions, making it hard to stand up against the group.

The Extremely Gleeful, Extremely Dark Reaction to a CEO’s Killing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5216 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. A CEO was shot and killed in New York, capturing the attention of many people online. The video of the assassination showed a planned and cold-blooded act.
  2. Some people reacted to the murder in a troubling way, treating it as if it were a fictional scene from a movie. Critics expressed that they felt the CEO got what he deserved due to the company's actions.
  3. Comments on social media ranged from dark humor to openly supporting violence against executives, showing a disturbing sense of glee about the situation.

The Knot of Sovereignty

The J. Burden Show • 1098 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. The West is facing issues like immigration and declining birthrates, with leaders seemingly avoiding real solutions.
  2. There's a need for a new elite with both power and competence to address complex societal problems.
  3. Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is praised for his strong leadership, cutting through complex problems with decisive action.

Was the UHC assassin a "pro"?

Read Max • 4215 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. There is a lot of debate online about whether the person who killed the UHC CEO was a skilled professional or just someone angry with the company. This shows how people are fascinated by the idea of hitmen and assassins.
  2. Most of the discussions about assassins come from movies and TV shows, not real life. Many people who talk about being 'cool gun guys' often have no real experience but love consuming action-packed media.
  3. The myth of hitmen being like the ones in movies may influence some to try and act like them. However, real-life hitmen are quite different from fiction, and trying to hire one is likely to lead to trouble.

My friend, the sadistic murderer

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Violence
  1. Kevin Ashdown, a former school friend, turned into a sadistic murderer who killed his girlfriend after years of abuse and control.
  2. The tragic story highlights the long-term impact of childhood abuse on individuals and how unaddressed anger and misogyny can lead to extreme violence.
  3. Reflecting on the past with empathy sheds light on how lives can diverge drastically, and how early experiences can shape a person's future choices and actions.

No Christmas in Gaza

Pen>Sword • 1737 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. Christmas won't be celebrated in Gaza due to the local Christian population facing extinction.
  2. Only 700 Palestinian Christians are left in Gaza out of 2.3 million total population.
  3. The genocide in Gaza is erasing the Christian community with little outcry from the broader world.

Before Politics, There's the World

Freddie deBoer • 17171 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Physical intervention can be necessary to prevent harm, even in challenging situations.
  2. Adoption serves as a vital solution for children in need of homes and families who want to provide love.
  3. Real-world complexities often require pragmatic solutions, even if they may not align with idealistic views.

Political Psychology Links, 11/16/2025

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Smarter people often show less violence because they can anticipate the consequences of their actions better and have more empathy.
  2. Urbanization can help democracy grow by allowing more people to organize, protest, and challenge those in power.
  3. People often go along with accepted moral views to fit in, instead of seeking truth, showing how social influences can shape our judgments.

Don’t Call it a Ceasefire

Pen>Sword • 1317 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. A genuine ceasefire means putting a stop to ethnic cleansing, not just a temporary pause in conflict.
  2. The recent 'ceasefire' in Gaza was actually a deceptive pause used to continue violence and ethnic cleansing.
  3. Israel aims to make remaining in Gaza impossible for Palestinians, leading to the ethnic cleansing of the region.

Where Does The Aggression Really Begin?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2151 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. The label 'terrorist' is often used to manipulate public perception and justify violence. Some groups or individuals may be labeled as terrorists while others are not, depending on their perceived alignment with power structures.
  2. Acts of violence by the powerful are often overlooked or justified, while retaliatory actions by those oppressed are labeled as terrorism. This double standard shapes our understanding of aggression.
  3. To create a fair society, it's important to recognize all forms of aggression and hold everyone accountable, not just those who are deemed a threat to the rich and powerful.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Right from Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 616 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. There's growing concern about the acceptance of violence in politics, shown by online reactions to a tragic murder. Many are questioning how society has shifted to celebrate such events.
  2. A respected doctor, Dr. Vinay Prasad, faced a smear campaign that led to his removal from a key health position. This highlights issues of trust and transparency in public health.
  3. In the chaos of war, accurate information is critical yet often hard to find. Voices in Israel are grappling with how to navigate conflicting reports about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Savages and Succession

The J. Burden Show • 619 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Repeated exposure to extreme content on the internet can dull emotional responses.
  2. Knife laws in the UK and societal violence are topics of debate and concern.
  3. The article discusses concerns about imported violence and dissatisfaction with current ruling class responses.

Mexico's Cartel Map 2024

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 569 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. Cartels in Mexico are larger and more powerful than street gangs, controlling entire territories and influencing local governance.
  2. The division of cartels is analyzed in three levels: major transnational cartels, powerful regional cartels, and local cartels.
  3. Cartel control varies in intensity across different areas in Mexico, with some places experiencing more overt control while others have quieter, but still impactful, operations.

When “Punch a Nazi” Goes Wrong

Tracing Woodgrains • 884 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. A petty dispute escalated into a tragic event fueled by misconceptions and personal grievances.
  2. Perceptions of political alignment can lead to dehumanization and justification of violence.
  3. It's important to seek out and share the full story behind events to prevent unfair demonization.

Mexico's Worst Narco Massacres

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. Massacres in Mexico, like the one in Allende, have gone unnoticed for years, revealing a dark history of violence and cover-ups.
  2. Understanding and documenting these massacres is essential not just for legal purposes but also to prevent their repetition and preserve Mexico's historical memory.
  3. Mexico's drug war has resulted in horrific mass killings since 2010, demonstrating the extreme violence and chaos caused by the conflict.

Top Links 802 Investing in coercion. Liechtenstein hit by zombies. China's slowdown vocabulary.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence
  1. Investing is becoming more about controlling and influencing people. It shows a shift in how power dynamics are changing in finance.
  2. There are strange events happening, like zombie sightings in Liechtenstein. This quirky idea highlights unusual occurrences in society.
  3. China's economy is slowing down, and new language is emerging to describe this change. It's important to pay attention to how we talk about economic shifts.

What Are Cartels?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. The term 'cartel' is commonly used to describe organized crime networks in Mexico, but it can be criticized for being inaccurate and misleading.
  2. Despite critiques, there is clear evidence of powerful criminal networks in Mexico unleashing violence and running various illegal activities.
  3. While there are debates about the terminology, 'cartel' remains a widely understood term to represent these organized crime groups, even though nuances in their structures and operations exist.

Ecuador's Gangster Warlords and the Murder of a Presidential Candidate

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 727 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. Ecuador's democracy is impacted by gang violence, including the recent assassination of a presidential candidate.
  2. Gangsters in Ecuador have evolved into powerful political players, involving themselves in activities like drug trafficking and extortion.
  3. Crime wars involving mafia networks and corrupt security forces threaten the political and social fabric of Latin American societies.

Applied Math Versus Cartels

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 727 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Violence
  1. Cartels in Mexico are one of the top employers with a large number of recruits that need to be replaced constantly to maintain their operations.
  2. Reducing cartel recruitment is crucial in lowering violence in Mexico and preventing youths from joining these criminal organizations.
  3. Mathematical modeling can provide insights into understanding and addressing the complex issue of organized crime in Mexico.

The Brother War

Journal of Free Black Thought • 53 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Violence
  1. There is a hidden national crisis of black-on-black violence that kills a disproportionate number of Black men and boys, yet many treat these deaths as isolated incidents instead of a single, widespread problem.
  2. The killings are linked to a crisis of masculine identity and opportunity: broken families, absent fathers, poor schooling, and criminal records shut many young Black men out of legitimate paths to status, leaving guns and gangs as substitutes for dignity.
  3. Community silence and short-term fixes like more policing or recreation programs won’t solve it; reducing the carnage requires rebuilding family stability, promoting education and personal responsibility, and creating real pathways to manhood.