Gady Epstein
@gadyepstein.bsky.social
A longform editor at The Economist. Views expressed may be the opposite of my employer’s
Reposted by Gady Epstein
A shaky anonymous source; a jab about a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” lawyer; a flub that allowed a skeptical editor’s email to become public; an internal text exchange raising doubts about the story:
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
How the New York Times lost a defamation trial.
An anonymous source, a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” text message, and the newsroom’s first defamation defeat in this country in more than fifty years.
www.cjr.org
September 16, 2026 at 10:51 AM
A shaky anonymous source; a jab about a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” lawyer; a flub that allowed a skeptical editor’s email to become public; an internal text exchange raising doubts about the story:
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
Reposted by Gady Epstein
“ICE agents were caught on video pulling one teen from the car and punching him repeatedly in the face while he lay on the ground. The other teen, Luis Ochoa, said he informed the ICE agents he was a citizen but was told, ‘I don’t give a damn.… Your parents can’t help you now.’”
“Two U.S. citizen teenagers who were on their way to file enlistment papers to join the Marines were violently attacked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who reportedly detained them for nearly eight hours before letting them go.” newrepublic.com/post/215393/...
ICE Attacks Two U.S. Citizen Minors on Their Way to Enlist in Marines
The ICE agents reportedly said they didn’t care after being told the two teenagers were citizens.
newrepublic.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:13 PM
“ICE agents were caught on video pulling one teen from the car and punching him repeatedly in the face while he lay on the ground. The other teen, Luis Ochoa, said he informed the ICE agents he was a citizen but was told, ‘I don’t give a damn.… Your parents can’t help you now.’”
Reposted by Gady Epstein
New: Macklemore says Robert Kraft — who owns Gillette Stadium, where Macklemore & Ed Sheeran were to perform later this month — called Sheeran.
Kraft rallied other owners together behind an ultimatum for Sheeran: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you won't be allowed in our venues.
Kraft rallied other owners together behind an ultimatum for Sheeran: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you won't be allowed in our venues.
September 14, 2026 at 4:04 PM
New: Macklemore says Robert Kraft — who owns Gillette Stadium, where Macklemore & Ed Sheeran were to perform later this month — called Sheeran.
Kraft rallied other owners together behind an ultimatum for Sheeran: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you won't be allowed in our venues.
Kraft rallied other owners together behind an ultimatum for Sheeran: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you won't be allowed in our venues.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
[looks into camera]
September 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
[looks into camera]
Very illuminating article. The work of some of these researchers, whose conduct here is described by the committer as “reprehensible”, has been cited or indirectly relied upon for years by anti-trans commentators and writers
Researchers appeal misconduct finding over studies of trans youth
Oslo University Hospital Five researchers at Norway’s national gender incongruence clinic are appealing a university committee’s finding they committed “gross negligence” and scientific misconduct …
retractionwatch.com
September 12, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Very illuminating article. The work of some of these researchers, whose conduct here is described by the committer as “reprehensible”, has been cited or indirectly relied upon for years by anti-trans commentators and writers
“thousands of LessWrong posts” is one of the funniest things I’ve seen here in a while, but “literally entire best-selling books about this” is sneaky good too
Nate Silver has an extremely high opinion of his ability to apply his intelligence way outside of its field of study and it is often hysterical.
The worst parts of his book were the PDoom chapters. Absolute dogpoop stuff.
The worst parts of his book were the PDoom chapters. Absolute dogpoop stuff.
September 12, 2026 at 3:50 PM
“thousands of LessWrong posts” is one of the funniest things I’ve seen here in a while, but “literally entire best-selling books about this” is sneaky good too
people not dying in car crashes, idk sounds like woke 3.0 to me
Remarkable. In 2025, Japan had the lowest number of crash deaths on record (going back to 1948). Now they're poised to have even fewer.
Japan halves speed limit to 30km/h on all narrow city streets
Speed limit dropped from 60km/h for around 70% of general roads in the hope of making narrow streets of crowded cities safer
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2026 at 3:21 PM
people not dying in car crashes, idk sounds like woke 3.0 to me
Guy pretending he doesn’t know what Roko’s Basilisk is, I see you, nice try
September 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Guy pretending he doesn’t know what Roko’s Basilisk is, I see you, nice try
Reposted by Gady Epstein
50% done with this.
Even if you think you know everything about vaccines you should read it.
It does an amazing job of telling the history of vaccines from day 1 and how antivaxx nonsense in 2026 is no different from 200 years ago.
I’m learning a ton.
Even if you think you know everything about vaccines you should read it.
It does an amazing job of telling the history of vaccines from day 1 and how antivaxx nonsense in 2026 is no different from 200 years ago.
I’m learning a ton.
Self promotion alert!
My book A Pox on Fools, comes out on 5/26 (UK) & 6/9 (US).
It's a history of vax opposition, tracing RFK Jr.'s anti-vax grift back to once-somewhat plausible fears. Its goal: to help readers debunk his BS for any persuadables they know.
Preorders are a book's best friend!
My book A Pox on Fools, comes out on 5/26 (UK) & 6/9 (US).
It's a history of vax opposition, tracing RFK Jr.'s anti-vax grift back to once-somewhat plausible fears. Its goal: to help readers debunk his BS for any persuadables they know.
Preorders are a book's best friend!
A Pox on Fools by Thomas Levenson: 9798217155002 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
An urgent and profound history of vaccine skepticism, seeking to understand how our three most common fears about vaccines hardened into a lethal ideology—from a leading science writer Since the...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
September 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
50% done with this.
Even if you think you know everything about vaccines you should read it.
It does an amazing job of telling the history of vaccines from day 1 and how antivaxx nonsense in 2026 is no different from 200 years ago.
I’m learning a ton.
Even if you think you know everything about vaccines you should read it.
It does an amazing job of telling the history of vaccines from day 1 and how antivaxx nonsense in 2026 is no different from 200 years ago.
I’m learning a ton.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
Excellent, disturbing reporting from Sarah Kliff.
Seems like, among other horrifying things, this lawsuit abuser left a placenta in a woman and then charged her twice to remove it.
Seems like, among other horrifying things, this lawsuit abuser left a placenta in a woman and then charged her twice to remove it.
September 8, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Excellent, disturbing reporting from Sarah Kliff.
Seems like, among other horrifying things, this lawsuit abuser left a placenta in a woman and then charged her twice to remove it.
Seems like, among other horrifying things, this lawsuit abuser left a placenta in a woman and then charged her twice to remove it.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
This is basically a push poll and Zohran still beat it.
September 8, 2026 at 7:40 PM
This is basically a push poll and Zohran still beat it.
"She was visible enough that her departure needed to be acknowledged. And…that is all. No praise. For an on-air celebrity with twelve years of tenure, that told me the circumstances were bad."
Did I take one for the team and go look at five (5) statements that Fox News gave when high-profile air talent departed so YOU didn't have to? Yes, yes I did. And the story they told about what happened to Maria Bartiromo was pretty interesting. williammoss.substack.com/p/u-r-fired-...
U R fired thx
Maria Bartiromo and the executive dismissal statement curve
williammoss.substack.com
September 8, 2026 at 5:53 PM
"She was visible enough that her departure needed to be acknowledged. And…that is all. No praise. For an on-air celebrity with twelve years of tenure, that told me the circumstances were bad."
It’s the “scientific” update to Rockefeller’s belief that his wealth and success were God-given
i think the reason billionaires trend towards the nazi/eugenics line is because the choice is either that they dont deserve their money and theyre not special or they have better dna than the rest of us and represent an evolutionary leap for the human species
September 7, 2026 at 7:41 PM
It’s the “scientific” update to Rockefeller’s belief that his wealth and success were God-given
Reposted by Gady Epstein
Tech companies don't even tell you what they do anymore, they just look at you like this
September 7, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Tech companies don't even tell you what they do anymore, they just look at you like this
Reposted by Gady Epstein
Cuaron was asked when he made this (2006) how he created such a convincing, organic-looking future Britain. He said he looked at what was happening at the time and then just assumed for the movie that everything would keep going on much the same trajectory as it was then, for twenty years or so.
September 7, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Cuaron was asked when he made this (2006) how he created such a convincing, organic-looking future Britain. He said he looked at what was happening at the time and then just assumed for the movie that everything would keep going on much the same trajectory as it was then, for twenty years or so.
Game (elite impunity) recognizes game
"Republican Senator Rick Scott issued a statement saying the grand jury's findings were 'deeply concerning,'...."
(stares directly into the camera) www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/h...
(stares directly into the camera) www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/h...
Outrage, call for change continue to mount following Hope Florida grand jury report
The report found taxpayer money was routed through nonprofits and into political accounts, while Attorney General James Uthmeier faces fresh criticism over his role in the transfer.
www.cbsnews.com
September 7, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Game (elite impunity) recognizes game
Reposted by Gady Epstein
NEW: Nate Hochman was fired from the DeSantis campaign in 2023 after promoting a video with the Sonnenrad, a Nazi symbol embraced by white supremacists. He now works in Rubio's State Department, as deputy director of policy planning and chief speechwriter. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/u...
For Fired DeSantis Campaign Staff Member, a Second Chance at State Dept. (Gift Article)
The hiring of Nate Hochman, who lost his job amid an uproar over a video containing a Nazi symbol, underscores the administration’s willingness to overlook past transgressions.
www.nytimes.com
September 6, 2026 at 7:27 PM
NEW: Nate Hochman was fired from the DeSantis campaign in 2023 after promoting a video with the Sonnenrad, a Nazi symbol embraced by white supremacists. He now works in Rubio's State Department, as deputy director of policy planning and chief speechwriter. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/u...
Reposted by Gady Epstein
this is an…unbelievable paragraph. yeah, what could be the difference between the court overturning a duly-passed and signed law and the court overturning an executive memo that violates the law?
The paragraph before seems equally detached from events—this would-be stumper of a question about the Court overturning executive orders is a lot less of a stumper when the executive orders keep violating laws passed by Congress!
September 6, 2026 at 6:58 PM
this is an…unbelievable paragraph. yeah, what could be the difference between the court overturning a duly-passed and signed law and the court overturning an executive memo that violates the law?
Reposted by Gady Epstein
In case anyone is wondering how a law which prohibits boycotting is even constitutional, take a look below at the legal argument
September 4, 2026 at 8:45 PM
In case anyone is wondering how a law which prohibits boycotting is even constitutional, take a look below at the legal argument
SCOOP: Local official’s staff publicizes his actions by means other than faxed press release
The Times describes this as an "influencer operation" but it kinda just seems like ... Mamdani is popular?
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/n...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/n...
September 4, 2026 at 9:01 PM
SCOOP: Local official’s staff publicizes his actions by means other than faxed press release
Reposted by Gady Epstein
A pattern that I find genuinely fascinating in these debates is that the "popularist"/moderation/centrist/etc crowd seems to be sincerely offended by the idea that a politician might have genuine liberal principles.
Here's the NY Times' take on the role of trans politics in Markey's victory, in their "Six Takeaways" piece.
A lot of softepedalling here--Moulton didn't just "question" participation, he said trans girls were "boys"; he also gave an interview recently where he walked back his "apology."
A lot of softepedalling here--Moulton didn't just "question" participation, he said trans girls were "boys"; he also gave an interview recently where he walked back his "apology."
September 3, 2026 at 12:18 AM
A pattern that I find genuinely fascinating in these debates is that the "popularist"/moderation/centrist/etc crowd seems to be sincerely offended by the idea that a politician might have genuine liberal principles.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
The consequences of ICE's failure to pay outside medical specialists has been especially dire for people with serious medical issues like cancer or seizure disorders.
One man, who suffered seizures due to a brain tumor, was denied access to external specialists because of ICE's failure to pay.
One man, who suffered seizures due to a brain tumor, was denied access to external specialists because of ICE's failure to pay.
September 2, 2026 at 7:48 PM
The consequences of ICE's failure to pay outside medical specialists has been especially dire for people with serious medical issues like cancer or seizure disorders.
One man, who suffered seizures due to a brain tumor, was denied access to external specialists because of ICE's failure to pay.
One man, who suffered seizures due to a brain tumor, was denied access to external specialists because of ICE's failure to pay.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
*Mr Beast voice* I HELPED THIS WOMAN TURN A ROOM FULL OF STRAW INTO GOLD USING ONLY A SPINNING WHEEL! IF SHE CAN'T GUESS MY NAME IN THREE DAYS, I'M TAKING HER BABY!
September 1, 2026 at 10:26 PM
*Mr Beast voice* I HELPED THIS WOMAN TURN A ROOM FULL OF STRAW INTO GOLD USING ONLY A SPINNING WHEEL! IF SHE CAN'T GUESS MY NAME IN THREE DAYS, I'M TAKING HER BABY!
Reposted by Gady Epstein
moulton is a good example of someone who fucked up his career because he misread 2024. many such cases.
In 2024, Moulton said he didn't want his daughters, then 3 and 6, to be "run over on the playing by a formerly male athlete." the in-town soccer league they would have been eligible to play in WAS COED AT THE TIME. Oh, and he gave an absolute loser non-apology about it.
Seth Moulton’s anti-trans rhetoric comes back to haunt him in Senate debate with Ed Markey
"I deeply recognize your trauma, and I'm sorry if my comments hurt you," the congressman said.
www.advocate.com
September 2, 2026 at 1:45 AM
moulton is a good example of someone who fucked up his career because he misread 2024. many such cases.
Reposted by Gady Epstein
A 76-year-old green card holder with stage 4 cancer was arrested at his citizenship application interview and has been held by ICE for two months.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
August 31, 2026 at 3:27 PM
A 76-year-old green card holder with stage 4 cancer was arrested at his citizenship application interview and has been held by ICE for two months.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...