Look away! My sunday morning is filled with reflections on incompetence, corruption, and policy failures.
What’s the deal with SpaceX? Is it a world-class investment or just a junk one? The situation can be examined through Wall Street’s classic idea of “smart money” versus “stupid money.” Essentially, while the stock market values SpaceX around $2 trillion—comparable to Amazon and exceeding JPMorgan and ExxonMobil—there’s a belief that naive investors expect Elon Musk’s bold claims to magically materialize. Experienced investors, however, view the debt side of things differently. They know that real returns need to be earned and approach Musk’s high-flying promises with skepticism. SpaceX is, in some ways, both the most sought-after private asset worldwide and a governance disaster. Bethany MacLean highlights this tension, pointing out the contradictions of a $350 billion company operating without a board. (new york times)
How are rogue states using cryptocurrencies to dodge sanctions? It’s more significant than you might think. In 2025, blacklisted entities managed $100 billion in cryptocurrencies, channeling funds toward terrorism and weapons. The WSJ explores the shadow economy of these workarounds. (wall street journal) See also President Trump’s $1.4 billion virtual currency disclosure: According to the White House, there’s no conflict of interest as Trump reports income from deregulated sectors. Molly White examines these disclosures, revealing that conflicts aren’t just theoretical—they’ve become quite official. (citation required)
Jessica Burbank discusses herd safety alongside America’s surveillance state. Investigative journalist Burbank sheds light on how a company managed to secure government contracts without much fanfare and why this has led to community pushback. Her current affairs interview reveals how Flock Safety’s license plate readers have quietly permeated the country, leaving many unaware of how closely their movements are monitored. (current affairs)
Has America crossed the “asshole threshold”? It seems civilization has its fair share of parasites. There’s a line that, once crossed, signals severe trouble. Rome hit that line, the Gilded Age was teetering on it, and now, for the first time, we might be able to gauge it. A historian raises the question: Is there a point where institutional incivility and cruelty shape cultural defaults? (North Korean defector)
Is the end of reading upon us? Once, there was optimism about universal literacy being inevitable. Yet, it now seems reading might be a fleeting chapter in human history. The atlantic ocean‘s cover story discusses the ongoing decline of reading as a cultural practice and paints a picture of what a post-literate society could look like. It’s not about books disappearing; it’s more about losing the attention span to engage with them. (atlantic ocean)
Watchdog raises concerns over increasing private equity in U.S. health care: A recent report highlights numerous collaborations between private equity and nonprofit organizations, urging for more government oversight. Many may not be surprised by this. (guardian)
The Supreme Court’s influence on American democracy: What’s happening here? You can’t easily bribe or influence the chief jurist of the U.S., and thank goodness for that. To truly grasp this, we need a broader understanding of the correlation between democracy and corruption. Mark Warren’s paper, “What Does Corruption Mean in a Democracy?” published just before John Roberts became Chief Justice, offers crucial insights. Henry Farrell contends that the Supreme Court is structurally corrupting American democracy, and it’s not only through its rulings. (programmable tweets)
Why measles outbreaks are tougher to control in the U.S. The infections are nearing last year’s record numbers, pushing doctors to relearn about a disease many thought had vanished. The struggles, attributed to falling vaccination rates and fragile public health systems, are both predictable and preventable. (washington post) Also see Newborns experiencing severe bleeding from refusal of vitamin K injections. Doctors recount treating infants with cerebral and abdominal hemorrhages due to missed shots, with some stating the images of these cases remain etched in their memories. (new york times)
Bari Weiss’s influence on CBS News: There’s a perception that Weiss wasn’t really brought on board for journalistic integrity. Instead, it appears she’s been there to promote right-wing narratives. Unfortunately, it seems she hasn’t excelled at that either, as CBS just recorded its lowest ratings in 25 years. (tech dirt)
How Olivia Rodrigo is taking on the Trump administration: Pop stars are transforming their platforms into tools for activism. The Hollywood Reporter covers Rodrigo’s transition from heartbreak-themed music to political engagement. (hollywood reporter)
