What’s Jon Reading This Week, And A Short Video on … Wealth Redistribution!
I am perusing the web all week, and I write about some things, but read about a lot more. Each week I curate interesting things that you may enjoy checking out.
Before we get into what I have been reading, how about I treat you to what I am saying. I like throwing a short video commentary or analysis on top of this Saturday newsletter… Usually from me! But this one was too fun to not share from our friends at Prager University!
What Have I Been Reading?
Deep Fakes In Political Ads? You May Not Like Them, But You Can’t Ban Them!
In his latest CalMatters column, Dan Walters examines California’s tough new anti‑deepfake election laws. He outlines how Governor Newsom signed legislation to curb AI‑generated political deception—only for a federal judge to strike them down under Section 230 protections. Walters argues that while deepfakes pose a real threat, these measures end up veering into censorship.
Is Katie Porter The Front Runner For CA Governor?
Katie Porter, famous for her whiteboard takedowns in Congress, is now eyeing California’s top job. Politico’s California Daybook had a good analysis on her 2026 gubernatorial launch, her progressive message, and how national politics—especially Kamala Harris’s next move—could reshape the race. Porter’s entry adds heat to an already crowded field and signals that Democrats may be headed for a high-stakes, high-drama primary.
I Didn’t Know This Was a Thing - Using Your Data This Way… Did You?
Did you know apps like Uber and Lyft could see your phone’s battery level and use it to hike your fare when you’re low on juice? In an article from CalMatters, reporter Maya C. Miller exposes a proposed California law that would ban this kind of “surveillance pricing.” Sound alarming? Read more below.
California a “Donor State” - Fact vs. Fiction
Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media to say that California is a “donor state,” supposedly sending more money to Washington, D.C., than it gets back. But that narrative falls apart under scrutiny. California doesn’t send money—its taxpayers do—and the state’s massive reliance on federal funding tells a different story. From welfare programs to federally seeded industries, California benefits far more than it gives. Before accepting the spin, take a closer look at the numbers behind the myth…
No Wonder The Left Is Attacking Charter Schools…
California’s public schools have lost over 612,000 students in the last decade, even as alternatives like charters, microschools, and homeschooling grow. In this piece from the California Policy Center, author Sheridan Karras examines the enrollment decline and makes the case for expanding education options to better serve families statewide.
A New Entitlement Program in the OBBB - Incredibly Underwhelming
Ever since I learned about the so-called Trump Accounts in the OBBB, I’ve thought they were unserious—promising families investment accounts while pretending to solve Social Security’s problems. In this long-form piece on Liberty Taxed, Adam N. Michel, Director of Tax Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, explains why these accounts are more political gimmick than policy solution. If you’re skeptical too, this article is worth your time.
Can you even name the Lt. Governor of California?
If you can then maybe you might care, if you knew she was running for Governor, that she has already dropped out (and now wants to run for State Treasuer).
Some Non-Political Stories Of Interest (To Me!).
Judges an AI
When a judge in Colombia used ChatGPT to help decide a child’s medical case, he cited the AI’s answer in his ruling—only to be met with backlash for outsourcing judgment to a bot. In his Political Questions Substack, author Steven F. Hayward uses this cautionary tale to explore whether AI should have any role in our courts—or replace judges entirely.
Someone has actually proposed (with specificity) a spaceship that would take 2400 people on a one way trip out of our galaxy. Seriously. I wonder if Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence are ready to go?
I guess it goes in like with our goal to build a nuclear reactor on the moon.
What’s the big deal? Go fishing and reel in a… 700 year old sword?
Ever wonder what would happen if EVERYONE turned on their lights at the same time? Apparently someone was curious.
All you ever wanted to know about Zoo escapes! Not sure if this WashPost piece is paywalled (I am one of their few remaining subscribers) - but I “borrowed” the chart below so you can get some insights either way…
One LONG FORM READ - The “Civics Crisis” Taking Down Modern Universities
In a compelling long-form piece on Substack, Frank J. DiStefano diagnoses what he calls the “civic crisis” gripping modern American universities. He argues that credentials have replaced character-building, and academic institutions now prioritize sorting students into elite tracks over forming democratic citizens. If you’re wondering how higher education shifted from civic formation to credential factories—and what that means for our future...
What have I been watching?
One POLITICAL VIDEO
Did You Know?
We all watching with interest coverage from the Hawaiian Islands after the big 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia. But did you miss the fact that the earthquake caused a volcanic eruption? I missed it!
80 Years Ago - Japan Surrendered
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. The devastating strikes hastened the end of World War II, leading to Japan’s surrender days later. The bombings remain among history’s most consequential—and controversial—acts of war.
The first bomb, dubbed ‘Little Boy’ was dropped on Hiroshima, killing at least 70,000 people. The second born, ‘Fat Man,’ was dropped on Nagasaki, killing around 40,000 people. Within days Japan surrendered, ending World War II.
The calculated decision to drop these bombs was probably the most difficult one of Harry Truman’s Presidency. The calculation was that the deaths caused by the dropping of the A-bombs would likely end the war, saving untold numbers of other lives.
Finally, this was the speech given by President Truman. It is clear when you watch it, he was talking to the Japanese.
Speaking of 80 years ago, Doris Day singing Les Brown’s Sentimental Journey was at the top of the charts.
All of these years later, this is where we have ended up. Sigh.
I hope everyone is having a fun weekend!
Oh yes, do me a favor and forward this to one person!
Jon