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Links For December 2025

51 min • 7,776 words • 592 comments • 260 likes • podcast (52 min)

Scott's monthly roundup of interesting links covering AI policy developments, technology news, cultural observations, and scientific research from December 2025. Longer summary

This is Scott Alexander's monthly collection of links and commentary covering diverse topics. Major themes include AI policy battles (chip sales to China, regulation debates, political campaigns), startup news (Substrate fraud allegations, Tornyol mosquito drones), and scientific updates (COVID origins, Hitler's DNA, lactose intolerance). The post also covers cultural topics like the first millennial saint, Dimes Square commentary, and political polling about ideal Democratic candidates. Scott provides his characteristic mix of straightforward reporting, skeptical analysis, and occasional humor throughout the 53 linked items. Shorter summary

Recurring tags: politics (89), scientific research (64), links (62), links roundup (28), OpenAI (27), Donald Trump (14), AI regulation (14), basic income (12), AI policy (11), COVID-19 origins (6), embryo selection (6), fraud (4), startup funding (4), technology news (3), cultural commentary (3)

Jul 01, 2025

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Links For July 2025

28 min • 4,200 words • 581 comments • 210 likes • podcast (32 min)

Scott shares his monthly collection of 56 interesting links and developments from July 2025, covering AI, politics, science, and culture, with brief commentary on each. Longer summary

This is a collection of 56 interesting links and news items from July 2025, covering topics from AI development to politics to scientific research. The post includes updates on OpenAI's status, developments in AI regulation, new medical treatments, cultural trends, and various scientific findings. Scott maintains his usual style of presenting these with brief commentary and occasional humor, while being careful to note that he hasn't independently verified all links. Some notable items include Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill", new AI safety developments, trends in social media usage, and various medical breakthroughs. Shorter summary

Recurring tags: study critique (268), AI (110), politics (89), science (85), links (62), healthcare (56), social media (42), OpenAI (27), Trump (22)

Oct 10, 2024

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SB 1047: Our Side Of The Story

43 min • 6,634 words • 432 comments • 184 likes • podcast (43 min)

Scott Alexander discusses the political battle over California's AI safety bill SB 1047, its veto by Governor Newsom, and the implications for future AI regulation efforts. Longer summary

This post recounts the story behind SB 1047, a California bill aimed at regulating AI safety that was passed by the legislature but vetoed by Governor Newsom. Scott discusses the bill's supporters and opponents, the political maneuvering involved, and the aftermath of the veto. He analyzes the reasons for the veto, suggesting it was influenced by Silicon Valley donors and interests. The post also explores potential future strategies for AI regulation advocates, including possible alliances with left-wing groups. Scott concludes with reasons for optimism despite the setback, noting growing public support for AI regulation. Shorter summary

Recurring tags: effective altruism (97), prediction markets (85), AI safety (69), AI regulation (14), Silicon Valley (12), California politics (10), lobbying (9), Gavin Newsom (4)

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