The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Funding science is actually a badass thing to do

Experimental History • 9269 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Policy Technology Education
  1. Funding science is essential because it helps us gain knowledge, which is the key to improving our lives. Every advancement we've made comes from learning and understanding more about the world.
  2. We need to be careful not to fall into traps of thinking we can solve problems by reducing knowledge. Instead, we should focus on increasing our understanding to overcome challenges.
  3. Fixing the science funding system could be simple. For example, by avoiding payments to for-profit publishers and reducing unnecessary grant application processes, we can make better use of our resources and support innovative research.

From ‘Defund the Police’ to ‘Defund Air Traffic Control.’

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Safety Regulation Aviation
  1. The recent crash-landing of a commuter jet in Toronto didn't directly result from any recent layoffs, but future safety may be at risk due to those layoffs.
  2. Air traffic controllers and other safety professionals provide crucial oversight for safe flying. Reducing their numbers can lead to overlooked issues and potential disasters.
  3. Understanding the importance of air safety is vital. Cuts to safety teams, like those happening now, can endanger everyone who flies.

Important Announcements

The Upheaval • 1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy International relations Political theory Public Administration
  1. A book titled 'Control: The Global Rise and Coming Fall of Managerial Tyranny' is coming soon. It will be an expanded version of previous work on managerialism.
  2. The Substack will be paused indefinitely while the author takes a senior policy role at the State Department. Subscription payments are frozen, but the content will remain accessible.
  3. The author feels it's important to take action in today's world rather than just discuss issues. They hope to return to writing in the future.

Government Science and the Prestige Economy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1219 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Policy Innovation Economics History
  1. Government funding for science is important because there are some types of research that private companies won't invest in, even though they can benefit society. Basic research is valuable, even if it doesn't have immediate economic benefits.
  2. The idea of crowding out suggests that government funding may take talent away from private companies, but research shows that government support often leads to more innovation in the private sector as well.
  3. Prestige economies, which reward knowledge and research, can motivate scientists to do valuable work even if it doesn't yield direct financial gains. This is different from private sector jobs where profit is the main goal.

What if super AI happens during Trump's presidency?

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Technology AI
  1. The idea of super AI becoming a reality during Trump's presidency is being discussed, but it wasn't a major issue in the 2024 election. People might start hearing more about it in the future.
  2. Experts believe we could see very capable AI systems soon, possibly during Trump's second term. This could change how we think about jobs and technology in our daily lives.
  3. As AI technology advances, it will be important for government leaders to plan for its impact. Understanding how AI will affect society should be a priority right now.
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ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1703 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Media Policy
  1. There will be an ATW livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET, where important topics related to the FBI and national security will be discussed. It's a chance to hear insights from knowledgeable voices.
  2. Kash Patel has been confirmed as the new FBI director, and Dan Bongino is set to be the deputy director. This could impact how the FBI operates, especially in politically charged situations.
  3. The discussion will also cover the role of the Internet in news coverage and MSNBC's recent changes, which may interest those following media developments.

How Trump will actually turn America into the 'garbage can of the world'

The Signorile Report • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Policy Government Media
  1. If Trump wins, he may give Elon Musk the power to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, which could hurt many Americans by affecting key programs like Social Security and Medicare.
  2. Companies are getting ready to raise prices due to Trump's planned tariffs on foreign goods, which could add to inflation just as it starts to ease.
  3. Overall, Trump's policies might undo the strong economy built during Biden's presidency, potentially turning the U.S. into a less favorable place for everyday people.

Trump's economy is already in trouble

Noahpinion • 22765 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Policy Debt Inflation Presidential politics
  1. The economy often struggles under Republican presidents, leading to a pattern where Democrats are elected to fix it. This cycle shows that economies tend to recover when Democrats take over.
  2. Trump's incoming policies might worsen inflation and not help the economy, despite some indicators suggesting the economy is strong. This could lead to significant economic disappointment.
  3. The national debt is becoming a serious concern again as interest rates rise. This makes paying off that debt much more expensive than before, impacting the government's finances.

Requiem For The West

The Weekly Dish • 93 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory Political History
  1. Trump and Vance have a significant impact on global freedom. Their actions may threaten democratic values.
  2. The discussion reflects concerns about the direction of Western policies and leadership. Many people are worried about the stability of these values.
  3. The piece suggests that current events could lead to a decline in the West's influence in the world. There's a feeling that this could be a turning point.

What I think DOGE is really up to

Noahpinion • 26588 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Ideology Federalism
  1. DOGE is a massive operation that seems focused on reshaping the federal government rather than just cutting costs. People are worried about what it’s doing, but its main aim may be to change the mindset of government workers.
  2. The push to change the federal workforce's ideology may be influenced by the belief that it leans too far left. This could lead to a shift in how government programs function and who runs them.
  3. Understanding DOGE's real purpose is important because it's moving quickly and often in secrecy. Instead of just reacting to its actions, we should be thinking about its long-term effects on government and society.

Exclusive: Amazon's new James Bond script

Read Max • 2529 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Regulation Cryptocurrency Media
  1. Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise, which worries some fans about the future direction of the films. There's a concern that Bond might lose its unique identity under a corporate-driven approach.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the rise of cryptocurrency and the potential risks involved, especially as many people have been hurt by scams. Some politicians may benefit from supporting crypto now but might need to shift to stricter regulations in the future.
  3. Many young men are investing in cryptocurrencies, aligning more with pro-crypto views, which is creating a challenge for Democrats who don't support crypto. If a market crash happens, this supportive group might quickly turn against it.

The EPA's Incredible $20 Billion Dollar Caper, Explained

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13401 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Policy Oversight
  1. The EPA allegedly parked $20 billion of taxpayer money with an outside financial institution, which raised concerns about accountability. People are worried because this is the first time something like this has happened at the EPA.
  2. There seems to be a rush to commit this money without proper oversight, which means mistakes could happen. Many believe this can lead to misuse or corruption.
  3. This situation highlights the need for more transparency and scrutiny within government financial practices. It's crucial for citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being managed.

A Covid Nasal Vaccine Update

Ground Truths • 10148 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Clinical Trials Policy Infectious Diseases
  1. There are now 6 different nasal vaccines in clinical trials in the US aimed at preventing COVID-19 and blocking its transmission. These vaccines are promising because they might work better than traditional shots.
  2. Two major challenges facing these new vaccines are the low current levels of the virus, which make it harder to gather data from trials, and the uncertainty about ongoing government support for these projects.
  3. Successful nasal vaccines could provide a convenient way to protect people from COVID-19, but it will take time to find out if they really work well in humans.

The lone wolves of Germany

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Politics Policy Public Safety
  1. Weak states can lead to collective punishment of citizens. When a government is ineffective, it might target its own people as a way to manage conflicts.
  2. Immigrants can sometimes fall through the cracks of a system. Even if their asylum applications are rejected, they might end up in situations where they commit crimes or cause harm.
  3. The public reacts strongly to tragic events caused by individuals. Such incidents can spark debates about immigration policies and safety in society.

Britain still isn't moving fast enough

Odds and Ends of History • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Democracy Transport Policy
  1. Building infrastructure in Britain is taking way too long, with projects like HS2 getting pushed back to 2036 or later. This is frustrating for people who want improvements now.
  2. Despite the government announcing plans to speed things up, the actual timelines for construction are still disheartening. Many projects won't be finished until 2040 or later.
  3. There's a disconnect between politicians making infrastructure decisions and seeing real changes in communities. Voters deserve to see results during their elected leaders' terms.

RFK Jr. guts the U.S. vaccine policy committee

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2249 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Epidemiology Health Insurance
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members of the U.S. vaccine policy committee, which has been a trusted part of vaccine safety and recommendations for decades.
  2. The change raises concerns about who will be appointed next and whether they will rely on scientific evidence or personal beliefs to guide vaccine policy.
  3. If vaccine recommendations change or lose credibility, it could affect insurance coverage, access to vaccines for children, and create inconsistent state policies that may risk public health.

The chaos has arrived

Noahpinion • 31353 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Trump Institutions
  1. Trump's presidency is causing significant turmoil within institutions like the FBI, leading to a purge of personnel involved in investigations against him.
  2. Trump is making decisions that disrupt relations with key allies and affect government spending, such as imposing tariffs and freezing federal aid.
  3. There are concerns about the chaos resulting from Trump's management style, which may cause even more local and national issues as his term progresses.

The Media is Busted

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 21299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Journalism Public Opinion Policy
  1. The media is facing significant trust issues and may be failing in its responsibilities. Many people feel let down by traditional media outlets.
  2. There are concerns about unnecessary spending by government agencies on media partnerships. This has raised questions about accountability and responsible use of taxpayer money.
  3. The legacy media's reputation is suffering, and some believe it's time for a major change or even an end to its current structure. Many are frustrated with how the media has evolved over time.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 21, 2025: "Looking Back on Trump's First Month"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1124 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Surveillance Civil Liberties
  1. Privacy is becoming a bigger issue, especially with new laws in the UK asking companies like Apple to give backdoor access to personal data. This raises concerns about keeping our information safe.
  2. There's a shift happening where some politicians are starting to speak up for civil liberties and privacy rights. It's important that both parties work together on this issue to make real change.
  3. The crazy atmosphere of Las Vegas can really mess with your mind. It’s like being in a different world without normal life routines, making even simple tasks feel surreal.

Trump's Parade of Horribles

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 189 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. Trump's upcoming parade events are portrayed as outlandish and satirical, highlighting how his presidency has been characterized by unusual spectacles.
  2. There is a sense of irony in how the military is being politicized for show, reflecting on the nature of political power and display.
  3. The tone suggests a critical view of Trump's antics and compares him to dictators who use grand displays for personal gain.

Calling It

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Voting Policy
  1. Democrats have strong advantages for the upcoming election, including a solid candidate and effective campaign strategy. This suggests they are in a good position to win.
  2. Polls indicate that Democratic candidates are performing well, which could mean the overall race is more favorable for them than it appears.
  3. The strong economy and recent political events are likely to boost Democratic support, indicating a positive outlook for democracy in the upcoming elections.

Nation Shrugs as Godzilla Eats Washington

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18122 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Governance Administration
  1. There's a lot of chaos happening in Washington with Trump's return, and many people are indifferent to the changes he's making. It feels like he's causing a big stir, but some see it as a refreshing shake-up.
  2. People are questioning the work and spending of groups like USAID, suggesting some of their projects aren't justifiable. There's a debate about whether funds for certain programs are worth it, especially concerning national security.
  3. The political atmosphere is tense, with ongoing legal challenges to Trump's actions and many officials rushing to defend policies that many find controversial. The situation is creating a lot of friction and public spectacles in politics.

Climate superpowers

The Crucial Years • 1036 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Activism Environmental justice Sustainability Policy
  1. One way to inspire others for climate action is through music. Antonique Smith's new version of 'Love Song to the Earth' aims to unite people and inspire hope.
  2. Jessie Diggins uses her platform as a champion skier to advocate for climate change awareness. She believes athletes can lead conversations about protecting the planet.
  3. Connecting climate change to everyday lives is crucial. People need to understand how pollution affects their health and environment, especially in communities of color.

The Family That Never Came Home. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1405 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Government International relations
  1. Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages who died in captivity, including young children. This tragic event highlights the deep emotional toll of ongoing conflicts.
  2. Bernard-Henri Lévy argues that Europe needs its own military, as the reliance on the United States is becoming less viable. He believes it's time for Europe to take charge of its own security.
  3. There's a concern that the extreme positions on both the online left and right in politics can push normal voters away. Moderation and balance are needed to keep the political landscape stable.

TGIF: Be (My Limestone) Mine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4920 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Policy Culture Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's team is trying to modernize government processes, like digitizing how federal employee retirements are handled. This could save time and money compared to current methods that involve a lot of manual labor.
  2. There's a focus on cutting unnecessary expenses, like the cost of minting pennies, which is more than their value. Efforts are being made to remove these inefficiencies.
  3. A young adviser at the State Department, known as 'Big Balls,' has gained attention for his unusual online name. This sparked discussions in the media, showcasing how things can get blown out of proportion in public conversations.

Natan Sharansky: A President’s Words Saved Me in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Words from leaders can have a big impact, like how Reagan's words helped people in the Soviet Union. They find hope in support from powerful figures.
  2. Trump's comments about Ukraine's president being illegitimate mirror dangerous propaganda, which is concerning. It shows a shift away from supporting freedom against oppression.
  3. Political prisoners in Russia today might feel abandoned without clear support from American leadership. Having an ally is crucial for their morale and hope.

Australia's Rule by Bureaucrat

Kvetch • 74 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Bureaucracy Policy Society Culture
  1. Australia has a strong bureaucratic system that heavily influences its immigration policies. This is seen in how immigration management became more of a technocratic puzzle than a democratic discussion.
  2. The surge in international students has led to increased migration, but it has also affected the standards at universities, making them more about profit than education.
  3. Cultural integration is a challenge as Australia becomes more multicultural, with many migrants clustering in their own communities rather than blending into a cohesive society.

EXCLUSIVE: PBS Disappears DEI Department in Wake of Free Press Investigation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4029 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Social Issues
  1. PBS has decided to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department. This happened after an investigation by The Free Press raised questions about the department's role in relation to an executive order.
  2. The CEO of PBS informed staff about the departure of two DEI executives. She mentioned that this move was to ensure compliance with the president's order.
  3. This change at PBS reflects broader tensions and changes in how organizations handle diversity initiatives, especially under political scrutiny.

Trump’s Opening Move Against Migrant Sex Trafficking

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Policy Government Human Rights
  1. New rules are being put in place to protect migrant children from sex trafficking. Now, all sponsors must get fingerprinted and have their backgrounds checked.
  2. There's a big concern about fraud in the sponsorship process for unaccompanied minors. The government wants to make sure that only safe and legitimate sponsors can take care of these kids.
  3. Some people worry that these new rules might slow down the process for getting kids to safe homes. They are also concerned about the potential for sharing sponsor information with immigration enforcement.

Ex-CIA Chief John Brennan Should Be Sent to Mars

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13925 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Intelligence Security Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Ex-CIA heads like John Brennan are seen as dangerous when they are out of work. Their skills and experiences might lead to troubling actions.
  2. Public criticism can make former spies feel the need to prove their worth and intelligence. This can sometimes lead to mistakes that expose their true nature.
  3. The idea of sending former spies to a distant place, like Mars, is a humorous way to suggest they should be kept away from influencing public affairs.

AI #104: American State Capacity on the Brink

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2240 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policy Elections Public Opinion Regulations
  1. The U.S. government is planning to fire many employees who work on AI, which could really hurt the country's ability to manage AI-related systems safely.
  2. People are seeing the importance of keeping a strong government presence in AI development to ensure safety and progress, especially concerning national security.
  3. There's a growing concern that changing safety regulations around AI could lead to issues with trust and effectiveness in how AI is used in society.

Kemi Badenoch: ‘I Don’t Think DOGE Is Radical Enough’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1126 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International Culture
  1. Kemi Badenoch believes that the weakness in values is a bigger threat than external dangers, like Russia or China. She thinks it's important to stand firm on core beliefs rather than being overly tolerant of harmful ideas.
  2. She supports the idea that Europe needs to toughen up against things that could undermine its security, as highlighted by J.D. Vance's speech at a recent conference.
  3. Badenoch emphasizes that it's not liberal values themselves that are the issue but the extreme focus on tolerance that could lead to weakening societal foundations.

The ‘Everything Is Broken’ Administration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Opinion Political Movements
  1. The idea of 'brokenism' helps explain different perspectives on current political figures and events. It suggests that how people view leadership and change can depend on whether they see the system as broken or not.
  2. People's views on controversial figures, like Elon Musk or Tulsi Gabbard, often reflect their feelings toward the government and its effectiveness. Those who feel strongly that the system is failing may support more radical changes.
  3. The language we use to describe political beliefs plays a big role in shaping our opinions. Understanding terms like 'brokenism' can help clarify why people have such different viewpoints.

TGIF: Mar-a-Gaza

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4971 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign affairs Public Opinion
  1. Trump has proposed a controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip for real estate development, aiming to create a luxurious area reminiscent of the Riviera.
  2. Musk's DOGE team is shaking up government spending, looking closely at agencies like USAID, which has ties to political funding and previous controversial figures.
  3. There are concerns about the influence and past actions of individuals within the DOGE initiative, highlighting potential issues with government reform efforts.

What I Told RFK's Team at the Department of Health and Human Services

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 6629 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Education Family Policy Social norms
  1. Teaching the 'success sequence' can help reduce poverty. Kids who finish school, get a job, and marry before having kids are much less likely to be in poverty.
  2. Society needs clear and strong norms around work and family. When rich people don't talk about these norms, it confuses those in lower-income communities.
  3. Family stability is important for children's success. Kids from married parents tend to do better in school and have better chances of going to college.

America This Week - Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2542 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Campaigns Media
  1. There's a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on current topics in America.
  2. The hosts will discuss various issues, including Tulsi Gabbard's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate votes and Trump's comments about Gaza.
  3. They'll also cover recent media controversies and how traditional news outlets are changing or declining in relevance.

Lessons on birth rates: Japan and South Korea

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Policy Economics Social Issues International relations
  1. South Korea's birth rate has slightly increased, from 0.72 to 0.75. This small rise gives some hope to policymakers about slowing the country's declining population.
  2. Japan faces a significant demographic challenge with low birth rates, which impacts its economy and society. This situation highlights the importance of addressing demographic decline.
  3. Both countries show that while it’s tough, there can be small improvements in birth rates. Understanding what works in one country may help others tackle similar issues.

Why I still believe in HS2

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transport Policy Economy Public Opinion
  1. HS2 is important for connecting cities quickly and improving transportation. Finishing the railway is seen as essential for the country's future.
  2. Even though the project has faced delays and rising costs, stopping it now would mean losing valuable benefits that HS2 could bring.
  3. Investing in HS2 will help relieve pressure on existing train lines, allowing for more local services and better freight transport, which is crucial for overall infrastructure.

EXCLUSIVE: A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Couldn’t Even Read.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🚌 Education Policy Reform Legal Assessment Access
  1. A high school student graduated with a 3.4 GPA but couldn't read or spell his own name. This raises concerns about the education system's effectiveness.
  2. The student is suing his school district, claiming they didn't provide him with the education he needed, which is required by law.
  3. A federal appeals court agreed with the student, saying his lack of education caused him serious harm and that he was capable of learning to read.

Defending USAID Is Political Suicide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2304 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Political parties
  1. Defending USAID could be a risky move for Democrats, especially after a tough election loss. They might need to rethink their approach to avoid alienating voters.
  2. Many voters are frustrated with government bureaucracy and foreign aid spending, which could hurt Democrats politically. USAID, with its large budget, is a prime example of this.
  3. Despite concerns about waste, USAID does provide essential services like health and nutrition aid to those in need. Balancing this may be key for Democrats as they consider their next steps.