The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Top Links 812 Arresting toddlers. How China is changing the global drugs pipeline. Epic narratives of the green revolution & how the destruction of Gaza is even worse than previously estimated.

Chartbook • 672 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Some toddlers in the US have been arrested by immigration officials, raising concerns about the treatment of young children in the justice system.
  2. China is significantly impacting the global drug trade, which is reshaping how drugs are sourced and distributed worldwide.
  3. The destruction in Gaza is reported to be worse than initially thought, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

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 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.

The Global Food Institute, an update

Longer Tables with José Andrés • 825 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Policy
  1. The Global Food Institute aims to inspire a new generation to solve big food problems through policy, innovation, and humanities.
  2. The Institute has made progress, including participation in events like the World Food Forum and the launch of the Alliance for a Sustainable Future.
  3. Key leaders like Bill Dietz and Tara Scully are driving research, policy work, and curriculum development at the Institute.

Zohran Mamdani’s Identity Games

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 806 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani recorded his racial identity as both Asian and Black on his college application, which raised questions about his honesty or how he identifies.
  2. Despite stating his diverse background, Mamdani was not admitted to Columbia University, where his father was a professor, and instead attended Bowdoin College.
  3. Mamdani recently faced scrutiny for a social media post wishing followers a happy Hanukkah with a video that featured Indian performers, leading to discussions about his cultural representation.

The End of DEI? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1947 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. This move is seen by some as a return to a more merit-based approach.
  2. San Francisco is shifting towards a more practical governance style, moving away from radical ideas that previously plagued its leadership. The new board president promises to restore effective governance.
  3. The launch of meme coins like $TRUMP has raised questions about their legitimacy and potential risks, with debates on whether they're just fun investments or something more questionable.
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Why Gavin Newsom Will Never Be President. The Only Solution on Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 945 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Gavin Newsom, the California governor, is trying to become a leader in immigration issues, but many believe he won't succeed in becoming president. His approach might backfire amidst rising protests.
  2. Donald Trump has strong public support on immigration and law enforcement issues. Some believe he should work towards a compromise to help resolve these heated topics.
  3. The AI revolution is growing quickly, and there's a question about whether we have enough power to keep up with this change. It's essential to consider how we will power this technology in the future.

Will Trump Turn Gaza Into a Mideast Riviera? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1827 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump suggested turning Gaza into a tourist destination, but many criticized the idea, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
  2. Federal workers were offered a buyout option from their jobs, but many found it insulting and preferred to keep working.
  3. A new Chinese AI chatbot has raised concerns in the U.S. about losing the tech race, as it competes with American technologies despite restrictions.

⤴⤵ The rise and (maybe) fall of NEPA: A Quick Q&A with … law professor Nicholas Bagley

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Abundance movement believes that too many rules make it hard for the government to function effectively. This can slow down essential projects like building new infrastructure or developing energy sources.
  2. Regulations can sometimes be hijacked by powerful groups, making it difficult to approve new construction or changes that benefit the community. This creates a struggle between necessary development and local opposition.
  3. While the movement seeks to streamline government processes, it also acknowledges that making things easier for the government can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. This balance needs careful consideration.

The Pagan King

KERFUFFLE • 87 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Many Christian conservatives are breaking with Trump because his support for things like Israel’s war in Gaza clashes with their basic moral beliefs, and younger believers seeing images on social media deepen that divide.
  2. He has failed to deliver for working Americans while cozying up to tech elites and indulging in lavish personal projects, which undercuts his populist image and alienates parts of his base.
  3. Trump operates more as a self-interested, pragmatic figure than a moral leader, and that lack of moral authority means religious supporters can eventually see through him and withdraw their loyalty.

Afrofuturism for Policy Wonks

Kibao • 199 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
📰 News Policy
  1. Afrofuturism presents a way to counter stereotypes and inspire pride.
  2. African policy discourse often swings between hyper-incrementalism and radical techno-optimism.
  3. Effective Afrofuturism in policy calls for ambitious goals, focus on critical constraints, and ensuring African agency.

Where Did $100 Million in LA Fire Relief Money Go?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 690 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Many people in Southern California lost their homes due to wildfires and received limited financial support. Most didn't get enough help to rebuild their lives.
  2. A concert called 'FireAid' raised $100 million for fire relief, but victims report little sign of the promised assistance. They expected more direct help and resources.
  3. People like Quentin Fleming are still struggling to find proper relief, despite the large sums raised for victims. The lack of visible support is frustrating for those affected.

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
  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.

Charge!

Doomberg • 9517 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Readers question if political incompetence is intentional or accidental, hoping for a purposeful reason behind nonsensical policies.
  2. El gato malo's postulate suggests that politicians in power are selected for their fervor and ignorance in a corrupt system.
  3. Department of Energy Secretary Granholm's support for an all-electric military fleet by 2030 raises concerns about the seriousness and feasibility of such proposals.

Breaking: Trump and UAP?

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump suggested he might declassify information about non‑human visitors, criticizing Obama for revealing classified material and saying he could declassify it.
  2. Allies have indicated he may have a prepared speech on extraterrestrial life, and recent comments show momentum toward some form of disclosure.
  3. Official declassification or disclosure would be positioned as a legacy-defining, game‑changing move that could dramatically shift public understanding of UAPs.

Trump’s Turn Toward Zelensky—and Against Putin

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 551 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Zelensky's recent visit to the White House showed a big change from his last visit, where he faced criticism. This time, he came dressed well and had support from several European leaders.
  2. The atmosphere during the meeting was positive and friendly, which was different from the previous encounter. Zelensky even brought a thank-you note for Melania Trump, highlighting goodwill between them.
  3. Trump's leadership was acknowledged by European leaders, indicating that relationships are now more cooperative. They credited him for helping improve negotiations with Russia.

Statistical AI Analysis Contradicts Bird Flu USDA Lab Leak Claims

Who is Robert Malone • 6 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. A rigorous Bayesian AI analysis found natural origin far more likely (about 76.8%) than a laboratory escape (about 23.2%), a large reversal from an earlier subjective 65% lab estimate.
  2. A six-layer evidence framework combined with statistical innovations (like power dampening, skepticism factors, and reliability weighting) reduced confirmation bias and produced transparent, reproducible results intended to support AI-enhanced verification systems.
  3. Even with the lower lab-leak probability, the remaining ~23% risk, prior safety incidents, and transparency gaps mean independent genetic testing, full access to records, and stronger international oversight are still warranted.

Trump’s Opening Move Against Migrant Sex Trafficking

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  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.

Coming soon

SPARC '24 JC Blog • 39 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There is a new blog called SPARC '24 JC that will launch soon. It's a place to share information and updates.
  2. The blog has a subscription option for readers who want more content. Signing up will keep you in the loop.
  3. The blog seems to be focused on community engagement and sharing new ideas. It's a good spot to learn and connect.

Revealed: The new batch of laws undermining parliament

Striking 13 • 1277 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The government is quietly making significant changes to immigration, prisons, and drug laws without proper scrutiny or transparency, leading to severe consequences.
  2. The use of statutory instruments by the government allows ministers to create laws on the spot, bypassing normal parliamentary debates and scrutiny processes.
  3. The lack of accountability and assessment in passing new laws through statutory instruments is creating a functional and democratic problem, hindering understanding of impacts and consequences.

The Mayor Who Wants to Save San Francisco from Itself. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 802 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. San Francisco has a new mayor, Daniel Lurie, who plans to shift away from extreme progressive policies. He wants to focus on practical solutions to improve the city.
  2. In New York, a socialist named Zohran Mamdani has been elected as mayor, raising questions about the factors that led to his win. His victory reflects the hopes and concerns of his supporters.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of recent strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Many are trying to assess whether it was significantly harmed or just delayed.

More Than Meets the Eye

Doomberg • 8671 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📰 News Policy
  1. The Great Ice Storm of 1998 had devastating impacts on areas in lower Quebec, parts of New England, and the Northeast megalopolis.
  2. The US power industry is facing a growing supply chain crisis, particularly with a chronic shortage of transformers, risking grid reliability.
  3. Industry leaders are urging for a $1 billion appropriation to address the transformer shortage and accelerate production via the Defense Production Act.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2025 (1/2)

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. How firms are organized and how markets are structured strongly shape what and where innovation happens: design choices, mergers, venture funding, ownership patterns, and hiring networks all change firms’ incentives and their ability to innovate.
  2. Policies and external forces steer innovation incentives and diffusion: trade exposure, intellectual property rules, PhD programs, regulation of acquisitions, and shocks like extreme heat shape both the quantity and direction of technological change.
  3. Knowledge dynamics—recombination, spillovers, and evaluation—drive growth but create frictions: combining existing ideas fuels much innovation, spillovers make private returns fall short of social returns, and testability or weak exit markets can limit which ideas and startups capture value.

The 2023 White House Executive Order on AI has Been Rescinded

Marcus on AI • 1778 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The 2023 White House Executive Order on AI has been canceled. This means any rules or plans it included are no longer in effect.
  2. Elon Musk's worries about AI safety may seem less relevant now that the order is gone. People might question if precautions were necessary.
  3. The change could lead to different approaches in handling AI development and regulation in the future. It opens the door for new discussions on AI safety.

The Great Reallocation

Renewable Revolution • 799 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Renewable energy doesn't actually need a huge increase in investment compared to fossil fuels. As fossil fuel spending goes down, the overall increase in spending is only about 2% a year.
  2. Investing in renewables is expected to grow significantly, doubling in the coming years while fossil fuel investments will decline. This shift is possible because renewable technology costs are dropping.
  3. The transition to a cleaner energy system is doable without needing massive funds. The main challenge is making sure that investments focus on developing the right infrastructure and policies.

DEI Denialism

The Rabbit Hole • 805 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. DEI Denialism can stem from lack of familiarity with the issue
  2. Some people struggle to digest arguments against DEI
  3. There are individuals who recognize DEI's consequences but do not care

Shut up About Race and IQ

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5144 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Discussions about race and IQ often lead to the clash between differing ideologies, with individuals having strong motivations underlying their beliefs and interpretations.
  2. Accepting group differences doesn't rigidly determine an individual's political views; people can have diverse perspectives, even if they agree on certain facts.
  3. Implementing ideological changes in society often involves motivating individuals based on a larger vision or political agenda, rather than directly debating opposing beliefs.

The Working-Class Imperative for Labour and Democrats

The Liberal Patriot • 648 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Labor and Democratic parties need to focus on winning back working-class voters to create durable governing coalitions and secure victories in elections.
  2. Center-left parties worldwide, including UK Labour under Keir Starmer, are making efforts to appeal to working and middle-class voters, recognizing their importance in forming electoral coalitions.
  3. Working-class voters in the US and UK are concerned about economic issues like rising costs of living, lack of opportunity, and immigration, suggesting that center-left parties need to address these concerns to win their trust.

The Astronaut Caught in the Trump-Musk Crossfire. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Jared Isaacman, an astronaut and entrepreneur, became caught in the conflict between Trump and Musk, affecting his chance to lead NASA. Despite this, he remains hopeful about his future in Washington D.C.
  2. The peace deal between Israel and Syria is seen as a challenging goal, especially with the changing political landscape. Trump's desire for this deal has been met with skepticism due to historical complexities.
  3. The reality show 'Love Island' offers a light-hearted view on dating for Gen Z, encouraging them to engage in social connections. It contrasts with concerns about romance and relationships in a more serious world.

The Democrats Have No Immigration Plan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Democrats don't have a clear immigration policy, which is hurting them politically. Without a plan, they struggle to counter Trump’s immigration agenda.
  2. Trump's focus on immigration resonates with many voters who currently favor stricter policies. The Democrats need a strategy that appeals to the public's concerns about immigration.
  3. A more humane and open immigration approach is necessary, but it must also connect with people's fears and sentiments to gain support effectively.

What the Epstein Fight Is Really About

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 663 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There seems to be a power struggle happening within political circles, with some groups fighting for control rather than focusing on real issues. It's like they're playing a game instead of working for the people.
  2. Even though things are going relatively well for the president in terms of policy and economics, his supporters are fixated on the Epstein controversy. This shows a disconnect between his successes and their concerns.
  3. The government has closed the case on Epstein, stating there’s no evidence of a larger conspiracy, yet many still want answers. This ongoing interest highlights a deeper desire for accountability and transparency.

What I Saw at the Boulder Attack; How MIT Ruined My Life, Plus…

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 871 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. David Sabatini, a former MIT scientist, believes he was wrongly accused of sexual harassment, which cost him his career and funding. He is now trying to regain his place in academia.
  2. A recent attack in Boulder involved a man throwing Molotov cocktails at peaceful protesters, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in political demonstrations.
  3. There is a significant drop in murder rates in some American cities, raising questions about whether lessons have been learned from past crime spikes.

Finally Seeing Movement Toward A Gaza Ceasefire As Biden Moves Out Of The Way

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There's a new chance for a ceasefire in Gaza, which many hope could bring some peace after a long time of fighting. It's a step forward, but not everything is settled yet.
  2. Pressure from the incoming Trump administration seems to have helped negotiate this ceasefire deal. This raises questions about Biden's actions during the conflict.
  3. If the ceasefire holds, it might show that Biden's approach harmed the situation more than other presidents might have. Many believe that a strong stance could have led to better outcomes for the Palestinians.

Adams Takes Shots at Cuomo. The Heroes of Hill Country. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 700 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Many heroes emerged during the recent floods in Texas, showcasing bravery as neighbors helped save each other. Their actions highlighted the strong community spirit in times of crisis.
  2. Elon Musk's new political party aims to disrupt the current two-party system, similar to how Ross Perot did in the past. However, there's skepticism about whether this will truly bring lasting change or just be another passing trend.
  3. Celebrities are becoming more honest about their plastic surgeries, moving away from the old excuses. This openness raises questions about beauty standards and the pressures that come with them.

Will China Invade Taiwan? Will Trump Keep His Promises? And Is Polyamory Finally Out?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1850 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's administration might push for stricter immigration policies, which could lead to more families self-deporting rather than mass deportations.
  2. Expect tariffs and trade actions from Trump, but major shifts in government spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare are unlikely.
  3. Prepare for changes in language and culture, with new trends in both areas as 2025 unfolds.

EXCLUSIVE: Student Visa Applicants with ‘Hostile Attitudes’ Will Be Told They Can’t Come to the U.S.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The U.S. State Department will now check social media posts of student visa applicants. This is to ensure they don't have negative attitudes towards the U.S. and its values.
  2. If applicants show signs of hostility toward American culture or government, they may be denied entry. This is part of a new policy to make the U.S. safer for its citizens.
  3. This instruction allows visa interviews to continue after a temporary halt, with new requirements for consular officers during the review process.

The White House's plan for open models & AI research in the U.S.

Democratizing Automation • 593 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The White House's new AI Action Plan suggests we need to invest more in open-source AI models. These models can help startups and researchers who need flexible and affordable resources.
  2. The plan emphasizes that having strong open models is important for academic research and for maintaining America's leadership in AI innovation. This could prevent American researchers from falling behind international competitors.
  3. The government aims to collaborate with private companies to make AI resources more accessible to researchers and educators. This includes improving access to computing power, which is essential for developing effective AI models.

Bitcoin Mining and the Electricity Grid: A Quiet Savior

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 21 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🔮 Crypto Policy
  1. Bitcoin miners are highly flexible electricity consumers that can quickly shut down when the grid needs power, joining demand-response programs and earning curtailment payments.
  2. They act like distributed batteries by soaking up excess or stranded renewable energy when supply is abundant and giving that capacity back during peak demand to help stabilize the grid.
  3. In storms and other emergencies miners can sharply reduce their computing power (hashrate) to free up gigawatts for homes and critical services, making mining a practical, market-driven grid backstop.