The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Coming MAGA Crackup

KERFUFFLE • 133 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There are growing divisions within the Republican Party, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's break from Trump's orders. This signals deeper problems for the party as they face challenges in aligning their actions with their base's interests.
  2. The tech industry's influence on the GOP is causing friction, especially with issues like rising electricity costs tied to AI data centers. This disconnect may lead to further political consequences as voters feel the impacts of these decisions.
  3. Trump's focus on pleasing wealthy elites has caused him to lose touch with everyday voters. This shift may create dilemmas for his supporters in Congress, as they struggle to balance loyalty to him and the needs of their constituents.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1976 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There's a livestream event happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a good chance to catch up on recent news.
  2. Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi will discuss the busy events of December. Expect insights into current political happenings.
  3. You can tune in on YouTube or Rumble. Make sure to check out their social media for updates.

Pete Hegseth Fights Back. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Price gouging laws in Los Angeles may seem good, but they can actually hurt people in desperate situations. It might limit supply and make it harder for those in need to get help.
  2. Pornography is likely here to stay, regardless of attempts to restrict it. Even if laws are passed, people will still find ways to access it, highlighting challenges in internet freedom.
  3. Shopping shouldn't be seen as a hobby. Real hobbies involve creativity and skill, while buying things is more about spending money than personal fulfillment.

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 1257 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Solar power is set to surpass oil production investments for the first time, according to IEA.
  2. Surgeon General warns about the impact of social media on youth's mental health.
  3. California's $17 billion spending on homelessness has not been effective.

Top Links 821 Flooding the zone. Can a country be too rich? The legacy of oil rigs & Croatia's festival of ultra-nationalist rock.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Some countries can become too wealthy and this can lead to various problems.
  2. There is a continuing discussion about the impact of oil rigs on local environments and economies.
  3. Croatia has a festival that showcases ultra-nationalist rock music, which raises cultural and political questions.
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Salman Rushdie: ‘I Was Dying.’ Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1479 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Salman Rushdie faced the man who attacked him, describing the terrible moment he was stabbed and thought he was dying. It was a painful and dramatic court appearance for him after years of threats.
  2. The National Endowment for Democracy is struggling financially due to funding blocks, which could hurt important U.S. efforts abroad. This situation raises concerns about its impact on promoting democracy worldwide.
  3. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech on AI during a trip to Paris, highlighting America's lead in technology and the benefits it brings. He emphasized the importance of not overregulating AI, showcasing a new approach under the current administration.

Five Interesting Things about the White House AI Action Plan

Interconnected • 570 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The White House AI Action Plan wants to boost open-source AI development in the U.S. by making GPU resources more accessible for universities and researchers. This could help America catch up with other countries that are ahead in open-source AI.
  2. The plan includes a strategy to export American AI technology to other countries, similar to a boxed product, making it easier for allied nations to adopt U.S. AI solutions. This aims to strengthen U.S. influence in tech on a global scale.
  3. There's a shift in attitude toward AI in regulated industries, encouraging companies to experiment with AI technologies more freely rather than waiting for strict regulations first. This 'try-first' approach echoes the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.

Webinar on the Cleantech Revolution

Renewable Revolution • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Two public webinars on the Cleantech Revolution are being hosted. Participants can choose a time that fits their time zone.
  2. The first webinar is for Europe and Asia on July 17th, and the second one is for America on July 24th.
  3. You can access the Cleantech Revolution publication online to learn more about its insights.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Marco Rubio has shifted his stance from a hawkish perspective to a more realist approach regarding U.S. foreign policy, focusing on opportunities in war-torn regions.
  2. Biden's $42 billion broadband program aimed to provide internet access to rural areas has faced major setbacks due to bureaucratic issues and regulatory challenges.
  3. A researcher argues that factors beyond climate change contribute to events like California wildfires, suggesting a need for a more balanced view on climate issues.

The Family That Never Came Home. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1405 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  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.

Your Country Is For Sale

KERFUFFLE • 111 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Artificial intelligence could either eliminate jobs or lead to serious global risks. It seems that only the people making money off it are the ones who really want this technology.
  2. Trump is promoting AI and tech companies, putting profit over American workers. This is similar to past leaders who promised to help workers but ended up benefiting wealthy elites instead.
  3. The rise of AI and big tech seems to be creating a situation where many everyday people might suffer economically. It’s like a big get-rich-quick scheme that could hurt the average worker in the long run.

New Zealand’s connection to WPATH, and a few other things that went on this week in NZ's cockeyed world of woke.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. WPATH, a global organization that helps set guidelines for transgender health, is facing criticism for not following proper ethics in medical practices. Many are worried about how these guidelines affect treatment for transgender people.
  2. In New Zealand, the professional group for transgender health, PATHA, has not been officially reviewed despite receiving government support. An independent researcher found that their guidelines do not meet common medical standards.
  3. Recent discussions and articles in New Zealand have raised concerns about how language is used around topics like menstruation and motherhood, often leaving women and their experiences out. Many feel this makes it harder for women to connect with important health information.

Blue Labour is not the answer

Odds and Ends of History • 938 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Meeting tough immigration policies with harsh rhetoric won't solve the problem. It can make things harder for people who just want to start a new life.
  2. Personal stories, like someone having a loved one from a different country, show how immigration impacts lives in real ways. It's not just a political issue.
  3. Instead of competing on strict immigration rules, we need better solutions that understand the human side of migration. Policies should reflect compassion and a global perspective.

Effective Urban Planning in 10 Simple Steps

Exasperated Infrastructures • 33 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🪑 Design Policy
  1. Decide carefully about planning school and commit to being a lifelong learner; pick a technical specialty you can go deep on while also learning the adjacent fields that shape your work.
  2. Develop clear core values and a reasoned point of view, and learn the local politics and history so your projects actually fit the people and place you’re serving.
  3. Build relationships by showing up, be open to moving between public/private/nonprofit work, ask for help politely, and protect yourself from burnout while you persist through the field’s counterintuitive challenges.

Trump just said we are only recommending lockdowns on March 15th 2020, yet seconds 55 to 58, Fauci just said all will be locked down...they rolled him, they fucked Trump on screen & he did not realize

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 569 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Fauci mentioned all would be locked down while Trump only recommended lockdowns, causing confusion and possibly exploited Trump's distraction.
  2. The post suggests that key figures may have pushed for unnecessary vaccines during a perceived false pandemic, questioning motives and actions.
  3. The 75-second segment in the Task Force speech is highlighted as a crucial moment that impacted global events, emphasizing the significance of paying attention to key details.

A quick review Xi Jinping's speech on the development of China's financial sector

Ginger River Review • 668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Decision-makers in China realized the importance of not blindly following the West's financial development mode after the 2008 financial crisis.
  2. China is striving to build a strong financial sector based on a combination of economic power, key financial elements, and a focus on preventing financial risks.
  3. Chinese leaders are emphasizing a combination of rule of law and virtue, fostering a unique financial culture, and prioritizing integrity, prudence, innovation, legal compliance, and openness with financial security.

Biden’s Transgender Prison Policy Goes to Trial

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1590 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Rhonda Fleming, a prisoner, argues that sharing facilities with transgender women violates her privacy rights. She has been in prison for Medicare fraud and feels unsafe with male inmates.
  2. She has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons focusing on this issue. This case is the first of its kind to go to trial, making it significant.
  3. Fleming's lawsuit highlights ongoing debates about transgender policies in prisons and their impact on inmates' rights and safety. The trial could set important precedents for similar cases in the future.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 31, 2025: "The Apostate Hearings: RFK, Warren, and Democrat-on-Democrat Crime"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1466 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Senate hearings can often feel like a show where senators scream at nominees rather than having a real conversation. This makes the process seem unfair and focused more on drama than genuine discussion.
  2. Senators use these dramatic moments to create clips for fundraising, which often shifts the focus away from important issues to personal attacks and grandstanding.
  3. The experience of being at these hearings gives a different perspective; it feels more raw and intense than what viewers see on TV, highlighting the real emotions and lack of sincerity among some politicians.

The Ukrainian People Deserve Better

Phillips’s Newsletter • 188 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Corruption is a serious issue in Ukraine, with high-profile scandals shaking the country. A close associate of President Zelensky was involved in a money laundering scheme, which highlights the ongoing problem.
  2. This corruption could have dire consequences for Ukrainians, especially as they face challenges with their energy systems during the war. The funds meant to help keep the lights on were allegedly misused.
  3. President Zelensky must take strong actions to address corruption to meet the expectations of the Ukrainian people and the European Union. There is pressure for Ukraine to improve and be better than other countries facing similar issues.

The Peter Principle

Doomberg • 7754 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. First law of power: never outshine the master in a hierarchical structure.
  2. Success in a career may not necessarily come from a prestigious background.
  3. Sanctions on Russia's exports failed due to overlooking the impact of price changes on commodities.

Top Links 814 How strong is the US labour market? From GENIUS to CLARITY. Palantir's bonkers valuation & who is mounting drone strikes on Indian separatists in Myanmar?

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The US job market is facing more job losses than gains, which suggests that a recession might be on the way.
  2. Palantir's valuation is considered extremely high, raising questions about its financial stability and future performance.
  3. There are reports of drone strikes targeting Indian separatists in Myanmar, indicating ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Billionaire Astronaut Caught in the Trump-Musk Crossfire

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 602 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Jared Isaacman was excited to lead NASA but got his nomination pulled unexpectedly. He felt like a pawn in the political drama.
  2. His connection with Elon Musk and their collective outsider status made them targets in the messy politics of the Trump administration.
  3. Isaacman believes his removal shows the infighting and loyalty tests in the administration, which hindered progress.

Can the Policy Community Make Fun of Itself?

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Policy
  1. Scientists use humor to critique and cope with the challenges in their fields, creating a shared experience.
  2. The scientific community embraces humor through platforms like the Annals of Improbable Research and the Ig Nobel Prize.
  3. While scientists engage in self-deprecating humor, the policy community lacks a culture of lighthearted critique due to the seriousness of their work.

They’re Black Democrats. And They’re Suing Chicago Over Migrants.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4549 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Some residents in Chicago are feeling angry and betrayed by Democrats they helped elect, who pushed to turn a neighborhood park into a shelter for migrants. This has led to a sense of neglect and frustration among the community.
  2. There is a belief among some black residents in Chicago that the city is more focused on welcoming and providing resources to newly arrived migrants than to addressing the needs and poverty in their own community.
  3. Cata Truss and other residents took legal action to prevent a neighborhood park from becoming a migrant shelter, highlighting the importance of fighting for community spaces and resources.

AI Roundup 150: Empire State Defiance

Artificial Ignorance • 88 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. New York passed the RAISE Act forcing big AI companies to publish safety protocols, report serious incidents quickly, and face stiff penalties. It directly challenges federal efforts and could make state rules the de facto industry standard.
  2. Nvidia struck a $20B licensing deal with Groq to gain low‑latency chip designs and talent, showing a playbook of absorbing specialized rivals instead of fighting them head‑on. That move fills a gap for fast inference workloads and helps Nvidia protect its market lead.
  3. Autonomous AI shopping agents threaten to cut retailers like Amazon out of customer relationships and margins, so Amazon is blocking bots, suing scrapers, and building its own agent tools. The technology is still early, giving Amazon a narrow window to influence how agentic commerce develops.

Trump’s Big, Beautiful Ballroom

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 486 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Washington, D.C. has a reputation for being dull and unexciting compared to places like New York City. Many people find its atmosphere and social scene lacking.
  2. Despite being known for government waste, Trump is planning a lavish ballroom near the White House, highlighting his taste for extravagance.
  3. While some may appreciate D.C. for seasonal attractions like cherry blossoms, the overall sentiment leans toward New York as the more appealing city.

A previsível tragédia do novo governo: um filme em alta velocidade

O Observador de Corcyra • 1120 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. The new government in Brazil is following economic policies similar to those of the previous administration, but at a faster pace.
  2. Recent measures taken by the government, such as taxing oil exports, could have negative impacts on the economy.
  3. Upcoming changes in fiscal policies, like replacing the spending cap, may lead to increased government spending and economic instability.

Mapping UnitedHealth’s consumption of our health care system – from the ‘70s to today

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. UnitedHealth has grown significantly by acquiring many health companies since the 1970s. This has made it one of the biggest and most influential health care companies in the U.S.
  2. Their acquisitions have changed how health care is managed, often focusing more on profit rather than patient care. Some companies they've bought have faced criticism for denying necessary treatments.
  3. UnitedHealth's size allows it to impact many areas of health care, from insurance to the providers of medical services. This has raised concerns about its influence over patient care and competition in the market.

The One Way Out of Immigration Mayhem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 700 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Political compromise is needed to solve the immigration crisis in the U.S. It can help bring stability and support economic growth.
  2. There seems to be a gap between what politicians focus on and what the public actually wants regarding immigration issues.
  3. Current events show that tensions are high, but finding a balanced immigration policy could help ease some of the chaos.

What I read this week...

Chamath Palihapitiya • 1100 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Topics include Mitch McConnell, Disney succession, and prison escape.
  2. Articles on climate change, ADHD, Amazon's ad business, and AI governance.
  3. Insights into leadership changes at Disney, opinions on McConnell's job limitations, and a CEO resignation.

Stop Making Me Hit You

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Hamas has committed violent acts for public attention, showing their brutality is not hidden like past war crimes. It's time to recognize that not everyone labeled as a victim is innocent.
  2. California has introduced a new law that allows children as young as 12 to decide to enter foster care, raising concerns about state intervention without the need for clear abuse.
  3. The murder of activist Josh Kruger highlights complex issues, including allegations about his relationship with a minor and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Thanks For Nothing, Congress!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 186 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Congress is seen as failing to support the American people during difficult times. People feel frustrated with how both parties handle issues.
  2. There's a suggestion that instead of focusing on important matters, Congress is getting distracted by their own interests. This leads to policies that many think hurt rather than help the public.
  3. People are encouraged to find creative ways to cope with challenges, even if it's just to distract themselves from the growing costs of healthcare.

What Coinbase learned from Uber about fighting regulation

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Tech companies learned a "grow first, fight later" playbook from Uber, using customer popularity to push back against local regulators instead of asking permission.
  2. Crypto firms are compressing those fights to the federal level by arguing for exclusive federal oversight, suing states when needed, and lobbying and staffing regulators to be favorable.
  3. Expect more tech money and talent aimed at shaping federal policy, efforts to block state-level rules (especially on AI), and louder campaigns to resist strict foreign regulations.

Post Office scandal: what next?

A Lawyer Writes • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Police and politicians are calling for actions regarding the Post Office scandal, but major steps are unlikely until a public inquiry is completed.
  2. The justice secretary is exploring ways to exonerate sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted during the Horizon IT scandal.
  3. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is offering help to individuals affected by the faulty convictions, encouraging them to seek justice.