The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Dangerous Rhetoric of School Choice

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 696 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy School funding Rhetoric Privatization Public Schools
  1. Aggressive school choice activists use hateful rhetoric to silence public school advocates.
  2. Donors and politicians pushing for school choice are often motivated by profit rather than children's well-being.
  3. Privatization of public schools through school choice schemes takes funding away from public education for private gain.

Can the Policy Community Make Fun of Itself?

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Science Policy Satire Humor
  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.

Bonkers in Yonkers

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Regulation Sea Level Rise
  1. Climate policy should be based on the best-available science to be effective in addressing risks like sea level rise.
  2. Extreme, implausible scenarios like RCP8.5 can lead to misguided policy decisions and misallocation of resources.
  3. Regulatory capture by a small group of experts can result in the codification of flawed science in policies, highlighting the importance of oversight and accountability.

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

O Observador de Corcyra • 1120 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Government Economy Policy Leadership Global Affairs
  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 Health care Insurance Policy Acquisitions Corporate Power
  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.
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Whither China? Part III: Policy hubris and the end of infallibility

Chartbook • 2317 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics China Economy Policy Authoritarianism COVID
  1. China's economy is facing challenges due to a mix of authoritarian policies and exhausted growth models.
  2. Two main interpretations of China's economic situation are based on institutional economics and Keynesian macro perspectives.
  3. China's current crisis highlights the impact of overconfidence and policy hubris on the regime's decision-making.

⏩🔬 Good news: We know how to accelerate the US economy

Faster, Please! • 1188 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics Policy AI Health Clean Energy
  1. Increasing public money for R&D can boost business productivity and private sector investment.
  2. Historically, technological innovation and public R&D have played a significant role in driving economic growth.
  3. There is a correlation between higher public investments in nondefense R&D and long-term increases in total factor productivity (TFP) in the business sector.

The fight for global AI supremacy, and Steve Bannon versus the Tech Right

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Chip Manufacturing Policy Investment Innovation
  1. The U.S. government has new rules for exporting AI chips, with different restrictions for various countries. This change has caused a lot of backlash from tech companies, who fear it may hurt America's competitive edge.
  2. OpenAI released a new plan to help the U.S. stay ahead in AI technology, focusing on better communication between the government and AI businesses. They want to ensure that innovation continues without compromising safety.
  3. There is a growing conflict between different factions within the Republican Party regarding tech policies. Steve Bannon is openly opposed to Elon Musk's influence, hinting at some power struggles in the upcoming administration.

Stop Making Me Hit You

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Social Issues Crime Activism
  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.

Trudeau Resigns? Then Pisses In Canada's Face, Proroguing Parliament.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Economy Parliament Public Opinion Policy
  1. The Prime Minister seems to avoid difficult questions about the economy and international issues instead of addressing them directly. This gives the impression of dodging accountability.
  2. There are serious concerns regarding the state of the Canadian economy, including high storefront vacancies and the impact of US economic policies on Canada. Many small businesses are struggling, which affects consumer spending.
  3. The lack of viable leadership in Canadian parties is troubling, with calls for new leadership to unite the people and address ongoing issues. Many feel that current leaders are failing to instill public confidence.

Post Office scandal: what next?

A Lawyer Writes • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Policy Justice Corruption Law Inquiry
  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.

⚛ Nuclear power: Faster, please! But also cheaper, please!

Faster, Please! • 1188 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Energy AI Economics Policy Innovation
  1. Nuclear power needs to be developed faster and at a lower cost to be a reliable energy source for the future.
  2. New generations of reactors, like small modular ones, are emphasized for the advancement of nuclear energy.
  3. Building nuclear power plants faces significant delays and challenges globally, hindering progress in the industry.

The Backlash Against Biden on Gaza Is Growing

Eunomia • 609 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Administration Opposition Conflict Protest
  1. Growing dissent and opposition within Biden's administration and party due to unchanged U.S. policy on Gaza
  2. Criticism towards Biden for neglecting Palestinian victims in statements, showing a one-sided view in the conflict
  3. Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages, highlighting the impact of U.S. support for the war

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 1061 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Affirmative Action Economy Global relations Health
  1. The newsletter included articles on U.S. resilience, life after affirmative action, and pickleball issues.
  2. Topics covered in the newsletter included wind and solar power, legacy college admissions, and the impact of affirmative action on different racial groups.
  3. There were articles on global events such as China restricting mineral exports, Singapore's falling home prices, and the personality profiles of high-net-worth individuals.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Demographics Culture Economics Education
  1. Having a large family isn't just about genes; social factors and peer influence play a big role in family size. Changes in culture can lead to shifts in how many children people choose to have.
  2. U.S. education policies may unintentionally delay family planning by encouraging young people to stay in school longer. This can create a lifestyle that is not very conducive to having kids.
  3. Population density doesn’t seem to strongly affect fertility rates. Family-oriented people often prefer living in suburban or rural areas, which may be why we see lower fertility rates in cities.

Low Hanging Fruit

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1511 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Emissions Renewable Energy Policy Cost Analysis Nuclear power
  1. Replacing 150 coal power plants with nuclear power can reduce global emissions by 25% by 2035.
  2. The cost of replacing these plants with nuclear power is significantly lower than other emissions reduction measures.
  3. If the world is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, retiring or retrofitting coal plants is necessary, and nuclear power provides a feasible alternative.

They're always guilty ... or are they?

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Philosophical Policy
  1. The case of Diaz v. United States appears simple on the surface but is actually filled with complex disagreements about legal and philosophical issues.
  2. Interpreting legal rules like Rule 704(b) involves considering historical context, policy concerns, and the balance between being too persuasive or not persuasive enough.
  3. Judges have a lot of discretion in interpreting laws, which can lead to differing outcomes based on methodological approaches, making consistency and the role of AI in judging potential areas for improvement.

Covid Situation Report: May 16, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 199 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Policy Data Reporting
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising again, but hospital admissions have mostly stabilized. Older adults, especially those over 65, still face higher hospitalization rates.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is going well, with over 2.8 million doses given. However, many immunocompromised individuals have not been vaccinated yet.
  3. Covid deaths are much lower compared to last year, proving that while we have challenges, the situation is improving overall.

Prominent New Zealand trans activist’s “disturbing” social media account is uncovered.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Media Policy Social Issues
  1. A notable trans activist in New Zealand has been found to share concerning content on social media, including fetish material.
  2. Mainstream media and sports organizations in New Zealand have supported this activist without proper investigation into his background.
  3. There are worries about the implications of allowing people with certain views unrestricted access to women's spaces and sports.

Jim Torma on Twitter asks a serious question, as to the 6 days that changed the world...was POTUS Trump threatened? what is Torma insinuating? was Trump's life threatened to lockdown? did they threat-

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 491 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Leadership
  1. Jim Torma questions if Trump's life was threatened to impose a lockdown within 6 days.
  2. Dr. Paul Alexander explores the sudden change in Trump's stance on lockdowns from being against them to implementing one.
  3. The post raises speculation about external threats that may have influenced political decisions during a critical time.

Towards an Enlightened Centrism

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3950 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Centrism Policy Ideology
  1. Enlightened Centrists value exposure to a wide range of political views without clinging to ideological diversity just for the sake of it.
  2. Enlightened Centrists share traits like rationalism, non-zero-sum thinking, belief in progress, and skepticism of old philosophy.
  3. Enlightened Centrists may come from different political ideologies but prioritize sound political and social analysis over tribal thinking.

The Truth Behind Gang Violence

Peter Boghossian • 982 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Gun Violence Community Policy Data
  1. Young men, specifically black Americans, are disproportionately involved in gun violence in the US.
  2. Out-of-wedlock birth rates are a significant factor in contributing to violence, particularly in the black community.
  3. There is a need to address the root causes of rising out-of-wedlock birth rates, which spiked after 1963, to prevent further violence.

MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: The So-Called “Department of Government Efficiency” Is An Immediate, Acute Constitutional Crisis

Proof • 97 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Constitution Policy Crisis
  1. There is a serious situation involving the new 'Department of Government Efficiency' that may threaten the Constitution. This has sparked major concerns about the stability of the government.
  2. Some recent Cabinet nominations made by Trump have raised eyebrows, but the bigger issue is the potential crisis this department is causing. It's making many people feel uneasy about the future.
  3. Overall, the developments are seen as a critical moment for America, highlighting fears about the direction of governance and the implications for democracy.

China is our real enemy & we have many & now we faced with electing a POTUS that will shape the century! Trump needs to understand as he goes after China & closes the border & deports all illegals who

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 452 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Presidency Policy Immigration Election Lockdowns Vaccines Border Security
  1. China is perceived as a significant adversary, and the upcoming presidential election is crucial for shaping the future of the country.
  2. The importance of Trump's stance on China, border control, and deporting illegal immigrants is emphasized.
  3. There is a call for Trump to acknowledge the perceived failures of lockdowns, mRNA vaccines, and commit to certain actions like building a wall and dealing with other issues.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED for 2024-11-02 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Economics Public Opinion Political History
  1. Global warming is a serious threat, especially for poorer countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa that lack resources to adapt.
  2. Decarbonization efforts in the Global North have been noticeable over the past generation, helping to address climate change.
  3. Passive investing might seem easy, but it actually leads to big market shifts as people try to track indexes, which can complicate real price discovery.

Wyndhamn: Glider Skolverket på sanningen?

Rak höger med Ivar Arpi • 943 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Education Inclusion Policy Social Issues Government
  1. Skolverket is spreading radical ideas about norm criticism and intersectionality to teachers and students.
  2. The concept that was used to label the idea of honor culture as racist is now governmental practice.
  3. Poesikollektivet 'Det nya gardet' presented interpretations of curriculum, grading criteria, and values in poetry form at a conference about the educational mission of schools.