The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 904 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. US military focus moved from 'Equal Opportunity' to 'equitable outcomes'.
  2. Diversity industry has expanded using terms like 'DEIA'.
  3. Pushback is happening against programs that promote division and disunity.

The Acolyte

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The actions of young DOGE workers reflect a lack of understanding and respect for government, resulting in harmful decisions, like cutting essential programs.
  2. Luke Farritor's story shows how talent can be misused when driven by a desire for approval from powerful figures, leading to actions that harm communities.
  3. A tech-oriented culture that dismisses government can create individuals who are overconfident and lack the experience needed to make thoughtful decisions, causing further damage.

Top Links 766 No tariffs on vintage. The turbine crisis. Hayek's bastards and Blue Jerusalem.

Chartbook • 543 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There are currently no tariffs on vintage items, making it easier to buy and sell them. This can benefit collectors and businesses alike.
  2. The turbine crisis is a significant issue, which may impact energy production and prices. It's important to stay informed about how this affects the economy.
  3. Hayek's ideas continue to provoke discussions, along with topics related to cities like Blue Jerusalem. Understanding these concepts can help in navigating modern economic debates.

YLE milestone, Red Dye #3, air quality in LA, raw cat food, and more on alcohol.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Policy
  1. The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs because it was linked to cancer in lab animals. Even though it's mostly gone already, some products in stores still have it.
  2. Air quality can be misleading after wildfires. Just because the air is rated as 'healthy' doesn't mean it's safe, as many harmful pollutants might still be present.
  3. Moderate drinking might not be as safe as we thought. Recent reports suggest that even one drink a day could increase health risks, especially if there are other health issues involved.
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Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 864 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The military's leadership is increasingly isolated from the people they serve.
  2. Politically-driven agendas in the military can cause division and undermine combat effectiveness.
  3. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the military can lead to controversy and pushback.

sunday solutionpool

bad cattitude • 92 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Many people think global issues are really complex, but they often aren't as hard as they seem.
  2. It's easy to get overwhelmed by problems but breaking them down can make them manageable.
  3. Finding simple solutions can be more effective than complicating things further.

The inside story of why this once high-flying digital health startup failed

Second Opinion • 589 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Policy
  1. Entrepreneurs should not avoid discussing failure, as it is part of the journey.
  2. Founders should be cautious of taking on too much at once, especially in terms of lobbying for policy changes while building a business model.
  3. When fundraising, founders should carefully consider investor relationships, future funding needs, and the value placed on patient experience.

Beware the Internet Mob—on USAID and Everything Else

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Rumors spread quickly on social media, often without checking the facts first. It's important to be cautious about what we believe online.
  2. A recent claim about a scandal involving USAID and a news organization turned out to be misleading or false. Not everything viral is true.
  3. People can easily get swept up by popular opinions online, even when those opinions are based on incorrect information. Always look for reliable sources.

What They Meant by Essential and Nonessential

COVID Reason • 1863 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The distinction between essential and nonessential work was decided by a previously unknown agency called CISA.
  2. The terms essential and nonessential reshaped the commercial world in unprecedented ways.
  3. The categorization of essential and nonessential roles reveals a societal divide between those considered indispensable and those perceived as dispensable.

Can a Critic of the Deep State Run the Deep State?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is being considered for a top intelligence role, but she faces questions about her stance on Edward Snowden. This has made some senators uneasy during her confirmation hearing.
  2. Gabbard has previously praised Snowden, which complicates her nomination to oversee the country's spy agencies. Her views are causing tension among both Republican and Democratic senators.
  3. Despite initial support from some senators, Gabbard's unwillingness to clearly label Snowden as a traitor is raising concerns about her leadership in national intelligence.

Let Them Be Hillsdale

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Hillsdale College does not take government funding, which allows them to avoid many regulations. This shows that colleges can choose to be independent from government rules.
  2. Many colleges in America have been accused of discrimination based on race and gender, and the author believes that if they want to continue this practice, they should also refuse government funding, like Hillsdale.
  3. The author supports reforms for universities that demand truth, merit-based admissions, and respect for free speech, arguing that taxpayers deserve to see their money used wisely in education.

How Much Do Intellectuals Matter?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4974 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The American education system has been influenced by radical intellectuals, shaping what children learn.
  2. The rise of wokeness is traced back to activist-scholars who pushed extreme theories in academia.
  3. Conservatives are challenging radical ideologies in education and advocating for freedom and market-based solutions.

Top Links 802 Investing in coercion. Liechtenstein hit by zombies. China's slowdown vocabulary.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Investing is becoming more about controlling and influencing people. It shows a shift in how power dynamics are changing in finance.
  2. There are strange events happening, like zombie sightings in Liechtenstein. This quirky idea highlights unusual occurrences in society.
  3. China's economy is slowing down, and new language is emerging to describe this change. It's important to pay attention to how we talk about economic shifts.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

Top Links 765 Military R&D in America. Nigeria's investment plans. The "imperial meridian" and Nelson on the mosquito coast.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The U.S. military invests heavily in research and development to stay advanced in technology and defense. This helps keep the country safe and operates effectively.
  2. Nigeria has exciting plans for investment that could impact its economy and future growth. It's important to watch how these investments develop.
  3. The history of the U.S. military-industrial complex shows how it was reduced in the 1990s, which is interesting for understanding current military funding and operations.

Lots of Twitter Files and Nowhere to Go

Yasha Levine • 825 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Twitter Files provide valuable information about the Silicon Valley-Security State relationship.
  2. Information alone does not lead to political change; strong political organization is necessary.
  3. Revelations like Edward Snowden's leaks may inform, but ultimately lead to political cynicism without concrete action.

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

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  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.

China massively overbuilt high-speed rail, says leading economic geographer

Pekingnology • 415 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. China has built an extensive high-speed rail network, but many lines are not being used enough, leading to large financial losses.
  2. The planning and construction of high-speed rail lines often ignore actual passenger demand, resulting in projects that are not economically viable.
  3. Some high-speed rail stations are located far from city centers, making them inconvenient for travelers, which adds to the overall problem of underutilization.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

Inside Biden’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Boondoggle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Biden administration promised to provide reliable internet access to 25 million people in rural areas. This is important because many people living in these regions struggle with slow or no internet service.
  2. The $42 billion investment meant to improve broadband services has not connected a single customer yet. This raises questions about how effective the program is and why it hasn't delivered on its promises.
  3. Many individuals, like a software engineer in Wisconsin, face challenges working from home due to poor internet connectivity. Without successful implementation of broadband programs, their work continues to suffer.

Everyday Freedom

News Items • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's popularity stems from his rejection of the establishment and tapping into American resentment towards broken systems.
  2. Americans are seeking a new public operating philosophy that prioritizes trust and accountability in government.
  3. The need for rebuilding government on a foundation of human responsibility and simplicity to restore everyday freedom for Americans.

Top Links 764 The assault on foreign students in the US. The Palantir bubble & the Norman Conquest.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Foreign students are facing challenges in the US, which could impact a major part of the economy. This could change how international education works.
  2. There is a mention of the 'Palantir bubble', suggesting concerns about overvalued tech companies. It's a warning about the risks in the tech market.
  3. The reference to the 'Norman Conquest' might draw parallels between past events and current issues, hinting at significant social or political shifts.

I Highly Recommend Adam Jentleson’s Critique Of Adam Jentleson

Singal-Minded • 1326 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Democrats need to focus on building a strong voting base to make a comeback in elections. They should aim for clear and ambitious electoral goals, like winning a large number of electoral votes.
  2. Interest groups can sometimes hurt the Democrats by pushing narrow agendas. Democrats should find a balance between supporting important causes and appealing to a wider audience.
  3. Political opinions and strategies can change over time. As the political landscape shifts, some politicians may backtrack on their earlier views to stay relevant, which can be frustrating for those who held steadfast positions.

The Overshoot

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Net migration has fallen rapidly back to pre-Brexit levels and could keep declining, possibly turning into net emigration in the next few years.
  2. A sustained drop in migration risks harming the economy, creating labour shortages in critical sectors, and may force higher taxes to cover the shortfall.
  3. Politics and public opinion lag behind the data, so migration will stay a headline issue for a while, but the grievance fueling the right may weaken as numbers fall and reshape the political narrative before the next election.

Hello!

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Kibao means 'a lot' in Swahili and also refers to a notice board. The author writes about various topics like energy, climate, tech, and Africa.
  2. The author offers a unique perspective as an African, scientist, policy wonk, feminist, and former stand-up comedian, bringing fresh insights to a range of subjects.
  3. The author welcomes feedback and comments from readers, aiming to engage in discussions and learn from others.

This Week in Canada: All the Pilots Are Gay and Measles Are Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Toronto is opening its first shelter specifically designed for the black community. This means support will be tailored to their cultural needs.
  2. Experience isn't a must for running this new shelter. The city is encouraging new groups to apply, even if they have less experience.
  3. The return of measles is a concern in Canada, highlighting potential public health issues that need attention.

Outlawing Price Gouging Will Only Hurt Angelenos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Outlawing price hikes might seem fair, but it can actually hurt people more. When prices are kept too low, it can lead to shortages of essential items.
  2. Politicians often react to disasters by blaming businesses for high prices, but this can have negative consequences. Price increases can help balance supply and demand during tough times.
  3. Making price gouging illegal might sound good, but it might actually make it harder for people to find the supplies they need during emergencies.

Best of Wrong Side of History #67

Wrong Side of History • 303 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with friendly people, but it has a troubled history that contrasts sharply with its lovely scenery.
  2. There is a debate about allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote while still treating them as children in other areas of life, like getting a tattoo or drinking alcohol.
  3. The UK is struggling with issues of identity and diversity, especially in how its history and heroes are represented, which could impact national unity.

Who is a scientist?

Science Forever • 338 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Policy
  1. Recognizing and valuing collaboration between Western and indigenous scientists is essential in making groundbreaking discoveries.
  2. The definition of a scientist can vary from narrow to broad, but ultimately, anyone contributing to the scientific enterprise is considered a scientist.
  3. Being a scientist is not limited to just lab work; it encompasses various roles like science policy, communication, illustration, and education.

Does Politics Turn on a Message? Or a Messenger?

Breaking the News • 1013 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter once seemed fresh and vibrant to voters, but many today only see him as an elder statesman. It's a reminder of his early energy when he first became president.
  2. There are challenges for the Democrats in expanding their base and rethinking their policies. Ideas are already being discussed to help working-class people and strengthen the party.
  3. An important point is that mere policy might not be enough for the Democrats. They may need to consider a broader approach to connect with voters effectively.

AI Roundup 148: GPT-5.2

Artificial Ignorance • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. OpenAI released GPT-5.2 (Instant, Thinking, Pro), which significantly improves performance on professional workflows like spreadsheets, coding, and multi-step projects while reducing hallucinations to make agents more enterprise-ready.
  2. The U.S. federal government is centralizing AI policy by threatening to override state rules and by allowing controlled chip exports to China for a revenue share, mixing regulatory power, national security concerns, and commercial incentives.
  3. Hollywood is adapting to generative AI: Disney struck a $1 billion deal letting users create short character videos under strict guardrails. This shows legacy studios will both license and tightly control AI-generated content while pursuing legal action over unauthorized model training.

‘No Wonder He’s Smiling. He’s Gotten Away with It So Many Times.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1228 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A man named Brandon Simosa, linked to a violent gang, robbed a prosecutor at her home in New York City. This incident highlights increasing crime and fear in urban areas.
  2. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been criticized for reducing penalties and not prosecuting many crimes, which some believe contributes to repeat offenses.
  3. Many people in New York are worried about rising crime rates, especially when those who commit serious crimes are not held accountable. They feel the justice system isn't working as it should.

‘They Know He’s Going to Become the Next Mayor’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining strong support among young voters and labor groups, making him a strong contender for mayor. People see a real chance for change with him in power.
  2. He has out-fundraised his opponents and received major endorsements from unions, which boosts his campaign significantly. This shows he has the backing of important organizations.
  3. Political experts agree that Mamdani is likely to win unless there are big changes in the race, like his opponents dropping out. He seems well-positioned for victory.

Prediction is Very Difficult, Especially About the Future

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Making predictions about the future is really hard and can be very humbling. It's often surprising how wrong we can be when looking back at our guesses.
  2. Some predictions that rely on complex models don't always give us the best answers. Sometimes, simpler insights work better for making quick decisions.
  3. Evaluating how well we did with our predictions can help us learn. It's important to look back and see where we were right or wrong to improve for next time.

Why DeepSeek Is a Gift to the American People

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 964 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The release of DeepSeek, a new AI from China, could be a wake-up call for the U.S., similar to the launch of Sputnik. It highlights the need for America to accelerate its technological advancements.
  2. Unlike rockets, which take time and resources to build, software like DeepSeek can be developed and shared quickly. This opens up many opportunities for innovation and growth.
  3. The current situation emphasizes that success in technology is not just about hardware but also about creativity and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-changing world.