The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

RRR cut; Talking up stock market; Liu Jianchao; Teslas and security; Red Sea

Sinocism • 137 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Economy Central Bank Policy Government China
  1. PBoC announced a surprise reduction in the reserve ratio requirement to stabilize the economy and markets.
  2. PBoC is establishing a credit market department to focus on key tasks outlined by Xi last year.
  3. The timing and method of delivering the message about the RRR cut may be more important than the actual cut itself.
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Ohio is buying mobile shoot houses to train armed teachers

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics School Safety Education Training Policy
  1. Ohio is purchasing mobile shoot houses to train armed teachers. These structures don't align with real-world school shooting scenarios.
  2. The mobile shoot houses may not effectively train teachers for school shooting situations. The cost and logistics of training teachers to use these facilities can add up to millions of dollars.
  3. The purchase of shoot houses raises questions about budget priorities and effectiveness in enhancing school safety. Prioritizing such equipment over addressing budget deficits may be considered 'security theater.'

Global Media Award Finalist: Inside a month of America's school shootings

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Shootings Journalism Policy Data Collection
  1. The project highlighted the challenges of collecting data on school shootings and the personal stories affected by gun crimes.
  2. The collaboration between The Economist and David Riedman is shedding light on school swatting incidents.
  3. The success of the project demonstrated the effectiveness of combining video reporting, data journalism, and traditional reporting in storytelling.

No bubble, no trouble...

Japan Optimist • 235 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💰 Finance Real Estate Policy Inflation Central Bank
  1. Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo is focused on ensuring economic growth and controlling inflation.
  2. In Japan, politicians are addressing rising energy costs and affordability concerns, not the central bank.
  3. Japanese elite closely monitor real estate prices to prevent asset bubbles and ensure future generations' prospects.

Why Housing Vouchers Need a YIMBY Movement

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Government Policy Advocacy Economics
  1. YIMBY movement has had significant successes in housing reforms, but the impact on housing supply and affordability is uncertain.
  2. While YIMBYism appeals to various political ideologies, it may not address the need for subsidized housing for the growing number of Americans in poverty.
  3. Advocating for the expansion of project-based vouchers, which offer federally guaranteed rent and simplify affordable housing development, could be a more pragmatic and cross-over approach embraced by developers and policymakers.

Import AI 352: Asteroids and AI policy; privacy-preserving AI benchmarks; and distributed inference

Import AI • 159 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Policy Cloud Computing
  1. Preparing for potential asteroid impacts requires coordination, strategic planning, and societal engagement.
  2. Distributed systems like LinguaLinked challenge traditional AI infrastructure assumptions, enabling local governance of AI models.
  3. Privacy-preserving benchmarks like Hashmarks allow for secure evaluation of sensitive AI capabilities without revealing specific information.

Fear And Anger In The Heart of NIMBY

Cornerstone • 99 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Community Engagement Advocacy Policy
  1. Zoning reform opponents want people to be confused, angry, and fearful, but reform supporters aim to inform people with the belief that information is on their side.
  2. Negative behavior and attacks from opponents persist, making it challenging to engage in positive dialogue and find common ground in housing advocacy.
  3. NIMBYism is driven by a deep fear of change, with opponents believing increased housing density will disrupt their lives, creating a generational and emotional divide in housing debates.

November 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government History Social justice
  1. President Biden made a historic trip to visit Tribal Nations, highlighting significant federal investments aimed at improving Native American communities.
  2. Biden apologized for the federal Indian boarding school policies that harmed Indigenous children and their families, acknowledging the trauma caused by these practices.
  3. The Federal Boarding School Initiative aims to uncover the history and impact of these schools, suggesting that the U.S. government formally recognize and apologize for its role in forced assimilation.

School Choice and School Vouchers Are Scams

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 218 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Policy Funding Legislation Privatization
  1. School choice and school vouchers are considered scams by the author due to the privatization push in Missouri and the negative effects on public education.
  2. Separation of church and state is mentioned as a concern in the context of taxpayer money being funneled to private religious schools through voucher schemes.
  3. Legislators in Missouri, like Josh Hurlbert, are being scrutinized for their involvement in promoting 'Empowerment scholarship' programs despite the impact on public schools and taxpayers.

Dorian Abbot: What I would change at NSF

Critical Mass • 16 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Policy Technology Education Funding
  1. The National Science Foundation (NSF) should focus more on funding high-quality scientific research. This means evaluating projects based on merit rather than identity politics.
  2. Some specific areas for change include revising the NSF's vision and core values to align them with their original purpose.
  3. There is a call to eliminate offices and initiatives that prioritize diversity and inclusion over scientific merit, like the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering.

The choice between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage? It’s easier than you think.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Healthcare Insurance Costs Policy
  1. Traditional Medicare lets you see almost any doctor or hospital in the U.S., while Medicare Advantage usually limits you to a specific network of providers.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes deny necessary care, while traditional Medicare generally ensures full coverage for services recommended by your doctor.
  3. You might save money with Medicare Advantage in the short term, but if you need expensive care later, it could cost you much more than traditional Medicare.

November 24, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Government Policy Campaigns
  1. Trump claims a big win in the election, but he actually won by a very small margin. Many people didn't even vote for him, which shows he doesn't have a strong hold on power.
  2. His team wants to push through some very unpopular ideas and appoint questionable people to important roles. These plans are likely to face resistance because most people don’t agree with them.
  3. Power in Washington is still unstable. There's a chance that Congress or other officials might take control away from Trump, especially since he's trying to force his agenda without real support.

The Chaos President

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy War Diplomacy Governance
  1. The war in Ukraine is very complex and similar to World War I, with no clear paths to victory for either side. Ending the conflict may require tough negotiations between both countries.
  2. The current U.S. administration seems careless about escalating tensions, especially by sending long-range weapons. This approach raises concerns about the risk of a nuclear conflict.
  3. If a new president does not prioritize finding a peaceful solution, the ongoing suffering for both Ukrainians and Russians will continue, while the U.S. remains heavily involved.

Elon: Get the DEI out of Science Funding!

Critical Mass • 23 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Science Policy Activism Funding
  1. Government science funding should focus on real science instead of social issues. This is important for advancing research and technology.
  2. Leadership in science organizations should prioritize science over activism. This might help improve efficiency and focus.
  3. Cutting unnecessary spending in science funding can help tackle global challenges. It's a step toward maintaining economic strength for the future.

kitten corner: CDC ya later

bad cattitude • 197 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Epidemiology Public Health
  1. The post discusses the delay in 'experts' realizing what 'amateurs' had known for a while, raising questions about other areas of expertise.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and thinking critically about information, even when it comes from supposed experts.
  3. The post prompts readers to consider the evolving nature of knowledge and the value of diverse perspectives.

Good value governance

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policy Decision-making Risk management Resource Allocation
  1. There's a lot of uncertainty in today's world, not just risk. This means leaders need to understand how these two concepts differ to make better decisions.
  2. Mixing up uncertainty with risk can lead to poor choices and wasted resources. It's important to clarify what you're dealing with to avoid making mistakes.
  3. When leaders are clear about uncertainty, they can use their limited resources more effectively. Strategies that focus on uncertainty tend to be cheaper and work better than traditional risk management.

我的最新专栏的中文翻译：为什么中国隐蔽战线的最高机构不再隐蔽？

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China Security Government Policy International relations
  1. The Ministry of State Security in China, once shrouded in secrecy, is now stepping into the public eye due to a shift in focus towards national security.
  2. The current Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, has been instrumental in the department's increased visibility and public presence.
  3. The Chinese leadership is emphasizing Xi Jinping's ideology on national security, adding it as a new pillar to consolidate his political theory.

November 18, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Political parties Policy
  1. A big deal was made for a chip manufacturing plant in Arizona, which will bring thousands of jobs, showing bipartisan support for the CHIPS Act despite some Republican pushback.
  2. Trump's plans to drastically cut social programs like Medicaid and SNAP, which many Republicans benefit from, could create tension in his party.
  3. There are concerns about the qualifications of Trump's proposed cabinet members, especially in key roles like Attorney General, and the potential impact of their extreme views on government and public health.

Can America Admit It's Lonely?

The New Urban Order • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Loneliness Housing Policy Community Connection
  1. Loneliness and social isolation in America are serious issues that can lead to mental health challenges and premature death. Building social connections should be a priority like other public health issues.
  2. In the past, there were more housing options that naturally fostered community and connection. Policy decisions made privacy a priority over connection in the last century.
  3. Private sector initiatives like apps promoting living near friends or co-living spaces are addressing the need for more socially connected housing, while policymakers have not yet prioritized this issue.

Disinformation - the new cash cow, especially if we get 're-educated' about its' meaning.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Free speech Policy Government Society
  1. The New Zealand government is looking to understand disinformation better by offering a $450K tender for research. This is to help them recognize and tackle disinformation in society.
  2. There is concern that the definition of disinformation might be changing. Some groups are expanding the meaning to include comments that are considered mean or hateful, which raises questions about free speech.
  3. One project related to disinformation seems to focus on specific groups and narratives, but some critics point out that other important topics, like the experiences of Muslims, are not being addressed.

Canada: Politeness, Wokeness, and Assisted Dying

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 59 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Culture Policy Social Issues Immigration
  1. Canadians are often seen as very polite, with a focus on small talk and friendliness in social interactions. People generally acknowledge each other more on the streets compared to places like New York.
  2. The idea of 'wokeness' in Canada comes from a mix of left-leaning politics and a cultural emphasis on loyalty. Canadians tend to value group harmony over individualism, leading to a more collective approach to societal problems.
  3. The debate around assisted dying in Canada highlights a struggle between personal freedom and societal concerns. People generally want the right to decide about their own suffering, while others worry about the mental state and capacity of those making such decisions.

Calm down, it’s Only Monday

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 79 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Government Policy Startups Platforms
  1. The Indian government's new AI advisory has sparked mixed reactions in the AI community. Some people feel it's not a good decision.
  2. IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar clarified that the advisory is meant for large platforms only. Startups will not be affected by these new regulations.
  3. There is concern about how this advisory may impact innovation and the growth of AI in India, especially among startups.

Naval Gazing

Joxley Writes • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌐 International Policy Military
  1. Prime Minister focuses on 'stopping the boats' as key strategy for improving his party's standing.
  2. Royal Navy showing signs of neglect with reports of ships being taken out of service and issues finding leadership.
  3. Under-investment and falling manpower contribute to Navy's struggles, raising concerns about Britain's global position.

The myth of technological inevitability

The Future, Now and Then • 229 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science Ethics Innovation Policy Artificial Intelligence
  1. Technological change is perceived as inevitable and can happen in regulated or new industries.
  2. The concept of heroic scientists driving innovation is unrealistic and scientific progress is a slow, collaborative process.
  3. The public sector plays a significant role in shaping the direction of scientific progress and technological advancement, impacting the pace and outcomes.