The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

FAA Sued over SpaceX License: Quick Takes

ESG Hound • 1039 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. The lawsuit against FAA for SpaceX license was filed in the DC Circuit, a significant venue choice.
  2. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief against FAA's decision, focusing on inadequate mitigations.
  3. FAA deferred the decision for an EIS to SpaceX, allowing them to run the show.

Universal Basic Income is the First Great Lie

PashaNomics • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Universal Basic Income is often the wrong response to automation and usually ignores where money actually comes from, making its economics incoherent. Large-scale UBI would amount to wealth redistribution and can create fiscal and demographic instability that makes it unsustainable.
  2. Funding UBI by heavily taxing AI firms is flawed because of the circular flow of money: taxes just shift money that must still come from somewhere, and AI value doesn’t always translate into large corporate profits due to costs, competition, and taxes.
  3. Universal Basic Shares is a proposed alternative where everyone owns one government share that pays dividends from annual surpluses, which aligns incentives for an efficient state. Paired with a simple uniform tax, it aims to preserve some egalitarian benefits without the destabilizing effects of broad redistribution.

What Do They Want?

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Power is the ultimate goal for those in political positions, beyond money or economic profit.
  2. Political systems can be analyzed using economic theories like supply and demand curves applied to power dynamics.
  3. The push and pull between centralized and decentralized government is evident in various aspects, including cryptocurrency and tokenization.

Is Parliament capable of debating assisted dying?

The Path Not Taken • 242 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Parliament is debating a bill on assisted dying, which shows that the issue is gaining traction but still has a long way to go before becoming law.
  2. Many MPs tend to rely on emotional stories and anecdotes, rather than focusing on facts and balanced reasoning during debates.
  3. The quality of parliamentary debates seems to be declining, with a shift towards more emotional discussions instead of analytical thinking.

Unmasked!

In Bed With Social • 138 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Policy
  1. Food processing has led to a decline in nutrient quality
  2. Consumers are seeking clearer nutritional guidance
  3. Policy shifts are influencing the food supply chain and restaurant industry
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Beware the Weak Man

Thinking about... • 538 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Identify weak men by their actions, like avoiding real issues and spreading fear rather than facing challenges head-on
  2. Weak men consume the energy of others, pushing for inaction, spread fear, and normalize fear in institutions, leading to harmful consequences
  3. Courage is essential in times of crisis, like supporting Ukraine and democracy, and standing up against the weak men who drive a politics of fear

I Was Right

The Weekly Dish • 217 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Dish provided accurate insights about the events of 2024. It didn't mislead readers about what was happening in the world.
  2. The author expresses confidence in their previous analyses and opinions. They feel validated in their perspectives and predictions.
  3. There's a focus on the importance of trustworthy information in media. Readers are encouraged to rely on sources that provide honest and clear narratives.

The Tower of Science

The Good Science Project • 66 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🔬 Science Policy
  1. Alfred Loomis was a unique figure who blended science, finance, and military roles effectively. He showed that having scientists involved in decision-making can lead to faster and better outcomes for important projects.
  2. Loomis emphasized the importance of resources, talent, and minimal bureaucracy in scientific research. His lab in Tuxedo Park attracted many top scientists because it provided freedom and support for innovative work.
  3. It's crucial to have people who understand both science and policy. These 'translators' can help bridge gaps and make scientific advancements more efficient, just like Loomis did during World War II.

Toronto Budget 2024 (Olivia's Version) drops next week

City Hall Watcher • 78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Toronto City is seeing a trend where a few large corporations dominate the employment landscape, which could lead to political challenges.
  2. Toronto is working on improving housing development timelines and affordable housing projects to address the growing housing crisis.
  3. City Hall in Toronto is considering implementing new measures like a foreign buyer tax, revamping subsidy programs, and investing in dedicated bus lanes to improve transit infrastructure.

The Electricity Transmission Challenge

Climateer • 907 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🔬 Science Policy
  1. Moving electricity around is challenging because we need capacity at every location always.
  2. US needs more transmission capacity due to increasing electricity demands and changing energy sources.
  3. Building new transmission lines in the US is difficult due to a messy planning system and lack of coordination.

The ICA: Obama's Legacy

The Reactionary • 71 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Intelligence Community had 'low confidence' in claiming that Russia was behind the leaking of DNC data before the official assessment was made.
  2. There were issues with how intelligence was gathered and presented, including suppressed evidence and questionable sources relied upon by FBI officials.
  3. A meeting was held at the White House, led by Obama officials, to create a narrative around Russian interference right before Trump took office.

How much trouble is Starmer in?

Comment is Freed • 74 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Labour doesn't have a clear message for the public about what they stand for. This confusion is hurting their popularity.
  2. The government is facing tough financial challenges but can't easily explain cuts or taxes to the public without a crisis narrative.
  3. Many Labour members are frustrated with Starmer's leadership and may want a new direction soon, especially as tough times are expected ahead.

There is a reason politicians don't want pregnant women getting divorced

Men Yell at Me • 540 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. In some states, pregnant women are not allowed to divorce, even in cases of domestic violence.
  2. Forcing pregnant women to stay married can lead to financial and emotional vulnerability, especially in states with abortion bans.
  3. Laws restricting pregnant women from divorcing are not about the well-being of the child or mother, but rather about controlling women and limiting their freedoms.

Leaked details of new collaboration between U.S. and Australian intelligence, by way of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 630 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Leaked details reveal collaboration between U.S. and Australian intelligence officials and tech industry executives.
  2. The workshop focused on 'human-machine teaming' for AI policy in defense and intelligence sectors.
  3. The event involved key figures from major tech companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Scale AI, and Palantir.

We still know what the problem is

Science Forever • 159 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Gun violence in the United States is not primarily a mental health issue, but a result of easy access to firearms supported by politicians misinterpreting the Second Amendment.
  2. Ensuring physical safety on university campuses is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for learning and innovation.
  3. The presence of firearms on campuses and in communities poses a competitiveness disadvantage for the U.S. in the global arena and undermines progress in academic and scientific fields.

Job search next steps: AI spice level calibration

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Learning and writing about AI can help with job-seeking while also satisfying personal curiosity and a desire to do good.
  2. The aim is to position oneself for thought leadership or AI policy work across for-profits, trade associations, and non-profits/think tanks.
  3. After reflection and advice, the decision is to stop over-censoring and speak more candidly about AI, even if that might alienate some potential employers.

Links to Consider, 11/2/24

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Journalism can become too self-important, especially around political campaigns. This can make journalists feel like they are part of the story instead of just reporting it.
  2. In healthcare, knowing what you actually pay can help people make better choices. A transparent system can encourage people to think about costs and trade-offs.
  3. Economists notice many problems in policies that the average person may overlook. They also understand how economic rules can impact the working poor significantly.

Last Week in AI #236: Pentagon's AI fleet against China, Imbue's $200M boost for reasoning AI, AI sex worker ads invade social media, Anthropic's paid plan for Claude, and more!

Last Week in AI • 178 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The Pentagon is investing heavily in AI technology to counter threats from China and other adversaries.
  2. Imbue raised $200 million to develop AI systems that can reason and code, aiming to create practical and safe AI agents.
  3. Ads for AI sex workers are appearing on social media platforms, despite policies against sexualized content, raising questions about platform monitoring and regulation.

Xi Reduces Role of Private Firms, Hurts Innovation

Japan Economy Watch • 139 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Xi Jinping's policies of reducing the role of private firms and emphasizing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are hurting innovation and economic growth in China.
  2. Under Xi's leadership, China has seen a decrease in high-quality patents, lower productivity in companies, and a dampening of dynamism in the private sector.
  3. By prioritizing SOEs over private companies, Xi is exacerbating the tradeoff between growth and living standards, hindering the potential for increased personal consumption and economic prosperity.

How to Fix No. 10

Comment is Freed • 85 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The No. 10 operation is struggling to provide clear directions to government departments, leading to mixed messages in political communication.
  2. Changing the team structure and adding experienced advisors can help improve the situation, but the right roles and coordination are crucial.
  3. Lessons from past leaders like Tony Blair show that control and delivery are ongoing challenges for Prime Ministers, and understanding these issues can lead to better management.

OSD 327: What happens if suppressors get deregulated?

Open Source Defense • 94 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A new bill in Congress could change how suppressors are regulated, making them easier to buy. If it passes, buying a suppressor would be similar to buying a regular firearm.
  2. Currently, the market for suppressors has grown significantly in recent years. More people are buying them than ever, which shows a big shift in consumer interest.
  3. There are three possible outcomes from the bill: it could fully deregulate suppressors, lower the tax to zero, or keep the current laws as they are. The worst case would mean no changes at all.

The Art World’s Enfant Terrible Runs for Senate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Stefan Simchowitz is running for Senate but doesn't expect to win, viewing it more as a platform to share his ideas.
  2. Simchowitz, known as the 'Art World’s Patron Satan', has an unconventional approach in the art world, supporting struggling artists and circumventing traditional systems.
  3. His political views lean towards a mix of centrist and progressive ideologies, advocating for entrepreneurial government solutions and challenging progressive politics and DEI initiatives.

The Election Blues

Who is Robert Malone • 24 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Democrats had a big advantage in spending and strategy, which helped them turn out voters better than Republicans. It's tough for the party in power to win during off-year elections.
  2. In places like Virginia and New York City, the expected outcomes happened, showcasing issues like candidate charisma and election system complexities that confuse voters.
  3. Looking ahead, Republicans might face challenges in upcoming elections, and they need to work harder to maintain their influence and support meaningful changes in governance.

Responses to comments on our democratic control of AGI paper

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The proposal on democratic control of AGI highlights the need for aligning AI development with democratic accountability and safety measures.
  2. There are concerns about a potential global race in developing AGI and whether private labs or multilateral efforts are better suited to manage the risks.
  3. Despite uncertainties, there is a growing acknowledgment in frontier labs that AGI poses significant risks to humanity and discussions about control and safety measures are crucial.

Groundly's Ground-Rent Grift

Progress and Poverty • 538 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💼 Business Policy
  1. Georgists scrutinize speculative investing in land, seeing land rent as unearned income.
  2. Groundly's offer of buying just-the-house and renting the land may seem affordable upfront but comes with hidden costs and responsibilities.
  3. Traditional lenders like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may have challenges financing Groundly-type leasebacks, raising concerns about the viability of the business model.

Dialing Back Restraint

The Transcript • 79 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💰 Finance Policy
  1. The Federal Reserve suggested that interest rates may have reached their highest point in this tightening cycle and could start decreasing later this year.
  2. The Fed is cautious about lowering rates too soon and wants to see sustained progress in managing inflation before making any major moves.
  3. Despite some challenges with inflation, the overall economy, especially the job market, remains strong.

Links to Consider, 11/8/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Bond markets are reacting to expected inflation, not a debt crisis. This means mortgage rates could rise even if the Fed lowers interest rates.
  2. People notice race because they are naturally group-oriented. Racism stems from our tribal instincts, but it's not built into our thinking.
  3. Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, possibly linked to how technology affects social connections. Research is needed to understand this trend better.

Election Countdown, 258 Days to Go: The New Politics of Place.

Breaking the News • 487 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Place has always been significant in American personal stories and national politics, influencing decisions to stay or go.
  2. Federal policies are beginning to bring more opportunities to historically neglected areas, such as the Rust Belt, by strategically directing investments.
  3. There is a shift towards more planned and effective federal initiatives that focus on boosting local economies and communities, recognizing the importance of place-based growth.

The Musk-a16z administration

Alex's Personal Blog • 230 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Inflation is slowing down, which is good news, but there are still bumps to deal with. It makes it less of a worry than before.
  2. Elon Musk seems to have a big role in the Trump administration, influencing political decisions and interactions. His support is seen as a key factor in Trump's election success.
  3. Despite concerns about AI development hitting a wall, there is optimism from leaders like Sam Altman at OpenAI, indicating that progress continues.

Doctors and patients raise alarm about prior authorization

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. Prior authorization can cause major problems for patients, leading to delays or denials of necessary treatments. This can sometimes result in serious health issues or even death.
  2. A lot of doctors believe that the prior authorization process actually worsens care for patients. Most doctors say these requirements can make patients abandon their treatment plans.
  3. Insurance companies aren't really cooperating with doctors to fix these issues. This makes it hard for patients to access the care they really need.

Why school shooting prevention efforts fail

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. In school shooting cases, people often fail to take the situation seriously, leading to tragic consequences.
  2. Authorities should pay attention to clues provided by individuals involved in potential school shooting incidents, such as changes in behavior or conflicting stories.
  3. Efforts to prevent school shootings should involve thorough investigations, use of best practices in interviewing, and always treating the threat seriously.