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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Biden’s brain, Trump’s brain

Robert Reich • 36282 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election Policy Scandal Justice
  1. Special counsel Hur cleared Biden of any criminality due to memory lapses, sparking concerns about Biden's aging brain.
  2. Hur's lack of medical background and Trump's own memory issues bring into question the validity of his assessment.
  3. The focus in electing a president should be on knowledge, temperament, and judgment, qualities where Biden stands out compared to Trump.
  4. The issue of Biden's memory should not overshadow Trump's indictments and lack of cooperation with investigators.
  5. Hur's previous affiliations with Trump raise suspicions about the political motivations behind his statements.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.

Top Links 756 Tariff-sensitive inflation is on its way. The crisis in the diamond business. The Sound of Music and Caught by the Tides.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economics Markets Investing Policy Global Trade
  1. Tariff-sensitive inflation is expected to rise soon. This means that prices on certain goods may go up because of changes in tariffs.
  2. The diamond industry is facing a crisis. This could impact the availability and pricing of diamonds in the market.
  3. There are interesting discussions around cultural topics like 'The Sound of Music' and environmental issues like 'Caught by the Tides'. These may provide insights into how culture and nature intersect.

More Problems at KinderCare (KLC)

The Bear Cave • 209 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Childcare Government Education Policy Accountability
  1. KinderCare has been facing serious concerns about safety and proper care for children, including incidents of abuse and neglect.
  2. A significant portion of KinderCare's revenue comes from government subsidies, which has become more critical for their business model.
  3. Complaints about billing practices have surfaced, indicating a potential issue with how KinderCare manages funds for services not provided.
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Economics Links, 6/2/2025

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Regulation Cryptocurrency Banking Policy
  1. Closing the FCC could be beneficial, as it often invents new reasons to exist. Some of its functions could be better managed by other government departments.
  2. Trump's idea to make Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae public while keeping government guarantees could lead to problems. This could mean private companies profit while taxpayers take on the risks.
  3. There's some hope in the economy as service costs are stabilizing, suggesting capitalism might be doing better than thought. This could mean a brighter future for the middle class.

Thank You

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7304 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Teachers Policy Public Opinion Government
  1. The author is grateful to teachers who shared their thoughts about the DOE's possible changes. It's important to acknowledge the valuable input from educators.
  2. The author has learned a lot from the teachers' responses about classroom challenges. This shows how complex education issues can be.
  3. The author is still replying to teachers and values their insights. Ongoing communication is key to understanding problems in education.

Funding science is actually a badass thing to do

Experimental History • 9269 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Funding Policy Technology Education
  1. Funding science is essential because it helps us gain knowledge, which is the key to improving our lives. Every advancement we've made comes from learning and understanding more about the world.
  2. We need to be careful not to fall into traps of thinking we can solve problems by reducing knowledge. Instead, we should focus on increasing our understanding to overcome challenges.
  3. Fixing the science funding system could be simple. For example, by avoiding payments to for-profit publishers and reducing unnecessary grant application processes, we can make better use of our resources and support innovative research.

This Week in Canada: Don’t Try to Say No to a Land Acknowledgment

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 421 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Immigration Environment Mining International relations
  1. A Canadian company is trying to lead the U.S. in deep-sea mining, which could provide important minerals for technology like phones and electric cars.
  2. The U.S. government is looking to change rules that made deep-sea mining difficult since 1982, pushing to take advantage of these resources quickly.
  3. There is a debate around the idea of land acknowledgments in Canada, highlighting differing views on their importance and impact.

Top Links 754 Exxon's long plateau. Banana economics. Modal magic & the General of Physics.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💰 Finance Economics Energy Markets Investments Policy
  1. ExxonMobil is not rapidly expanding its fossil fuel production. This suggests a more stable or declining phase for the company rather than aggressive growth.
  2. The content focuses on varied topics like economics and physics, indicating a diverse range of interests and insights.
  3. The support of subscribers is essential for maintaining the platform, highlighting the importance of community in content creation.

MAHA- Populism to Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Policy Health Government Regulation
  1. Populism focuses on the divide between the ordinary people and the corrupt elites. It's important for political movements to transform people's frustrations into real policy changes.
  2. MAHA, which promotes health, aims to improve American health within 12-18 months but must balance regulations and individual freedoms to avoid becoming too controlling.
  3. There are ongoing debates about the role of government in personal health choices, like dietary habits and medical decisions. Finding the right balance between public health and individual rights is crucial.

Top Links 753 Front-running European exports. The American transfer state. Troll farm hierarchy & the economics of motor-racing.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Governance Society International
  1. European exports are being closely watched, possibly for trends or economic implications. It's important to stay updated on how they impact global trade.
  2. The idea of an American transfer state likely refers to the financial support systems in place within the U.S. Understanding this can help in grasping economic dynamics.
  3. There's a mention of troll farms and their organizational structure, highlighting the complexities of online information and influence. This can affect how we view digital communication.

A Covid Nasal Vaccine Update

Ground Truths • 10148 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Clinical Trials Policy Infectious Diseases
  1. There are now 6 different nasal vaccines in clinical trials in the US aimed at preventing COVID-19 and blocking its transmission. These vaccines are promising because they might work better than traditional shots.
  2. Two major challenges facing these new vaccines are the low current levels of the virus, which make it harder to gather data from trials, and the uncertainty about ongoing government support for these projects.
  3. Successful nasal vaccines could provide a convenient way to protect people from COVID-19, but it will take time to find out if they really work well in humans.

113 predictions for Trump's second term

Silver Bulletin • 829 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Campaigns Society
  1. The predictions aim to explore various possible outcomes of Trump's second term, from political events to global issues. It's like guessing how a story might unfold, mixing serious and bizarre scenarios.
  2. The predictions are based on probabilities, meaning some events are more likely to happen than others. For example, predicting a Republican win in 2028 isn't just a simple yes or no; there's a chance it could happen.
  3. There’s an emphasis on keeping track of unusual risks and looking at the bigger picture. These predictions could shape how we think about future political events and the changing landscape in the US.

Markets Do the Good Things That Sound Bad

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Markets Policy Management Corporate Governance
  1. Markets often get criticized for being cost-conscious and risk-aware, but these qualities can actually lead to better outcomes for society. It's important to remember that ignoring costs can create bad decisions.
  2. People think businesses focusing on profits are bad, but profit-seeking can sometimes lead to positive results. It's about balancing risks for larger gains rather than taking reckless risks.
  3. Many popular arguments against markets don't see the bigger picture. When looking at overall success and safety, richer countries with fewer regulations often fare better than poorer, heavily regulated ones.

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 Social Issues Criminal Justice Public Health
  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.

The American Caudillo

The Weekly Dish • 108 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Foreign Relations Political theory
  1. Trump is using military power in the U.S., which raises concerns about his leadership style. Many people feel this approach is not aligned with American values.
  2. There is a fear that Trump's actions could harm the concept of democracy in America. People worry about how this could change the country for the future.
  3. The situation highlights a divide in opinions about national security and governance. Some believe strong military presence is needed at home, while others find it troubling.

BS on the border

Robert Reich • 23998 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Border Security Election Policy Reform
  1. The bipartisan Senate deal on immigration focuses on border security and lacks real reforms like a pathway to citizenship.
  2. Political posturing over border security has intensified as a key issue for the 2024 election.
  3. Trump's rhetoric on immigration, laden with false claims, is evocative of neofascist language and a troubling historical parallel.

Farhad Noori, rejected asylum seeker in Germany, runs down 28 people at a trade union demonstration in Munich

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 260 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Terrorism Policy Security
  1. Farhad Noori, an asylum seeker in Germany, was involved in a serious incident where he drove into a crowd, injuring 28 people. This shocking event raises concerns about safety at public demonstrations.
  2. Noori had a history including theft and drug offenses, and his asylum application had been rejected previously. His case highlights issues around immigration policies and how they're enforced.
  3. Following the attack, there will likely be discussions about increasing security measures and debates about immigration, as communities react to the implications of such violent incidents.

Service Academy Majors/Minors

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Education Diversity Policy Indoctrination
  1. Service academies are meant to train future military officers, and their classes should reflect that mission. This means focusing on skills and knowledge relevant to defense rather than other topics.
  2. There has been pushback against classes like 'Diversity and Inclusion Studies' in military academies, which some view as unnecessary or indoctrination rather than practical education.
  3. Life at service academies is very different from civilian college experiences, with strict rules and a heavy emphasis on discipline and military training.

What Trump's lawyer was really advocating

Robert Reich • 26140 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Policy Democracy Leadership
  1. Trump's lawyer argued for immunity from criminal trial through impeachment, resembling the 1933 Enabling Law in Germany.
  2. American democracy is stronger than Weimar Republic's but caution is needed to protect it.
  3. Author highlights the importance of upholding democratic norms, media truth-telling, and citizen participation for safeguarding democracy.

Top Links 748 Why US agricultural exports matter. Industrializing Carrara & the giant impact of America's mass incarceration.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Agriculture Trade Incarceration Policy
  1. US agricultural exports are important for farmers and the economy, helping to stabilize prices and increase income.
  2. Industrializing Carrara highlights the significant impact of industries on local economies and communities.
  3. America's mass incarceration has wide-ranging effects, affecting both individuals and society as a whole.

the real lessons find a way

bad cattitude • 224 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Racism Identity politics Society Policy
  1. Many believe that topics like racism and inequality have become more prominent in schools, causing division rather than unity. Some argue this creates a cycle of blame without solving the actual problems.
  2. The impact of the COVID pandemic opened parents' eyes to what their children were learning in schools. This has sparked increased scrutiny and questions about education content.
  3. Young people today have faced challenging times, which has made them more resilient. Many believe these experiences are preparing them to succeed in the future compared to previous generations.

Exclusive: Trump Targets Biden’s $42 Billion Broadband Boondoggle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Policy Administration
  1. Trump plans to change a $42 billion broadband program created by Biden because it hasn't successfully connected anyone to the internet yet.
  2. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is looking to remove rules that are seen as burdensome, which could speed up the program's goals.
  3. This broadband program was started to provide internet access to 25 million Americans, but the proposed changes can happen without needing Congress's approval.

John Fetterman for President?

American Dreaming • 92 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Candidates Democracy Public Opinion
  1. The Democratic Party is struggling to connect with non-college-educated voters, who are increasingly supporting the Republican Party.
  2. John Fetterman's unique appearance and attitude might resonate with voters who feel overlooked by typical politicians, potentially helping him gain support.
  3. Despite his flaws and questionable behavior, Fetterman's candidacy could represent a shift in how Democrats appeal to a wider audience in America.

The Value of Foreign Diplomas

Cremieux Recueil • 483 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Education Employment Economics Policy
  1. People often assume that a degree from a prestigious school means a candidate is more qualified, but the same should apply to comparing U.S. natives with immigrants. Many immigrants may not have the same skills or education levels as U.S. natives who have degrees.
  2. Research shows that immigrants with foreign degrees often perform worse than U.S. natives with degrees in tests of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. This suggests a gap in skills that may not be recognized.
  3. Reforming immigration by focusing on skill-based assessments rather than just degrees could lead to better outcomes for the U.S. It would allow for hiring more skilled immigrants while still benefiting the native population.

The FDR era comes to an end

The Crucial Years • 4414 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership Social Issues
  1. The recent election represented a major shift away from the values established during the FDR era. It feels like a significant connection to that time has been broken, which raises concerns about the future.
  2. Current challenges, especially regarding climate and energy, seem daunting, but there is an opportunity to rebuild our energy system. The focus on renewable energy could help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
  3. Local leaders need to act decisively on climate change policies. There’s a need for strong initiatives to reduce pollution and invest in green projects, which are critical to making meaningful progress.

Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Advocacy Governance Civil Rights
  1. Legislative language can be complicated and confusing, making it hard for everyday people to understand what laws really mean. It's important to break down legal terms into simple language so everyone can grasp their implications.
  2. Some laws might have hidden meanings that could cause major issues, like how definitions in legislation can change the way we understand terms like 'sexual orientation.' This can lead to unintended consequences that affect society.
  3. Activists sometimes downplay the real effects of laws, which can be alarming. It's crucial to stay informed and critically assess what legislation truly entails to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.

Reading List 12/21/2024

Construction Physics • 10230 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Transportation Aerospace Policy
  1. Commercial fusion energy is making progress with a new reactor that could generate power for many homes and create jobs.
  2. Boom Technology secured $100 million to develop a supersonic airliner, but its future remains uncertain due to challenges in airplane engine development.
  3. There's growing interest in using airships for cargo transport, as they can be more efficient than ships and planes for certain distances.

What should the control arm be in a vaccine trial? Is it a placebo if it contains aluminum?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 106 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Clinical Trials Public Health Policy Ethics
  1. In vaccine trials, using a control arm that contains something like aluminum may not be truly a placebo, which can make it hard to determine side effects.
  2. If the control group feels side effects from a placebo, like aluminum, they may think they received the vaccine and change their behavior, affecting the trial results.
  3. Sometimes, trials need more than one control group to get a clearer picture of both safety and effectiveness, like comparing a true placebo to a placebo that causes some discomfort.

Washington Gets the Full Musk Treatment

Nonzero Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political parties Administration
  1. A lot of Americans think their government is run by a small group of powerful people. This idea shows concern about inequality in political power.
  2. Elon Musk's approach to leadership involves major cutbacks and challenges to existing processes. This style can lead to significant changes in organizations like the government.
  3. There are growing worries about the safety of AI as the US and China compete for technological dominance. Leaders emphasize that this race could have dangerous consequences.

Social Security for 200-Year-Olds?

OpenTheBooks Substack • 272 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Social Security Policy Fraud
  1. There are huge discrepancies in the numbers of old people listed in the Social Security database, creating confusion and concern. Some figures, like those stating millions are aged over 100 or even 200, seem unbelievable.
  2. Major efforts are being made to clean up the Social Security records, with millions of potentially obsolete numbers being removed. This process aims to prevent fraud and ensure accurate records.
  3. The Social Security Administration has been criticized for lacking transparency and not providing clear data about its beneficiaries. This makes it difficult for taxpayers to understand how funds are being managed.

State-by-state electricity mixes and prices in the United States

Sustainability by numbers • 279 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Electricity Policy Data
  1. There are interactive slide decks available that show how electricity sources and prices vary across different states in the US. This makes it easy for people to understand where their electricity comes from.
  2. The slide decks get updated with new data to reflect changes in energy policy and the electricity market over time. It's helpful for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends and figures.
  3. Users can freely explore the data on electricity mixes and prices without needing permission, promoting accessibility and awareness about energy consumption.

Note to Readers: Any Public School Teachers Out There?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3463 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Government Policy Teachers Federal Funding
  1. The author is looking to talk with public school teachers about recent changes announced by Donald Trump regarding the Department of Education. They want to hear teachers' opinions on these ideas.
  2. They are inviting teachers and professors from federally funded schools to share their insights privately. This conversation aims to gather real experiences and thoughts about the education system.
  3. The author promises to keep the discussions brief and offers an email for teachers to reach out. It’s a chance for educators to contribute their voices on important educational issues.

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 Government Elections Policy Political Analysis Current Events
  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.