The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How to get more male teachers

Of Boys and Men • 95 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Policy
  1. There is a significant drop in the number of male teachers, especially in secondary schools, where their share has fallen from 48% to 36%. This means fewer male role models in middle and high schools.
  2. Many men enter teaching later in life, often switching from other careers. About 25% of male teachers come from different professions, indicating a need for easier pathways into education.
  3. Men are more likely to leave teaching for other careers or further education compared to women. This suggests that improving job satisfaction and financial benefits could help retain more male teachers in the field.

Wealthy, Elite Universities Like Harvard Taxed You $45 Billion In Last Five Years

OpenTheBooks Substack • 241 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Wealthy universities like Harvard received $45 billion in federal payments, tax breaks, and subsidies over the last five years.
  2. Top universities prioritized securing federal contracts and grants over student tuition, with $33 billion flowing to them annually.
  3. Elite universities also benefited from special tax treatment benefits on endowment gains and additional government subsidies.

I'm Starting to Wonder if Maybe Trump DOESN'T Have an Amazing Health Care Plan

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There's doubt about whether a solid healthcare plan from Trump actually exists, despite his repeated promises over the years. Many are starting to wonder if it’s just talk without a real plan.
  2. People are frustrated because Trump has waited so long to present a healthcare plan that seems amazing. It's hard to believe he hasn't done it when many expect something great.
  3. Some fear that if Republicans don't replace Obamacare with a good plan, they might rely on other issues to win elections. This possibility raises concerns about healthcare for many people.
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August 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after a bad jobs report, showing his determination to control economic data. This raises concerns about how reliable statistics would be under his leadership.
  2. Many Americans are stressed about rising grocery costs, indicating growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of economic issues. His popularity is declining, which could affect his support.
  3. There are ongoing controversies surrounding Trump's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, and some believe that he is trying to shift attention away from the issue. This situation continues to create political tension.

Hsieh, Moretti, Shiller, and the Rest: Part 4

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 210 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Policy
  1. High home prices are driven by inertia and displacement, not aspiration or excitement.
  2. Households prioritize staying close to amenities and jobs over saving on housing costs.
  3. Obstructions to building homes contribute to rising prices, with private equity single-family investment firms filling the gap.

Open Thread #29

Fisted by Foucault • 180 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Vicki Nuland has submitted her resignation, a significant move due to her influential role in USA's Russia policy.
  2. Her resignation indicates a shift in USA's approach towards Ukraine and Russia, possibly signaling a move to assign Ukraine to Europe and focus on containing China.
  3. The resignation prompts discussions on the impact and reasons behind this shift in US foreign policy.

July 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump claims he has stopped several wars, but this is widely seen as untrue. Many believe he is exaggerating his role in international conflicts.
  2. He announced a massive $200 million event space at the White House, which seems more about personal luxury than public service. It raises concerns about whether the White House still represents the American people.
  3. There's confusion and disagreement about the trade deals Trump is promoting with Japan and Europe. Experts say his claims don't match up with the reality of what was actually agreed upon.

What David Brooks Gets Wrong about the Time Tax

Can We Still Govern? • 196 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. David Brooks addresses administrative burdens, but overlooks contributions from private companies and conservative politicians as well.
  2. Bureaucracies tend to create administrative burdens, which accumulate over time and may not align with the organization's mission.
  3. Brooks proposes sludge audits and enhancing customer experience as ways to address bureaucracy, emphasizing that markets also generate administrative burdens.

July 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Attorney General plans to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell to discuss information about powerful people involved in crimes, showing a focus on accountability.
  2. The government recently released a huge amount of FBI files about Martin Luther King Jr., which could distract from discussions around the Epstein case.
  3. Trump is reacting strongly to questions about his connection to Epstein, which seems to raise more suspicion rather than clear his name.

Five things I liked from Donald Trump's first week as President

Unreported Truths • 63 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's immigration policies focused on stricter deportations, which some believe are necessary to manage the system better.
  2. Federal workers are now required to return to the office, ensuring they fulfill their job duties rather than working from home.
  3. He signed an executive order to protect free speech and prevent government censorship, which many see as an important measure for citizens.

Why Policy?

From the New World • 172 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The evolution of human behavior involves self-deception as an adaptive strategy, which influences decision-making.
  2. Understanding the impact of legislation on industries is crucial, as many tech companies may lack awareness of its effects.
  3. The defense of basic freedoms and the need for effective policy-making is essential to navigate changing social and technological landscapes.

Missing Fixed Effects Don't Justify Segregation

Cremieux Recueil • 199 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Justice Jackson's statements about segregation and survival rates of Black newborns were not strongly supported by a 2020 study.
  2. The exclusion of important fixed effects in studies can lead to incorrect or misleading conclusions.
  3. The issue of missing fixed effects is common in research and can impact policy decisions and research priorities.

Against the UBI: My Reply to Zwolinski

Bet On It • 181 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Cash transfers to parents can positively impact childhood poverty rates.
  2. Cost of implementing a UBI is a major concern, with varying perspectives on feasibility.
  3. UBI proposals involve complex considerations like means-testing and existing program eliminations.

Sustainability

David Friedman’s Substack • 278 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Policy
  1. Sustainability may not be a practical goal if it means continuing our present activities indefinitely.
  2. Defining sustainability based on future needs is challenging due to uncertainties and differing interpretations.
  3. The concept of sustainability can be manipulated to support any policy, which hinders meaningful discussions about future generations.

July 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Republicans are showing panic over issues related to Trump, especially regarding Epstein, which is causing divisions among them.
  2. Trump's approval ratings are dropping, especially among Independents, with many Americans disapproving of his handling of immigration.
  3. The government is facing criticism over the treatment of detainees, with reports of inhumane conditions and legal issues surrounding wrongful deportations.

Lockdowns & Deep Impact

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Establishing traditions that reinforce positive themes, like masculinity, with your children can be significant.
  2. Disaster movies often portray common themes like philosopher-king leadership and lockdowns, reflecting on real-world events and responses.
  3. The concept of a philosopher-king taking decisive actions in times of crisis, as shown in movies and real-life scenarios, can impact our perceptions and reactions to disasters.

A tangible thing you can do today to fight Trump's takeover of the federal government

Can We Still Govern? • 215 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. You can take action against Trump's attempt to politicize the federal government by commenting on a proposed rule to neuter Schedule F.
  2. Public comments on rules can influence policy decisions and help protect the independence of the bureaucracy.
  3. Increasing politicization of government agencies can lead to lower performance, reduced accountability, and less responsiveness to Congress and the public.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, John B. Taylor, & Kevin Warsh Are Not Professional Analysts, But Rather Republican Courtiers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Kevin Warsh's role in politics shows how personal identity can outweigh professional expertise. He is seen more as a supporter of party lines rather than a strictly analytical voice.
  2. Several economists, like Cogan and Hubbard, are criticized for aligning their views with political agendas instead of relying on data. This raises questions about their credibility in economic discussions.
  3. The long-term decline in U.S. productivity is significant, and some economists downplay this reality. Ignoring the actual data trends can harm their reputations as credible professionals.

The Borjas-Caplan Immigration Debate

Bet On It • 75 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The debate highlights different views on immigration research. Borjas focuses on the flaws in the research rather than saying immigration is outright bad.
  2. Borjas believes that gut feelings about immigration policies are valid, even if they lead to stricter immigration rules.
  3. The author argues that Borjas has a misguided understanding of ideology, launching a critique against relying solely on instinct over informed decisions.

While UnitedHealth reports $24 Billion in profits, Americans faced 200% increases in out-of-pockets over last decade

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. UnitedHealth made a record profit of $24 billion, which is the highest ever for any U.S. insurer. This raises concerns about how the company is managing its resources while also charging customers more.
  2. Americans have seen their healthcare costs skyrocket, with out-of-pocket expenses increasing by 200% over the last decade. This means people are paying much more for healthcare, even when they have insurance.
  3. Health insurance premiums and deductibles now take a larger share of people's incomes, affecting families in many states. Many insured people are still struggling to afford care due to higher costs.

A veteran (and new federal employee) offers her view on the chaos the sudden government downsizing has unleashed

Unreported Truths • 55 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The current government downsizing has left many federal employees feeling anxious and uncertain about their jobs, especially those hired for remote work. It's tough for them without clear answers about what will happen next.
  2. Not all federal workers are lazy or incompetent. Many work hard and do their jobs well, even if the general opinion sometimes paints them in a negative light.
  3. The extreme measures being taken to cut government jobs may have long-term repercussions. It’s important to find a balance instead of swinging to the opposite extreme and making things worse.

June 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, was appointed despite having no military background. His nomination came from being a significant donor to Trump’s campaign rather than military experience.
  2. There are concerns about how history is taught and remembered in America. Trump’s administration aims to erase certain narratives and promote a version of history that aligns with their agenda.
  3. A new video series called 'Journey to American Democracy' is being created to make U.S. history more accessible. It focuses on the struggle for democracy and equality throughout American history.

Sunday Strip: The Near is End

Who is Robert Malone • 57 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's actions and statements continue to generate strong feelings among the public. Many people are engaged in discussions about his influence on politics.
  2. There seems to be a struggle between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the options available in restaurants, reflecting a larger challenge in urban living.
  3. The experience of watching something intriguing can make it hard to stop, which can lead to consuming more information than initially intended.

July 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A devastating flood in Texas resulted in many deaths and much destruction, revealing flaws in the government's warning systems. Cuts to critical weather services led to inadequate forecasts and delayed warnings.
  2. The federal government's budget cuts have severely impacted essential organizations like FEMA and the National Weather Service. This has raised concerns about public safety and effective crisis management during emergencies.
  3. Cuts to programs that were vital for public health may lead to a health crisis in America. Reduced funding for research and health agencies puts citizens at risk for preventable diseases and inadequate care.

Striving Towards Implementing the National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS)

Resilient Cyber • 59 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The National Cybersecurity Strategy emphasizes that big companies and government agencies should take more responsibility in managing cyber risks. This means they need to invest in better security measures to protect everyone.
  2. There are five main goals in the strategy, including making sure critical services are safe, working with the private sector, and responding quickly to cyber threats. It's all about teamwork between different sectors for better security.
  3. The plan is a living document that will change as needed. It includes specific actions and timelines, showing that the government is committed to making real improvements in cybersecurity.

unqualifying immunity

bad cattitude • 146 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Eliminating the concept of 'qualified immunity' can shift power towards accountability to the people
  2. Individuals with power and influence should be held to higher standards and face consequences for transgressions
  3. Supporting civil liability for bad actors, rather than hiding behind 'just doing my job,' can promote accountability and deter misconduct

July 8, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The recent floods in Texas have led to tragic loss of life and highlight the consequences of budget cuts to emergency services like FEMA.
  2. The government is facing legal challenges over recent policy changes, particularly regarding health services and the hiring of federal employees.
  3. There is growing frustration among Trump supporters about unmet promises, and the administration is struggling to maintain loyalty and support among its base.

Where Have the Good Oligarchs Gone?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The real Left opposes the idea of the rich ruling over everyone else. If they don't get rid of the oligarchs, true self-rule won't happen.
  2. Oligarchs are gaining more power, especially with political figures like Donald Trump. This shift is concerning for democracy.
  3. Some political groups appear to embrace certain wealthy individuals, calling them 'good billionaires.' The actual Left wants to challenge and limit the power of all oligarchs, not just pick favorites.

The Life and Death of the Hawker Centre

Vittles • 156 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Policy
  1. Hawker culture in Singapore was built on individual craft and diversity but is facing challenges due to modernization and standardization.
  2. Government initiatives are in place to preserve the hawker trade in Singapore, seen as a key part of the social safety net.
  3. While new hawker-inspired businesses have emerged, true hawker culture is deeply rooted in the authentic, independent stalls found in traditional hawker centers.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-20 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 53 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Watching a video about the Bel Air Fire of 1961 can give you insight into historical events and their impacts. It's important to learn from past events to understand current issues better.
  2. Insurance costs for properties are changing and it's something to keep an eye on. Rising costs can affect how we plan our finances when it comes to home and property.
  3. Subscribing to informative newsletters can lead to valuable knowledge. Engaging with these types of content can help you stay updated and informed.

Lip Service To A Genocide?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Many Western leaders are seen as complicit in the suffering in Gaza. This complicity could have serious consequences for them.
  2. The term 'lip service' suggests that leaders might be merely paying lip service to address the ongoing tragedy, without taking real actions.
  3. There is a strong belief that these leaders will face backlash or accountability for their actions and inactions regarding the genocide.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Democrats are struggling with messaging and need to connect better with regular voters. They should simplify their communication and focus more on issues that matter to the public, like the cost of living.
  2. Support for Ukraine could weaken if Republicans gain control in Congress, as leaders like Kevin McCarthy show signs of wanting to reduce aid. This might change the U.S. stance on international support for Ukraine.
  3. Canada's assisted suicide program is raising serious concerns as people are being approved for it too easily, even for non-terminal conditions. This raises ethical questions about the government's role in citizen's deaths.