The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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

The Truth About Integration

Comment is Freed • 114 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Integration challenges in the UK are being addressed successfully through education, leading to positive outcomes in academic performance and assimilation for immigrant communities.
  2. The UK stands out in Europe for immigrant students' academic success, suggesting the impact of education on integration is significant.
  3. Education plays a key role in reducing segregation over time, as seen in the increasing diversity in neighborhoods and schools, signaling progress towards greater integration.

Sunday Strip: The Platypus Conspiracy -

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Whistleblowers play an important role in exposing wrongdoings. John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, believes it's crucial not to stay silent.
  2. The U.S. government is facing a significant debt crisis. Many think that if spending isn't controlled, it could lead to serious consequences for the country.
  3. The platypus is a unique animal that mixes features from different species. It's a fun reminder of how diverse nature can be.

An offer, and a poll

Unreported Truths • 17 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. The author is focusing on healthcare and Big Pharma issues, aiming to bring light to underreported truths in these areas. They feel they are on the right path with their writing.
  2. Subscribers are being offered a discount on membership and a chance to receive exclusive merchandise as a thank you for their support. Signing up now could be beneficial before a price increase.
  3. There is a poll regarding whether the author should join a new podcast with other thinkers. They are uncertain about the time commitment and want feedback from their readers.

TRUMP’S POWER GRAB

Seymour Hersh • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. President Trump has taken control of the USAID, shutting it down abruptly which puts many employees out of work. This shows how quickly he can change important government services.
  2. Trump is seen as someone who is trying to reduce government programs that help people, following a pattern that past Republican presidents have set. This means he might focus more on benefiting his wealthy supporters.
  3. His recent actions are not new but rather part of a long history of Republican leaders wanting to cut bureaucracy and services, often at the expense of citizens. It's a trend that many are concerned about.

Best Posts of 2024

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The site experienced significant growth in 2024, showing a 250% increase, thanks to support from its followers.
  2. Issues like climate change and the influence of billionaires are critical and concerning topics that need attention in today's world.
  3. The idea of power and control is still relevant, influenced by both government actions and societal dynamics.
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It's Time to Fight for Open Source Again

Future History • 150 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Open source AI is being threatened by proposals to restrict its availability.
  2. Open source software is crucial, running 90% of the world's programs.
  3. Push back against restrictive policies to ensure open source remains a driving force for innovation and accessibility.

Do you want to know the real reason RFK Jr. isn't banning the mRNA shots? It's not what you think!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. RFK Jr. is aware of the dangers of mRNA shots but hasn't banned them. His reasoning is logical and thoughtful.
  2. The article hints at a deeper strategy behind RFK Jr.'s decision not to take action against these vaccines.
  3. There is potential for change regarding the availability of these shots, and the author feels empowered to contribute to that change.

The Gillespie Immigration Interview

Bet On It • 35 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The interview took place in a very cold basement right after Trump's inauguration. It was a fun experience despite the freezing temperatures.
  2. The discussion centered around immigration and its importance. The speakers were eager to share their views on how immigration can benefit society.
  3. A video of the full interview was shared for others to enjoy. It highlights the engaging conversation between the participants.

The Demon in the Can

Vittles • 112 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Policy
  1. The sugar tax introduced in the UK aimed to reduce sugar consumption and combat obesity, but there is uncertainty about its effectiveness in delivering health benefits.
  2. The sugar tax generated revenue, but there are concerns about whether the funds are being used as promised for health-related interventions.
  3. The sugar tax embodies a broader societal issue of shifting blame onto individuals for their food choices, rather than addressing underlying social justice and inequalities.

How would you improve food in the UK?

Vittles • 110 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Policy
  1. Minimum Wage Tied to Cost of Food: Consider including the cost of food in minimum wage and benefit calculations to ensure everyone can afford to eat.
  2. Reform Universal Credit: Reforming the Universal Credit system can help end the reliance on food aid and inconsistent income, promoting food security for all.
  3. Agroecology Development Officers: Implementing Agroecology Development Officers can help transition to more sustainable agroecological food systems with regional collaboration.

New Congressional Report Details Biden Administration's Catastrophic COVID Messaging Failures

Unmasked • 56 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Biden Administration is said to have misled many people about COVID-19, which caused a lot of harm.
  2. A new report claims that they wasted nearly a billion dollars on spreading incorrect information about the pandemic.
  3. This situation may have made the spread of COVID-19 worse and raised questions about how health authorities communicated.

Trump's War on Science

Critical Mass • 15 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Trump administration is cutting support for scientific research, which is important for the economy and national security. This could hurt scientific progress in the U.S.
  2. There is a need for reforms in higher education, as some universities have been criticized for unfair practices and stifling free speech. This creates a troubling environment for academic inquiry.
  3. An external threat to science and research is emerging, which could be even more damaging than the internal issues colleges face. It's crucial to address these challenges for the future of science.

Elon vs. the USG, pt. 2

Gray Mirror • 53 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Elon Musk is approaching Washington without a clear plan, which can make him seem naive or overly optimistic. In a complicated environment like D.C., sticking to a solid strategy is crucial.
  2. A lot of recommendations generated in D.C. often end up as pointless paperwork or ideas that don’t really lead to change. Real progress usually requires aligning with existing political interests.
  3. Elon may be brilliant in the tech world, but navigating the bureaucracy of Washington could frustrate him. The gap between his innovative style and the slow pace of politics might lead to misunderstandings.

Revisionist history: Fauci and Weingarten distance themselves from the School Closure policy they enacted & encouraged

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 197 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Fauci and Weingarten are distancing themselves from the school closure policies they supported.
  2. The media is not holding Fauci and Weingarten accountable for their actions.
  3. Fauci and Weingarten should not have a say in shaping policies in the future due to their role in school closures.

Literature Reviews and Innovation

New Things Under the Sun • 144 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🔬 Science Policy
  1. Literature reviews tend to be more highly cited than traditional research articles in academia and policy.
  2. Literature reviews help consolidate isolated niches of research into more central ideas in academia.
  3. Academic literature reviews can influence policy-making by providing a broader and more accurate picture of scientific findings.

Leave Town or Hunker Down?

Gordian Knot News • 131 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🔬 Science Policy
  1. NRC and EPA have differing policies on handling releases of radioactive material from nuclear power plants.
  2. The NRC emphasizes rapid evacuation, while the EPA argues for sheltering in place and deliberate relocation.
  3. Both NRC and EPA approaches have flaws, but EPA's stance seems more practical.

Rothbard on Smith

David Friedman’s Substack • 134 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🚌 Education Policy
  1. Adam Smith did not support progressive income taxation and was actually against most income taxes.
  2. Smith was a free trader who saw taxes on exports as a means to raise funds, not as a trade policy objective.
  3. Smith did not advocate for government-run education to enforce obedience; he actually discussed leaving education in private hands.

The Taco Truck Delusion

Karlstack • 187 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The author wrote an article called 'The Taco Truck Delusion' for The American Conservative.
  2. The article made the front cover of the magazine titled 'What’s Wrong with Mexico'.
  3. The article is currently behind a paywall but the author plans to share it on Substack once it's accessible for free.

American politicians are "honoring" Navalny by brazenly misrepresenting his views

Michael Tracey • 102 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. American politicians have been misrepresenting Alexei Navalny's views to push for increased military aid to Ukraine after his death
  2. Navalny did not support flooding Ukraine with US weapons, and his widow expressed exhaustion and disappointment with the ongoing conflict
  3. The bipartisan exploitation of Navalny's death for political gain highlights the disregard for his true beliefs and widow's statements

AI Roundup 094: Pixtral et Le Chat

Artificial Ignorance • 46 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Mistral AI launched a new model called Pixtral that is strong in handling different tasks while using fewer parameters than some big competitors. This showcases advancements in AI technology.
  2. Le Chat, Mistral's popular chatbot, is now comparable to ChatGPT, offering features like web search and image generation for free during its beta phase.
  3. The DOJ is pushing for changes in Google's AI partnerships due to antitrust concerns, which could affect how AI technology develops and is shared among companies.

A slow tsunami

Model Thinking • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Critics of open borders argue about moving costs, either saying they are too high or too low, but over time, open borders can have a positive impact.
  2. Existing examples show that migration patterns can change gradually, with diaspora reducing migration costs over time.
  3. A model for open borders suggests that allowing migration can lead to population growth without negatively impacting the destination country's institutions, potentially lifting billions out of poverty.

GMU's "Just Societies" + March Events: Nashua, Boston, and AMA

Bet On It • 95 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. GMU economist shared a first-hand account critiquing the 'Just Societies' course requirement at the university, highlighting issues with DEI promoters.
  2. Upcoming Bet On It events include a Premium Subscriber Ask Me Anything session, the Liberty Forum Experience in Nashua, along with a Boston Meet-Up.
  3. Bryan Caplan's events include discussions on localism, land-use regulation, and his famous 'Build, Baby, Build' keynote talk, showcasing his engagement with current socio-economic topics.

Behind the Curtain of the New CDC Panel on Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. The new CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been completely restructured with new members, who are experienced in vaccine development. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to vaccine policies.
  2. There has been intense criticism of the new committee's decisions, indicating that no group involved was fully satisfied with the outcomes. This highlights how complex and contentious vaccine discussions can be.
  3. The upcoming interviews and discussions aim to clarify the committee’s decisions and show that they are dedicated to transparency and public health, rather than just following corporate interests.

Holistic Ethics

Tom Thought • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Policy
  1. Moral questions are complex and involve considerations about goals, rules, obligations, praise, punishment, emulation, habits, and associations.
  2. Outcomes and rules are both important in ethics, with goals being critical for motivation and rules for guidance, but bad outcomes lead to the need to revise rules.
  3. Morality is a process involving preferences, policies, cooperation, values, character, rules, and actions, aimed at aligning behavior to produce beneficial outcomes.

It's never overbuilding, and that won't change soon.

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
💰 Finance Policy
  1. There is a misconception of overbuilding being a significant issue in the housing market.
  2. Historical data shows that construction rates do not have a cyclical effect on supply and demand dynamics.
  3. Low construction and vacancy rates currently contribute to high housing costs, and more housing supply is needed to bring rents down.

Biden’s Legacy: Covid Persecution, Censorship, and Across-the-Board Oppression

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 33 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Biden's presidency has faced criticism for increasing censorship and limiting freedom of speech. Instead of protecting democratic values, many believe he's used government power to suppress dissent.
  2. There are concerns about the unequal application of the law, with claims that Biden and his allies evade consequences while political opponents face serious legal challenges. This creates a sense of unfairness in how justice is applied.
  3. The Biden administration is accused of expanding its authority beyond reasonable limits, such as implementing strict vaccine mandates and surveillance practices. Critics feel this overreach undermines personal freedoms and individual rights.

The American Secular Cycles

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. America's history follows cyclical patterns of expansion, stagnation, crisis, and resolution, influenced by population growth, economic inequality, and elite competition.
  2. Secular cycles have been identified in American history from 1780 to 1930 and a current ongoing cycle since 1930, driven by demographic mechanisms and economic inequality.
  3. The resolution of past cycles involved significant events like the Civil War and the Great Depression, with policy responses playing a crucial role in resolving economic and political crises.

Win men by losing corporatism

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Government rules often make it harder for new businesses to succeed because they put more burdens on them than on big corporations. This isn't fair and hurts competition.
  2. When big companies dominate the market, it leads to higher prices and lower quality for everyday goods, which affects working families the most.
  3. Voters want the government to help them start businesses and reduce living costs, so political parties should pay attention to these needs to gain support.

How to Impede Technological Progress

New Things Under the Sun • 144 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Policy levers to slow technological progress can be classified into reverse push and pull policies
  2. Reverse push policies raise the costs of research, like restrictions on federal funding and safety regulations impacting chemistry labs
  3. Reverse pull policies reduce profitability of certain tech innovations, like carbon taxes and liability exposure, impacting R&D differently based on company size and innovation potential

Tiktok Versus Econ 101

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.