The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Dead Media spreading Mis- Dis-, Mal-information

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Misinformation is often seen as incorrect information without bad intent, while disinformation is misinformation spread on purpose to mislead people.
  2. Malinformation refers to true information used in a harmful way, like taking facts out of context to create distrust in government or institutions.
  3. People should be able to speak freely about health choices without fear of being labeled untrustworthy or having their voices silenced, as open discussion is important for understanding.

RLHF is the Problem and the Solution

From the New World • 86 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The goal of AI Pluralism is to ensure that machine models are not manipulated by third parties to conform to specific ideologies.
  2. Machine learning typically involves two stages: developing the model's capabilities and fine-tuning, which can influence the model's ideology and style.
  3. Requiring the release of both stages of the model can help curb extremist influence, but it may not completely eliminate ideological contamination in AI development.

How the New Deal Order fell

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Elite acceptance of the New Deal paradigm started to break down during the 1960s, leading to significant policy shifts that impacted economic stability and inflation.
  2. The decline in US gold reserves and the failure to address fiscal deficits were key signals of the breakdown of the New Deal Order, highlighting the challenges in managing the economy.
  3. Policy decisions around taxation, military spending, and social programs during the era reshaped economic cultures and paved the way for the transition from the New Deal to the Neoliberal Order.

The (Political) Sound Of Silence

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 38 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. After the recent election, the intense political chatter has quieted down significantly, which many people find comforting. It's like a calm after a storm where there's less stress about political debates.
  2. Taking a break from media and social media has helped some people feel less anxious. It's like finally letting go of a heavy backpack after carrying it for too long.
  3. Noticing how much political noise was unnecessary has led to a sense of peace. Instead of getting caught up in arguments and outrage, they can focus on enjoying life again and finding new interests.

Offshore wind and big company lobbying

Jérôme à Paris • 121 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Big offshore wind projects often require government support or changes in regulations to be built
  2. Companies involved in offshore wind projects may try to renegotiate after making commitments, leveraging their political weight
  3. Offshore wind projects have high visibility, symbolic value, and political weight, making them a common target for lobbying and political maneuvering
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The fight for global AI supremacy, and Steve Bannon versus the Tech Right

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. The U.S. government has new rules for exporting AI chips, with different restrictions for various countries. This change has caused a lot of backlash from tech companies, who fear it may hurt America's competitive edge.
  2. OpenAI released a new plan to help the U.S. stay ahead in AI technology, focusing on better communication between the government and AI businesses. They want to ensure that innovation continues without compromising safety.
  3. There is a growing conflict between different factions within the Republican Party regarding tech policies. Steve Bannon is openly opposed to Elon Musk's influence, hinting at some power struggles in the upcoming administration.

Canada Fires First Salvo In US/Canada Trade War, Ruining Trump's Inauguration.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Canada has taken actions that seem to start a trade war with the U.S., which could create tension between the two countries.
  2. The situation surrounding this trade dispute impacted a major event, leading to Trump's inauguration being held indoors.
  3. These developments suggest that international relations can directly affect important political ceremonies and events.

Border Crossing Data Show Incentives Matter

Maximum Truth • 88 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Illegal migration is primarily determined by ease of entry, as shown by border crossing data
  2. Data indicates that incentives matter in influencing the number of migrant crossings, with policies like 'Remain in Mexico' impacting the flow
  3. The media tends to avoid in-depth discussions on the pros and cons of open borders, preferring a simpler 'don't be racist' narrative

February 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 26 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Elon Musk's influence in Trump's administration seems to be unpopular with many Americans. A lot of people think he's overstepping and worried about privacy issues.
  2. Trump's approval ratings are low, with many Americans disapproving of his actions, like budget cuts and treatment of immigrants. Even some Republicans oppose his pardons for Capitol riot offenders.
  3. State governors are pushing back against Trump's approach, asserting the need for rule of law and refusing to comply with his directives like those affecting transgender athletes.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

ACIP Debrief- June 2025

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. The ACIP recently approved a monoclonal antibody called Clesrovimab for infants who didn't get RSV protection from their mothers. This helps prevent severe RSV illness in newborns.
  2. They also decided to phase out thimerosal in flu vaccines for everyone, pushing for single-dose options. This move aims to enhance vaccine safety and promote public trust.
  3. The new committee emphasized transparency and patient-centered decisions as key priorities for public health. They want to base their recommendations on solid scientific data to keep everyone informed.

RSV Vaccine Safety Signals Raise Alarms

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. There are serious safety concerns about the RSV vaccines, especially linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which can cause severe health issues.
  2. Some women who got the RSV vaccines during pregnancy faced complications like preterm births, suggesting that the vaccines might be risky for them.
  3. The monitoring system for vaccine safety revealed alarming reports, including deaths and serious allergic reactions, highlighting the need for careful oversight.

The Musk-a16z admin continues to grow

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. X, previously known as Twitter, is raising the price of its Premium+ subscription by 37.5%, making it more expensive than other similar services. This change is part of X's strategy to offer an ad-free experience and advanced AI features.
  2. Sriram Krishnan and Scott Kupor from venture firm a16z are taking significant roles in the new administration, focusing on AI policy and government workforce reform. Their backgrounds hint at a blend of tech and government aiming for innovation and efficiency.
  3. Defense contracting firms like Palantir and Anduril are teaming up with other tech companies to create competition for U.S. government contracts. This could disrupt the current system, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and high costs.

Annexing Mexico and Canada

Satisologie: Systems//Creativity • 29 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Annexing Mexico and Canada could bring great benefits. It could make North America stronger and more secure by combining resources and boosting the economy.
  2. The move would simplify border control and reduce illegal immigration. A united border would create a safer and more productive region.
  3. Increasing the size of the U.S. could lead to more influence in the world. This union could help North America become a leader in global markets and ensure food security.

February 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. After WWII, most Americans wanted more government involvement to support businesses and civil rights, but some groups pushed against this idea. They argued that helping minorities was unfair to hardworking white taxpayers.
  2. Many voters still support government programs like Social Security and education, despite claims of government waste and inefficiency. Polls show a majority believe the U.S. should spend more on these services.
  3. Recent federal job cuts, ordered by Trump and Musk, are impacting vital programs, including those that help farmers and healthcare. This could hurt many supporters, especially in Republican areas that rely on these services.

Thoughts on a Crazy Week in AI News

AI: A Guide for Thinking Humans • 148 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy's misunderstanding of ChatGPT sparked a discussion about AI education and awareness.
  2. The Future of Life Institute's open letter calling for a pause on developing powerful AI systems led to debates about the risks and benefits of AI technology.
  3. An opinion piece in Time Magazine by Eliezer Yudkowsky raised extreme concerns about the potential dangers of superhuman AI and sparked further discussion on AI regulation and public literacy.

The Policy Paradox

Comment is Freed • 134 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Obvious ideas in policy are less likely to happen.
  2. Understanding history and addressing barriers is crucial for policy change.
  3. Barriers like spending rules, misdiagnosis, and fear of the electorate hinder policy implementation.

What AI Education Is Missing

Technically Optimistic • 19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Policy
  1. Technological progress should not prioritize profit over social responsibility, considering historical lessons like the detrimental impact of leaded gasoline.
  2. Education plays a crucial role in navigating the impact of AI, from preparing students for the evolving job market to enhancing the skills of teachers.
  3. AI education needs to focus on equipping students with technical knowledge, social consciousness, and adaptability to ensure they benefit from technology in a fair, equal manner.

I Want Zohran Mamdani to Become Mayor of New York So That I Can Watch His Dumb Government Grocery Stores Fail

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The New York mayoral race has some unconventional candidates, making it an interesting contest. The options aren't exactly impressive, leading to mixed feelings about who to support.
  2. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate, has a plan for city-owned grocery stores that some believe is not practical. There's curiosity about how this plan would play out if he were elected.
  3. The writer expresses a desire to see Mamdani's grocery store idea fail, highlighting a somewhat humorous interest in the outcomes of these political scenarios.

Politics Chat, January 13, 2026

Letters from an American • 1 implied HN point • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. This is a Politics Chat entry dated January 13, 2026 and published on January 14, 2026.
  2. The post lists the numbers 419, 17, and 65 alongside a 'Share' label, indicating visible engagement metrics.
  3. The header and format show it’s part of a Politics Chat series or regular discussion thread.

The Democrats Need to Make a Bold Move--Now

Phillips’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Democratic Party should make a bold move now, similar to how FDR approached challenging situations in the past.
  2. It is essential for Europe to respond promptly to the comments made by Donald Trump regarding NATO and Russia.
  3. The need for real boldness is emphasized, indicating a potential call to action for the Democratic Party to consider for the future.

This Friday: Symposium on Right To Repair

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. UC Berkeley Law School is hosting a symposium on The Emergent Right to Repair over two Fridays.
  2. The symposium will cover policy questions at the heart of the repair debate, such as the impact of restrictions on repair on competition and consumer benefits of open repair markets.
  3. Keynote speakers include Tim Wu and Senator Ron Wyden, discussing technology, competition, and legislation related to the right to repair.

AI Roundup 098: Flash Thinking

Artificial Ignorance • 29 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. Google has introduced a new AI model called Gemini Flash Thinking, which aims to improve AI reasoning. This model is part of a trend where companies want AI to think more like humans.
  2. OpenAI is facing legal challenges while trying to shift to a for-profit model, which could affect its future. They are also experimenting with new features and tools despite these issues.
  3. The UK government is pushing for more transparency from AI companies about their training data, while many in the creative industry are resisting this change as it might threaten their copyright protections.

Finnish news recap, week 16: Soldier Markkanen edition

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Policy
  1. Finnish basketball player Lauri Markkanen entering mandatory military service is big news at home and abroad.
  2. Markkanen's military service will be different than usual, allowing him to continue playing for the Utah Jazz.
  3. Centre Party in Finland is shifting to the opposition, with Chair Annika Saarikko staying put despite the change.

Trump’s Coronavirus Response: ‘It Intentionally Was Never Under Control’

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Donald Trump did not have control over the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant loss of American lives.
  2. Trump's administration disbanded pandemic response teams and disbanded critical CDC positions in response to the crisis.
  3. Bob Woodward's analysis reveals that Trump's poor response to the pandemic was intentional and marked by inaction and misinformation.

Trial Balloons

Brain Lenses • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A trial balloon is a test of messaging or direction to gauge public response.
  2. Using trial balloons can help predict reactions to potential decisions.
  3. Trial balloons are widely used in politics, business, and other areas to shape public opinion.

Chapter 9: Build A Coalition By Being Authentic | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Building successful coalitions requires meeting with others, finding common ground, and staying true to your group's vision and values.
  2. Coalition-building involves reaching out to organizations with shared values and helping them achieve their goals while also maintaining authenticity.
  3. Being part of a coalition may require making sacrifices, but it can be incredibly rewarding and effective in achieving common objectives.

Trusted #002 - Finding Common Ground on AI Safety

Trusted • 19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Policy
  1. AI Safety is recognized as a real problem by many experts in the field.
  2. Stopping AI capabilities development is impractical, as restrictions are unlikely to be effective.
  3. Public support is crucial for government action on AI Safety, as regulations need to address broader concerns like job loss and surveillance.

Bully for Ofsted. But Tolley law does for Dom!

Irregular Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. In a professional setting, it's important to address inadequacies without resorting to bullying tactics.
  2. Facing professional criticism can be intimidating, but it should be handled with support and understanding.
  3. Balancing the need for constructive feedback with avoiding bullying behavior is crucial in a successful work environment.