The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

When brain drain kills

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Brain drain happens when skilled workers, like doctors, leave their home country for better opportunities elsewhere. This can seriously affect the healthcare system in the country they leave.
  2. In Sweden, a study showed that as doctors migrated to Norway for higher wages, the number of doctors in Sweden dropped. This led to an increase in mortality rates, especially among older people who needed immediate medical care.
  3. The impact of losing skilled professionals isn’t just a problem for developing countries; even wealthy nations can suffer. The decrease in healthcare providers can lead to real deaths, revealing the serious consequences of brain drain.

A Repeat of the Housing Crisis: The Biden Administration’s Loan Level Price Adjustment

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 31 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Biden Administration proposed a Loan Level Price Adjustment that could lead to a repeat of the housing crisis.
  2. The LLPA rule would subsidize riskier borrowers while penalizing those with good credit scores and larger downpayments.
  3. The LLPA is criticized for being unconstitutional, unfair, and potentially causing macroeconomic instability.

The Anti-Mobility Playbook

Exasperated Infrastructures • 26 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Republican message focuses on telling people what to do while resisting being told what to do.
  2. There are two main theories in government - Conflict and Mistake - that don't always align with political parties.
  3. The Anti-Mobility Playbook highlights how Republicans resist investing in transportation modes that could benefit everyone, contributing to the lack of progress in transportation planning and infrastructure.

March 15, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Prominent Republicans are rejecting Trump as the Republican presidential nominee, creating a significant division in the party.
  2. Historical events in America, like the Maine statehood in 1820, can have enduring national repercussions and shape political landscapes.
  3. The story of Maine's statehood highlights the power of ordinary people coming together to influence democracy and shape history.
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Politics is Fake

Unstable Orbits • 33 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Politics involves more rationalization than genuine planning.
  2. Politicians focus on climbing the ladder rather than effective policy-making.
  3. Incompetence, parasitism, and abuse of power can be hidden behind propaganda in politics.

What happens when you ask 146 economists the same question?

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💰 Finance Policy
  1. When 146 economists analyzed the same data about a policy, they found similar results despite minor differences in their estimates. This suggests that economists can broadly agree when working with the same information.
  2. The researchers found that differences in opinions among economists often arise from how they interpret data and their theoretical models. So, disagreements aren't always about facts but can depend on personal beliefs and biases.
  3. The study showed that with clear instructions and the same data, economists tend to reach almost the same conclusions. This challenges the idea that economists will always have conflicting views.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 29.11.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A professor claims that mRNA vaccines have caused serious harm to many people, including a rise in cancer cases. He believes these vaccines should never have been authorized.
  2. Boris Johnson openly stated that the West is conducting a proxy war in Ukraine, suggesting that NATO is effectively directing Ukraine's military actions against Russia.
  3. There is tension in the UK as farmers protest against new inheritance taxes that could threaten their ability to keep their farms, threatening to escalate their actions if the government doesn't change course.

Some tariffs are worse than others

Economic Forces • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Policy
  1. Tariffs can hurt jobs and the economy, especially when they target parts instead of finished products. This can raise costs for manufacturers and lead to job losses.
  2. Not all tariffs are created equal; some can actually help domestic industries if designed carefully, but they can also create odd workarounds that waste resources.
  3. Policymakers need to think carefully about how they set tariffs. Simple solutions often lead to complex problems that can waste money and resources.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.10.2024

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The government is spending a huge amount of money, around 49 billion kroner, to support electric cars, which some believe is unnecessary, especially when it spends much less on police and social services.
  2. Subsidizing electric cars may lead to more people driving instead of using public transport or biking, which might harm the environment more due to increased traffic and wear on roads.
  3. There are concerns that the focus on electric cars and their subsidies is distracting from critical issues like school closures and funding for essential public services.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 28.12.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, threatened to cut off power to Ukraine if they stop transporting Russian gas. This reflects the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and its neighbors over energy supply.
  2. Anonymous U.S. officials suggest that Ukraine may need to retreat from the Kursk region to avoid encirclement. This development highlights Ukraine's precarious situation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  3. Criticism of dietary guidelines is growing, especially regarding saturated fats. New studies are questioning the old beliefs about fats and health, suggesting that past dietary recommendations may not be accurate.

Let Them In

JoeWrote • 16 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The immigration system needs simplicity and efficiency.
  2. The current system fails migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
  3. Advocacy for a more compassionate approach to immigration.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 09.11.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Activists in Greece protested against NATO's support for Ukraine, successfully blocking a truck convoy carrying weapons. This shows growing anti-war sentiments among the public.
  2. Trump's recent victory in the US elections reflects a shift away from liberal dominance, suggesting people want change after years of dissatisfaction with the political status quo.
  3. The political climate in Europe is tense as leaders express worry over losing American support under Trump, fearing it will impact their military and diplomatic strategies.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 07.11.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Setting a limit on government support could stop floating wind farms in Norway. This is because it creates uncertainty for banks about financing projects.
  2. Floating wind energy in Norway is facing high costs, and some experts predict it could reach up to 250 billion kroner for full development. This raises questions about its financial viability.
  3. The European political landscape is shifting, and there's a need for Europe to rethink its approach to global affairs, especially regarding relationships with the US and Russia.

February 8, 2024

Letters from an American • 15 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The author was on the road and faced an emergency while writing, but there was no breaking news to report.
  2. The author shared a picture from a past experience in Florida, likening it to a committee meeting.
  3. The author reassured that they would be back to writing the next day, despite the current setback.

The State of the Union address was an insult to every American | article

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The State of the Union address was seen as a disrespectful display by American politicians who seemed disconnected from real issues.
  2. The speech highlighted a lack of accountability and transparency in American politics, with concerns about spending, societal decline, and propaganda.
  3. The hope for future elections lies in the possibility of candidates with integrity and logical thinking, as current politics show little sign of positive change.

Which mRNA vaccine is safer?

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. The Moderna vaccine might be riskier than the Pfizer vaccine based on some studies, suggesting it has a higher chance of serious side effects.
  2. Recent information indicates that the safety comparison between the two vaccines might not be as clear as previously thought.
  3. Being updated with new data is important for anyone who may help others decide which vaccine to take.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.10.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Germany is struggling to rebuild its military after years of cuts. It could take decades for them to fully restock and modernize their forces.
  2. India and Iran recently met to strengthen their ties amid pressure from the US. This meeting highlights their shared interests and the need for cooperation.
  3. The BRICS group is pushing for major reforms in global institutions. They aim to create a fairer economic system that represents developing countries better.

March 2, 2024

Letters from an American • 13 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. J.P. Morgan orchestrated the creation of the billion-dollar United States Steel Corporation in 1901, which was a significant event in the history of big business in America.
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's ascension to the presidency after McKinley's assassination led to a shift towards reining in the power of big business through legal actions like going after the Northern Securities Company.
  3. Roosevelt's belief in the need for a strong federal government to regulate and control corporations marked a turning point in American economic policy.

Understanding Alpha School: Can We 10x Education?

FutureIQ • 2 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🚌 Education Policy
  1. Alpha School claims students learn effectively in just two hours a day, but really they spend more time involved in activities. The focus is on quality learning rather than the number of hours.
  2. The school promotes the idea of AI tutors, but the reality is more about structured lessons and feedback. It’s less about advanced technology and more about good learning practices.
  3. Incentives play a big role in student motivation at Alpha School. They have a reward system that encourages kids to stay on track and complete their lessons, showing that rewards can help boost learning.

Harvard achieves scientific consensus by eliminating those who disagree

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Harvard achieves scientific consensus by eliminating dissenting voices, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and silencing.
  2. There is a lack of transparency at Harvard regarding decisions, like dropping the COVID vaccination mandate, leading to questions about accountability.
  3. The message from Harvard to their faculty is clear: Follow instructions without questioning to avoid repercussions, which raises concerns about academic freedom.

Josh Hawley is why I'm a technocrat

Sex and the State • 12 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The post discusses Josh Hawley and the author's perspective on him walking with the Teamsters Union.
  2. The author connects Hawley to being a technocrat and shares her feelings about his actions.
  3. Readers can access more content and archives by subscribing to the blog and getting a 7-day free trial.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 06.11.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump is considering banning certain vaccines if he becomes president again. He has linked vaccines to health issues in the past.
  2. There's a new global power shift happening, moving away from Western dominance. Countries are coming together for a more balanced world order.
  3. Germany's government is facing a major crisis and might break apart due to internal disagreements and economic problems.

Is obesity really a disease? It's complicated.

Julia Belluz • 7 implied HN points • 19 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. The medical community struggles to define obesity as an illness since BMI isn't a reliable diagnostic tool. There's no clear agreement on what symptoms or signs indicate that someone has obesity as a disease.
  2. Many countries don't see obesity as a disease because of this lack of definition. This misunderstanding can lead to the harmful idea that obesity is just a personal choice rather than a complex issue.
  3. With new medications and ongoing discussions, the medical community is starting to rethink how to define obesity. The next step is addressing the broader social and environmental factors contributing to obesity.

How The American Economy Was Centrally Planned During World War II.

JoeWrote • 22 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. During World War II, the American economy was centrally planned through mechanisms like the Office of Price Administration to ensure efficient distribution of resources.
  2. Despite common belief, history shows that the US government has succeeded in providing public goods and services, like putting astronauts on the moon and saving the auto industry.
  3. The successes of central planning in the past indicate that the government could use similar mechanisms today to address issues like food insecurity, healthcare, and housing.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 10.02.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The real US national debt might be over $158 trillion, far more than the official $36 trillion. This puts huge pressure on programs like Social Security and Medicare, warning that they could run out of funds in the near future.
  2. High and unpredictable electricity prices in Norway are partly due to Europe's move away from Russian gas, not just new power cables. This shift has serious implications for energy prices and policies.
  3. Many current European political debates could be better understood through psychology, as leaders seem to avoid confronting failures directly, instead focusing on less relevant issues.

March 17, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Journalist Casey Michel highlighted how Hungarian prime minister Orbán's visit to a right-wing think tank was significant, shedding light on potential influence and alliances.
  2. Project 2025, led by Heritage Foundation, aims to reshape the U.S. government with far-right ideologies, targeting areas like family, government workforce, international relations, and personal liberties.
  3. The document envisioned by Project 2025 outlines extreme measures like purging civil service, dismantling international relationships, and concentrating power, posing a threat to democracy and equality as outlined by the Founding Fathers in 1776.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 18.10.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Raytheon is paying over $950 million to avoid prosecution for bribery. This settlement includes fines and reimbursements for inflated costs in military contracts.
  2. Ukraine is offering its valuable minerals like lithium and uranium to the West. These resources are worth billions, and Ukraine seeks financial support and military aid in return.
  3. Politicians often apologize for their actions but do not face real consequences. Many leaders express regret over past decisions, but this seldom affects their careers or policies.

The impact of renewable energy on electricity costs

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Renewable energy, like wind and solar, generally helps to lower electricity prices rather than raise them. In Spain, for example, these sources cut prices by up to 58% compared to using only fossil fuels.
  2. The recent energy crisis was mainly due to rising natural gas prices, not the shift to renewable energy. Without renewables, the costs and inflation would have been even worse.
  3. While renewables can be less reliable at times, investing in energy storage and other clean sources can solve the supply issues. Stopping the shift to renewables will likely lead to higher electricity bills and inflation.

Dreams About Rebuilding Trust

Marginally Compelling • 23 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Acknowledgment of past wrongs is crucial for rebuilding trust in an institution.
  2. Bringing in new voices and making visible changes in leadership can signal a shift towards reform.
  3. Demonstrating a commitment to change in tone and policy is necessary for restoring faith in the institution's reliability.

March 5, 2024 (Tuesday)

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Biden administration has put an $8 cap on credit card late fees, which is expected to save Americans around $10 billion a year.
  2. There is a new 'strike force' aimed at fighting unfair pricing practices by certain corporations to prevent consumer exploitation.
  3. Super Tuesday marked a crucial day for primary elections, where Trump is expected to secure the Republican presidential nomination amidst tensions with challenger Nikki Haley.

February 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. There is a major realignment happening in US politics as the Republican Party is being taken over by Trump and his supporters.
  2. Trump's control over the party has led to radicalization and significant changes in party principles, causing a rift with the majority of Americans.
  3. The party's ties to Trump, his legal issues, and its departure from past ideologies are affecting public opinion and leading to internal conflicts within the party.

When few do great harm

Patterns in Humanity • 3 HN points • 23 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. A small number of people often commit a large fraction of crimes, known as power laws in criminal behavior.
  2. Most crimes are committed by repeat offenders, leading to more victims than offenders.
  3. The impact of crime extends beyond direct victims, with financial costs and societal harm being significant.

A new US National Laboratory for What?

Critical Mass • 18 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Biden administration is proposing a new national laboratory to study climate change's impact on disadvantaged communities.
  2. Current global climate models lack the resolution to tailor plans to local needs.
  3. Improving infrastructure and access to services in poor communities may be more important than creating a new National Laboratory.

Would Trump Inc. Fix Education?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The current educational system faces deep challenges, and there are many people involved with various motivations, like charter school advocates and other influential groups. It's crucial to analyze their true intentions.
  2. Education can serve as a powerful tool to change society. The hope is that with new leadership, there can be meaningful reforms to help students succeed.
  3. There's skepticism about whether personal efforts to improve education can have a real impact, especially given past failed attempts and systemic roadblocks.

February 15, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) canceled votes & sent House into recess until Feb 28 over national security funding disagreement
  2. Delay in passing national security measures puts critical aid for Ukraine at risk & demonstrates political gridlock
  3. Chaotic environment in the House, with discussions about appropriations delays, Homeland Security secretary impeachment, and escalating power of Trump's base