The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Outlawing Price Gouging Will Only Hurt Angelenos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Government Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Outlawing price hikes might seem fair, but it can actually hurt people more. When prices are kept too low, it can lead to shortages of essential items.
  2. Politicians often react to disasters by blaming businesses for high prices, but this can have negative consequences. Price increases can help balance supply and demand during tough times.
  3. Making price gouging illegal might sound good, but it might actually make it harder for people to find the supplies they need during emergencies.

Academic Apocalypse?

Unsafe Science • 146 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Grants Policy Academia Funding
  1. The NIH is cutting grant overhead from 50% or more down to 15%, which could deeply impact research funding. This change has caused a lot of concern among scientists about how it might hurt innovation in the U.S.
  2. Many academics fear that these cuts to indirect costs are a threat to vital research programs. Since a lot of university funding relies on these indirect costs, losing them could lead to fewer jobs and less support for important studies.
  3. Despite the worries, there is a possibility that reducing indirect costs could free up more money for actual research projects. This change could lead to a rethinking of spending priorities, focusing more on direct scientific work.

You Can’t Write Vague And Censorship-Friendly Editorial Guidelines And Then Pretend They Won’t Apply In The Real World

Singal-Minded • 856 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Censorship Research Policy Ethics Education
  1. Vague editorial guidelines can lead to serious issues in real-life situations. It's important to have clear and specific rules to avoid confusion and misapplication.
  2. Censorship in the sciences is a topic that many people are discussing. There are different viewpoints on how to balance respect for human dignity with academic freedom.
  3. It's essential to protect published research from being altered or withdrawn unjustly. Making changes for social justice reasons can lead to more harm than good in the scientific community.
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Deepseek Meets Li Qiang, Data Labeling Subsidies, Taiwan's Debt, Automation Optimism

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Policy Automation Economics
  1. DeepSeek, a major player in China's AI sector, recently caught the attention of government leaders, highlighting its rise as a 'national champion.' This may lead to more funding but also increased scrutiny from the government.
  2. China is putting effort into developing the data labeling industry as a key part of its AI advancements, offering tax breaks and support to help businesses in this area grow. High-quality data is essential for effective AI development.
  3. Taiwan needs to rethink its strict debt policy to invest more in military and energy security due to rising threats from China. Maintaining a low debt level could limit Taiwan's ability to strengthen its defense.

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.

Dick Cheney's Wet Dream

The Weekly Dish • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Legislation Political theory
  1. The idea of a strong executive power is becoming more pronounced, especially with the MAGA movement. This means they support a president with more control than usual.
  2. There's a concern that this strong executive approach could lead to less accountability and more unchecked power in leadership. People are worried about how this might affect democracy.
  3. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in American politics about balancing power between branches of government and protecting citizen rights. It's important to think about how power is used and who it benefits.

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.

Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus says AI must be regulated. He has a plan.

Marcus on AI • 3003 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Cognitive Science Policy AGI
  1. AI needs rules and regulations to keep it safe. It is important to have a plan to guide this process.
  2. There is an ongoing debate about how different regions, like the EU and US, approach AI policy. These discussions are crucial for the future of AI.
  3. Experts like Gary Marcus share insights about the challenges and possibilities of AI technology. Listening to their views helps understand AI better.

Debanking's Dueling Narratives

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💰 Finance Banking Cryptocurrency Regulation Policy Investment
  1. Debanking is becoming a major topic, especially around the access of crypto companies to traditional banking. This issue has been fueled by public statements from influential figures like Marc Andreessen.
  2. There are claims of political bias in banking, particularly against conservative individuals and businesses. Some people argue that banks are closing accounts for political or ideological reasons, though banks deny this.
  3. Both Republicans and Democrats recognize debanking as a significant problem, but they have different views on its causes and solutions. Democrats are pushing for protections against unfair account closures, while Republicans want legislation to ensure fair access to banking.

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.

Defiant Trump takes on Davos: in first major speech of term two, POTUS unveils policy priorities

The Dossier • 446 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Economy Foreign Relations
  1. Trump plans to strengthen the U.S. economy by promising significant tax cuts and reducing foreign tariffs. He wants businesses to produce more in America by offering low taxes.
  2. He mocked climate change policies and aims to remove regulations that he believes hinder economic growth. Trump's focus is on promoting traditional energy sources like oil and gas.
  3. Trump wants to regain control over inflation and national debt while also pushing for international talks on oil prices and security issues like nuclear arms reduction.

flood the zone

bad cattitude • 269 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulations Policy Bureaucracy Elections
  1. A significant change is happening in government, aiming to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This might mean many current programs are being cut back.
  2. There's a new focus on meritocracy, meaning qualified people will be put in positions instead of relying on connections. This could improve government operations.
  3. To make these changes last, there needs to be a legal framework supporting them. Court actions could ensure that reductions in federal power remain in place for the future.

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.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2606 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Foreign Relations Criminal Justice
  1. Jay Bhattacharya faced a lot of pushback for questioning COVID-19 lockdowns, but now he's nominated to lead the NIH. It feels like he's getting the recognition he deserves after being silenced.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard is facing unfair accusations of being a Russian asset due to her past views and meetings. People believe she should have a chance to explain herself in a confirmation hearing instead of being labeled.
  3. Hunter Biden received a controversial pardon from his father, Joe Biden, just before leaving office. This decision has upset many, including some Democrats, because it seems he's getting special treatment compared to others.

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.

Britain is institutionally 'anti-racist'

Wrong Side of History • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Justice Power Morality Policy
  1. Having leaders who share the same values as their people is important for stability. When leaders and citizens have different beliefs, it can create disconnect and distrust.
  2. Some recent cases of sexual abuse show troubling behaviors among those in power. It seems like their priorities are misplaced, focusing on irrelevant factors instead of justice.
  3. There are concerns about how victims are treated based on race. This reflects a serious issue in the justice system where it seems some victims are not given fair treatment.

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.

The AI Story Will Roll On in Trump’s Second Term

Big Technology • 3502 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political strategy Political History
  1. AI technology is becoming increasingly important and cannot be overlooked, especially with key figures in tech having connections to the political landscape. This means the AI story will remain a big topic as politics unfold.
  2. Trump's new presidency will likely influence AI regulations and policies, particularly around open-source AI and tariffs. This could impact major tech companies and their strategies moving forward.
  3. The evolution of generative AI has just begun, and it's becoming crucial for businesses. However, many AI startups are still struggling financially, which could shape the future of the industry.

Democracy Doesn’t Exist in the United States: Chris Hedges | UpFront

The Chris Hedges Report • 235 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Election Policy Government Foreign Relations
  1. Many people worry about the future of democracy in the U.S., especially with political leaders like Donald Trump. They think his return could change things for the worse.
  2. Concerns are rising about how Trump’s second term might affect both domestic policies and foreign relations, particularly in the Middle East. People wonder what that will mean for the country's direction.
  3. Chris Hedges, a well-known journalist, believes that democracy in America is not truly existing anymore. He expresses this view in various discussions and writings.

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.

The Trump-Colombia Crisis That Trump Deliberately Created and Then “Fixed,” Explained in One Paragraph

Proof • 275 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Immigration Media Trump
  1. Trump often creates problems and then claims to solve them, which confuses the public and media.
  2. His immigration plans are very expensive and not well thought out, leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
  3. The media frequently fails to explain these issues clearly, leaving many people misinformed.

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.

Prediction is Very Difficult, Especially About the Future

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Government Policy International relations
  1. Making predictions about the future is really hard and can be very humbling. It's often surprising how wrong we can be when looking back at our guesses.
  2. Some predictions that rely on complex models don't always give us the best answers. Sometimes, simpler insights work better for making quick decisions.
  3. Evaluating how well we did with our predictions can help us learn. It's important to look back and see where we were right or wrong to improve for next time.

EMERGENCY EDITION: AI Diffusion Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Regulation National Security Technology International relations
  1. The Biden administration is implementing stricter rules on exporting advanced AI technology to prevent it from being misused, especially by countries like China. These rules aim to maintain the US's leadership in AI technology.
  2. There will be a new three-tier system classifying countries based on their access to AI chips, with stricter controls for adversarial nations. This affects where companies can build data centers and how easily they can deploy AI projects globally.
  3. Companies that meet verification requirements will have an easier time obtaining licenses for export. However, smaller sovereign AI projects in tier two countries may struggle to meet these requirements and might reconsider their AI investments.

Economics Links, 5/16/2025

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Housing Spending Policy
  1. The China shock might not be as bad as people think; cheap imports could help U.S. manufacturers by lowering their costs and making them more competitive.
  2. In Los Angeles, strict zoning laws have made housing scarce. This has led to high home prices and an increase in homelessness, making it tough for many to afford a place to live.
  3. Republicans are facing challenges with the federal budget, especially with rising entitlement spending. It's hard to fix the deficit by just cutting other spending without reforming entitlements.

Indictment!

Steady • 29167 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Government Election Justice Policy
  1. A former president has been indicted and it has a significant impact on our nation.
  2. The indictment highlights the broader issues in our political landscape beyond just one individual.
  3. The situation emphasizes the importance of fighting for democratic ideals and the future of the country.

The Dirty Business of Clean Blood

BIG by Matt Stoller • 32315 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Policy Innovation Monopolies Patient Care
  1. Dialysis industry is controlled by two powerful corporations - DaVita and Fresenius - impacting over half a million lives. Non-compete agreements could potentially change this monopoly.
  2. Dialysis is a critical treatment provided under universal healthcare for end-stage renal disease patients, but monopolistic control has led to issues like patient coercion and quality concerns.
  3. The lack of competition and consolidation in the dialysis market has led to lower survival rates in the US compared to other countries. Eliminating non-compete agreements for healthcare professionals could foster innovation and improve patient care.

unpardonable pardons

bad cattitude • 291 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Law Corruption
  1. The pardoning of individuals related to January 6 raises serious concerns about justice and accountability. It seems to give a free pass to those who may have acted unlawfully while in power.
  2. A dangerous precedent is set when political figures can use pardons to avoid consequences for their actions. This undermines trust in the system and holds the potential for abuse of power.
  3. Despite the pardons, there's still a chance to pursue the truth by calling on those involved to testify. They could face new charges for lying, which might encourage honesty and accountability moving forward.

Project 2025’s Medicare Changes Would Restrict Older Americans’ Access to Care and Imperil the Program’s Financial Health

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Healthcare Public Health Policy Insurance
  1. Project 2025 wants to make Medicare Advantage the main choice for people, but this could limit their healthcare options. Instead of giving patients more freedom, it may hand over more control to companies.
  2. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare could become harder, which may trap people in plans that aren't right for them. This can lead to worse care for those who are sick.
  3. The changes could cost taxpayers billions and weaken Medicare's financial health. Instead of saving money, it might enrich insurance companies while jeopardizing the Medicare program's future.

Monthly Roundup #24: November 2024

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2956 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Discrimination Training Public Opinion Policy
  1. Many college students often make poor choices, like banning paid public toilets, showing they can sometimes lack maturity in decision-making.
  2. Training programs on workplace discrimination might force participants to agree with statements they find absurd, suggesting a problem with coercive speech.
  3. Discrimination can occur based on people's names, with studies showing that hard-to-pronounce names can negatively impact job prospects, showing biases in hiring.