The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

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

The Titanic Sub Saga, Jim Jordan's Remark Backfires, DeSantis' Street Poop, Dan Crenshaw Wants Biden to Dive for Debris, Lawyers Use AI Fake Cases, Fox News Alters Quotes, "Fiddler on the Roof" Sings

kareem • 5975 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Politicians Media News Social Issues
  1. The story of the Titanic submarine tragedy reveals societal value placed on lives.
  2. Blaming the Titanic sub deaths on 'wokeness' was misguided.
  3. Different perspectives on faith and science emerged from the Titanic sub and Greek shipwreck tragedies.

Fifteen thoughts on Kevin McCarthy's downfall

Slow Boring • 5837 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Parties Legislation Policy Election
  1. Kevin McCarthy's downfall was triggered by his decision to not do a government shutdown that Matt Gaetz wanted.
  2. Donald Trump did not try to save McCarthy, showing his self-serving nature.
  3. The dysfunction in the Republican caucus was highlighted by the rebels' actions and the refusal of mainstream Republicans to cooperate with Democrats.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-13 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Markets Investments Policy Insurance
  1. 1. Understanding Economic Issues: The text discusses the idea that many problems in society are linked to economic misunderstandings and a lack of effective communication in the management of public services. It highlights the need for better systems to gather and process information for effective governance.
  2. 2. The Role of Government: It emphasizes that a government's primary job isn't just to keep people safe, but to empower them and solve crises effectively. Officials should focus on actual disaster management rather than just maintaining the appearance of control.
  3. 3. Challenges of Modern Technology: There is a critique of how tech companies like Facebook are operating without a long-term vision, which affects user experiences negatively. The discussion invites us to think about how technology can be used to improve our understanding and utilization of information.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

$42 Billion Broadband Boondoggle Brought Internet to Zero Homes

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Infrastructure Public Spending Digital Divide
  1. The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program has not connected any homes to the internet, highlighting a failure in its implementation.
  2. Most people already have internet access, and less than 1 million households are offline due to lack of availability, suggesting the problem isn't as big as thought.
  3. Government funding can slow down private investments in broadband infrastructure, and letting the market operate may lead to better solutions and prices for consumers.

Let Them Eat Mars Rocks!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Leadership Political trends Socioeconomics
  1. Musk is gaining too much power without proper checks or balances, which can be dangerous for society. His actions are compared to a hostile takeover of the US government, reflecting a neglect of important social needs.
  2. The government is undergoing significant changes that seem focused on consolidating Musk's control rather than genuinely improving people's lives or democracy.
  3. There is a deeper problem in the political system as many refuse to acknowledge America's declining influence and challenges, leading to desperation and populist movements that could worsen the issues at hand.

Op-Ed: Is TikTok too big to fail in the US?

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Technology Culture Influence
  1. TikTok has a huge impact on the creator economy and many people rely on it for income. If it were banned, creators and small businesses would struggle to find new ways to make money.
  2. Banning TikTok would also hurt advertising for brands that target younger users. They would have to spend more on other platforms, which could increase costs for businesses.
  3. TikTok influences trends in music, fashion, and more. If it disappeared, there might be a gap in how trends are shared, and it would take time for other platforms to fill that role.

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Policy Candidates Government
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.

Mailbags (and movies) need writers

Slow Boring • 3164 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Policy Governance Labor Market Cultural criticism
  1. Movies rely on a variety of roles, including writers, for their success.
  2. Positive trends in the labor market include record enrollment in ACA exchanges, booming construction jobs, and falling greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. The outcome of historical events, like the American Revolution, can have a significant impact on future developments and trajectories.

Maryland Governor Declares Maryland A Trans Sanctuary State

Erin In The Morning • 5346 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Government Rights Activism
  1. Maryland Governor declared the state a Trans Sanctuary State, the 12th state to enact such policies.
  2. Several measures were outlined in the order to protect transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
  3. Maryland has implemented various protective policies for transgender individuals, making it one of the safest states in the U.S.

🛰 The story of the US Space Force: A Quick Q&A with … defense policy analyst Todd Harrison

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Space Military Policy International
  1. The US Space Force is essential because the number of satellites in space is rapidly increasing, and protecting them is crucial for both national security and economic reasons.
  2. The Space Force not only tracks and defends military satellites but also faces various forms of attacks, especially cyber threats, requiring strategies to counter these non-kinetic challenges.
  3. Future roles of the Space Force may include protecting commercial space interests, similar to how the Navy protects maritime commerce, as space becomes increasingly important for global trade and security.

The Far-Right Extremist Pronatalism of Elon Musk Could Destroy Humanity in Decades

Proof • 82 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Policy Activism Society Ideology
  1. Elon Musk's views on having more children, known as pronatalism, might be risky for the future of humanity. It's important to think about the long-term effects of these ideas.
  2. Musk connects with several far-right beliefs that could influence his thoughts and actions. These connections raise concerns about the broader impact of his ideas.
  3. Understanding the potential dangers of Musk's pronatalism and other beliefs can help society prepare for future challenges. Being aware of these issues is crucial for everyone's safety.

Top Links 570 The horse race for the Treasury job. Trade finance in Asia. Luxury squeezed. Lenin & the IMF.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Finance International relations
  1. There is a competitive process happening for a key Treasury position, indicating its importance in governance.
  2. Trade finance in Asia is evolving, which may have significant impacts on the global economy.
  3. Luxury goods are facing challenges, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior or economic conditions.

Top Links 566 Power prices. How will migrants and smugglers respond to the Trump shock? Prisons of power and Keynes on fairy dust.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Energy Labor Trade Policy
  1. Cheap electricity is making US companies more competitive compared to businesses from other countries.
  2. There are interesting questions about how migrants and smugglers will react to recent changes in politics.
  3. Keynes' ideas are still being discussed today, especially regarding economic concepts like 'fairy dust.'

🗽🧠 Pro-immigration policy and mutual brain gain: A Quick Q&A with … economist Gaurav Khanna

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Policy Labor Globalization
  1. Immigration benefits workers in both the US and India. It leads to better job opportunities and innovation in both countries.
  2. Indian students often pursue IT skills to try for jobs in the US. Even those who don't make it can help grow India's own tech sector.
  3. The US gains when foreign students study there, even if they return home. Their presence supports local schools and boosts the economy.

I Was Right

The Weekly Dish • 217 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Commentary Current Events
  1. The Dish provided accurate insights about the events of 2024. It didn't mislead readers about what was happening in the world.
  2. The author expresses confidence in their previous analyses and opinions. They feel validated in their perspectives and predictions.
  3. There's a focus on the importance of trustworthy information in media. Readers are encouraged to rely on sources that provide honest and clear narratives.

The great 2024 vibe shift (and other stories)

Wrong Side of History • 403 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Elections Policy Government Society
  1. The concept of political trends is similar to fashion trends, where ideas shift from cool to mainstream and eventually to uncool. This shows how society's values can change over time.
  2. The idea of echo chambers exists where people only hear opinions that match their own, but this can actually lead to more extreme views. In the past, people were less exposed to opposing opinions, which might have resulted in calmer discussions.
  3. In America, there's been a noticeable shift to the left in cultural issues, leaving many regular voters feeling disconnected. This polarization reflects broader divisions in society.

Rochelle Walensky’s Terrible Testimony

The New Normal • 4894 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government COVID-19 Healthcare Policy Testimony
  1. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky indicated that CDC's masking guidance in schools won't change despite evidence that masks are ineffective.
  2. Walensky mentioned that the CDC did not conduct randomized controlled trials on masks as they believed it was obvious masks worked.
  3. Walensky stated that COVID vaccines were added to child immunization schedule to provide to uninsured children, despite low risk of COVID for young children.

Vaccine Deep State Insanity

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Policy Accountability
  1. The 'Deep State' refers to hidden networks of power that operate independently of elected officials, often pursuing their own goals. This can create a disconnect between actual governance and public needs.
  2. Groupthink can be a significant issue within large organizations like government, where only certain ideas are accepted, potentially stifling innovation and alternative solutions.
  3. The appointment of individuals with strong ties to established systems can lead to continuity in policies that may not have worked in the past, especially regarding public health and pandemic preparedness.

Atlas Won’t Shrug

Doomberg • 7754 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💰 Finance Energy Commodities Economics Markets Policy
  1. The human need for energy continues to grow despite various historical crises and catastrophes.
  2. Energy is not just an input into the economy but is actually the foundation of the economy itself.
  3. The idea of peak cheap oil being a crisis is challenged, with the belief that humanity would adapt swiftly to any temporary constraints in energy availability.

THE MACRO-FINANCE SITCH: The Streams (of Falling Short-Term & Rising Long-Term U.S. Treasury Rates) Cross

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💰 Finance Markets Bonds Economics Investing Policy
  1. Short-term Treasury rates are falling while long-term rates are rising, showing a change in investor expectations about future interest rates. This shift hints at more uncertainty in the market.
  2. The current economic situation could lead to tumultuous changes similar to past events in the UK, with concerns about the U.S. government's approach to debt and fiscal policy.
  3. Investors seem to be valuing flexibility over fixed returns, suggesting they want to avoid risks associated with long-term bonds in a fluctuating economy.

Abortion, Every Day (2.1.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2378 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Policy Legislation Election Advocacy
  1. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled against ten Republican state senators who staged a walkout over abortion, disqualifying them from reelection.
  2. Kentucky and Tennessee lawmakers are working on abortion legislation, with focus on repealing bans and providing more resources for patients.
  3. The anti-abortion movement is facing backlash, including activists violating the FACE Act and attempts to repeal clinic protection laws.

Musk-Trump CASH application

Thinking about... • 703 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Civic engagement Political Satire
  1. The fictional CASH application humorously critiques a political climate where unethical behavior is often overlooked. It's like saying you can get ahead despite serious issues if you play the game right.
  2. Affirmative answers on the application suggest that if you have questionable moral character, you might just be more likely to succeed in certain political circles.
  3. The essay part of the application adds a twist, asking candidates to contribute to a deceptive campaign. It shows a satirical take on how truth is sometimes twisted in politics.

Why Was This Groundbreaking Study on DEI Silenced?

Unsafe Science • 348 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Equity Inclusion Media Research Policy
  1. A recent study showed that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs might increase hostility and promote extreme views instead of helping people be more understanding. This is concerning because these programs are widely used in schools and workplaces.
  2. Major media outlets like The New York Times and Bloomberg chose not to report on this study, which raises questions about their independence and if they are protecting certain narratives instead of sharing important information.
  3. The findings of the study suggest that DEI trainings can lead to misunderstandings and foster negative attitudes towards others, rather than solving issues of bias and inequality.

Prime Time

Doomberg • 6766 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy Technology Policy Climate Nuclear
  1. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly increase power demand, potentially impacting the journey towards electrifying everything.
  2. The nuclear industry is experiencing a resurgence as evidenced by Amazon's move to power a data center with nuclear energy, reflecting a larger trend of increasing nuclear capacity globally.
  3. There is growing concern about whether the uranium fuel supply chain can meet the demand created by the rapid pivot towards nuclear energy, highlighting the importance of understanding the nuclear fuel cycle.

How are Trump and DOGE doing?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Elections Policy Government Public Opinion
  1. There's a change in mood among people, with many feeling worried about job security and the future due to political changes. More people are looking to leave the country because of these concerns.
  2. The American political system is seen as deeply divided and dysfunctional. Despite this, there are opinions that some political figures can still gain support by appealing to certain segments of the population.
  3. Some believe that government agencies are wasting taxpayer money, highlighting a disconnect between those in power and the average citizen. This leads to discussions about accountability and how taxpayer money is spent.

Top Links 555 Main St v. Wall St inflation. Poland and France to block Mercosur. Nigeria's demography & de Gaulle's last picture.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics Investment Policy Demographics Global Trade
  1. There's a battle between regular people and Wall Street over inflation issues. It's important to understand how this affects everyday life.
  2. Poland and France are planning to block a trade deal with Mercosur. This could impact trade relations in Europe and South America.
  3. Nigeria's growing population is a key topic to watch. It highlights important demographic changes happening today.

All models are wrong, but some are tragically misleading

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Radiation Health Environment Policy
  1. Evacuating people from the Fukushima area was delayed, and some evacuation decisions may not have been based on the actual risk levels involved. This led to unnecessary stress for many residents.
  2. A lot of the radiation exposure from the Fukushima disaster was less harmful than initially thought. Some areas had low radiation levels that people were advised to evacuate from, leading to disruption in their lives.
  3. Models predicting cancer risks from radiation exposure can be misleading. In some cases, the predicted health impacts did not match what real-life studies showed.

Mitch Heimpel: The Liberals have more than just a communications problem

The Line • 2142 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Leadership Elections Immigration
  1. The problem for Liberals isn't just about communication, but deeper issues related to perception and brand association.
  2. Attempting to rebrand policies like the carbon tax won't succeed if the fundamental problem of public perception isn't addressed.
  3. The dependence of the Liberal Party on Justin Trudeau's personal brand and politics may pose a challenge as public priorities evolve.

February 5, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political parties Policy
  1. Trump is back in office and is removing people he thinks are against him from key government positions. This includes the Department of Justice and the FBI.
  2. Elon Musk appears to be gaining control over various federal systems, raising concerns about his influence on important data and potential conflicts of interest.
  3. Protests are occurring as people are worried about the government's power being taken over by Musk and Trump, especially with cuts to vital services that affect rural voters.