The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The dream of deregulation - the grid part III

Construction Physics • 9812 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Energy Regulation Competition Market Policy
  1. Electric power in the US was historically monopolized by utility companies, but cracks in the system started to appear in the 1960s and 1970s.
  2. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 revolutionized the energy industry by creating a new class of independent power producers called Qualifying Facilities, leading to an increase in non-utility electricity generation.
  3. Deregulation of the electric power industry began in the 1990s and 2000s, with the unbundling of generation and transmission services, creation of new power suppliers like Exempt Wholesale Generators, and the establishment of Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Organizations to introduce competition.

They’re Black Democrats. And They’re Suing Chicago Over Migrants.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4549 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Policy Community Election Lawsuit
  1. Some residents in Chicago are feeling angry and betrayed by Democrats they helped elect, who pushed to turn a neighborhood park into a shelter for migrants. This has led to a sense of neglect and frustration among the community.
  2. There is a belief among some black residents in Chicago that the city is more focused on welcoming and providing resources to newly arrived migrants than to addressing the needs and poverty in their own community.
  3. Cata Truss and other residents took legal action to prevent a neighborhood park from becoming a migrant shelter, highlighting the importance of fighting for community spaces and resources.
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Open Borders and Adverse Selection: A Reply to Khale

Bet On It • 100 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Debate Economics Society
  1. Open borders could be beneficial as immigrants often see a big increase in their wages, which can also help the economy overall.
  2. The vetting system for immigrants doesn't seem very effective, as it may not select for the best candidates.
  3. Concerns about adverse selection are not as strong when looking at actual immigration data, which shows that legal immigrants often bring significant economic gains.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-20 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 53 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Insurance History Environment
  1. Watching a video about the Bel Air Fire of 1961 can give you insight into historical events and their impacts. It's important to learn from past events to understand current issues better.
  2. Insurance costs for properties are changing and it's something to keep an eye on. Rising costs can affect how we plan our finances when it comes to home and property.
  3. Subscribing to informative newsletters can lead to valuable knowledge. Engaging with these types of content can help you stay updated and informed.

Are carers of New Zealand’s gender-confused kids in state care now being told they must transition them to the opposite sex?

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Gender Children Public Service Research
  1. In New Zealand, there are new policies that suggest foster carers must help transition gender-nonconforming children to the opposite sex. This is causing concern among some people.
  2. A request for information about how many children in state care are being transitioned revealed that the government doesn't have clear data on this issue, which raises questions about their policy-making processes.
  3. Critics argue that current policies are based on flawed research and may be influenced by a generation that supports transitional practices without proper scrutiny.

Top Links 565 Trump and chips. The zama zama crisis in South Africa. China's great lift campaign and Algeria in the archive.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government International relations Political Analysis
  1. Donald Trump has raised concerns about Taiwan's influence on America's chip industry. He is critical of the CHIPS Act designed to support the semiconductor industry.
  2. There are ongoing issues in South Africa related to illegal mining, commonly referred to as the zama zama crisis. This problem affects both the economy and safety in those areas.
  3. China is promoting a major campaign to improve its infrastructure and economy, often referred to as the great lift campaign. This initiative aims to enhance development and connect regions more effectively.

TRUMP’S POWER GRAB

Seymour Hersh • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Political parties Leadership
  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.

In Spite of All the "Don't Worry" Whispers from Scott Bessent's Affinity, the Rest of Us Are Not Outside But Inside the Chaos-Monkey Cage with Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership Economics Chaos Theory
  1. There's a strong chance for chaos over the next four years, and keeping Trump in check seems very difficult.
  2. Trump's approach to information is problematic, often spreading misinformation which increases the risk of bad policies.
  3. Economists are uncertain about the economic impact of Trump's plans, but history suggests that chaotic decisions will likely lead to negative outcomes.

The power of having the same teacher again

Granted • 3234 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🚌 Education Reforms Research Policy Implementation Relationships
  1. Looping, which involves keeping students with the same teacher for multiple years, has shown to have benefits like increased test scores, attendance, and decreased disciplinary incidents.
  2. Small effect sizes in looping studies may have practical significance when aggregated across many students; looping could have stronger effects on attitudes and behaviors than standardized test scores.
  3. When considering looping in education, it's important to address concerns such as potential teacher burnout, unintended consequences, and the misattribution of successful educational practices in other countries to looping.

We need more than Westminster reporters to understand government

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Reporting Lobbying Policy
  1. Relying only on political reporters can lead to misunderstandings of complex topics. We need experts in various fields to report accurately.
  2. Specialist journalists can provide important context that general political reporters might miss. This can help clarify complicated subjects for the public.
  3. The issue isn't about political bias, but rather the dominance of lobby reporters in news coverage. This can result in incomplete or unclear stories about significant issues.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Law Leadership
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

Famed Florida Retirement Community, The Villages, is Being Fed Medicare Advantage Propaganda

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Health care Policy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are getting a lot of positive coverage, but they can have significant downsides that aren't being reported. Many seniors might not understand the risks involved with these plans.
  2. Recent changes in funding might lead to reduced benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage. This could mean higher costs or lower quality care as insurers respond to cuts.
  3. Some experts believe Medicare Advantage plans are overstated and actually cost the Medicare system more. Seniors are encouraged to consider traditional Medicare options with supplemental plans for better coverage.

Germany under the sun

GEM Energy Analytics • 459 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Solar Power Policy
  1. Solar energy in Germany is rapidly increasing, with over one gigawatt installed each month. This growth is important because it helps meet their energy goals for the future.
  2. Solar power is very concentrated during certain months. In winter, it barely impacts energy supply, while spring and summer see a big increase in generation.
  3. Negative prices for solar energy are rising, meaning that sometimes the energy is worth less than nothing during high production times. This creates challenges for both producers and market management.

Top Links 561 Will Goldman be the Trump profiteer? Ukraine bonds bounce on talk of peace & "warrior boards".

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Finance Public Opinion International relations
  1. Goldman Sachs is performing really well in the stock market, showing a big gain this month.
  2. There are rumors about peace talks regarding Ukraine, causing a positive shift in Ukraine bonds.
  3. The term 'warrior boards' is mentioned, suggesting an interest in military-related investments or decisions.

Will some Democrat Senators vote for RFK Jr?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 107 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Health Senate Political Reform
  1. Some Democrat Senators might support RFK Jr. because they believe he can bring about important changes, especially in food policies and health regulations.
  2. Concerns about infectious diseases like measles and polio are overshadowed by the more pressing issues of chronic diseases caused by poor diet and exposure to harmful substances.
  3. Partisan politics and groupthink may prevent more Democrats from supporting RFK Jr., even when they see the benefits he could provide in health and wellness.

How we discovered Fauci's secret $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

The Dossier • 341 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Scandals Transparency Public funding Policy
  1. Dr. Fauci has received a $15 million security detail funded by taxpayers even after leaving his government job. This detail provided him with constant protection, which is unusual for someone who is no longer in office.
  2. The details about this security arrangement were hidden for a long time, and it took over a year of work to uncover this information. It highlights the challenges involved in obtaining transparency from government agencies.
  3. Many Americans are upset about the misuse of taxpayer funds for Fauci's security while others, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were denied similar protections. This has sparked calls for more accountability regarding how public money is spent.

Our First Trump 2.0 Test (and How to Pass It)

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Public Opinion International relations Social Issues
  1. Many Republicans and Democrats change their views on election fairness based on whether their side wins. This shows how closely tied our beliefs are to our political outcomes.
  2. The Biden administration is still providing military aid to Israel even though they didn't meet certain requirements. This decision suggests a complex relationship between the U.S. and Israel, despite past expectations for accountability.
  3. Top AI companies are struggling to create more advanced models. There are concerns that they might be running out of high-quality training data, which could slow down progress in AI development.

Is Parliament capable of debating assisted dying?

The Path Not Taken • 242 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Debate Ethics Policy Health
  1. Parliament is debating a bill on assisted dying, which shows that the issue is gaining traction but still has a long way to go before becoming law.
  2. Many MPs tend to rely on emotional stories and anecdotes, rather than focusing on facts and balanced reasoning during debates.
  3. The quality of parliamentary debates seems to be declining, with a shift towards more emotional discussions instead of analytical thinking.

Top Links 554 Defending the Fed. Betting on investment. China in Peru & Pakistan's counterinsurgency campaign.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Economics Policy International Analysis
  1. The Federal Reserve plays a crucial role in managing the economy, and there are discussions about its actions and decisions. Understanding how the Fed works can help people make sense of economic changes.
  2. Investing is a key topic, indicating that people are looking for ways to grow their money even in uncertain times. Betting on good investments can lead to financial gain in the future.
  3. China's involvement in countries like Peru shows its global influence. Additionally, Pakistan's counterinsurgency efforts highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining security and stability.

Shut up About Race and IQ

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5144 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Ideology Policy Social Issues Political Movements
  1. Discussions about race and IQ often lead to the clash between differing ideologies, with individuals having strong motivations underlying their beliefs and interpretations.
  2. Accepting group differences doesn't rigidly determine an individual's political views; people can have diverse perspectives, even if they agree on certain facts.
  3. Implementing ideological changes in society often involves motivating individuals based on a larger vision or political agenda, rather than directly debating opposing beliefs.

Coping with Trump

Comment is Freed • 77 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Diplomacy Governance Political parties
  1. Allies of the U.S. found it tough to deal with Trump during his first term, facing challenges in asserting their values against his right-wing stance.
  2. The relationship between Trump and leaders like Merkel showed a clash of confidence, with leaders trying to stand firm against his policies.
  3. Currently, due to changing global circumstances, allies are likely to take a less confrontational approach if Trump returns to power.

Rwanda: Nothing makes sense

Striking 13 • 2256 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Policy Legislation Reality Asylum Corruption
  1. Rwanda's political landscape is characterized by logical inconsistency and contradictions, leading to illogical decisions and actions.
  2. The backlog in asylum cases in the UK is primarily due to policy issues like lack of processing, rather than the number of asylum seekers arriving.
  3. The legislation regarding Rwanda in the UK defies reality and tries to legislate people's perceptions, representing a departure from empirical reality toward a denial of it.

NOTES FROM THE ROAD

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 3026 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Democracy Society
  1. The American people have a history of standing up and making things right when they realize the importance of a cause.
  2. The current economic situation in America is dire, but there is hope with a shift towards fair policies and economic justice.
  3. To address the challenges facing the country, it is essential for Americans to come together and make informed decisions about the future.

The 'Let Kids be Kids' roadshow of the South Island NZ gets pushback from the usual suspects.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Policy Community Activism
  1. Some parents in New Zealand are worried about what kids are learning in school about gender identity and sex education. They feel that these topics are sometimes not suitable for children.
  2. The 'Let Kids be Kids' roadshow faced backlash from activists who disagreed with its message. They pressured event venues to cancel the presentations.
  3. There's a growing concern among parents about their involvement in decisions about school education. Some feel their voices are not being heard in discussions about the guidelines related to sexual education.

Where are the Realists Defending Trump?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political theory International relations
  1. Great powers, especially nuclear ones, act to protect their interests. This means they are sensitive to threats near their borders.
  2. The idea of security and power is important in international relations, with all states seeking to ensure their safety, no matter their government type.
  3. Donald Trump is using language that aligns with realist views in foreign policy, particularly in how he frames issues related to Russia.

Does the Economy Need Migrants?

cryptoeconomy • 1434 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Labor Economy Inequality Policy
  1. Immigrants do not necessarily solve labor shortages because they bring their own demand for various services and jobs.
  2. Immigration can lead to lower wages, depending on the skills of the immigrants being admitted into the country.
  3. The argument that immigration is needed to address labor shortages is often contested by voters who see other issues like welfare, crime, and decreasing wages.

The unfathomable bottomless stupidity of Suella Braverman

Striking 13 • 2535 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Government Policy Leadership International relations Current Events
  1. The focus should be on the real problems that are evident rather than getting lost in technical details or strategic calculations.
  2. Stupidity seems to be a requirement for success in modern British politics, with individuals gaining attention and promotions through controversial remarks and actions.
  3. The rise of individuals lacking competence in key roles can have significant consequences, leading to failures in policy-making and governance.

5 questions about the "AI opportunities action plan"

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Policy Innovation Government Strategy
  1. The AI Opportunities Action Plan is an important government report that aims to guide Britain's approach to artificial intelligence. It has many recommendations that could shape the future of AI in the country.
  2. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, is focusing on making Britain a leader in AI technology, highlighting its significance in politics and industry.
  3. There's a need for meaningful questions about AI policy, as many journalists often ask irrelevant questions that miss the key issues. Being informed helps drive better discussions around AI advancements.

Trudeau's Canada BC government to give 'safe supply' of Fentanyl to children & parents are 'locked out', no say! Earth paging Canada, there is NO FUCKING safe dose or supply of Fentanyl to anyone!

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1611 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Policy Public Health Government Control
  1. Trudeau's Canada BC government is providing 'safe supply' of Fentanyl to children without parents having a say.
  2. There is no safe dose or supply of Fentanyl to anyone, as stated in the post.
  3. British Columbia authorized the provision of 'safer supply' fentanyl to youth without parental consent, which is seen as a trampling of parental rights.