The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Who's Afraid of Zohran Mamdani?

Can We Still Govern? • 554 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani faced criticism due to his college application, which raised questions about his racial identity. His responses were personal and made in a context where standardized categories often miss complex backgrounds.
  2. The story about Mamdani was based on hacked data, which raises ethical concerns in journalism. News outlets usually avoid publishing information from hackers, especially when it's motivated by a political agenda.
  3. Mamdani is an immigrant and a political figure in NYC, and the scrutiny he faces reflects broader issues related to race and identity in America. Understanding his story could help highlight how these issues affect many immigrants today.

Trump Shoots the Messenger

Can We Still Govern? • 445 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Firing officials who report bad news creates fear among public employees, making them less likely to share important information. This can lead to a distorted view of reality, as honest data gets suppressed.
  2. Politics shouldn’t interfere with data collection. When leaders prioritize personal interests over accurate statistics, it undermines trust and affects decision-making for everyone, including markets.
  3. Historical examples show that when a government manipulates data, it harms the economy and public trust. Transparent and reliable statistics are crucial for a healthy democracy.

URGENT: As fraud allegations spiral, Minnesota governor Tim Walz quits his reelection bid

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A 23-year-old citizen journalist posted a viral X video showing empty state-funded daycare centers run by Somali immigrants, and the clip drew massive national attention.
  2. Minnesota governor Tim Walz announced he would drop his bid for a third term and is preparing to leave office after a very rapid political collapse tied to the allegations.
  3. The episode highlights three bigger trends. These are rising anger over immigration, widespread waste and alleged fraud in state- and federally-backed welfare programs, and the growing power of X as a platform for citizen journalism that can quickly drive political consequences.

Contra populum

Wrong Side of History • 465 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The British government has become increasingly secretive, keeping important information from the public, which can lead to worse problems.
  2. A major incident occurred when a list of Afghan asylum seekers leaked, leading to the government trying to cover it up with a superinjunction.
  3. Keeping information hidden from the public can erode trust, while transparency allows for better decisions and accountability.

Britain's Berlin firewall

Wrong Side of History • 394 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Technology has changed how we learn from older generations. Now, younger people often teach their parents about tech instead of the other way around.
  2. Many lawmakers don’t fully understand technology, which can lead to bad laws like the Online Safety Act. This law started with good intentions but might limit freedom and hurt the tech industry.
  3. There are concerns that new internet regulations could have unexpected negative effects. Experts warned about this, but their advice wasn't taken seriously because there weren't enough past examples to learn from.
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Tough Love for California

In My Tribe • 1306 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. California will likely need financial help from the federal government due to massive damages from wildfires. This support should come with conditions to improve how the state manages its resources.
  2. The state's public employee salaries are much higher than the national average. A bailout should come with rules to give the federal government more control over salary adjustments and workforce management.
  3. California struggles with water and forest management. New laws should allow federal agencies to build necessary water infrastructure and implement better forest practices to prevent wildfires.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: New Frontiers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A new app for The Free Press is now available, making it easier to access all their content. It's designed to be fast and user-friendly.
  2. The article discusses various important topics, including advances in genetics and social issues in Europe.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is encouraged, as it helps maintain the quality and breadth of investigative stories from The Free Press.

I Love This Guy

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. We are at an important moment in history that can shape the future of Western values and freedom. It's essential to stay alert and participate in this significant change.
  2. When making policies, ensure they promote freedom for everyone and avoid leaning towards control and restrictions. Past attempts at reform have shown pitfalls when they disguise control as freedom.
  3. It's crucial to expose dishonest actions in politics and prioritize transparent communication. Learning from past mistakes can help build a stronger future without wasting time on revenge.

Fake Data

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that government data, like unemployment numbers, may not be accurate and could be manipulated for a specific narrative. This raises doubt about how trustworthy these figures really are.
  2. The independence of government employees from elected officials is questioned, suggesting that the current system might not align with constitutional principles. This brings up concerns about who is truly accountable in the decision-making process.
  3. Concerns are raised about the reliability of various types of government data, including health and agricultural statistics. This makes people wonder if they can trust any information provided by the government.

Trump Is Losing All His Trade Wars, Badly

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 353 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump's trade wars aren't helping America. The costs of these tariffs are mostly falling on American consumers and businesses, while the claimed benefits are not materializing.
  2. The tariffs are causing confusion and chaos in the market, making it harder for businesses to plan and invest. This uncertainty is hurting the economy more than the direct costs of the tariffs.
  3. Other countries are finding ways to adapt and strengthen their economies despite U.S. tariffs. The U.S. risks losing its place in global trade as businesses look for alternatives beyond the American market.

New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor, who once stated that “sex isn’t binary”, is coming to the end of her three-year term.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New Zealand's Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, who has said 'sex isn't binary', is finishing her term soon. This statement has created mixed reactions.
  2. There is hope that the new government will choose a science advisor who aligns more with traditional views on sex and gender.
  3. The Marsden Fund, which supports research in New Zealand, has mixed approaches to gender and sex in its grant applications, reflecting confusion in some areas of research.

The Pardons

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Biden's recent pardons can help Trump focus on positive actions instead of seeking revenge. This means Trump can start building things up rather than getting caught up in past issues.
  2. The pardons may lead to less media attention on major stories, allowing gossip and rumors to take the spotlight. It's a shift similar to what happened when Nixon was pardoned, making it easier for Trump to move forward.
  3. Trump could gain ground by being extremely open about past documents and issues. By releasing more information on various controversies, he could reshape public perception and show his commitment to transparency.

Friday Funnies: CPR Alert

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Federal civil servants in Northern Virginia are blamed for swinging the state to Democrats, and two remedies are proposed: cut federal jobs or relocate federal agencies around the country to break that concentration of influence.
  2. A severe multi-stage winter storm is expected, so people are urged to winterize farms and homes — fill tanks, set up heaters, stock water, food, fuel, batteries, and protect animals and vehicles.
  3. Recent Democratic policies are portrayed as harmful to the state, with concerns about higher taxes, weakened gun rights, permissive immigration and youth medical policies, and a cultural shift dubbed 'Californication' or 'Marxist' influence.

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.

Exchange with Amy Wax on Immigration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1341 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. High-skilled immigrants can provide huge benefits to the economy, like famous innovators who lead successful companies. Losing out on these talents could seriously harm American progress.
  2. Many immigrants are integrating well into American culture, and younger generations generally feel connected to diverse communities. There's a common misconception that immigrants don’t assimilate.
  3. Debats about immigration should focus on the potential of individuals rather than broad groups. High-skilled workers can bring positive changes, so it's a mistake to view them all negatively.

The "Economist" Is Not Amused: The Fraudulent "Shining City" of Today's Republicans

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 599 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The modern Republican Party seems to ignore reality and cling to nostalgic ideas instead of addressing current issues. It's like they're in a fantasy world, focusing more on applause than on real economic policies.
  2. There's a growing sense among party members that they can blame Democrats for economic problems, despite their own history of increasing the deficit. It's like they're playing a blame game instead of taking responsibility.
  3. The leaders in the Republican Party appear more interested in tax cuts and deregulation rather than forming effective policies. They rally the crowd with grand tales but tend to avoid tough discussions about the economy.

Links for November

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Hosting a public conversation about science funding and peer review can open up important discussions about how science is evaluated and funded. It's a chance to explore the role of philanthropy in the scientific landscape.
  2. Encouraging a culture of giving through student donation matching can help support effective charities like the Against Malaria Foundation. This initiative could inspire similar efforts in other countries.
  3. Working as a researcher in a library can significantly enhance productivity compared to traditional open-plan offices. A shorter commute and quiet study environments can lead to better focus and more accomplishments.

‘The Bond of our Common Humanity...’

Breaking the News • 1244 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter believed that unity and compassion among people can overcome fear and prejudice. It's important to focus on our shared humanity.
  2. Carter's grandson shared that the current political system has flaws that lead to division and extremism. He emphasized the need for civil discourse and understanding.
  3. Stories have power, and sharing personal experiences can bridge divides. We should connect over our common goals of peace and stability, no matter our political differences.

Cathy reads books: Enlightenment 2.0 review

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Humans evolved for small, tight-knit groups and our instincts—like gossip and retaliation—work in that context but often fail in large, complex modern societies.
  2. Populism taps into fast, intuitive thinking and simple narratives, which fuels tribalism and violence and is fundamentally at odds with the cooperative complexity needed for civilization.
  3. Liberal democracy depends on slow, deliberate reasoning, so societies should shape environments and policies to make reasoning easier by promoting broad economic growth, reducing K-shaped inequality, and supporting stable family formation.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

Danielle Sassoon’s Courage and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Danielle Sassoon, a federal prosecutor, chose to resign rather than drop corruption charges against New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, showing strong commitment to the rule of law.
  2. Sassoon's decision highlights concerns about potential corruption in politics, where personal benefits for officials can undermine public trust and justice.
  3. The response from the Justice Department and others involved raises serious questions about political interference in legal matters, which could affect the fairness of law enforcement.

Thoughts of Chairman Mao on GenZ

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many younger people today have a lot of education but lack real-world experience. This can lead to confusing ideas about life and work.
  2. There’s a suggestion that younger generations should engage in hands-on jobs or military service to gain practical skills and understanding.
  3. The older generations could help by admitting mistakes in how they educated younger people and offer real job training to help reduce issues like student debt.

Odds and Ends #57: The government isn't as sluggish as it feels

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The government may seem slow, but it is actually getting things done behind the scenes. It's important to stay patient and not worry too much for now.
  2. One European country is ahead in the AI competition, which might surprise many. It's interesting to see how different nations are approaching technology and innovation.
  3. There's an impressive light show that sends a strong message against Putin. Creative expressions like this can really make a statement in politics.

Critical Race Theory Comes to City Hall

Journal of Free Black Thought • 42 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani’s agenda is rooted in Critical Race Theory and aims to make racial group outcomes the primary goal of governance, even when that means overruling traditional individual rights. It treats redistribution and expropriation as moral justice rather than ordinary policy trade‑offs.
  2. Critical Race Theory rejects liberal ideas like legal neutrality and absolute private property, arguing that historic racial injustice justifies race‑conscious remedies and limits on property rights. Models like the Freedom Charter are cited as examples that expand redistribution into land and industry.
  3. These ideas are being normalized through elite schooling and key city appointments, shaping how policymakers view property, authority, and policy. Rhetoric about seizing the means of production and staffing tenant offices with activists signals a move from incremental reform toward ideological transformation.

Dingus of the week: Lisa Murkowski

Men Yell at Me • 488 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. LGBTQ comedians are using humor to tackle tough issues and find joy in hard times. They believe laughter helps us face serious realities without turning away.
  2. Congress passed a controversial spending bill that raises the national debt while cutting health insurance and food assistance for many. The decision was criticized for prioritizing corporate tax cuts over vulnerable populations.
  3. Wisconsin recently overturned a long-standing abortion ban, which is seen as a positive step. Also, on a lighter note, a fun family trip to Wisconsin highlighted the joy of simple pleasures like good food and laughter.

Top Links 775 America's data disaster is here. Bimodal oil prices. Defending Angela Merkel and what is wrong with Ford engines.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. America is currently experiencing serious issues with data collection and analysis. Reducing the sample size compromises the quality of information we get from surveys.
  2. Oil prices are showing a bimodal pattern, meaning there are two different price levels currently affecting the market. This could indicate some instability or shifts in oil supply and demand.
  3. There are discussions about Angela Merkel's legacy and her political decisions. Some people are defending her while others are criticizing certain policies, like those related to the automotive industry.

The Future's Going to Break Your Heart

Pacification • 825 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Life today is better for most people than it was in the past
  2. Modernity involves technological advancements and a focus on equality and dignity for all individuals
  3. The future is uncertain, and it's important to embrace humility, feedback, and adaptability in planning for it

Complicated Plots, Undetected

In My Tribe • 1199 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Keeping secrets is really hard, and it's important for countries to figure out how to protect sensitive plans from being leaked. The recent October 7 attack showed how much trust someone needs to have in their team to keep everything quiet.
  2. Communication is key in military strategy. Disrupting your enemy's communication can be just as powerful as using weapons. Militaries need to focus on not just protecting their own communication but also finding weaknesses in the enemy's.
  3. Modern politics struggles with transparency, as seen with the cover-up of President Biden’s health issues. People in charge might prioritize their positions over honesty, which can lead to serious problems for the country.

Why Manchester should bid for the Olympics

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Manchester should consider bidding for the Olympics because it could help improve transport links in the region, especially with Northern Powerhouse Rail.
  2. The current system for protecting historic buildings is not working well and needs to be changed to better preserve important structures.
  3. Engaging the community in these discussions is important, as it affects both local development and preservation.

Do you need permission from the government to do independent research?

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1015 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. You don't always need government approval to do research on people. Many people believe IRB approval is required for all human research, but that's not true.
  2. The rules about what kind of research needs approval are complicated and can vary by state or institution. It's not always clear where the lines are drawn.
  3. Many journals require IRB approval to publish research, which can make it harder for independent researchers to share their findings without going through the process.

Out Of Control.

Trying to Understand the World • 10 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. The professional-managerial class that once prospered under neoliberal rules is now seeing its living standards, public services and children’s prospects erode, and their growing alienation could become a major political force.
  2. Decades of privatization, deregulation, globalization and rapid tech adoption have produced tightly linked, chaotic systems whose unintended interactions are widely damaging public services, markets and communities.
  3. Short-term incentives, complex ownership and weak public control mean there are no easy fixes; the system is fragile and may break suddenly, producing sharp social and political upheaval.

Is a Foreign Adversary Flying Drones over New Jersey?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1303 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There have been strange reports of large drones flying over critical places in New Jersey. Residents are confused and want to know where these drones are coming from.
  2. A congressman suggested that an Iranian mothership is behind the drone sightings, but this claim was quickly denied by the Pentagon. They said there is no evidence of such a mothership.
  3. Local and state officials are struggling to provide clear answers about the drones. Despite concerns, the Pentagon states that there has been no threat to military installations.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

The Nippon Steel Deal: A Master Class in Winning the Working Class

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Biden administration's decision to oppose the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel merger is viewed as a political move that could benefit Donald Trump.
  2. Formerly strong Democratic areas, like Minnesota's Iron Range, showed a shift towards Republican support, signaling changing political loyalties.
  3. The Iron Range's voting trends reflect a broader discontent among working-class communities, especially in relation to union and job security issues.

Farage's questionable HS2 claim (Odds and Ends #72)

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Nigel Farage made some strange claims about the HS2 project that many found hard to believe. It's important to critically evaluate statements from public figures.
  2. Britain is facing significant challenges in building new homes, which is affecting many people. This issue highlights the human cost of slow development and bureaucratic delays.
  3. There's ongoing discussion about growth and housing in London, with some new ideas being proposed. Engaging with local government decisions can help drive positive change.

The Monarch of Mar-a-Lago

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1112 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump's power peaks before he takes office, showing how the moment of being sworn in changes the dynamics of his influence.
  2. The story of Rip Van Winkle highlights how dramatic changes can occur in society, even in just a couple of decades.
  3. Modern political identities can be confusing and overwhelming, as seen in Rip's struggle to understand new party affiliations.

December 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 53 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Deep gratitude for community support after a difficult year, and recognition that this support enabled continued work.
  2. A call for people to share how they helped preserve American democracy and what they hope for in 2026, urging everyone to keep building momentum.
  3. A tone of tiredness mixed with hope and confidence that the American people can build a better future, plus warm new-year wishes.