The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Summer of '23

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Summer of 2023 felt peaceful and calm as people enjoyed being outside and the pandemic seemed less serious. There was a sense of civility in society, and tensions had eased compared to previous years.
  2. Political conversations grew more complex, with former patterns returning but underlying issues remaining. Figures like Trump were still influential, and concerns about Biden's capability to lead resurfaced.
  3. Missed opportunities arose in dealing with significant issues like AI regulation and the impacts of the pandemic. It highlighted how good governance can lead to a positive cultural moment, but many challenges are still looming.

A Fusion Of An Idea And A Place

The Weekly Dish • 124 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. JD Vance has some good points but also misses the bigger picture about America. It's important to look at the whole situation rather than just one side.
  2. America is shaped by both ideas and places, meaning culture is influenced by where people live and what they believe.
  3. Understanding America requires a balance of recognizing its flaws while also appreciating its strengths. It's a complex place with many layers.

The Submission Chain

Thinking about... • 447 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Submission happens when people accept lies or narratives that aren't true, which can lead to a sense of division in politics. This creates a power dynamic where some feel they 'own' others by repeating these lies.
  2. There's a chain of submission that exists from Trump voters to Trump and then to leaders like Putin and Xi. This relationship suggests that the power structure affects how countries interact with each other, making America weaker.
  3. If the U.S. backs down on supporting Ukraine, it could embolden other countries like China. Supporting Ukraine is crucial not just for its sake but also for maintaining strength against potential threats globally.

Robodebt: When automation fails

Can We Still Govern? • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Robodebt system in Australia failed because it used bad assumptions that caused serious mistakes, affecting many people negatively. This shows how dangerous it can be to rely on automation without fully testing it first.
  2. When the government tried to recover supposed overpayments, many vulnerable individuals faced harsh consequences, including stress and financial ruin. This highlights how automated systems can create burdens that hurt those who are already struggling.
  3. The lessons from Robodebt emphasize the need for human oversight in automated decision-making. Governments should listen to feedback and warnings from those affected to prevent future failures.

MAPPING THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 303 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Government spending has been growing much faster than the number of employees and inflation. This shows that more money is being spent without a proportional increase in personnel.
  2. Many federal agencies are outdated or no longer exist, making it hard for the public to track government activities and spending. There's a push to create a better record of how taxpayer money is being used.
  3. Specific agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Education, have seen huge increases in spending while sometimes cutting staff or having poor performance in their services.
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How the Indigo Blob runs a bluff

Silver Bulletin • 397 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Biden's age-related decline is often hidden by the White House. Many around Washington know about it, but it's not openly discussed.
  2. Media coverage has been inconsistent about Biden's age. While some outlets pointed it out, others downplayed or ignored the issue.
  3. Claims of a conspiracy regarding Biden's ability seem to have some truth. There was effort to manage how his decline was presented to the public.

I really don’t care why evolution happened

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. Science should help us make better choices now, not just speculate about the past. We should focus on how what we learn can improve our lives today.
  2. Understanding historical impacts like slavery can teach us more about current issues, such as trust and economic development, rather than just dwelling on the past for its own sake.
  3. Scientists should prioritize research that benefits society instead of just following personal interests. Our work should aim to make the world better and address current problems.

Friday Funnies: Free Stuff!

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many people are getting free things lately, and it's always fun to see what you can find. It's good to stay in the loop about chances to get free stuff.
  2. There's been a big push for federal employees to return to the office, which has changed the work environment in DC. This shift might make things different for both workers and the community.
  3. Some media outlets are blaming political leaders for various issues, which can seem unfair. It's important to think critically about the news we consume and go beyond the headlines.

New York Lawmakers Approve Assisted Suicide Bill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New York's lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow assisted suicide, making it the twelfth state to do so. This bill does not have a waiting period, which means people can access it faster.
  2. The vote in the state senate was close, with 35 in favor and 27 against. Some Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the bill, showing that opinions on this topic vary widely.
  3. A doctor with ALS expressed that knowing assisted dying is an option helps him focus on living his best life. This highlights the personal impact such a law can have on individuals facing serious illnesses.

‘Weaponization’ — House Speaker on FBI and ‘traditionalist’ Catholics

The Pillar • 137 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A group of Catholics celebrated a Mass at the U.S. Capitol, following a controversial FBI memo on Catholicism.
  2. The FBI memo raised concerns of targeting traditionalist Catholics for their beliefs, linking them with extremist views like white nationalism.
  3. Lawmakers are still investigating the origins and impact of the FBI memo on Catholic Americans, with ongoing concerns about religious liberty.

Willful ignorance of the male suicide crisis

Of Boys and Men • 495 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Many reports on suicide focus too much on girls, giving the impression that they are at a higher risk, which is misleading. In fact, most suicides among teenagers involve boys.
  2. The media often discusses the feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts in girls but fails to provide clear statistics on the actual suicide rates by gender. This can create confusion about who is really most at risk.
  3. It's essential to acknowledge the growing suicide crisis among young men and include accurate data in discussions to better address mental health issues for everyone. We need to talk about both boys and girls honestly.

a crisis of competence

bad cattitude • 332 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Society seems to have lost its ability to think critically and evaluate leaders' competence. Many people now accept poor decisions without question.
  2. There is a growing trend of placing individuals in important roles based on factors like identity instead of skills or experience, which leads to ineffective systems.
  3. People are becoming demoralized and feel helpless, believing there's nothing they can do to change the issues around them.

Ministry of Health NZ discards the word 'women' in favour of inclusive language, but men are still ‘men’.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Health is using terms like 'pregnant people' instead of 'women', which some people find confusing. Despite this change, they still refer to men as 'men'.
  2. The Plain Language Act was created for clear communication, but many feel that using terms like 'pregnant people' does not meet this goal. People want clear language that everyone can understand.
  3. There are concerns that some people in government, especially those focused on academic language, may not understand everyday people's needs. This leads to communication that doesn’t always make sense to the general public.

Top Links 569 Is College fee inflation back? China in LatAm & China in Hungary. Exploding tankers in the dark fleet and Sudan's death toll.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. College tuition fees are rising again, and they are going up faster than general inflation. This could be a concern for students and families who are trying to afford education.
  2. China's influence in Latin America and Hungary is growing. It’s important to watch how this changes both regions and their relationships with other countries.
  3. There are serious issues happening globally, like exploding tankers and increasing death tolls in places like Sudan. These events highlight ongoing conflicts and crises that need more attention.

Top Links 604 China's booming exports. A new gas pipeline and America's murder epidemic of 2020.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. China's exports are growing a lot because prices for things like solar panels are going down. More products are being sold even if they are cheaper.
  2. A new gas pipeline is being developed, which could affect energy supplies and markets. This could change how countries trade and use gas.
  3. The murder rate in America rose dramatically in 2020, which raised concerns about safety and crime rates in the country. This trend has led to discussions about social issues and law enforcement.

Assisted dying, rightsideism and the future of liberal democracy

The Path Not Taken • 132 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Assisted Dying Bill shows how public policy is influenced by 'rightsideism', where people care more about being on the right side of an issue than about actual facts.
  2. Emotional stories are often used in debates like this one to sway opinions, which can sometimes overshadow important discussions about laws and their implications.
  3. There are concerns that 'rightsideism' can challenge liberal democracy by prioritizing feelings over evidence, making it hard to determine what really is the 'right side' in debates.

dear washington DC

bad cattitude • 404 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A new group of highly skilled and productive people is coming to Washington, D.C., and they are different from the usual insiders. They are capable of achieving remarkable things quickly.
  2. This new team operates with a mindset of moving fast and breaking things, challenging existing processes and norms in government. They are ready to disrupt the status quo.
  3. With their talent and determination, this group could bring significant change to government agencies, leaving the current officials surprised and unable to keep up.

Revisiting the Origins of Civic Tech

Can We Still Govern? • 118 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Civic tech is all about using technology to make government services better for people. It focuses on understanding what the public needs and improving access to those services.
  2. The journey of civic tech teaches us that fixing government issues often requires understanding the root problems rather than focusing just on technology. Change takes time and must involve all levels of the system.
  3. Anyone can get involved in civic tech! There are many ways to help improve local and national government services using technology, whether through volunteering or working in policy-making roles.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

Fauci is pardoned

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 311 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Biden's last pardons included Anthony Fauci, which raises questions about his past actions related to pandemic research.
  2. Fauci might face consequences for his alleged past actions, especially if questioned again about funding controversial research.
  3. His handling of the pandemic was criticized, as he oversimplified responses and made many incorrect recommendations that impacted public health and schools.

TOO MANY SUBSCRIPTIONS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

OpenTheBooks Substack • 281 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The federal government has spent $44 million on POLITICO subscriptions since 2017. This spending comes from various agencies, showing a trend of reliance on paid news sources.
  2. The White House, especially under Biden, dramatically increased its spending on subscriptions, reaching $7.8 million in 2023. This raises questions about efficiency and whether multiple officials need separate subscriptions.
  3. Many people are skeptical about supporting media outlets with tax dollars, especially when there are many who already don't trust these sources. It's worth considering if the government should be funding private news businesses at all.

The Political Preferences of DeepSeek AI Models

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 283 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. DeepSeek AI models show political preferences similar to those of American models. This suggests that AI might reflect human biases in their programming.
  2. The findings indicate that AI can carry the same ideologies as the people who create and train them. It's important to be aware of this influence.
  3. For those curious about how political preferences impact large language models, there are more detailed analyses available to explore.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

Inside Metropolitan Park: How Steve Cohen Got His $8 Billion Casino Project Approved in New York

Huddle Up • 25 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
💼 Business Public Policy
  1. Steve Cohen plans to convert the Citi Field parking lot into an $8+ billion casino and entertainment complex to create year-round revenue and reduce the Mets’ seasonality.
  2. He secured one of New York’s downstate casino licenses by paying a huge upfront fee and promising substantial tax revenue, betting the project will transform the team’s business model.
  3. Getting approval required navigating political and legal hurdles — community advisory votes, lawsuits, opposition from officials and groups — plus heavy lobbying, donations, and concessions like subway upgrades.

What I would change at NSF

Heterodox STEM • 355 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. The NSF should refocus on funding high-quality scientific research based solely on merit rather than identity politics.
  2. Key reforms include changing their vision and core values to prioritize excellence in science.
  3. Unnecessary offices and initiatives that do not contribute to scientific advancement should be eliminated to streamline the NSF's efforts.

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. During a rally in Melbourne, some activists attacked police horses, which is alarming and shows a dangerous level of violence.
  2. The rally is centered around giving women the chance to speak, but there are tensions between different activist groups that complicate the situation.
  3. Media coverage often sparks controversy, with claims being made against rally leaders that may not reflect the reality of their actions or intentions.

A conversation with Jen Pahlka

Can We Still Govern? • 121 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Abundance means creating more opportunities and resources for everyone, especially those who struggle. It's about understanding that some systems create artificial scarcity, making life harder for people in need.
  2. State and local governments can improve by focusing on their internal processes to deliver better services. Leaders should prioritize building their capacity from the ground up to meet the community's needs.
  3. The civic tech community should be bold and proactive in improving government services. Instead of just reacting to changes, they should aim to innovate and create solutions that genuinely help people.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

Can We Still Govern? • 248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.

Dick Schulze (1929-2025). Patriot, Soldier, Congressperson, Federalist, Reagan Advisor, Christian, Sportsman, Friend, Mentor

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. He embodied comity — polite, bipartisan cooperation — showing that respectful cross‑aisle work can produce real results in government.
  2. He had a long, influential public service career, shaping tax, trade, social program, and defense policy as a senior member of key committees and as an advisor to presidents.
  3. His legacy mixes faith, patriotism, and mentorship, demonstrated by standing up for persecuted people abroad and urging future leaders to act with compassion, common sense, and commitment to country.

What is Your Life Worth?

Economic Forces • 9 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
💼 Business Public Policy
  1. People reveal how much they value life through choices like buying insurance, spending on health, and taking risky jobs, and economists use those choices to compute a "statistical value of life" (e.g., via wage premia).
  2. Empirical estimates place the statistical value of life in the millions of dollars and show it rising over time; as incomes and life expectancy rise, people tend to demand and pay more for safety.
  3. Price theory lets us put dollar values on non-market goods, so up-to-date value-of-life estimates are essential for sensible policy and cost–benefit decisions about safety and regulation.

German political crisis deepens as protests against the CDU continue and suddenly no major party wants to govern with anybody else

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 267 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Germany's political scene is in chaos. Major parties are refusing to form coalitions or work together after new migrations plans were introduced.
  2. The CDU party is facing backlash for its sudden hardline stance on migration, making it hard to find potential partners for a government.
  3. There are fears that the political deadlock could lead to a more extreme right-wing approach, as no clear path to a stable government has emerged.

When RAND Made Magic + Jason Matheny Response

ChinaTalk • 340 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. RAND Corporation was once at the forefront of military and scientific research, making groundbreaking contributions in areas like game theory and defense strategy during the Cold War.
  2. Over time, RAND has shifted its focus from cutting-edge scientific research to social and policy analysis, leading to a decline in its innovative output as it navigated new funding sources and political landscapes.
  3. Despite its challenges, RAND continues to play a significant role in addressing modern security issues, adapting its research to tackle contemporary challenges like military capabilities and psychological impacts of war.

Thesis Drift

MD&A • 118 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💰 Finance Public Policy
  1. Investing can be a fun and intellectually stimulating puzzle, similar to solving crosswords or watching movies. If you enjoy it, picking stocks can be a rewarding hobby even if it's not always financially beneficial.
  2. Thesis drift is when investors create new reasons to hold onto a stock after their original reasons have failed. Instead of admitting they were wrong and moving on, they keep justifying their position and often end up losing more money.
  3. In both investing and life, it's important to recognize when a strategy isn't working. Instead of sticking to failed ideas, we should be willing to change course and learn from our mistakes to find better paths.

J.D. Vance was right that "there is no room for firewalls," and if the CDU are not careful, they may well prove his point with their own destruction

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 243 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The current German political system is facing a crisis due to the fear of the political class towards their own people. They are stuck in old ways and unable to change policies that aren't working.
  2. The CDU, a major political party, might find itself in a tough spot. If they don't collaborate with the far-right AfD party, they risk losing power to the left-wing parties who could form a strong coalition.
  3. There's a chance the CDU will have to make hard compromises to stay relevant. If they keep ignoring the AfD, they may end up with a government that doesn't reflect what many voters want.

See the World Accurately

Interconnected • 354 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Seeing the world accurately is important for investors; it's easy to get lost in wishful thinking. Understanding reality helps make better decisions.
  2. Trump and Obama had similar strategies in their electoral victories, but they aim to govern differently, with Obama favoring institutions and Trump challenging them. This difference is crucial for the political landscape.
  3. China's economic policies are largely based on internal issues, not influenced by US elections. Their approach to managing the economy is quite different and focuses more on state control and gradual adjustments.

Los Angeles Fires: Water & Power Officials Among Top-Paid City Employees

OpenTheBooks Substack • 283 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Los Angeles is facing severe wildfires, and the city's mayor, Karen Bass, is being criticized for being out of the country during this crisis. Many people feel it's wrong for her to be away while her city is in such danger.
  2. The pay for top city officials in Los Angeles is high, with the fire chief earning over $400,000. This raises questions about whether their compensation matches the effectiveness of their response to the ongoing fires.
  3. There seems to be a focus on diversity and inclusion in the fire department, but some argue that these goals are not helping to tackle real problems like wildfires. Critics believe that the main focus should be on practical solutions to emergency situations.