The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

The TOP SECRET Plan to Enslave You (REVEALED!!!)

The Corbett Report • 26 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A ten-point blueprint aims to centralize land, wealth, credit, communication, transport, production, labor, and education under strong state control.
  2. Many modern policies—like progressive taxes, centralized banking, eminent domain, public schooling, and regulatory control—reflect pieces of that blueprint and are already in place.
  3. Concentrating those powers can be used to control and disenfranchise people, so recognizing these trends means deciding how to respond or resist.

More trans ideology is being inserted into our children's lives by the Ministry of Education NZ

A B’Old Woman • 339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a concern that an agenda related to trans issues is being quietly pushed into schools in New Zealand. This includes appointing people who support trans ideology on school boards without public votes.
  2. A new bill is being proposed that could make it easier for non-elected advocates to join school boards, and many people in the education sector may not know about these changes.
  3. Questions are being raised about why gender and sexuality need special representation on school boards, and how this might affect the balance and influence within these boards.

The invisible hand screws up your regression

Economic Forces • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
💼 Business Public Policy
  1. Because prices link firms, workers, and markets, difference-in-differences estimates pick up relative changes across units (the slope) but miss common, economy-wide level shifts that get absorbed by fixed effects — the “missing intercept.”
  2. Treatment spillovers mean control groups are almost never untouched, so naively scaling a micro DiD coefficient up to an aggregate shock can be very misleading; the true aggregate effect could be much smaller or much larger than the naive calculation.
  3. To learn the aggregate or policy-relevant effect you need economic structure or extra identifying assumptions; techniques like synthetic DiD fix pre-trends but cannot recover common, market-wide shocks without a structural model.

Real Women NZ's first livestream

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Real Women NZ recently launched its first weekly livestream to discuss issues affecting women, especially in relation to trans ideology. This provides a platform for women to share their experiences openly.
  2. The group was formed after a violent incident earlier this year during a women's rally in Auckland, sparking a need for more safe spaces for women to express their views.
  3. Upcoming plans include creating a YouTube channel and possibly a website to reach a wider audience, ensuring that women can connect and continue these important discussions, even if they are banned from other platforms.

Will the federal government become a toxic employer?

Can We Still Govern? • 287 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Musk and Ramaswamy make big promises about changing government, but many claims are misleading or unrealistic. They seem more interested in getting attention than actually fixing issues.
  2. Their ideas about mass firings and relocations are not well thought out and could hurt the effectiveness of federal agencies. Making government a worse place to work might not lead to better performance.
  3. Federal employees are encouraged to stay in their positions despite tough conditions. Their presence is important for maintaining effective governance and democracy.
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Desired Fertility versus the Mueller Effect

Bet On It • 327 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many women want to have more children than they currently do. Policymakers should focus on helping them achieve their desired family size instead of just worrying about low birth rates.
  2. People often say they want more government spending until they realize it means higher taxes. The same might apply to how people think about having kids; mentioning costs could change their responses about how many kids they want.
  3. It's possible that people are having fewer kids not just because they want to, but because they misunderstand things like genetics and the costs of raising children. Adjusting tax policies might encourage families to have more children.

Hunter’s Pardon

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
  2. The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
  3. Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

It's a bit hellish for women at Hell's Gate in Rotorua, NZ.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A social rule used to keep men out of women's spaces created a safe environment for women. This changed when some men started claiming to be women and accessing these spaces.
  2. Some women are misled into believing that men entering women’s changing rooms are genuinely women, which makes it uncomfortable for those who truly identify as female.
  3. Rallies are planned for women to express their concerns and demand to be heard on this issue, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and spaces.

Gov. Wes Moore leads the way

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is focusing on supporting boys and men, highlighting their challenges like low job participation and rising suicide rates. It's important to uplift all genders, and he believes addressing men's issues can benefit everyone.
  2. Moore’s approach is not just to help one gender but to ensure opportunities for both boys and girls. He aims to create solutions that support the growth of young boys while also caring for young girls.
  3. Other governors have shown interest in similar initiatives, but Moore's commitment is seen as the most serious so far. His leadership may encourage more political action on these important issues.

Top Links 598 The impact of HIV/AIDS. The legacy of Commons. Austerity amongst downfall & the year when left-conservative populism became a thing.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The long-lasting effects of HIV/AIDS have significantly impacted life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows how health crises can change a whole region's future.
  2. Understanding the legacy of Commons helps explain how past governance affects current political landscapes. It’s important to look at history to grasp today's issues.
  3. The rise of left-conservative populism marks a shift in political movements. This change highlights how people's feelings about politics and economy are evolving.

The Weaponization of Trauma

Can We Still Govern? • 224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Public employees are facing serious emotional challenges due to job instability and harsh government changes. Many report feeling anxious, paranoid, and stressed.
  2. There is a sense of betrayal among workers who relied on their institutions. When their commitment was questioned, it deeply hurt their trust and identity.
  3. The actions of the administration are seen as intentionally creating trauma to control and diminish the morale of public workers, leading to fears about the future.

Federal workers fired to improve efficiency - media outraged; Federal workers fired for not complying with an unethical vaccine mandate - media silent

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 221 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The media shows a double standard when covering different types of worker firings. They react strongly to layoffs for efficiency but often ignore firings for not taking vaccines.
  2. Vaccine mandates raised ethical concerns because they did not significantly protect others and forced individuals to lose their jobs. Many people who were fired have not been given a voice in media discussions.
  3. The way the media reports on firings affects public trust in vaccines. Layoffs from companies like Elon Musk's may feel random, but firings due to vaccine mandates can lead to specific anger and distrust.

The vocabulary of democracy's architecture

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. We need new words to describe democracy better, especially as society becomes more complex. Current terms like 'capitalism' and 'socialism' don’t really help much anymore.
  2. Demodexio is a proposed system that combines the needs of the people with the expertise of skilled individuals. This approach aims to create a more effective democracy suited for our specialized world.
  3. It's important to standardize terms when discussing threats to democracy, like misinformation. This clarity can help us address issues more effectively.

Do other countries do it? A simple litmus test for RFK Jr's ideas

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 323 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. When discussing RFK Jr's ideas, it's helpful to ask if other countries do things the same way. If yes, it opens up a conversation instead of labeling him as crazy.
  2. Some of RFK Jr's views, like raw milk and fluoride in water, have examples in other countries. This doesn’t mean they are right, but it shows there’s room for debate.
  3. Vaccination policies vary globally, and questioning them shouldn't be dismissed. It’s okay to discuss which vaccines may or may not be necessary.

The Midterm Elections are a Year Away

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Democrats ended the government shutdown quickly after their recent election win because it wouldn't make sense to keep it going for a whole year until the next big election.
  2. There were not many good options left for the Democrats to win anything meaningful from the shutdown, so they decided to reopen the government instead of risking further backlash.
  3. Despite their decision, the Democratic base might be angry, but many key senators who broke ranks are not up for reelection, making it hard for voters to take immediate action against them.

penny walks free

bad cattitude • 282 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Self-defense laws like castle doctrine let people protect their homes without fear of legal trouble. It puts the responsibility on intruders, making it fairer for homeowners.
  2. Stand your ground laws mean you can defend yourself without needing to retreat when faced with danger. This concept challenges laws that require people to run away from an aggressor.
  3. Juries play an important role in the justice system. They can make choices based on their beliefs and experiences, which can influence fair outcomes in court.

Committee size is the same as efficiency: the central bank versus the legislature

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Smaller committees are usually more efficient than larger ones. A tiny group can make decisions faster than a big group full of different opinions.
  2. Fiscal policy can be more effective than monetary policy, especially during tough economic times. Governments can take action on economic issues more quickly when they have a smaller legislative body.
  3. To manage complex government tasks better, we might need more specialized committees. A focus on smaller, efficient groups could help create better laws and address the needs of a diverse society.

The Hidden Constraints on HOT Lanes

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. HOT lanes have strict rules to keep traffic moving, like needing to maintain a minimum speed. If the lanes are too slow, the company operating them can face financial penalties.
  2. The profit for companies managing HOT lanes can be limited because they have to share excess earnings with the government once they reach certain profit levels. This makes them less likely to take risks.
  3. Even though these lanes are better than regular roads, government rules still make them less efficient. There are many ideas for improvements that aren't being tried, like charging tolls during busy times.

Announcing The 1991 Fellowship

Get Down and Shruti • 5 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. A three-year fellowship will fund and train early-career people to work full-time on state-level policy reform, with stipends that increase each year and structured programming.
  2. The program prioritizes practical, state-specific deregulation projects—like land use, labor laws, building codes, licensing, and energy—and favors proposals that show a clear path to real implementation rather than just analysis.
  3. Fellows receive mentorship, introductions to officials and media, and can attach to local institutions in later years; applications are open Jan 15–Feb 28 with selections by early summer and the fellowship starting in July 2026.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

Can We Still Govern? • 272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Public Policy
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

Kevin Hassett's Rate Cut Inflation Inferno

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 24 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kevin Hassett is becoming a strong candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, which could change how the Fed makes decisions.
  2. Hassett's potential appointment might lead to faster rate cuts, prompting a mixed reaction from investors and the public.
  3. Investors seem excited about easier policies right now, but they may not fully understand the long-term effects of this shift.

assessing the case for pardoning fauci

bad cattitude • 233 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Pardoning Fauci may send a message that he is being protected from accountability. This could shape public opinion in favor of Fauci rather than promote transparency.
  2. Many people are not aware of the controversies surrounding the NIH's role in COVID-19. It's important to publicize the facts to educate the general public.
  3. There should be accountability for public figures like Fauci. Exposing the truth about their actions can help prevent similar issues in the future.

deregulating barn raising fixes this

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Government help often doesn't work well during disasters. People usually find it more helpful to rely on local efforts and free markets instead.
  2. Price controls and regulations can hurt recovery by limiting supply and making it harder to rebuild. Higher prices actually signal that more help is needed.
  3. Bureaucratic rules can create more problems than they solve, slowing down aid and making recovery from disasters much harder for communities.

How much are liberals to blame for state failure?

Comment is Freed • 86 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many agree that government isn't working well, and this affects public trust. Some think the government is lacking compared to the private sector, while others believe it should be a force for good.
  2. Liberals often blame the right for undermining government effectiveness. They've seen a shift where some want to completely destroy government systems instead of just making them better.
  3. There's a big debate about how much regulation is needed for safety and progress. Finding the right balance between too much and too little regulation is hard, and it impacts issues like housing and infrastructure.

The Russian Bomb Threats

Thinking about... • 286 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Russia has tried to disrupt American elections by sending bomb threats to polling places, which is a serious issue that must be addressed.
  2. The threats affected multiple states, causing chaos and potentially scaring voters away from the polls.
  3. To ensure fairness, there should be an extension of voting for areas impacted, showing that such intimidation won't change the outcome and protecting democracy in the future.

Firewall Physics, or: Why the German political establishment probably won't ban the AfD however much they may think they want to

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 91 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The German political scene has complicated dynamics that impact judicial nominations. It seems hard to predict outcomes, given the tug-of-war between parties.
  2. There's a strong belief that banning the AfD is highly unlikely due to the current political structure and the need for broad support in court appointments.
  3. Many people are concerned about the nomination of judges with extreme views, thinking it might increase the chances of banning political parties like the AfD. However, the system may not allow such drastic changes.

Top Links 535 Are long-term jobs disappearing? Air-conditioning's power demands. The sphere in trouble & red necks and red bandanas.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Long-term jobs in the US are increasingly hard to find. Many people are worried about job security and the future of work.
  2. Air conditioning demands a lot of energy, which is becoming a bigger issue. This raises questions about sustainability and energy consumption.
  3. There are cultural and social topics related to 'red necks' and 'red bandanas'. These discussions explore identity and community in different contexts.

Criminal Justice Reform Is Good, But, Like Everything, It Requires Common Sense And Moderation

Singal-Minded • 576 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Criminal justice reform is important, but it needs to be approached with common sense and moderation to be effective.
  2. Addressing inequality and reducing the impact of luck in determining outcomes is a crucial step in shaping public policy.
  3. There has been bipartisan recognition that the U.S. criminal justice system is flawed and needs reform, particularly in its treatment of nonviolent offenders.

In New York, the left and right are united in a fight against the corporate takeover of Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. People from different political sides are coming together in New York to oppose a plan to move retirees from traditional Medicare to a private insurance plan. This shows that healthcare issues can unite folks regardless of their politics.
  2. The mayor's proposal could harm retirees financially, pushing them to a private plan with higher costs and less freedom in choosing doctors. Many might not truly have a choice once they face increased costs to stay in their current Medicare plan.
  3. There's growing awareness about how private insurers are negatively affecting Medicare. More people, including those in government, are recognizing the problem and starting to speak out against it.

Twilight of the Liberal Left

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 283 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Obama coalition has weakened, especially among younger voters who are shifting towards the right. This change highlights a disconnect between the past Democratic leadership and current political priorities.
  2. The liberal-left is facing challenges as there's a lack of strong grassroots movements and engagement in social causes, leading to a sense of resignation. Activism seems to have quieted down with fewer protests and movements visible today.
  3. There is an opportunity for new Democratic leaders to emerge since the old guard is faltering. The upcoming elections may open doors for fresh candidates, reflecting a need for change in approach and strategy.

*Progressive Myths*: The Caplan-Huemer Interview

Bet On It • 196 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The difference between a neutral and objective presentation is important. An objective approach aims to provide a fair and accurate account without taking sides.
  2. Many myths exist around racial pay gaps and other social issues, often attributing them to discrimination rather than productivity differences.
  3. The conversation around wokeness and climate change is complex. Some claims are true, but it's essential to approach these topics with careful analysis.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Opening borders can lead to both positive and negative selection. While allowing more people in can benefit society, it can also attract individuals who might not contribute positively.
  2. It's important to vet immigrants to avoid potential negative impacts, like crime or community issues. Simply accepting everyone without checks can create problems in the long run.
  3. Using examples like the influx of Ukrainian refugees shows that context matters. Not all immigration situations are the same, and having clear reasons for migration can soften concerns about negative selection.

PREMIERE: Fair Game

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A new resolution in Burlington, Vermont, supports the LGBTQIA+ community but has also sparked controversy and accusations against local community members.
  2. Public comments during the council meeting included serious accusations, with some residents claiming that LGBTQIA advocates are harmful to children and calling for severe actions against them.
  3. The episode will detail the intense discussions and claim threats made against individuals who oppose the resolution, highlighting a significant divide in the community.

Why Did Trump Win?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 272 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump won because different voters had different reasons for supporting him. Issues like immigration and inflation resonated with many.
  2. His clear stances on controversial topics, like abortion and transgender issues, attracted some voters who felt more represented by him.
  3. Trump's personality and media presence helped him gain a following, while perceptions about his opponent's weaknesses were also influential.

The Chinese Hukou system, all but obsolete?

Beijing Channel • 16 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. China's average hukou threshold fell to about 12.6% in 2024, down from 98.8% in 1999, and most cities now have low or no barriers to local registration, especially fourth- and fifth-tier cities.
  2. The biggest drivers were top-down policy pushes (notably around 2001 and 2014) plus local incentives like strong labor demand, aging populations, competition from nearby cities, weak housing markets, and closeness to major metros.
  3. Hukou is becoming less restrictive but still matters because many public services remain tied to hukou status, and further easing is likely to continue slowly through quotas, lower criteria, or suburban registration options.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: American Idiots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There was a recent chaotic event in U.S. politics that hints at possible future issues under a second Trump administration. This involved key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump arguing about a government funding bill.
  2. In the end, a deal was reached by some congressional leaders, but it showed how easily politicians can be swayed by people like Musk, even when they spread false information.
  3. Overall, the way politics is handled nowadays resembles a wrestling match more than a serious governing process, making it hard for voters to trust their leaders and their decisions.

Self Re-Introduction – 2024 Edition

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The writer has changed careers multiple times, starting in politics and then moving to tech and investing. This shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself and follow new passions.
  2. The newsletter covers important topics where technology, business, and geopolitics meet. It's a space for learning about how these areas influence each other.
  3. Becoming a premium member of the newsletter provides extra benefits, like in-depth investment analysis and personalized discussions. This can help readers gain more insights and connect with the writer.

Some Austrian Questions

Bet On It • 251 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many people start with a simple understanding of economic theories, often identifying with one school without fully knowing its details. It takes time and deeper study to really understand the nuances between different economic thinkers.
  2. As people grow and learn, they often reassess their beliefs about economics and may find they resonate more with certain schools over others. It's okay to change your mind as you gain more knowledge.
  3. A strong pull toward empirical data and analysis can lead someone to align with mainstream economics rather than strictly adhering to one specific school of thought, like the Austrian School.

An Epstein Backgrounder and Where We Are Today

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Epstein story is very complex and constantly changing, similar to the JFK assassination, with many known facts but also many uncertainties.
  2. Darryl Cooper's interviews offer deep insights into Epstein's life, his connections with powerful people, and the implications of his actions.
  3. Other interviews discuss connections between Epstein and notable figures like Donald Trump, as well as ongoing legal and ethical questions surrounding the case.