The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Nobody knows how to stop humanity from shrinking

Noahpinion • 26647 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24

Humanity faces a big problem with declining population and aging, which is not getting enough attention. As birth rates drop, we risk having fewer young people to support our growing older population.
The U.S. now relies heavily on immigration to maintain its population. Many other parts of the world are experiencing the same low birth rate trends, making future immigration uncertain.
Fertility rates are continuously declining globally, and no one knows how to stop this trend. A smaller, older population could threaten the quality of life and economic stability.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Trump's Smoke & Mirrors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 884 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Studies Public Policy Trump administration Political Commentary

Trump's actions often focus on getting attention rather than creating real change. Many of his plans are more about performance than effective policy.
The media needs to separate Trump's true policies from his showmanship, but many outlets are caught up in the drama instead.
Trump's potential policies could harm the economy, and it's crucial for clear information to be shared so the public can understand the impact.

Elon Musk Is Livestreaming Himself Playing A Videogame, Except It’s The Federal Budget

Singal-Minded • 951 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Federal Budget Public Policy Elon Musk Political Commentary

Elon Musk's influence over government is unusual, as he now runs an advisory group that has access to sensitive federal information, raising concerns about accountability.
Musk's interest in video games reflects a larger trend of how gaming and streaming create addictive experiences, blending personal achievement with social interaction.
DOGE, the group Musk leads, is actively cutting government contracts, particularly focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives, which sparks both support and criticism from his followers.

Elon Musk, DOGE, and the looming threat of rogue AI

Weaponized • 30 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Democracy Public Policy

There's a worry that if we can't handle powerful people misusing power now, we won't be able to deal with a rogue AI in the future. It's scary to think about what might happen if our current systems break down.
Rogue AI could act in ways that are sneaky and hidden, just like what we've seen happening with certain powerful figures now. Understanding these warning signs is super important to protect our systems.
People need to remember that cutting jobs or 'waste' can hurt real lives. It's crucial to prioritize human well-being over just saving money, otherwise we might support harmful choices unknowingly.

California's Insurance Crisis

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3533 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Insurance Policy Public Policy Climate Policy Economic Impact

California's insurance crisis isn't mainly caused by climate change, but by how insurance rates are set. Policies like Proposition 103 prevent companies from charging enough to cover risks.
Insurance rates are usually suppressed to keep costs low for consumers, which means insurance companies can struggle to stay in business. This leads to fewer companies wanting to offer home insurance in California.
To fix the insurance crisis, California needs to adjust its laws to better reflect the real risks and costs of coverage. This will likely mean higher insurance rates for homeowners.

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Money Saved By Canceling Programs Does Not Immediately Flow To The Best Possible Alternative

Astral Codex Ten • 41364 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Government programs Philosophy Public Policy Health Policy

Canceling effective programs like PEPFAR doesn't guarantee that the money will be spent on better programs. It may just sit unspent or be used for less effective initiatives.
People often argue about valuing American lives more than foreign ones, but this doesn't lead to better outcomes for those in need. Many don't consider the long-term effects of cutting foreign aid.
There's a need for balance in helping others. Spending a small percentage of the budget on foreign aid is reasonable, and it shouldn't diminish support for domestic needs.

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

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1015 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Research Ethics Law Public Policy Human Rights

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.
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.
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.

It Pays to Be a Friend of Donald Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 639 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Policy Government Ethics

Rod Blagojevich and Eric Adams benefited from their connections to Donald Trump, suggesting his influence on legal outcomes.
Blagojevich switched from being a Democratic governor to showing support for Trump, which helped him secure a pardon.
The situation raises questions about how justice is applied if political connections can sway legal decisions.

Birth-rate worriers should care about housing deregulation

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Growth Regulatory issues Public Policy

Housing regulations make it hard to build new homes, which can affect birth rates. If it's easier to build, families may feel more comfortable having more children.
Economic growth is slowed down by strict housing rules. Reforming these rules in certain cities could boost the economy and increase workers' earnings.
Different groups see housing issues in various ways. It's important to find common ground to make big changes in housing policy.

TGIF: Hellfire

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5824 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Public Policy Environmental Policy Emergency Management Urban Issues Crisis response

California is facing major wildfires, causing devastation in Los Angeles and forcing evacuations for nearly 180,000 people. The situation is worsened by a shortage of resources and rising crime.
The city government has been criticized for neglecting infrastructure improvements that could help in emergencies, like building water storage facilities. Years of red tape have delayed these critical projects.
Environmental regulations are impacting water availability for firefighting efforts, with a small fish called the delta smelt blocking water releases. This situation highlights the tension between environmental concerns and urgent resource needs.

THE SHOW NOTES: Yahya Sinwar, The Interview, & Canceling Student Loans

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 839 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Public Policy Government Affairs Societal Issues

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, may have been killed in an Israeli military operation, but this hasn't been officially confirmed yet.
Kamala Harris's recent interview didn't resonate with Republican voters, as she struggled to connect and was late to the taping.
The Biden administration has canceled an additional $4.5 billion in student loan debt, continuing their efforts to ease the financial burden on borrowers.

"Paycheck-to-paycheck" and five other popular myths

Noahpinion • 17000 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Surveys Political Commentary

Many popular economic claims, like '60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck,' are often incorrect and based on unreliable sources.
Surveys from trusted government institutions show that a majority of people actually have enough savings to cover three months of expenses, contradicting the paycheck-to-paycheck myth.
There are many other myths about exercise, education, immigration, and spending that are widely accepted but lack proper evidence, showing that misinformation can spread even in an information-rich society.

The Owner of the LA Times Takes the Red Pill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1326 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Race Journalism Social Issues Public Policy

Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.

Equity Meme, Dominance Disputes, Voter Preferences

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 27 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Behavior Social Issues Identity politics Public Policy

Alpha male chimpanzees can become too aggressive, leading lower-ranking males to team up against them. In extreme cases, they might even kill the dominant male.
In the last century, men have grown much taller and stronger than women, possibly because women prefer taller, more muscular men.
Voter preferences have changed, with white voters remaining stable in their choices while nonwhite voters have increasingly leaned towards the Republican party.

At least five interesting things: Trump aftermath edition (#52)

Noahpinion • 20117 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Voting behavior Public Policy Social Issues

Election narratives that blame racism or sexism might not explain how people voted in 2024. Many nonwhite voters shifted towards Trump, showing Democrats need to rethink their approach to win back support.
Democrats could benefit from focusing on economic growth while also supporting social safety nets. They should prioritize public services and aim for a shared American identity to unite voters.
Recent signs suggest that progress in AI might be slowing. A variety of factors, including data limitations and ongoing issues like 'hallucinations', point to a more uncertain future for AI development.

Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

Singal-Minded • 935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education Legal issues Public Policy Social justice

Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

The Bell Finally Tolls for the FBI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13359 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Government Agencies Media Relations Public Policy Political Commentary

Kash Patel's nomination raises concerns about the FBI's future and suggests an intention to overhaul its leadership. Many believe Trump needs to take decisive action against the FBI after years of perceived misconduct.
The article criticizes mainstream media, particularly CNN, for their coverage of the Nunes memo and claims they misrepresented facts. It argues that the media's failures blurred the lines between journalism and political agendas.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability in institutions like the FBI and the media. It suggests that changes in leadership could be a necessary step towards restoring public trust.

All the Little Unborn Babies

Freddie deBoer • 17141 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Healthcare Reproductive Rights Public Policy

IVF involves many ups and downs, including the high likelihood of miscarriages, which can lead to a lot of anxiety for parents. The process makes individuals very aware of the fragility of early pregnancy.
Miscarriage is common and often goes unnoticed, but it is a significant loss for would-be parents. Many people feel guilt or blame themselves even though it's often just part of nature.
Understanding the realities of pregnancy and loss can change perspectives on abortion. The chaos of nature shows that life doesn't always happen the way we plan or want it to.

Fake Data

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Bureaucracy Data Integrity Public Policy

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.
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.
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.

Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off

Original Jurisdiction • 399 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Election Legal News Political strategy Public Policy

Mike Davis is gaining attention as a key figure in the Republican party, especially concerning Trump's potential future judicial nominations. He emphasizes the need for bolder and more conservative nominees.
Judge Frederic Block recently granted compassionate release to a man who had been serving multiple life sentences since 1997. This decision came after a reconsideration of the harshness of the original sentence and the defendant's rehabilitation.
A recent ruling upheld a curfew implemented during the protests following a controversial police shooting. The court decided the curfew was valid as it aimed to protect public safety while respecting First Amendment rights.

Andrew Cuomo Is Not Inevitable

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Political Campaigns Public Policy

Andrew Cuomo is running for mayor of New York City after resigning as governor. His past actions during the pandemic and political career are likely to come under scrutiny.
Cuomo has a strong base and some successes in his past, but he needs to adapt to a more competitive primary environment. This campaign is different from his previous ones where he had all the power.
Political dynamics are shifting, and while Cuomo was once seen as unassailable, he now faces significant challenges from both opponents and voter sentiment, especially regarding his past controversies.

Russiagate Remnants

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9972 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Public Policy Political Activism

Many people who were targeted during the Russiagate investigations feel their lives were significantly harmed. They lost jobs, faced harassment, and some even had to move away from their homes.
There’s a call for ongoing investigations into the original Russiagate allegations, as those impacted want accountability rather than revenge. They believe the truth should be uncovered.
The effects of the Russiagate scandal are still being felt today, with some of the original conspirators still active in politics. Those affected hope for justice and reform in the system.

The One Ring

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Media Critique Social Issues Public Policy Political Commentary

There was a discussion about a disturbing summer camp related to child abuse that was almost near a school. The focus was on the serious implications of this situation.
The media and political figures are reacting strongly, blaming Donald Trump for the violence he's faced, which raises questions about accountability.
The conversation highlighted perceived social biases, specifically how racism is directed towards white people in today's society.

Fine Woke Cannibals

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8966 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Society Academia Public Policy Ideology

The term 'symbolic capitalists' describes professionals who focus on ideas and narratives rather than physical labor. This group spans various fields like education, media, and consulting.
The book examines modern politics, claiming that recent conflicts were more about upper-class struggles rather than genuine ideological fights. It suggests that both sides misunderstood each other's motivations.
The author reflects on his role in promoting 'woke' movements, showing how political actions often come from a desire for social status rather than true concern for people on the ground.

Note on the FBI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11481 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Political History Public Policy Government Accountability Civil Rights

The FBI has changed a lot over the years, especially after 9/11 and during Trump's presidency. Its focus has shifted from solving crimes to gathering information about people, sometimes even based on their beliefs.
Historical patterns show that the FBI has often acted politically, targeting groups they consider threats. This raises concerns about their current role in monitoring American citizens.
There's a call for the FBI to undergo a major overhaul. Some believe that new leadership, like Kash Patel, could help redirect the agency towards a more lawful mission.

Universal Primary Care: The Antidote to Health Reform Paralysis?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24

🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Policy Insurance Access Costs

Universal primary care is important because everyone needs it, even healthy people. It helps with routine illnesses and preventive care.
Primary care is cost-effective, making up a small part of total healthcare spending but providing great health benefits. Investing in primary care can save money in the long run.
Starting with universal primary care could be a smart first step toward broader healthcare reform. It might gain more political support and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.

So You Want to Learn Geoengineering?

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24

🌞 Climate & Environment Geoengineering Climate change Public Policy

Geoengineering is a real science aimed at fighting climate change. It includes methods like cloud seeding and solar reflection, but it needs full public transparency since it could affect everyone.
There’s a long history of weather manipulation efforts, like Project Cirrus and Project Stormfury. Many of these projects had mixed results, leading to both discoveries and unexpected consequences.
Public engagement is key for geoengineering to be used responsibly. People need to stay informed and participate in discussions about these technologies to ensure decisions are made ethically and transparently.

Government for Dummies

News from Uncibal • 934 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Philosophy

Modern politicians often lack deep understanding and experience, leading to a government focused on following simple recipes instead of thoughtful decision-making.
There's a difference between technical knowledge and practical knowledge; good governance requires wisdom that comes from real experience, not just following rules.
If the electorate grows frustrated with inadequate leaders, they might take matters into their own hands, which could lead to serious political unrest.

BREAKING: Politician Gives Good Speech

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Artificial Intelligence Regulation Public Policy

Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which surprised many people who don't expect politicians to speak well.
He warned about the dangers of overregulating artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of keeping it free from strict rules.
This speech stood out because it's rare to hear a politician articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively on such a complex topic.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Energy Science Public Policy

The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

Dingus of the week: Democratic party spending $20 million on men

Men Yell at Me • 391 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Voter Demographics Party Dynamics Public Policy

The Democratic National Committee is planning to spend $20 million to win back young male voters, but many believe this may not address the root causes of their declining support.
Research shows that male support for Democrats drops significantly when a female candidate is on the ballot, highlighting potential biases among male voters.
Some suggestions for the Democratic platform include humorous ideas that appeal to men, like guaranteed matches on dating apps, but the real issue may be deeper societal attitudes rather than party policies.

Stanford Starts to Make Ammends: Lessons from the Pandemic

COVID Reason • 535 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24

🚌 Education Health Education Public Policy Civic engagement

Open dialogue is key to understanding different viewpoints and creating solutions. It's important to have respectful conversations, especially when opinions differ.
Universities should promote healthy discussions and critical thinking. They play a big role in preparing future leaders to engage with tough topics.
Recognizing past mistakes can lead to better decisions in the future. Learning from errors is essential for growth in both education and public policy.

The NIMBYs strike back

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Infrastructure Urban planning Political Advocacy Public Policy

NIMBYs, or 'Not In My Backyard' groups, are causing issues for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in Parliament. They often oppose new developments near their homes, which can hinder progress.
Criticism is directed at major media and environmental organizations like The Guardian and Natural England for their views on housing and development. This shows a clash of opinions on how to manage land use and development needs.
A former Conservative cabinet minister, Sir Simon Clarke, argues that his party must focus on building and development to stay relevant. This highlights the need for political parties to adapt their policies to current societal demands.

Prison And Crime: Much More Than You Wanted To Know

Astral Codex Ten • 35858 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Policing Prison Reform Public Policy

Long prison sentences don't necessarily lower crime rates. Studies suggest they have a weak effect on deterring future crime and might not be worth the costs.
Incapacitating criminals by keeping them in prison does prevent some crimes, but the number of crimes prevented by an extra year in prison is generally low compared to other crime-fighting methods.
After someone is released from prison, their chance of reoffending can actually increase due to loss of social connections and opportunities, making long sentences sometimes counterproductive.

OPEN LETTER TO ELON: Let's Build "America's Checkbook"

OpenTheBooks Substack • 465 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Public Policy Federal Spending Accountability

Creating a tool called 'America's Checkbook' can help Americans see government spending in real time. This tool would make it easier for taxpayers to understand how their money is being used.
Transparency in government spending is important. The founders of the United States believed that the public should have access to detailed records of expenditure.
By working together, Americans can push for more accountability and efficiency in how government funds are managed. This will ensure that future administrations remain open and responsible to the public.

Britain’s Project 2029

Wrong Side of History • 617 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Policy Elections Government actions Political Commentary

Trump's return to presidency has led to significant changes in American policies, especially regarding immigration and diversity programs. Many people are excited about these shifts.
There is a noticeable contrast between the proactive measures of the new American administration and the lack of clear direction from the British government under Starmer. This difference is leading to a feeling of stagnation in Britain.
Voters prefer a government that takes action and shows energy. In contrast, the current British leadership is seen as tired and lacking a strong vision, which is making them unpopular.

Are laws just vibes now?

Can We Still Govern? • 342 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Governance Legal issues Public Policy

Cuts to university health research funding can severely harm medical care and research. This might create gaps in funding that affect the quality of healthcare in the U.S.
There's a worrying trend where laws are being ignored or bypassed by the government. This makes it feel like the rule of law doesn't matter anymore, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
The debate over these legal issues often gets framed as a simple disagreement. However, many experts believe that clear violations of the law are happening, which should not be overlooked.

Thinking about "temporary hardship"

Noahpinion • 12823 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Deficits Government Public Policy

The US economy is doing well, but the government has high borrowing and deficits that need to be addressed. People are worried about rising interest costs eating into the budget.
Elon Musk is suggesting big cuts to federal spending to help reduce the deficit, which could lead to temporary economic hardship for many. This has raised questions about how much pain people might actually feel if these cuts happen.
There's a debate over the best way to handle spending cuts and taxes. Some believe there are better methods to manage these changes without causing so much impact on everyday people, especially the poor and middle class.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Public Policy Political Opinions

Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.

Luxury Beliefs are Real

Yascha Mounk • 5855 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Social Issues Cultural critique Public Policy

Luxury beliefs are ideas that rich people can support because they don't face the negative effects, while poorer people may suffer from those very beliefs. It's like having opinions that sound good but aren't thought through.
These beliefs have become popular as rich people can't show off their status with expensive things anymore, so they use opinions instead. But not all people with luxury beliefs are trying to signal status; some might just be naive.
The idea of luxury beliefs applies across different groups, not just to one side of the political spectrum. Many beliefs held by both the rich left and right can have serious consequences for people who actually experience those issues.