The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Friday Funnies: While Rome Burns,

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Wealthy millennials are leaving California more than any other state. This shows that many people are looking for better opportunities elsewhere.
  2. Los Angeles is facing significant challenges, and some experts are providing strong analyses of this situation. It's important to stay informed about local politics and developments.
  3. There are interesting nostalgic stories and visuals shared that transport viewers back to old times in places like Ireland. It highlights how much history and culture can be captured and appreciated.

LA wildfires disinformation reveals limits of fact-checking

Weaponized • 37 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Meta is ending its fact-checking program, and many are worried this will make it harder to fight disinformation. However, fact-checking wasn't very effective in tackling deeper issues of intentional misinformation to begin with.
  2. Disinformation today is more complex, with factors like social media and human biases making it hard for fact-checking to keep up. People often prefer simple narratives over nuanced facts, which leads to the spread of misleading information.
  3. Just because Meta is stepping back from fact-checking doesn't mean it's going away. Other organizations will still work to debunk false claims, and we need to rethink how we approach the problem of disinformation in our online world.

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

Weaponized • 30 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

The prophet of parking

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Donald Shoup changed how we think about parking, showing that it's too cheap and needs proper pricing to avoid problems like congestion. This change affects where we live and how our cities are planned.
  2. Minimum parking requirements can lead to unnecessary costs and too much parking being built, which wrecks city layouts and makes housing more expensive. Eliminating these requirements can help allow for better city designs.
  3. Shoup's approach includes using money from parking fees to improve local areas, gaining community support for pricing parking. His work has sparked a global movement for parking reform.

Death of a Civil Servant

Taipology • 38 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A civil servant in Taiwan took his own life after working long hours and experiencing pressure at work. His situation raised serious concerns about workplace bullying and mental health.
  2. The response from management was troubling, with a boss denying any bullying occurred and shouting at staff to avoid discussing the issue. This shows a lack of accountability and support for employees.
  3. The public outcry has sparked calls for reform to protect workers from abuse and create a safer work environment. It's clear that many people feel there needs to be more transparency and support in the workplace.
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Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Personal Favorites

Can We Still Govern? • 33 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump's first impeachment shows how he changed his views on using power in politics. It gave insights into his style of leadership.
  2. The idea of 'unelected bureaucrats' is often seen negatively, but they are actually quite accountable in how they operate.
  3. There are ongoing attacks on scholars studying race, focusing on undermining their work and credibility. This could have major impacts on academia.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 209 with Nicolas Hulscher, MPH.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 08 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. The show questions whether the data truly justified major COVID-era policies like lockdowns, mandates, and testing strategies.
  2. It centers the experiences of vaccine‑injured people and frontline advocates to highlight real health harms and demand more transparent, evidence-based science.
  3. The discussion examines contested and under-studied topics—vitamin D’s role, differences in outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and research on amyloid microclots and spike-related pathology—and considers what new CDC guidance and the Food Pyramid reveal about public-health priorities.

Biden’s Economic Time Bomb: A Warning to Trump

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 38 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Biden's spending policies are causing high inflation and soaring public debt. This is leading to economic instability and a potential recession.
  2. Job growth is largely coming from government positions, while the private sector struggles to grow. This could harm the overall economy in the long run.
  3. Cutting government spending may hurt the economy temporarily, but supporting the private sector and reducing inflation could lead to a more stable future for American citizens.

January 26, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Abraham Lincoln warned that the biggest threat to the U.S. comes from within, not from outside forces. He believed that if we let the rule of law slip away, we might end up destroying our own democracy.
  2. Lincoln emphasized the importance of respecting the law and said that while some laws may be bad, the overall structure of law is essential for a functioning society. He called for Americans to protect the rule of law as if it were a sacred duty.
  3. He also noted that success can lead to complacency. Ambitious individuals might seek fame through destruction instead of building, making it vital for everyone to use reason and moral judgment to maintain democracy.

Thoughts on "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn-Williams

The Seat of Loss • 17 implied HN points • 09 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. People in media often want to create things that they wished existed when they were younger. This can mean making content that connects with others and fills a gap in resources or information.
  2. Wynn-Williams shares a personal story about surviving a shark attack and how that experience shaped her views on what information and support should be available to people in crisis.
  3. Her book highlights the power dynamics of social media and politics, showing how platforms like Facebook can influence society, but also how their leaders may not always act in the best interests of users.

February 14, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There are serious issues in the Department of Justice about whether to follow the law or support Trump. Many lawyers have resigned due to pressure to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
  2. The chaos in the DOJ is similar to a past event where officials resisted orders from the president to protect the law. It shows the tension between doing what is right and protecting political interests.
  3. Protests are happening because the Trump administration removed certain references to LGBTQ+ rights from a historic monument's website. Activists are standing up to keep the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ persons recognized.

The War For Middle Earth!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Policy
  1. The next ice age could potentially arrive much sooner than expected, possibly around 2033, and many people may need to relocate due to extreme weather changes.
  2. There is growing concern that climate issues are being hidden by governments and the true cause, including past nuclear tests, is not being fully acknowledged.
  3. Digital tracking and registration are becoming more common, making it easier for governments to monitor populations, especially as crises increase due to climate change.

February 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The current stability in America has allowed extreme views to grow. Some people don't realize how bad life could be without the freedoms and health protections we have.
  2. Cuts to government jobs under the Trump administration are affecting many, including veterans. These cuts contradict the claims that the government is wasting money.
  3. Recent actions in politics show that some lawmakers are not recognizing the dangers of authoritarianism. This could lead to serious issues if people aren't aware of the past mistakes made regarding freedom and democracy.

SOCIALISM FOR THEM: 60% of Anthem’s 2021 revenue was subsidized by American taxpayers.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Anthem, a major health insurance company, got 60% of its 2021 revenue from taxpayer money. This means a lot of their profits depend on government funding.
  2. While Anthem's profits have soared, many Americans are seeing higher health insurance deductibles and premiums that take up a big part of their budgets.
  3. Most of Anthem's recent growth comes from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, rather than traditional health plans that people used to buy directly.

February 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk's team has taken control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, which manages a lot of money and financial info. This raises serious questions about security and who has access to sensitive government data.
  2. Musk's group, made up of young engineers with little experience, seems to have bypassed legal authority to take over government functions. This situation feels like a serious threat to democracy and government integrity.
  3. Trump has initiated a trade war by imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which is causing a backlash from those countries. This could lead to higher prices and job losses for Americans due to retaliatory measures.

Musk Reveals, He Really Is A Pentagon Stooge! Covering The Paper Trail With Lies.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that some big players, like Musk, might be trying to hide government connections to COVID-19 research that could link back to the Pentagon. This raises questions about accountability and the protection of military budgets.
  2. Many people think the Pentagon has a history of obscuring its actions and misusing taxpayer money. There's a call for more transparency to uncover what really happens with military funds.
  3. The idea of whistleblowers is highlighted as being crucial for revealing the truth. Some believe they can connect the dots better than any written record and that they play a key role in holding powerful entities accountable.

Andrew Cuomo Is Not Inevitable

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

It’s a little bit more complicated than that

Klement on Investing • 10 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. It's important to avoid oversimplifying complex issues, especially when discussing countries like Hungary and Poland. Both political sides have their perspective, but the reality might be more nuanced.
  2. Hungary and Poland may show strong economic growth on the surface, but underlying problems like high inflation and low productivity suggest not everyone is benefiting equally from this growth.
  3. Many households in Hungary and Poland are facing financial difficulties, meaning economic success isn't reaching everyone. Wealth is becoming concentrated among a few, leaving many behind.

Kabuki Theatre!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kabuki Theatre is a term used to describe a form of performance that can be symbolic or representational. It emphasizes drama and storytelling, often with exaggerated elements.
  2. The idea of a 'CEO bromance' suggests a close relationship between leaders that can influence their decisions and behaviors. This can lead to significant dynamics in business or politics.
  3. The phrase 'no soap in the Presidential shower' implies a lack of transparency or authenticity in leadership. This can create mistrust among the public.

China 1, America 0

Diane Francis • 99 implied HN points • 29 Jan 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. China is investing heavily in modern infrastructure, like high-speed rail, while America struggles with outdated systems and poorly maintained public transport. This shows a contrast in how both countries handle their infrastructure needs.
  2. Many Americans feel dissatisfied with their country's infrastructure based on surveys, highlighting a cultural trend of avoiding taxes and cutting government spending. This leads to a lack of funding for important projects and maintenance.
  3. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a step forward for America, but the real challenge will be overcoming political disagreements and the tendency to ignore issues until they become disasters.

January 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump launched his own cryptocurrency right before his inauguration, making billions almost overnight. This raised big questions about ethics and how money can flow directly to a sitting president.
  2. During his inaugural speech, Trump repeated many of his campaign's false claims and made promises to take drastic actions like pulling the U.S. out of international agreements. This showed he plans to stick with his original agenda.
  3. Biden granted pardons to several individuals caught up in political controversies, emphasizing the importance of protecting reputations during investigations. This was a notable move right before leaving office.

A long, thoughtful post about Montesquieu, with lots of untranslated French idioms

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The post hints at discussing Montesquieu but then shifts to a lighter tone about current events. It's a playful way to engage readers by mixing serious topics with entertainment.
  2. The author expresses a mix of sadness for their country while also finding entertainment in the situation. This shows how people can have complex feelings about serious issues.
  3. Readers are encouraged to join and explore more content, emphasizing the idea of community and shared interests in political and cultural discussions.

December 24, 2024

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Holidays can be a time for gratitude. It's nice to appreciate what we have, like a warm home and good food.
  2. Not everyone feels the joy of the season. Some people struggle during the holidays, and that's important to remember.
  3. Christmas symbolizes hope and renewal. It's a time when the days start getting longer, reminding us that brighter times are ahead.

Ask us your questions

Comment is Freed • 21 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New subscribers are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions about any topics discussed. It's a great way to engage with the content.
  2. Recent topics covered include British politics, U.S. issues, and the situation in Ukraine, highlighting specific challenges and events.
  3. Subscribers can choose to submit their questions either publicly in the comments or anonymously via email for a response later.

USAID Staff Cry for Their Fiefdom

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 20 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many USAID employees are upset about being sent home, even though they still get paid. This raises questions about how they handle taxpayer money while many Americans struggle financially.
  2. USAID has been criticized for supporting policies that have led to increased poverty and health issues in other countries. Their actions have harmed many vulnerable communities, conflicting with their mission.
  3. Stopping USAID's programs can directly increase suffering and mortality rates from preventable diseases. There's a need to balance auditing government spending with continued support for global health initiatives.

Mysteries at the Top of Sky and at the Bottom of the Swamp: Drones, Barbarians and Gatekeepers (Part Two)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 24 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a lot of strange stuff happening with drones and UAPs. Sometimes, it seems like electronics go haywire when these drones show up, which is unusual.
  2. The government seems to have a plan to flood the skies with drones to confuse people. If they shoot something down, it’ll be hard to tell if it was a drone or an alien craft.
  3. There's a worry that the government is stifling new tech companies to keep their secrets safe. Some believe they might be hiding advanced technologies from the public.

Should People Who Blast Their Music in Public Receive Fines, Or Be Slowly Tortured to Death?

I Might Be Wrong • 21 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Public Policy
  1. Public spaces like subway systems need rules to keep them enjoyable and safe for everyone. Loud music can be very annoying, and it's already against the rules to play it without headphones.
  2. Making sure these rules are enforced helps maintain order and keeps public transport functional. If people break the rules without consequence, it can lead to more serious problems.
  3. Rules exist to protect everyone, not just to punish individuals. A small fine for breaking a noise rule isn't life-ruining and can actually help keep public areas nicer for everyone.

Living in an era of Revolt not Revolution: A punchy introduction

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. British politics is stuck in a cycle where nobody is happy, and there are no real solutions. People feel frustrated and angry about the current situation.
  2. The return of leaders like Jeremy Corbyn shows how many are desperate for change but are instead getting old ideas and promises that don't fix anything.
  3. Voters have to take responsibility for the choices they make at the ballot box. Change needs to happen, but it seems like people are more focused on anger than finding good solutions.

(Ad-free Video) Origins Podcast: The War on Science Interviews: Day 1, Richard Dawkins

Critical Mass • 7 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. A series of 20 interviews will be released, featuring various authors discussing their perspectives on the challenges facing science today. This is to promote understanding of how current issues affect scientific progress.
  2. The discussions will cover a range of topics like academic free speech, the impact of social justice on research, and the need for sound scientific principles in universities. The goal is to spark important conversations about these challenges.
  3. The project aims to unify voices in academia to combat what is seen as an attack on science and scholarship. This effort is crucial for restoring trust and integrity in scientific inquiry.

Julebrev til abonnentene våre

steigan.no • 23 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The organization has created important discussions about major events like the Libya war and the COVID-19 response. They believe these issues impact people daily.
  2. They aim to provide original content instead of just translating articles. This will help offer unique insights on the challenges facing society.
  3. To grow and have more writers, they need financial support from readers rather than relying on wealthy donors. Every small donation helps maintain their independence.

January 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The FTC found that companies often change prices based on personal information about customers, like where they live and what they buy. This means people might pay different prices for the same product.
  2. Trump's team is starting mass deportations soon, aiming to focus on cities with many immigrants. However, this plan may change due to backlash after it leaked.
  3. The U.S. is facing issues like rising egg prices due to avian flu and a looming debt ceiling. Solutions will need quick action and smart politics to avoid further problems.

Why housing shortages cause homelessness

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Housing shortages and high costs make it harder for families and friends to offer shelter to those in need. When prices rise, there's less space available for people to stay with loved ones.
  2. Many individuals avoid homelessness by living with family or friends, especially in places with lower housing costs. This support network plays a key role in keeping vulnerable people off the streets.
  3. Solutions to homelessness should focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Better housing options help families support one another and prevent individuals from slipping into homelessness.

🚨 SALE!!!! SALE!!! SALE!! ‼️

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The writer values their job and enjoys sharing complex information in a clear way. They want more people to understand important global issues.
  2. They feel uncomfortable asking for money because they think many readers have bigger needs than theirs. They emphasize that supporting their work might not have the most impact.
  3. Despite their hesitations about promoting subscriptions, they are offering a half-price sale to encourage more readers to support their content. They appreciate when people value their work enough to pay for it.

Donald! Government Is Not A Business. It's A Service!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Government should serve the people, not act like a business. Public services are meant to help everyone, not just make profits.
  2. There's a lot of waste in defense spending, which often benefits corporations more than the public. Many believe this misallocation of funds hurts social services like education and healthcare.
  3. A shift towards better management of resources could improve social security and other public services. Redirecting funds from military to social programs could help communities thrive.

Paladin Security Attempt's To Intimidate Me Again!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Paladin Security has been intimidating someone for six years while they were busking in Vancouver. This has included harassment and attempts to get them arrested.
  2. The person feels that Paladin has connections with corrupt groups and claims the Vancouver police are not taking their complaints seriously.
  3. They are seeking a lawyer to sue Paladin Security and the police for the ongoing harassment they have faced.

Happy Despot's Day

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Hate and division are increasingly visible in society, with some public figures openly embracing extremist ideologies. It's concerning to see how these harmful beliefs are being normalized.
  2. Fascism promotes control and hate rather than community and cooperation. This ideology can damage individuals and society as a whole, pushing people to project their pain onto others.
  3. The rise of hateful rhetoric has pushed previously hidden prejudices into public view. This indicates a collective struggle with guilt and shame about societal injustices, making it hard to understand how we got here.

Letter from Harvard

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. The end of federal funding for research can hurt students, especially those from low-income families, making it harder for them to contribute to important medical advancements.
  2. A lot of scientific research relies on federal money, and cuts can disrupt ongoing projects and harm future innovation, making it a complex issue beyond just budget cuts.
  3. Having more people involved in science is great, but it raises questions about how to fund it fairly. We need to ensure that decisions on funding are made wisely and not based on popularity.

Recent Notes...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 23 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Understanding C.P. Snow's idea of 'The Two Cultures' can help bridge the gap between technical and humanities disciplines. People can become smarter by learning from both sides.
  2. John Ganz is pointed out as a smart and hard-working person who could benefit from this balanced approach. Learning from different fields can enhance one's thinking and decision-making.
  3. It's important to encourage others to broaden their horizons, as this can lead to personal and professional growth. Sharing knowledge across different areas is valuable for everyone's development.

January 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. It's okay to take a break and step away from everything. Sometimes you just need a night off to recharge.
  2. Coming back to things after a break can give you a fresh perspective. Tomorrow can be a better day to tackle challenges.
  3. Taking care of your mental health is important. Moments of rest help you stay strong and focused.

GDP is a good measure. Don't mess with it for political reasons.

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, including government activities. It’s not just about private sector spending.
  2. Removing government spending from GDP calculations would create an incomplete picture of the economy and is unnecessary since we already have ways to measure private sector performance separately.
  3. Changing how we measure economic data for political reasons can harm the integrity of statistical agencies and lead to poor decision-making in the economy.