The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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The $140 billion the New York Times says Americans owe in medical debt is just the tip of the iceberg.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 21 Jul 21
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Americans owe $140 billion in medical debt, but this number is likely much larger. Many people are also using credit cards to cover healthcare costs, which adds to the debt.
  2. A significant amount of medical debt comes from insured people, not just the uninsured. High deductibles make it hard for many to afford care even with insurance.
  3. High-deductible health plans can be risky, as they can lead to big out-of-pocket costs when people get sick. This situation needs more attention from lawmakers to protect individuals from financial ruin.

American Nightmares

Scholar's Stage Updates • 4 HN points • 28 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. Tocqueville and Wang Huning both observed American self-confidence but attributed it to different sources - Tocqueville to individual and collective action, Wang to faith in science and technology.
  2. Tocqueville expressed concerns about the potentially isolating effects of American individualism and equality, while Wang Huning worried about the societal fragmentation caused by technological advancement.
  3. Wang Huning's analysis suggests that modern American society is largely managed by technology and disregards traditional democratic values, leading to potential alienation and loss of human agency.

Let's try this again

Unreported Truths • 16 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The author mistakenly forgot to enable comments on a previous post, which caused confusion and a request for forgiveness. It's important to communicate clearly to your audience.
  2. The author shared five things they liked about Donald Trump's first week as President, indicating they found it eventful and noteworthy.
  3. There’s a mention about needing a paid subscription to join the conversation or read full posts, which suggests that some content is behind a paywall.

How to Get Policy Totally and Completely and Exasperatedly Wrong

Exasperated Infrastructures • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New legislation in NYC about e-bikes may not solve the real problems of street safety and congestion. Instead of just registering bikes, the focus should be on redesigning streets for better safety for everyone.
  2. The support for this e-bike legislation from various politicians suggests a lack of understanding of the real issues. Many are using it as a way to appear proactive without actually addressing the deeper problems at play.
  3. There are big questions about how this new law will be enforced and funded. Without clear answers on who pays and who manages it, this policy may end up being ineffective and a waste of resources.

December 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump's recent campaign seemed more like a performance for voters than a plan for real governance. He focused on attention-grabbing promises rather than practical policies.
  2. His presidency may emphasize revenge on political enemies and personal gain, with appointments that reflect loyalty over competency. This approach could damage American institutions.
  3. Trump appears to use his inauguration fund as a way for wealthy donors to influence his administration without any required transparency on how the money is spent.
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November 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Thanksgiving is a time for sharing warmth and gratitude. It's a chance to connect with loved ones and reflect on what we're thankful for.
  2. Communication plays a key role in our relationships. Keeping in touch, especially during special occasions, helps strengthen our bonds.
  3. Looking forward to the future is important. It's good to have something to anticipate and be excited about after a holiday.

The war on science isn’t limited to the U.S.

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. The fight against science is happening not just in the U.S., but in many countries like Canada too. It's important to be aware that these issues affect global scientific progress.
  2. There are attacks on scientific research funding and educational programs that threaten the integrity of universities. This has serious implications for how knowledge is pursued and shared.
  3. Public activism, voting, and awareness are crucial in combating these issues. Engaging in discussions and protests can help protect the values of free inquiry in science.

January 17, 2025

Letters from an American • 15 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Biden has taken steps to boost cybersecurity, requiring software companies to meet certain security standards before the government buys their products.
  2. The Equal Rights Amendment is being pushed for certification after more states ratified it, although there are ongoing legal challenges regarding its status.
  3. Biden also shortened sentences for many people imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses, addressing a past law that unfairly treated people based on race.

Trump And The Evil "Deep State!"

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that the real power in the U.S. isn't the deep state, but a group of wealthy elites who control the government for their own interests.
  2. Some people argue that the current political drama distracts from important issues, like how the rules and leadership are being shaped by money.
  3. The idea that public service and government jobs are under threat highlights a struggle between working people and a powerful corporate influence in politics.

Links in Progress: Should we give babies the vote?

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many people are single now, which is making it harder for birth rates to go up. If we want to see more babies, we need to help people find partners.
  2. Having a stable home situation is really important for starting a family. Some studies show that financial help for housing can actually lead to more people having kids.
  3. South Korea is seeing a small increase in births for the first time in years. This might be because of new government policies that encourage families to have more children.

Democrats Could Build a Message Around Competence if We Didn’t Have DEI Stink on Us

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Democrats could focus on competence as their main message to counter political opposition. This means promoting the idea that effective problem-solving is essential for government.
  2. Trump's chaotic leadership style is not beneficial for the public. Emphasizing the need for a reliable and skilled leader could resonate with voters looking for real solutions.
  3. Past discussions around hiring the best person for a job being labeled as racist may complicate the message about competence. Finding a balance in this conversation is important.

December 9, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trump still hasn't provided a real plan for healthcare, despite claiming he has ideas. His past attempts at replacing the Affordable Care Act haven’t produced anything concrete.
  2. He spread a false claim about thousands of murderers being released in the U.S. in the last three years, ignoring the facts and creating a narrative of danger to gain support.
  3. There’s growing opposition to Trump’s choices for key positions, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, with experts warning he could harm public health due to his past actions and beliefs.

November 21, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Matt Gaetz stepped down from the attorney general race amid new allegations of misconduct involving a minor, highlighting ongoing concerns about his behavior.
  2. Trump's cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, lack the necessary qualifications for their roles, raising fears about their ability to manage crucial government functions.
  3. There is a noticeable shift in Republican views on the economy, with some crediting Biden while others remain loyal to Trump's narratives, suggesting a divide among supporters.

Who's Welcome in America?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 1 implied HN point • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. U.S. policy is shifting toward goals that align with white nationalist ideas, using terms like "remigration" and proposing offices to enforce it.
  2. Concrete actions — travel bans targeting non-European countries, curtailed refugee admissions except for some white groups, mass deportation campaigns, and re‑vetting of refugees — are being used to reshape the country’s demographics.
  3. Top leaders use demeaning rhetoric about countries and immigrants and borrow vocabulary from white nationalist playbooks, normalizing the idea that "Western" equals "white".

The Chicoms are Coming! Quick, Close the "AI" Gap!

The Corbett Report • 16 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a growing concern about the 'AI gap' between the US and China, which is becoming a new focus for national security. People are worried that if the US doesn't catch up, it could lose its edge in technology.
  2. The idea of an 'AI gap' is likened to the old 'missile gap' scare from the Cold War. Both were used to create fear and justify increased spending on military and technology.
  3. Even though the 'AI gap' talk may feel exaggerated, the real dangers of AI technology, like autonomous weapons, shouldn't be overlooked. It's important to be aware of the genuine risks while questioning the motives behind the narratives.

A quick programming note! Tomorrow morning Chris Cuomo and I are having a live video chat/debate about the failure of US politics, right here on Substack!

Unreported Truths • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There will be a live video chat tomorrow about US politics. It's at 11 AM Eastern time.
  2. Chris Cuomo and the host will discuss issues like the overdose crisis and housing shortage.
  3. The discussion will take place on the Substack app and they invite everyone to join in.

November 5, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Today is Election Day, and people are awaiting the results with hope. It's a significant day for many, filled with anticipation.
  2. No matter the outcome of the elections, tomorrow will still come, reminding us that life continues. It's important to keep a positive outlook.
  3. Staying connected with others and sharing thoughts during this time can help manage feelings and foster community.

Weekly Round-up: Kissinger Speaks From the Grave

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kissinger's last book warns about the rise of AI and 'superhuman' beings that could take control. It's important for humanity to prepare for these changes.
  2. Anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe rose significantly, with many incidents unreported, especially in countries like France and Germany.
  3. There are growing concerns about discrimination against Christians in workplaces and public spaces, which is making people hesitant to express their beliefs.

Reminder: Activating to Prevent AI Catastrophe

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. AI can create great opportunities but also brings serious risks, like job loss and the threat of superintelligence that might act against human interests. We need a plan to manage these risks while ensuring everyone benefits.
  2. Citizen Oversight is important in AI development. We should have groups of everyday people involved in decisions about AI to ensure it reflects societal values and protects our communities.
  3. AI's environmental impact is significant, using lots of energy and water. We should pause some AI projects to find sustainable ways to develop technology that doesn't harm our planet.

Information Disorder Syndrome

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Information disorder is when people share false information, whether on purpose or not. It can be categorized into three types: misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
  2. There are different levels of severity for this 'syndrome.' The mildest level involves sharing false info without intending to harm, while the most severe level involves sharing harmful false information on purpose.
  3. Managing information disorder requires careful handling of false information and may need community engagement and counseling for those who repeatedly share harmful content.

Is This Our Future?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 14 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a big gender gap in political views in South Korea, with young men leaning more conservative and young women supporting progressive causes. This divide is creating tensions between the two groups.
  2. Economic issues like high housing costs and job insecurity are worsening gender relations. Many men feel threatened by their experiences in the job market, leading to negative attitudes towards women.
  3. Women in South Korea are facing significant challenges, including sexual harassment and a strong societal expectation to prioritize family over career. This has pushed many to delay marriage and having children, contributing to low birth rates.

How "I Might Be Wrong" Will Change Now That Our USAID Funding Has Been Cut Off

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Funding cuts can greatly affect projects and initiatives. Losing a major funding source can lead to the cancellation of planned activities and changes in future goals.
  2. Creative and provocative content can be put on hold or altered when financial realities change. This can include unique or controversial series that rely on funding to be produced.
  3. Adapting to new circumstances often requires scaling back ambitions. Organizations may need to rethink their events and outreach programs when facing budget constraints.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 20.06.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is extremely dire, with many families suffering from hunger and loss due to ongoing conflicts. It's important to raise awareness about their struggle and support their rights.
  2. The tensions between the USA, Israel, and Iran are escalating, with both sides engaging in military actions. This conflict is part of a larger geopolitical struggle involving several global powers.
  3. Mobile phone radiation regulations in the USA are tightening, which may lead to safer standards. This is essential since many people use their phones very close to their heads and it has health implications.

Politics is broken, I mean, really

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The political system in the UK is very disappointing because it can't make real changes, no matter which party is in charge.
  2. In the US, politicians are using more emotional and intuitive language instead of facts, leading to more division among the public.
  3. This division means politicians struggle to work together, resulting in a government that finds it hard to pass new laws or make progress.

The Mathematics of PsyWar

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Governments and companies use advanced technology and psychology to influence how we think and behave, similar to controlling drones. This means our actions might be shaped without us even knowing.
  2. Social media platforms analyze our interactions and opinions using mathematical models, which helps them manipulate our feelings and responses in real-time.
  3. When we engage online, we are part of a system where our thoughts and communications are tracked and influenced for various purposes, including commercial and political agendas.

Building for the Block, Not the Feed

Kathy PM • 7 implied HN points • 30 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. Creating simple tools can make it easier for people to take action on local issues, like biking safety. By providing ready-to-use message templates, more people can easily express their support.
  2. Fast and focused coding can lead to impactful solutions that address specific community needs. You don't need large projects to make a difference; sometimes, small changes have a big effect.
  3. Listening to your community's needs and building tools to address them can spark meaningful conversations and connections, helping people feel more involved in local matters.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 31.01.2025

steigan.no • 9 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Arendal is facing a financial crisis because a battery company, Morrow, has delayed its plans despite receiving a large government loan. This has left the local government struggling to cover expenses created by this project.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard spoke out about past U.S. support for Al-Qaida in Syria, highlighting concerns about American foreign policy and its consequences. She brought attention to a covert CIA operation that armed extremist groups, stirring debate on national security.
  3. The political situation in Norway is changing as the Center Party has left the government due to disagreements over EU directives. This move could impact their voter support and may lead to more discussions about Norway's relationship with the EU.

Janice Fiamengo | The War on Science Interviews | Day 12

Critical Mass • 3 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. There will be 20 interviews with authors from The War on Science released daily. Each interview will cover important issues affecting science.
  2. Topics include the corruption of science in universities, the impact of cancel culture, and the need for free speech in academia.
  3. These discussions aim to spark conversation about restoring trust and excellence in science and scholarship.

Good News

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. People want to hear good news and avoid deep, negative analysis. It helps them feel more positive about the future.
  2. Cynicism can block progress. It’s important to distinguish between viewing flaws in ideas and being bitter about them.
  3. Change can happen when people believe it's possible. Focusing on fixing things rather than just complaining makes a difference.

5 Essays I'm Excited to Write This year

Exasperated Infrastructures • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The writer plans to explore ways to spend federal transportation money more effectively. They want to understand past spending to improve future projects.
  2. There will be a focus on making air travel better by looking into its economics. The goal is to encourage airlines to adopt practices that benefit travelers and boost profits.
  3. The writer wants to investigate how municipal bonds can fund infrastructure projects. They aim to understand state spending behavior to create more resilient financial systems.

If Greenland Becomes a State, DC Will DEFINITELY Become a State, Right?

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. If Greenland were to become a state, it wouldn't make sense for it to be prioritized over Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, which have larger populations and are already part of the U.S.
  2. Washington, DC has been paying federal taxes and has served in the military, showing a solid commitment that supports its case for statehood.
  3. Many of the arguments against DC and Puerto Rico becoming states seem politically motivated, rather than based on fair criteria, as these areas meet basic requirements for statehood.

Nicholas Christakis | The War on Science Interviews | Day 3

Critical Mass • 3 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. A series of interviews are being released with authors who have contributed to a book about the challenges facing science today.
  2. Topics discussed in these interviews include issues like free speech, political influence on academia, and problems with how science is being practiced and communicated.
  3. The goal of these dialogues is to spark conversations about restoring trust and sound practices in science within universities.

🙅🏻‍♀️ Why Don't ICE Agents Quit?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 4 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many ICE agents stay in their jobs out of fear of losing their job security and benefits. They worry about what would happen if they quit and how their former job would look on their resume.
  2. Some agents believe they can make a positive change from within the system, thinking it's better for a 'good person' to be doing the job rather than someone who truly hates immigrants.
  3. The problem is not just the actions of a few bad people, but the choices of many ordinary individuals who justify their roles in an oppressive system. Making it easier for agents to leave could help change this situation.

Congestion pricing reduces driving. That doesn't make it a good idea.

Economic Forces • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Congestion pricing reduces the number of cars on the road, but this doesn’t automatically make it a good policy. We need to think about its overall impact on society.
  2. Different drivers react differently to congestion charges. Some can easily switch to other transport options, while others can't, so we see varying effects on traffic.
  3. How the money from congestion pricing is used is really important. If it is spent wisely on things like infrastructure, it can benefit everyone. But if not, it might just be wasted.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 27.01.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Ukrainian cities are falling quickly to Russian forces, and there are talks of a peace plan within 100 days, but doubts exist about its feasibility.
  2. The elite in the U.S. are rallying around Donald Trump, who is seen as having a better chance to maintain America's global influence than current leadership.
  3. Panama has raised concerns to the UN about Trump's threats regarding the Panama Canal, indicating stress over potential geopolitical conflicts involving the U.S. and China.

Power to the Immigrant

Ben’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Immigrants are a big part of the workforce and entrepreneurship in the U.S. They bring skills and a strong work ethic, often helping to build successful businesses.
  2. Many successful companies were started by immigrants, showing that they have unique insights and resilience that lead to innovation and growth.
  3. There is a need for better immigration policies to support immigrant entrepreneurs. More opportunities and resources could help these individuals contribute even more to the economy.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 28.06.2025

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The importance of supporting independent media is highlighted, as many outlets rely solely on reader contributions to sustain their operations. Consistent financial support from readers can significantly help maintain their ability to provide news.
  2. There is ongoing criticism of NATO's plan to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, which is seen as a misallocation of resources away from pressing social and humanitarian needs. This serves to enrich defense contractors instead of addressing global crises.
  3. Concerns grow about the increasing authoritarianism in Europe's political landscape, as leaders face scrutiny over their decisions and lack of transparency, reflecting a push for greater accountability and democratic processes.

Chaos reigns across Great Britain | article

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Many people are upset about the lack of accountability in the UK government regarding serious issues, especially involving children. It's important for society to recognize these problems and demand change.
  2. There is a feeling that the current leadership in Britain operates like a criminal group, punishing those who speak out against injustices. This environment can lead to fear and silence among citizens.
  3. Unity and public outcry are crucial for avoiding further decline in society. Citizens need to stand together and call for a new government to bring about real change.

A Robotaxi Regulation Wishlist

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. The decisions made now by San Francisco and California about robotaxis will have a significant impact.
  2. Implementing specific regulations for robotaxis can help in managing traffic congestion and improving city transportation.
  3. There is a need for regulations like congestion pricing, robotaxi-free corridors, and designated pickup spots to enhance the integration of robotaxis in city transportation systems.