The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Was the DMED Psyop a British Intelligence Operation?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The DMED project involves military health data, and there are claims of serious data issues that were ignored. This lack of action raises suspicions about its integrity.
  2. There seems to be a connection between figures in the movement against COVID vaccines and intelligence agencies, which adds layers of complexity to the conversation about vaccine safety.
  3. Some of the leading individuals in the Medical Freedom Movement have backgrounds that hint at broader agendas, creating doubt about their true intentions.

Why I'm Voting For Trump, and Why You Should, Too

The Other Side of Fear • 8 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The author believes voting for Trump is crucial to address problems like open borders and crime. They see it as a way to prevent worsening issues in the country.
  2. They express concern about justice in the U.S., citing cases of unfair prosecutions and the treatment of individuals like Daniel Penny and John Eastman. This reflects a belief that there is a systemic problem with how the law is applied.
  3. The author views voting for Democratic candidates, especially Harris, as supporting harmful policies like funding Hamas and child trafficking. They feel strongly that voting should be against what they see as evils in society.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 04.12.2024

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Consumers in the UK are threatening to boycott products containing the methane inhibitor Bovaer, which is being added to cattle feed. This is in response to growing concerns about environmental impact and customer preferences.
  2. Ukrainian special units, known as 'White Wolves', are reportedly assisting extremist groups in Syria, using advanced drone technology. This highlights the complex and controversial international alliances in ongoing conflicts.
  3. Saudi Arabia is reconsidering its defense pact with the US, wanting a simpler agreement that prioritizes Palestinian statehood. This shows shifting dynamics in Middle Eastern politics and the importance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

America Needs a Conservative Party

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a belief that America needs a new Conservative Party because current options are not satisfactory. Many feel tired of choosing between candidates who don't align with their values.
  2. The proposed Conservative Party would focus on key principles like free enterprise, the rule of law, and rational political leadership. It's seen as essential for defending America and the world against rising challenges.
  3. To be effective, the Conservative Party should be organized as a serious political entity, not just a temporary movement. It needs to engage people nationwide and prepare for future elections.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 14.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A majority of Ukrainians now prefer negotiating a quick peace instead of continuing the war, showing a significant shift in public opinion after years of conflict.
  2. The economic impacts of the war are heavily burdening European countries, as they are taking on the costs while the United States benefits economically from the situation.
  3. China is advancing its space program with ambitious plans, including a manned moon base and potential missions to Mars, aiming to establish itself as a leader in space exploration.
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The Left Should Embrace Meritocracy if Only for the Signal It Sends

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Meritocracy can send a strong positive message about valuing talent and hard work. Embracing this idea can help shift perceptions and improve support for the left.
  2. Amidst growing polarization, the left needs to be cautious of being seen as the party of elites. It’s important to connect with everyday people to avoid being labeled as out of touch.
  3. Using meritocracy as a policy can also yield practical benefits. It encourages fairness and competition, which can strengthen society overall.

Overthinking Transportation Funding Reform & Policy: Steelmanning Reauthorization I

Exasperated Infrastructures • 7 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Transportation funding needs reform to better align incentives and support sustainable practices. We need a plan that addresses both building and reducing infrastructure to help fight climate change.
  2. People can influence how transportation policy is shaped by organizing and voicing their concerns. Understanding the legislative process is key to making meaningful changes.
  3. Important deadlines are coming up, which will affect transportation funding. If Congress doesn't act by September 30, 2026, they may just pass temporary measures instead of long-term solutions.

A Note From Dave

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📰 News Public Policy
  1. Dave is pausing the Silent Lunch newsletter to focus on finishing his book and external research work.
  2. During the pause, paid subscribers will not lose any money, with payments suspended for monthly subscribers and subscriptions extended for annual subscribers.
  3. Dave assures readers that once the newsletter resumes, they can expect more content they love, including investigative pieces like those mentioned in the post.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 24.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Sometimes, leaders might create problems to make their solutions seem necessary. This idea is called 'problem-reaction-solution'.
  2. When big issues arise, some people believe they can push through changes they wanted all along, taking advantage of the situation. This is called opportunism.
  3. In a world pushed towards sustainability and inclusion, some worry that the goals might mainly benefit the wealthy while the general population suffers.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 12.01.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Jemen forces attacked the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, claiming it prevented an American attack on Jemen. The US has not confirmed the incident.
  2. The Arctic is becoming a key area for global conflict over resources, particularly as countries like the US, Russia, and China vie for control. This has historical roots, like past attempts by the US to buy Greenland for strategic purposes.
  3. Norway is at risk of becoming a mere supplier of resources to the EU, with plans to increase energy exports without considering local needs or effects on the environment.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 17.11.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Radical gender ideology is changing how people understand gender, emphasizing personal feelings over biological facts. This shift is affecting schools and laws, teaching that anyone can choose their gender based on how they feel.
  2. Legal changes in Norway since 2013 are supporting this new view on gender, allowing individuals to change their legal gender without medical consent. This has raised concerns about children's rights and their ability to make informed decisions about gender.
  3. Many parents feel anxious about the ideology being taught in schools, worrying it might lead to harmful decisions for their children. The dialogue around gender is becoming more restrictive, making it difficult for parents to discuss these issues openly with their kids.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

Everything you always wanted to know about a government shutdown

Matt’s Five Points • 19 implied HN points • 02 Dec 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn't pass new budget laws, leading to a funding gap. This means the government can't spend money on things like salaries and supplies.
  2. During a shutdown, not all federal workers stop working. Some are deemed essential and continue their duties, but they won't get paid until the budget is approved.
  3. Shutdowns can affect different parts of the government differently. Some agencies might keep operating if they have non-appropriated funds, while others come to a halt.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.10.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. The situation in Gaza is worsening, with many people facing food shortages due to a blockade. Humanitarian aid has been blocked, increasing the risk of famine.
  2. Zelensky's statements about Ukraine seeking nuclear weapons led to confusion and were officially denied by his office. Ukraine did not have control over the nuclear arsenal it inherited after the Soviet Union collapsed.
  3. There are concerns about the European Union's growing centralized power under Ursula von der Leyen. Critics say this shift reduces national democratic control and could lead to a more authoritarian governance structure.

vanshnookenraggen on the past, present, and future of transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 12 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Public Policy
  1. Andrew Lynch, known as vanshnookenraggen, got into mapping and transportation history out of pure curiosity and interest in urban planning.
  2. His work focuses on creating maps that visualize transportation systems and history to make complex information easier to understand.
  3. There's a need to connect land use policy with transportation policy, understand the political realities of planning, and engage communities effectively in urban planning decisions.

No, DOGE Checks Wouldn’t Cause Inflation

Economic Forces • 3 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
💰 Finance Public Policy
  1. Sending out DOGE checks is unlikely to cause inflation. It's because they would probably just raise the price level temporarily, not create ongoing inflation.
  2. The impact of these checks on the economy depends on how spending changes and whether the central bank keeps spending stable.
  3. Whether giving out DOGE checks is a good idea depends on how the saved money could be used instead, like paying off government debt or funding other programs.

How Trump can Reform the "Mean Girls" White House Press Corps

The Other Side of Fear • 4 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) has a lot of control over who can ask questions in press briefings. This can make it hard for independent media to get a fair chance.
  2. Many members of the WHCA are accused of being dishonest and spreading fake news. There are claims that some reporters don't follow their own rules, like wearing masks when they’re on camera.
  3. To make press briefings better, it's suggested that the WHCA should be reformed or even removed, and that seating should be assigned fairly, possibly through a lottery system.

Politicians care about (some) debt

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Politicians pay attention to government debt, but mostly when it's short-term. A small increase in debt can lead to a slight decrease in budget deficits, showing they take action to manage it.
  2. The maturity of debt matters a lot. If debt matures within 3 to 5 years, politicians are more responsive to it because it affects their chances of getting re-elected.
  3. Once the debt maturity goes beyond 10 years, politicians tend to ignore it. This can create long-term issues if they keep running large deficits, leading to unsustainable debt levels.

Mini Exasperation #5

Exasperated Infrastructures • 2 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Island Press is having a sale on e-books for just $4.99, making it a great time to support a small publisher and read more about planning and urbanism.
  2. Austin has made it illegal to park in bike lanes, with fines between $50 and $300, which aims to improve safety for cyclists.
  3. A new study shows that many people prefer ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft over public transit, highlighting a need for changes in how we think about transportation options.

Authoritarians and their shitty childhoods

Sex and the State • 6 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Life for bottom-half Americans has been worsening over the years due to factors like market concentration, stagnant wages, rising costs, and increasing inequality.
  2. These hardships could be contributing to the rise of Trumpism, affecting mobility, mental health, and overall well-being.
  3. Factors like reduced economic mobility, increasing precarity, and societal challenges like teen depression are linked to the decline in conditions for many Americans.

Quiz B

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 2 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Think carefully before answering questions. It's important to reflect on what you're being asked.
  2. You have a whole week to provide your answers. Don't rush, take your time to think things through.
  3. Sharing and discussing ideas with others can help deepen your understanding and make the experience more engaging.

Public Policy for Realists

Bretton Goods • 1 HN point • 30 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. Making public policy is complex and involves considering multiple factors and stakeholders.
  2. Good public policy requires reliable data, research, and understanding of causation.
  3. Implementing public policy effectively involves considering state capacity, avoiding rushed decisions, and building evidence-based solutions over time.

FIVE POINTS: December is the New September

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The recent deal on hurricane relief and the debt limit has many political angles, with discussions on its impact on upcoming tax reform and GOP dynamics.
  2. Two moderate Republicans announced their retirement, but it's important not to overreact as this doesn't necessarily signal a major trend for the party as a whole.
  3. Approval for discharge petitions is rare due to risks for members of the majority, meaning lawmakers often find other ways to express their support without directly challenging leadership.

FIVE POINTS: Groundhog Day in the Senate

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The September 30th deadline is significant for the Graham-Cassidy bill, but it doesn't fully block repeal efforts. The Senate can still try to pass other legislation, but it may complicate future initiatives like tax reform.
  2. Getting the Graham-Cassidy bill approved in the House might be challenging. Many House Republicans are in difficult positions regarding their votes, especially those from states that would lose under this proposal.
  3. Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. and deserves equal support in disasters. It's important for Americans to understand that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and should receive the same aid as those in other states during emergencies.

Sweet Home Chicago

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Swing Republicans are worried because Trump is focusing on divisive topics instead of tax policy, which they prefer to talk about as it helps them secure votes in their districts.
  2. Candidates in elections aim to win, not just increase their vote share. They are careful not to jeopardize their stable support for the sake of a small improvement in overall votes.
  3. The 2018 Congress is likely to focus on messaging rather than major legislation. Both parties are not eager to collaborate on big topics, leading to many symbolic bills without much chance of passing.

How much would it cost to expand the size of the House?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Expanding the House of Representatives will have significant costs, both one-time and ongoing. Each new member could cost around $2 million a year, adding up quickly.
  2. The initial costs for space and resources for new members could reach around a billion dollars. This includes the need for new buildings and additional security.
  3. While the costs may seem high, they should not stop discussions about expanding the House if there are strong reasons to do so. Political concerns might influence decisions even if the costs are justifiable.

Elections Matter

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Elections change who is in power, which means new people in Congress will have different ideas and priorities for what laws to push. This can lead to big shifts in policy.
  2. When an election ends, politicians often feel freer to make bold decisions since they don't have to worry about upcoming votes. This can lead to unexpected changes during the months after the election.
  3. The results of an election send strong signals to everyone involved in politics about what issues might work well or not. This affects not just elected officials, but also interest groups and lobbyists who will adjust their strategies based on the election outcome.

Is AI going to kill us all? An FAQ

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Public Policy
  1. AI has the potential to be very dangerous, and even a small chance of catastrophe is worth taking seriously. Experts have different opinions on how likely this threat is.
  2. Pausing AI research isn't a good idea because it could let bad actors gain an advantage. Instead, it's better for responsible researchers to lead the development.
  3. We should focus on investing in AI safety and creating ethical guidelines to minimize risks. Teaching AI models to follow humanistic values is essential for their positive impact.

Prison

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Prisons in the US are now the biggest places for mental healthcare, highlighting a sad reality about how we treat mental health issues.
  2. In some remote villages in Alaska, when locals are suddenly taken to prison, it can really upset the whole community, especially if the person has never left their home before.
  3. Prison life can be tough, and some inmates actually prefer being inside because it feels safer to them, even if it means committing crimes just to go back.

Infrastructure Costs in America

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 18 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Infrastructure costs in America are really high compared to other countries. This means we can't build as much as we need to because it's too expensive.
  2. Contracting practices lead to expensive overruns and dishonest bids. Many contractors misrepresent costs, leading to hidden fees and renegotiations that drive prices up.
  3. Local influences and regulations increase project costs even more. Communities often demand more expensive construction methods and designs, creating unnecessary expenses that tax dollars end up covering.

The Price of Delay

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Housing regulations slow down construction and make planning harder for developers. This uncertainty discourages them from investing in new buildings.
  2. A new study shows if we reduce approval wait times, it could lead to significantly more housing being built. However, there are questions about how realistic these estimates are.
  3. Clearer regulations could make a big difference in housing supply. Countries with more straightforward building laws tend to have better housing outcomes.

Fructose, Public Policy, and The Low-Fat Re-Education Camp (Short Post)

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 11
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a need to modify public policy to reduce fructose consumption, such as ending corn subsidies to discourage junk food consumption.
  2. Although important to address public health concerns like obesity and chronic diseases, caution is necessary to avoid government overreach in determining individuals' diets.
  3. Avoid setting the precedent that the government should dictate dietary choices as it may lead to potential restrictions on other food components in the future.

Is transformational change the only thing that matters?

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Policy
  1. Transformational change is difficult in various aspects of life, and most attempts do not lead to significant outcomes, but persistence is key to progress.
  2. Research and evaluation play a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of interventions and innovations, although measuring programmatic effectiveness can be challenging.
  3. Randomized experiments, while powerful, are not the only form of high-quality evidence; various types of evidence contribute to building knowledge and understanding incremental changes over time.

Causal research: More, not less

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. Understanding the effects of policies on people's lives is crucial, and causal research can provide valuable information to guide decision-making.
  2. Critiques of causal social science highlight the need for improvement in research publishing practices, such as publishing null studies and ensuring clarity on statistically significant but small results.
  3. Replication studies in policy-making, especially with experimental interventions like RCTs, can offer valuable insights to refine policies before widespread implementation, and continuous use of evidence can help in making incremental progress.

The hubris of social scientists

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. Researchers should expand beyond randomized trials in social science evaluations due to the complexity of the social world and challenges in replicating findings.
  2. The 'hubris of social scientists' refers to the overconfidence and limitations in assuming new ideas will succeed, highlighting the commonality of failures in various fields, not just social policy.
  3. Identifying small effects in social science research is difficult due to the high variability across contexts, limitations in sample sizes, and challenges in replicating studies, necessitating a more systematic approach to data collection and policy evaluation.

Democracy of evidence

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. Econometrics helps to reveal truths in small-scale matters, but applying them to large societal issues requires many assumptions. Democratizing knowledge generation can be a social game-changer by putting economic tools in the hands of more people.
  2. Academics often focus on big questions about human nature, but the implementation of policies by governmental and social organizations could benefit from more hands-on and practical application of econometric tools to measure the impact of these policies.
  3. Government and social institutions should embrace a more incremental approach, like carpenters, making gradual improvements as opposed to sweeping changes. There's potential for significant social change when institutions start questioning and measuring the effectiveness of their own operations.

Making at-home screens a thing

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Policy
  1. At-home screening for Covid-19 can be efficient and effective, according to evidence from studies.
  2. Trust issues regarding reporting test results and ensuring people follow safety measures can be addressed through penalties or verification processes.
  3. Regular at-home screening, even if not perfect, can help minimize the risk of transmission and improve our ability to measure and manage risks during the pandemic.

Policy should be adaptive

Perambulations • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Policy should be designed to be adaptive and respond to changes in behavior to encourage better outcomes.
  2. Creating new equilibria through adaptive policies can lead to more sustainable changes in collective behavior rather than just individual actions.
  3. Adaptive policies, like those seen in traffic management or public health initiatives, can help promote common goals and shared norms to achieve lasting change in society.