The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Different Arguments

David Friedmanā€™s Substack ā€¢ 350 implied HN points ā€¢ 26 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The usual claim that the death penalty is uniquely irreversible is weaker than it sounds because many wrongful convictions are never discovered, and in narrow tradeoffs execution could be justified if it genuinely prevented more innocent deaths.
  2. Making executions cheap creates a moral hazard: when decisionā€‘makers bear little cost but impose the ultimate cost on others, they are likelier to make lethally bad decisions, so deliberately inefficient (costly) punishments can protect against abuse.
  3. The historical militia argument for widespread private guns made sense in the eighteenth century but is weaker today; modern checks on governmental power may depend more on control of information, though private arms can still deter crime and limit expansions of police power, leaving the empirical question open.

New Zealand's first summit of UNSILENCED gender critical speakers now on video.

A Bā€™Old Woman ā€¢ 719 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 May 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A summit called 'UNSILENCED' was held in New Zealand for gender critical speakers to express their views after being silenced for a long time. This event aimed to showcase concerns about gender ideology.
  2. Various speakers shared personal stories and insights, highlighting the impacts of gender ideology on people, especially women and children. Their testimonies called for greater understanding and caution regarding this issue.
  3. The event received mixed reactions, with some support and considerable criticism. Despite challenges, the speakers emphasized unity among people with differing viewpoints to confront the ideology they oppose.

When Volatile Work Schedules Meet SNAP Work Requirements

Can We Still Govern? ā€¢ 254 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Jan 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. New monthly SNAP work-hour rules will penalize service workers with wildly variable schedules, because people who average enough hours over a year can still fall below a monthly cutoff and lose benefits.
  2. Most schedule instability comes from employers, and many low-income parents want more hours but canā€™t get them, so the rules punish workers for things beyond their control and threaten familiesā€™ food security.
  3. Requiring predictable, stable schedules or other supports would better promote steady work and child well-being and can even benefit employers, making these approaches a smarter alternative to strict monthly work-hour cutoffs.

ā€œWe Are Not as Wealthy as We Thought We Wereā€: Postscript 1

Erdmann Housing Tracker ā€¢ 273 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Jan 26
šŸ’¼ Business Public Policy
  1. Rents have risen a lot and in a regressive way, with the cheapest neighborhoods hit hardest and lowest-income renters effectively losing about 15% of their incomes to higher rentsā€”effects that common national statistics miss.
  2. The problem is a shortage and a lack of easy substitutes: constrained construction capacity and tighter mortgage access have created a paid premium for ā€œnothingā€ (scarcity tied to location), so this isnā€™t mainly about agglomeration demand.
  3. The solution is a very large increase in housing supply across many locationsā€”not just building smaller "affordable" units or blocking luxury projectsā€”so millions of homes or billions of square feet must be added to eliminate the "nothing" premium.

TGIF: Hellfire

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 5824 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Jan 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
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Grey's Law, the Republic, and You (Part 2)

Devonā€™s Substack ā€¢ 299 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jul 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The US Secret Service failed to prevent an assassination attempt on July 13th, 2024, due to poor decisions and lack of personnel in key positions. There was no one monitoring the roof where the assassin was situated.
  2. Using long-range sharpshooters to cover a close area wasn't effective. They had the wrong tools for the job, making it hard for them to quickly assess and respond to threats.
  3. It's better to have several officers on the roof than rely on specialists far away. A local presence can provide quicker responses and possibly capture suspects alive.

Office hoursā€”register now for February dates

The Novelleist ā€¢ 43 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Feb 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. February office hours are open for registration, including a session this afternoon and meetings on the next two Fridays at 1pm MT and Wednesday Feb 25 at 1pm MT.
  2. Only paid subscribers can sign up to join these sessions.
  3. The format is conversational ā€” bring a short intro and something you're reading to kick off discussion; past topics have included revolution and secession, new technologies (like BYD), city design, and governance movements.

They Became Symbols for Gazan Starvation. But All 12 Suffer from Other Health Problems.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 1627 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Viral photos from Gaza showing starving children may not tell the whole story. Many of the kids in these images have serious health issues like cystic fibrosis and rickets.
  2. A recent case highlighted by The Free Press involved an 18-month-old boy presented as a symbol of hunger. His health conditions were downplayed in reports.
  3. Several other similar images shared by major media lacked context about the children's medical backgrounds, creating a misleading narrative about starvation in Gaza.

The upcoming 'UNSILENCED' summit in Wellington NZ, and the city councillor who tried to silence it.

A Bā€™Old Woman ā€¢ 819 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 May 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The UNSILENCED summit in Wellington, NZ, is set to discuss gender ideology and its recent changes in society. It's a chance for people to express their views and break the silence around this topic.
  2. There has been pushback against the summit from some local officials and activists, highlighting ongoing tensions over gender issues. Despite this, the event organizers and supporters are determined to proceed.
  3. Lawyers and free speech advocates are involved to protect the event from cancellation, showing the importance of free expression. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about gender ideology.

AMA

David Friedmanā€™s Substack ā€¢ 215 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Jan 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. He broadly favors libertarian/anarchoā€‘capitalist ideas because private markets and voluntary contracts usually produce better outcomes, but he admits practical limits and accepts that some state functions (like defense or disaster relief) might sometimes be the least bad option.
  2. Competition and market institutions are emphasized as powerful problemā€‘solvers ā€” for example, competitive banking would drive seignorage to zero and market coordination often beats political hierarchy ā€” while political decisionā€‘making more often creates large failures.
  3. On policy and technology he prefers market liberalization and caution about heavy-handed regulation: he supports full drug legalization, thinks pausing AI is likely counterproductive, urges spending cuts rather than new taxes to fix debt, and is willing to take lowā€‘probability bets like cryonics.

Energy Policy | Lunch Money with Paul Krugman and Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American ā€¢ 8 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Mar 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Economics and politics used to be closely connected and were openly debated by politicians, editors, and everyday people.
  2. Since World War II, politicians have often disguised or misdescribed the real economic effects of policies, which has made it harder for the public to see how politics affects the economy.
  3. Clear, expert conversations can help untangle big-picture policy changes and make economic debates easier for ordinary people to follow.

What Did We Expect Would Happen?

The Honest Broker Newsletter ā€¢ 2365 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jun 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Over the years, science has become very political in the U.S., with both major parties using it to gain power. This shift means scientists and universities are often seen as part of the political fight instead of neutral sources of knowledge.
  2. Democrats have begun to support science more because it helps their wealthy, educated voters, while Republicans have moved away from it, positioning it as elitist. This division creates a big gap in how each side views scientific authority.
  3. Many scientists have chosen sides in these political battles, which hurts the public's trust in science. The original idea that science benefits everyone, regardless of their political views, has been largely forgotten.

Public Choice Links, 12/11/2025

In My Tribe ā€¢ 334 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 25
šŸŒ World Politics Public Policy
  1. Having many veto points makes it easy for projects to be blocked and reduces building. Eliminating even one veto point can meaningfully increase development and deliver more affordable housing.
  2. Rent control tends to help a lucky few but shrinks the overall housing supply and doesnā€™t make housing more affordable for society as a whole. Policies that restrict supply while subsidizing demand push prices up.
  3. EU institutions and incentives reward making laws, so bureaucrats and politicians are pushed to produce lots of regulation regardless of social costs. That creates agenda control, opaque dealā€‘making, and weak accountability, pointing to fixes like unanimity rules, sunset clauses, costā€‘benefit tests, and greater transparency.

Universal Credit is a model for how to do government right

Odds and Ends of History ā€¢ 2211 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Universal Credit was designed to combine multiple welfare benefits into one monthly payment, making it easier for people to receive support without dealing with several different systems.
  2. Initially, the launch of Universal Credit faced major issues, including a lack of proper technology and management, making it difficult for people to claim benefits effectively.
  3. After recognizing its failures, the program was rebuilt using an agile approach, which allowed for testing and learning from real users, ultimately leading to its success in providing timely support.

Your Fascist Immigration Policies

Bet On It ā€¢ 377 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Treating peaceful, productive people as criminals just because they lack permission to be in the country is a fascist idea. It makes mere presence a crime instead of judging people by what they actually do.
  2. The brutal methods of enforcement ā€” mass arrests and deportations ā€” are horrific, but the deeper problem is the law that criminalizes presence in the first place. Harsh enforcement makes sense only if you accept that the laws themselves are justified.
  3. The term 'fascist' is often overused, but it fits here: making identity and membership the basis for arrest and expulsion reflects fascist thinking. Prioritizing deportation of nonviolent immigrants signals alignment with that ideology.

Are We at War with Grocery Stores Now?

Economic Forces ā€¢ 10 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Mar 26
šŸ’¼ Business Public Policy
  1. Blaming grocery stores for postā€‘pandemic inflation misunderstands prices: higher prices together with higher profit margins point to broad demand increases (like monetary or fiscal stimulus), not just supplyā€‘side cost gouging.
  2. Store entry and exit decisions hinge on large, sunk costs and the option value of waiting, so policies that raise operating or exit costs (stricter regulation, eminent domain threats, or tolerance of shoplifting) make marginal stores more likely to close and deter new entrants.
  3. Replacing market pricing with publicly run stores or price controls ignores the informationā€‘andā€‘coordination role of prices and often worsens outcomes: taxpayers may subsidize lower sticker prices while overall costs, inefficiencies, and access problems rise.

The Talented Mr. Newsom

Unreported Truths ā€¢ 42 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Feb 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. He lacks a consistent ideology and deep policy understanding. Because of dyslexia he relies on memorized bullet points and constantly adapts his image to win approval.
  2. His record in California includes major failures on issues like COVID policy, housing, homelessness, and public safety, yet elite backing and a strong personal network have kept him politically resilient.
  3. His charisma, town-hall campaigning style, and ability to connect one-on-one make him electorally powerful and a real contender for higher office, even if he is seen as lacking competence or firm principles.

American Express, the Roach Motel

Life Since the Baby Boom ā€¢ 1844 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. It's often tricky to cancel subscriptions online, as companies make it complicated. People should be able to cancel with the same ease as they sign up.
  2. Companies like American Express can be difficult about cancellation, sometimes requiring phone calls. This can feel frustrating and unnecessary.
  3. Government agencies are working to make it easier for people to cancel subscriptions and accounts. Filing a complaint can help put pressure on companies to change their policies.

āœØšŸ˜Ø How AI anxiety threatens a new age of progress

Faster, Please! ā€¢ 548 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Nov 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. AI and other technologies need public support to succeed. If people feel anxious about these innovations, they might resist them even if they could bring benefits.
  2. When problems arise with technology, a culture that embraces progress will see them as opportunities to improve instead of reasons to pull back.
  3. It's important for society to have a positive view of the future. If we focus too much on fears, we might miss out on the benefits of new advancements.

Slop merchants, complex centrists and the return of English-Americans

Wrong Side of History ā€¢ 389 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Nov 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. People have a strong ability to be kind and help each other, which is an important part of humanity. This idea is explored in Jonathan Leaf's book, suggesting that cooperation is a key element of what makes us unique.
  2. The discussion around British politics shows many issues, like how the elites sometimes don't understand the complexity of problems, causing dissatisfaction among the public. A focus on results over narratives is needed to address the real concerns people have.
  3. There's a growing trend of Americans identifying more with their English roots, possibly because of DNA tests revealing their ancestry. This shift could spark a renewed sense of English-American identity in the future.

Beautiful Queenstown NZ is proposing to expand the area where sex trade activities can occur.

A Bā€™Old Woman ā€¢ 559 implied HN points ā€¢ 01 Jun 24
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Queenstown, New Zealand is looking to expand areas where sex trade activities can happen. This proposal has raised concerns among local groups and residents.
  2. The Womenā€™s Rights Party opposes the expansion, arguing it will worsen economic issues like low wages and unaffordable housing that push people into prostitution.
  3. Critics believe that normalizing prostitution by treating it like a small business ignores the dangers and exploitation involved, which they think should be highlighted more.

Why Blue States Canā€™t Have Nice Things

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 1567 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Public spaces can be very well-managed without a lot of red tape. For example, a farm in Utah quickly fixed a safety issue on the spot.
  2. In contrast, places like the Los Angeles Zoo face more bureaucracy and delays when dealing with problems. This can make for a frustrating experience.
  3. The difference in management styles shows how some places can prioritize quick action and customer experience, while others get bogged down by rules.

Thinking of a Very Loose Coalition as an Organism with a Single Heart, Mind, & Will Makes You Stupid

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality ā€¢ 146 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 26
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Treating loose coalitions like Congress or a party as if they have a single heart, mind, and will is a category error that misleads people and damages reasoning.
  2. Political outcomes depend on specific legislators, their incentives, and party discipline; Republicans often enforce a stronger party line that discourages public dissent even when members privately disagree.
  3. Professional identity can be overtaken by partisan pressures, so experts (for example, economists) sometimes conform to party expectations rather than follow independent professional judgment because of career and selective incentives.

Hebeiā€™s Villages Are Freezing

Pekingnology ā€¢ 211 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jan 26
šŸŒž Climate & Environment Public Policy
  1. Many rural households near Beijing are cutting or avoiding gas and electric heating because government subsidies have fallen, making bills unaffordable and leaving people cold.
  2. Strict bans and enforcement on burning dispersed coal prevent an easy return to cheaper fuel, so villagers rely on quilts, sun-warming, firewood, or secretly bought coal to get by, highlighting a clash between pollution control and basic needs.
  3. Experts say the sustainable solution is better-targeted subsidies, timely payments, stronger home insulation, and wider use of heat pumps or mixed clean-energy options, but high upfront costs and local fiscal limits make implementation difficult.

Medicaid cuts: The how and why

Your Local Epidemiologist ā€¢ 1849 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jul 25
šŸ„ Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Congress has made huge cuts to Medicaid, which provides health insurance to many low-income Americans. These changes could lead to millions losing their coverage and could harm vulnerable communities.
  2. Medicaid cuts involve stricter work requirements and more paperwork, making it harder for people to keep their insurance. Many who already work might still lose coverage due to this added complexity.
  3. The changes will particularly hurt hospitals and nursing homes, especially in rural areas, as they rely heavily on Medicaid funding. This could lead to more uninsured people and even hospital closures.

Top Links 923 If Europe canā€™t spend big, who can? "A long slow bet on laziness". Meatscape & German Venezuela.

Chartbook ā€¢ 457 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Nov 25
šŸ’° Finance Public Policy
  1. Europe needs to spend more to support its economy, and there's a question of who will take that initiative if they don't.
  2. There's a discussion around lazy investment strategies that could hinder economic growth.
  3. The situation in Germany is compared to Venezuela's, highlighting concerns about financial stability and resource management.

The Texas Floods Were an Avoidable Tragedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 1766 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The recent floods in Texas caused over 90 deaths, highlighting the need for better safety measures in flood-prone areas. Many people believe this tragedy could have been prevented with proper planning and warnings.
  2. There is a call for a U.S. Disaster Review Board to help analyze and improve responses to such disasters. This board could ensure lessons are learned and that similar tragedies don't happen again.
  3. Although the U.S. has improved weather forecasts and evacuation procedures, this incident shows that more work is needed. The tragic events remind us that continuous improvement in disaster preparedness is essential.

Universities Are Woefully Under-Resourced For AI Research. Theyā€™re Fighting To Change That.

Big Technology ā€¢ 5129 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Nov 24
šŸ•¹ Technology Public Policy
  1. Universities are struggling to keep up with AI research due to a lack of resources like powerful GPUs and data centers. They can't compete with big tech companies who have millions of these resources.
  2. Most AI research breakthroughs are now coming from private industry, with universities lagging behind. This is causing talented researchers to prefer jobs in the private sector instead.
  3. Some universities are trying to address this issue by forming coalitions and advocating for government support to create shared AI research resources. This could help level the playing field and foster important academic advancements.

The Use of Free Labor

David Friedmanā€™s Substack ā€¢ 377 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Jury duty often feels like free labor because jurors aren't paid much and can spend a lot of time waiting around. This makes people question if their time is valued in the process.
  2. The jury selection process is complicated and mandatory, leaving many jurors feeling like they have no say in the matter. They are told how important their role is, even though they didn't choose to be there.
  3. During jury duty, jurors are often given a lot of information about the system, but it's hard to ignore their pre-existing beliefs and experiences when making decisions. This makes the idea of being an impartial juror a bit more complicated.

Implications of Academic Dishonesty

David Friedmanā€™s Substack ā€¢ 359 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Some politicians believe that being dishonest can help get important laws passed. They might think that a little deceit is okay if it leads to a good outcome.
  2. Academics sometimes choose not to share certain facts because they believe it could hurt public support for funding. This can lead to a loss of trust in their work.
  3. If experts twist the truth a bit to push their views, it could result in incorrect conclusions in major areas like climate science. This might harm the credibility of the scientific community.

Dead members of Congress canā€™t stop tweeting

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter ā€¢ 1761 implied HN points ā€¢ 30 Jun 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. When lawmakers die, their social media accounts can keep posting, which can be confusing for followers. There aren't clear rules on what to do with these accounts after someone passes away.
  2. Some dead lawmakers have even liked posts or changed their profile pictures online, leading to strange situations where people interact with them as if they were still alive.
  3. There's a lack of official procedures for handling these social media accounts, which means staff can still post as former lawmakers. This can be a problem for constituents trying to get in touch with their representatives.

Nationalists Already Have the World They Want but Need to Pretend Otherwise

Richard Hanania's Newsletter ā€¢ 3706 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Feb 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Nationalists often claim that the U.S. government prioritizes foreigners over citizens, but the reality shows that a tiny percentage of the federal budget actually goes to foreign aid. Most funds are directed towards helping American citizens.
  2. Even though nationalists argue for policies that benefit Americans, they often ignore facts about how much the government already does for its own people. This leads to misconceptions about foreign aid and immigration.
  3. The nationalist mindset may come from a tribal instinct, where they feel the need to show loyalty to their group. However, this can make them overlook the good that comes from global connections and shared interests.

Is There an Affordability Crisis?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 292 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Inflation has fallen since its postā€‘COVID peak, but that improvement hasnā€™t removed economic uncertainty ā€” wage gains for lowerā€‘paid workers have faded and job growth feels weak.
  2. Housing is a central pain point: a past runā€‘up in prices from very low mortgage rates plus todayā€™s higher rates has left prices high, blocking new buyers and preventing many homeowners from moving.
  3. The economy is mixed ā€” tech and markets are strong and unemployment is low, yet many middleā€‘class families feel squeezed, and policymakers are divided on how to respond.

Build Baby Build (Near Train Stations)

Odds and Ends of History ā€¢ 402 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Nov 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. People have interesting opinions about research and development. It's important to know how they feel to guide future projects.
  2. The government is making changes to allow more buildings near train stations. They want to make it easier for development to happen without unnecessary delays.
  3. There's a need for the government to share data better. Improving how they use and share information can lead to better decisions.

22 Life Changing Insights, Social Mobility, The Times

Rob Henderson's Newsletter ā€¢ 1685 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Jun 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There are two classes in big cities: the wealthy and the workers. Many workers commute long distances just to keep the city running while struggling to afford living there.
  2. Luxury beliefs are ideas that help wealthy people show off their status but harm those less fortunate. They often come from people who are not directly affected by the issues they discuss.
  3. Intelligence doesn't always protect people from making foolish choices. Sometimes, being too focused on complex ideas can lead to missing simple, practical solutions.

The roundup -- and a request for your support

The Watch ā€¢ 204 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Dec 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A major investigative report warns the administration is building a mass deportation apparatus and using tactics many experts call authoritarian, while grassroots community groups are already organizing to protect immigrants.
  2. Paid subscriptions and reader donations are essential to fund investigative reporting and keep content freely available, and subscription prices will rise in midā€‘January to help cover higher costs.
  3. The roundup catalogs many worrying trendsā€”ICE abuses, harsh detention conditions, denaturalization and other immigration crackdowns, political corruption, and publicā€‘health setbacksā€”and notes ongoing and planned investigations and a podcast that have already won recognition.

California's Insurance Crisis

The Honest Broker Newsletter ā€¢ 3533 implied HN points ā€¢ 20 Jan 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Social Control, Cigarette Packs, Momentary Pleasure

Rob Henderson's Newsletter ā€¢ 1534 implied HN points ā€¢ 01 Jul 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Men tend to seek out intense pleasures more than women. This includes things like sports, music, and substance use, which can lead to higher addiction rates in men.
  2. In New York City, subway murders have nearly quadrupled since 2020, despite fewer people riding. This shows that safety risks might be rising even though overall crime might seem lower.
  3. Wisdom can be developed through various factors like mental health, creativity, and learning from life experiences. Having good mentors and being open to new experiences can also help.

Why I Changed My Mind About the Death Penalty

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 1126 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Aug 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The author once opposed the death penalty but changed their mind after seeing its importance in certain serious crimes. They now believe it serves a purpose in the justice system.
  2. Recent changes in federal policy have resumed the death penalty under the current administration, targeting particularly severe crimes. This raises questions about whether some offenses deserve this ultimate punishment.
  3. Support for the death penalty is not popular in certain areas, especially among liberal Democrats, indicating a cultural divide on the issue. Public opinion is complex and varies greatly depending on location and political views.