The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

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Oranga Tamariki NZ (Ministry for Children), and the questions raised on how much gender ideology is embedded there.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Oranga Tamariki in New Zealand is struggling to track how many children are receiving puberty blockers and other gender-related treatments. This lack of data makes it hard to understand the impact of these treatments.
  2. Many organizations and healthcare providers in New Zealand don't consistently record information about young people using these treatments. This makes it difficult to analyze trends or outcomes.
  3. The conversation highlights a growing concern among some groups about the influence of gender ideology in systems meant to protect children. Many feel it's time to address these issues more openly.

Power also comes from the bottom up

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3352 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Federal grants are really important because they support many services that people rely on, like food programs and shelters. Changes to these grants can have a big impact on communities and people's lives.
  2. There are efforts to fight back against the recent funding freeze, with many groups coming together to challenge it. This shows that people can still have power and make a difference even in tough situations.
  3. Staying connected with local communities and sharing stories can help highlight the issues at hand. Small actions like reaching out to representatives or joining efforts can spark positive change.

Matt Yglesias Has a Pretty Good Piece on Larry Summers

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. On many policy fights he was more right than wrong, offering sound economic reasoning on trade, drug pricing, pollution, university reform, and stimulus policy even when those positions provoked controversy.
  2. The claim that men simply show greater variability is unsettled; observed sex differences look more complex and likely reflect a mix of biological, behavioral, and social factors rather than a single bell-curve explanation.
  3. Personal misconduct—romantic entanglement and scheming with someone tied to sex crimes—is indefensible and badly damaged his reputation, and even correct reforms can fail if pursued clumsily or provocatively.

Paris AI Summit Train Wreck

Marcus on AI • 3003 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Public Policy
  1. The Paris AI Summit did not meet expectations and left many attendees unhappy for various reasons. People felt that it was poorly organized.
  2. A draft statement prepared for the summit was criticized, with concerns that it would let leaders avoid making real commitments to addressing AI risks. Many believed it was more of a PR move than genuine action.
  3. Despite the chaos, French President Macron seemed to be the only one enjoying the situation. Overall, many felt it was a missed opportunity to discuss important AI issues.

Ex-Antifa member interviewed

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. An ex-Antifa member discusses how family issues influenced his involvement in extremist groups. Understanding personal backgrounds can shed light on why people might join such movements.
  2. Society is becoming more accepting of unhealthy relationships, as shown by a video where a woman abuses her boyfriend. There seems to be a double standard when it comes to how we react based on gender.
  3. Euthanasia is expanding to include people who are not terminally ill. This raises important questions about who can decide when life ends and under what circumstances.
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The debt-laden Christchurch City Council NZ seems to have a spare $50K to splash out on a rainbow pedestrian crossing.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Christchurch City Council is considering spending $50,000 on a rainbow pedestrian crossing despite being in significant debt. This is seen as controversial given their financial situation.
  2. Rainbow crossings may not comply with regular traffic safety laws, posing potential confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. Standard zebra crossings are designed for clear road safety.
  3. There is a suggestion that the council should allocate funds to more pressing social issues, like supporting women’s shelters, instead of spending on symbolic projects like a rainbow crossing.

Governments Do the Bad Things That Sound Good

Bet On It • 266 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Public Policy
  1. Immigration bans throw away enormous economic gains; when migrants do cause real harms, it makes more sense to measure those harms and use taxes or transfers to fix or compensate, not to close the door.
  2. People often say culture matters more than money, but their choices (not moving away) suggest cultural attachment is weaker than claimed, so cultural costs rarely outweigh big material benefits from migration.
  3. Housing rules that block building ignore that denser living has large net benefits people are willing to pay for; policymakers should allow more construction and deal with specific nuisances using targeted charges instead of blanket bans.

Women and girls have lost control of our spaces to men. Not all men will support this, but some will revel in it.

A B’Old Woman • 899 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Women and girls are losing control over their own spaces, which should be designated for them alone. This is a big concern because it affects their safety and privacy.
  2. Allowing any man who claims to be a woman into women's spaces can lead to potential risks. There’s fear that it could put women and girls in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
  3. Many people dismiss the concerns about men in women's spaces, but it's important to recognize that no woman or girl should feel unsafe or worried about who might be in those spaces with them.

We Knew It

Points And Figures • 1438 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Weather and climate change discussions can sometimes feel too political and detached from daily life experiences. Many remember simpler times without the current anxieties about heat and climate.
  2. There's a belief that certain scientific and political narratives, particularly around COVID-19 and global warming, are driven more by financial interests than by fact. This perspective questions the integrity of those in power.
  3. Concerns about the influence and behavior of elites in government and media suggest a distrust in their narratives, pushing the idea that reforms are needed to address systemic corruption and polarization.

Making Sense of Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1386 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani ran a very effective campaign that connected well with young voters, using social media and grassroots efforts to reach people across New York City.
  2. Despite some viewing him as inexperienced, he gained a significant following, winning over 430,000 votes in a crowded primary.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind his popularity is important for both supporters and critics, as it reflects the hopes and frustrations of many New Yorkers.

ScienceVs revisits the issue of gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria.

Carolina Curmudgeon • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. ScienceVs has both criticized and supported gender affirming care for children with gender dysphoria. They seem to have a bias in how they present the evidence surrounding this care.
  2. A recent study found that many teens who initially identified as trans ended up identifying as cis later. This suggests that some may not need medical intervention.
  3. The effects of hormone treatments can lead to serious and permanent health issues. Critics argue that children should not be put on these treatments if there’s a chance they might change their identity later.

Systemic Racism at Brown?

Glenn Loury • 4106 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. A controversy at Brown University surrounding systemic racism sparked a debate on freedom of expression.
  2. Glenn Loury, a black conservative economist, argues against claims of systemic racism at Brown and presents his scholarly contributions.
  3. Loury emphasizes the need to address racial inequality without undermining academic freedom.

A roundup of some things from New Zealand, across the ditch - i.e. Australia - and the UK.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.

Public Choice links, 11/13/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trade protectionism in America is seen as central planning dressed up as economic nationalism. While manufacturing output has grown, employment in factories has declined.
  2. There’s a push for better state capacity in government, but some argue it needs to focus on doing fewer things well rather than expanding into more areas.
  3. Voters often make poor choices about policies. Scholars understand what's inefficient, but there’s a challenge in communicating that knowledge to the public.

Announcing the Center for Land Economics

Progress and Poverty • 2655 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Center for Land Economics is a new nonprofit formed to tackle the housing crisis using specific economic principles. They aim to provide data-driven solutions and policy analysis for better land management.
  2. There will now be a weekly blog post schedule to share updates on land value tax and housing policies. This blog will serve as a central place for discussions on these important topics.
  3. An open-source software library for land assessments will be released soon. This tool will help improve the accuracy of property valuations, making it easier for communities to work on land-related issues.

A Mom Asked for Public School Board Records. They Charged Her $33 Million.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3426 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Parents are increasingly suing schools to find out what their children are learning. This shows a demand for transparency in education.
  2. Some schools are responding by suing parents to silence them. This creates a conflict between parents' rights to know and schools' desire to keep information private.
  3. A mom was quoted a shocking amount of over $33 million to access public school records. This highlights how expensive and complicated it can be to get information from schools.

Welcome to Hamassachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2652 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism in Massachusetts public schools. Lawmakers are highlighting this issue during discussions and hearings.
  2. A recent event featured a state representative showing a folded dollar bill as a symbol of antisemitism, sparking reactions from teachers and union leaders.
  3. The leader of the Massachusetts Teachers Association did not make a judgment when asked if that imagery was antisemitic, reflecting a complex conversation around these topics.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.

A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Can’t Read His Diploma. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A high school graduate with a decent GPA didn't learn how to read, highlighting serious issues in education today. This has sparked legal action against the school district for not providing proper education.
  2. Many people agree that kids today are not performing as well academically, partly due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about declining intelligence and skills among young students.
  3. Recent political events have raised questions about justice and accountability, especially regarding figures like Trump and his pardons for individuals involved in corruption. Such actions have sparked debate about fairness in the legal system.

What don’t we know about LVT? Research that could advance Georgism.

Progress and Poverty • 1116 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Land Value Tax (LVT) is still a bit of a mystery, and more research is needed to understand its effects better. Many researchers are eager to explore how LVT can work in different areas.
  2. There are some real-world examples of LVT that can be studied, like in Pennsylvania or New Zealand. Looking at these places can help us understand how LVT impacts housing and land prices.
  3. Understanding how to assess land values for taxes is very important for LVT's success. This means researchers need to figure out ways to accurately determine what land is worth.

Will Illegal Immigration Break the Nation Apart?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1312 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Illegal immigration is a major issue affecting the nation today. It can lead to serious unrest and has sparked violent protests.
  2. Local authorities are struggling to manage the chaos caused by these protests, showing a lack of control over the situation.
  3. Political leaders are divided on how to handle the crisis, which adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding immigration policies.

“Focus like a laser on merit!”

Unsafe Science • 97 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🔬 Science Public Policy
  1. Claims about widespread unconscious bias and pervasive anti‑female hiring discrimination are often overstated; measures like the IAT tap associations in memory rather than proven unconscious prejudice and do not reliably predict discriminatory behavior.
  2. Many DEI and anti‑bias trainings lack solid evidence that they change real‑world behavior and can have unintended costs or even provoke reverse bias, so interventions should be rigorously evaluated for both benefits and harms.
  3. The best practical approach is to focus like a laser on merit by using clear, job‑relevant criteria and individualized evidence, and to improve credibility through adversarial collaboration and honest communication about uncertainty.

New York Democrats Go Socialist. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. His proposals include big changes like government-run grocery stores and a freeze on rent.
  2. Mamdani has strong views on police and foreign policy, proposing to defund the NYPD and calling Israel 'apartheid'.
  3. His surprising victory against former governor Andrew Cuomo shows changes happening in New York's political landscape.

Reading, Writing, and Racism: The Three R’s of Philly Public Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. Philadelphia's public schools have a history curriculum that encourages students to think critically about oppression. This may simplify complex historical events into a clear 'oppressed versus oppressor' narrative.
  2. One part of the curriculum asks students to consider what it takes to overthrow oppression, but it doesn't explore all the details from the historical period it covers.
  3. Teachers have some freedom to choose whether or not to follow this curriculum, but the existence of such a framework raises concerns about how history is being taught in schools.

Temple monkeys

Wyclif's Dust • 3219 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Monkeys at temples in India and Bali can be a nuisance, stealing food and belongings, but they're considered sacred and can't be harmed.
  2. Living close to social issues can be uncomfortable, as it exposes people to the struggles and misery of those less fortunate.
  3. The welfare state often supports those in need, but it can create tension and discomfort for others who see it as a burden rather than a support system.

Ain't No Party Like an Administrative Burden Party

Can We Still Govern? • 251 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Turning boring admin chores into group “Admin Night” sessions makes them less daunting, more productive, and builds social support.
  2. Companies and tech often shift costs onto customers with self‑service systems and chatbots, making administrative burdens widespread across public and private services and extracting people’s time and money.
  3. Grassroots gatherings can raise awareness and create momentum for policy change, because reducing these time taxes needs incentives for firms and regulators to value people’s time.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: The Appeal of a Mother Who Buried Her Only Son

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The author expresses deep grief and frustration over losing her son, emphasizing the pain of families affected by violence. She wants to highlight the real human costs of conflict and urges for compassion.
  2. She calls for an end to the suffering of hostages and innocent people caught in conflict, asking for understanding and action from those in power. Everyone deserves to have their children returned and for their lives restored.
  3. The statement reflects a shift from naivety to a harsh understanding of the world, showcasing the need for humane actions instead of selfish interests in politics. The author believes it's vital for leaders to prioritize peace and humanity over their own gains.

A Missing Textbook Diagram

Bet On It • 166 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🚌 Education Public Policy
  1. A simple diagram that maps benefits against costs would be a handy teaching tool for intro and intermediate economics and public policy classes. It makes tradeoffs easy to see at a glance.
  2. Adding extreme categories like “Sky High” benefits and “Rock Bottom” costs shows why some policies remain sensible even when critics point to large costs — very large benefits can outweigh high costs.
  3. The idea is intuitive and practical and, despite parallels in business teaching, feels like a fresh, useful addition that textbooks should include.

Transcript - America This Week, June 27, 2025: "Zohran! Can Tik-Tok Socialism Save Gotham?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1089 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There's a young candidate named Zohran Mamdani in New York's mayoral race, who might bring some new ideas to the city. People are really curious about what his leadership could mean for New York.
  2. The conversation highlights how everyday experiences vary greatly in different cities, like how hard it is to buy everyday items in New York due to strict security measures. It's a funny yet frustrating situation for shoppers.
  3. The importance of trust in community is emphasized through a personal story about finding a lost ring. It suggests that despite many challenges, there is still goodness in people and communities.

sob story begets tragedy

bad cattitude • 191 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The internet has made it easy for people to manipulate emotions and create controversies that attract attention. This feedback loop encourages risky and dangerous behavior.
  2. Some individuals use victim narratives to gain sympathy and justify harmful actions. This can draw in others who are susceptible to these sob stories, often ignoring real consequences.
  3. Online discussions often lack empathy because they are just text without face-to-face interaction. This can lead to extreme polarization as people react strongly to opposing views.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping To Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 2 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 824 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Policy
  1. Critics of the HHS report on youth gender medicine are challenging its credibility, mainly because they highlight their own possible biases and conflicts of interest.
  2. The research on gender-affirming treatments appears to have weak evidence, with many studies criticized for not supporting the positive outcomes claimed by advocates.
  3. Media coverage, such as from Science magazine, sometimes lacks depth and context, which can mislead readers about the complexities of youth gender medicine debates.

Abigail Shrier: Stop Asking Kids If They’re Depressed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Asking kids if they are depressed can lead them to believe they are when they might not be. It’s important to be careful with the questions we ask children about their mental health.
  2. Many children might be incorrectly diagnosed with depression, leading to a lot of unnecessary worry. This can happen when they are put in situations where they are questioned about their feelings repeatedly.
  3. The approach to mental health assessments for kids is changing, and some policies may encourage kids to see themselves as sick even if they aren’t. It's crucial to think about how these practices affect their well-being.

The current high value of residential investment

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 210 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
đź’Ľ Business Public Policy
  1. A long shortfall in residential construction since the mid-2000s has left roughly a 15 million‑home gap and driven net residential investment down from a sustainable ~2% of GDP to about 0.6%, creating a cumulative $7 trillion deficit.
  2. That shortage has inflated land rents across many cities, acting as a regressive transfer from renters and new buyers to existing owners and raising nominal GDP and inflation without raising real GDP.
  3. Building many more homes—especially rental and 'missing middle' units bought by investors—would replace land rents with structure rents, lower housing costs over time, and shift wealth away from landowners toward renters and new homeowners.

Radicals Have Burned California Before

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. California's progressive policies have often led to unintended disasters, like wildfires. Good intentions don't always result in good outcomes.
  2. Environmental activism can sometimes slow down crucial safety projects. In this case, protecting a rare plant delayed fire safety improvements.
  3. The struggle between environmental concerns and safety measures is an ongoing issue. It's important to find a balance to prevent disasters while protecting nature.

Homeownership “Wealth” Is A Fallacy

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 35 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
đź’° Finance Public Policy
  1. Housing is primarily a consumption good you live in, not a reliable financial investment, because ongoing costs like maintenance, taxes, insurance, and transaction fees erode any supposed appreciation gains.
  2. Policy proposals like large MBS purchases, allowing 401(k) withdrawals for down payments, mortgage portability, or ultra-long loans are economically misguided and tend to require more debt or money printing, distorting capital markets and favoring existing homeowners.
  3. Tapping home equity or inflating home prices doesn’t create net wealth—selling to realize gains is offset by higher purchase prices, fees, and loan liabilities—so policies that prop up housing prices end up shifting costs onto younger buyers and non-homeowners.

There Is No Antisemitism Crisis In Australia. It's A Carefully Constructed Lie.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a belief that the accusations of antisemitism in Australia are exaggerated or fabricated. Some incidents that were labeled as antisemitic may have been staged or manipulated.
  2. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions around antisemitism, sometimes conflating criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people.
  3. The real issues in Australia might be more related to anti-Palestinian sentiments and general apathy toward serious humanitarian crises, rather than a widespread problem of antisemitism.

“We Are Not as Wealthy as We Thought We Were”: Part 6

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
đź’° Finance Public Policy
  1. Rising home prices are mostly coming from rising rents, so higher price/rent ratios often reflect persistent rent inflation rather than just speculative price swings. Because officials treated the problem as a bubble and tightened demand after 2008, they made rent-driven scarcity worse.
  2. Most of the price growth is coming from land rents caused by a shortage of new urban housing, amplified by stricter mortgage access and local land-use restrictions. This scarcity has hit lower-tier neighborhoods hardest, raising housing costs for poorer families.
  3. Viewing expensive housing as mainly a luxury or positional good led to bad policy choices like restricting credit instead of addressing supply and access. Policy should focus on how mortgage access and supply constraints harm households forced to move, not just on high-end buyers or headline wealth numbers.

Political Realism

In My Tribe • 880 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Political Realism suggests that government officials often act in their own interests instead of just fixing market problems. This means sometimes they may take advantage of their power for personal gain.
  2. Rent-seeking is when interest groups spend a lot of resources to influence government decisions that benefit them. This can lead to a lot of money being wasted on lobbying instead of being used for productive activities.
  3. The combination of subsidizing demand and restricting supply by the government doesn't always make sense. In practice, it often serves the interests of producers rather than addressing the real issues in the market.

Vote Buying And Pandering

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. States run by Democrats often have stricter taxes and financial issues, pushing people to move to states with better conditions. Many people are leaving states like Illinois for more favorable economic environments.
  2. A recent pension law in Illinois may worsen financial problems by increasing liabilities, which could lead to more taxes for residents. This is seen as a political move to win votes from public sector workers.
  3. The decline of Chicago's economy has led to fewer job opportunities and businesses, making it less attractive for residents and companies. Issues like high taxes and government inefficiency continue to drive people away.

OSD 360: The tyranny ratchet revisited

Open Source Defense • 73 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Trying to enforce every law perfectly would require oppressive measures, so governments always make tradeoffs about how strictly to enforce laws and those tradeoffs should be decided by the people.
  2. Political factions rush to expand authority when they’re in power, reward excesses as loyalty tests, and those gains rarely get rolled back — government power functions like a one-way ratchet.
  3. The spirit of self-reliance tied to gun ownership serves as a practical and symbolic check on mass federal enforcement and surveillance, and preserving that spirit helps prevent the normalization of invasive roundups and domestic control.