The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Untreated

KERFUFFLE • 97 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Public Policy Homelessness Legal issues Social Welfare
  1. The current state of mental health care in the U.S. struggles to address serious mental illnesses. Many people with severe issues end up homeless due to insufficient treatment options.
  2. Getting someone into a supportive psychiatric facility requires proving that they're a risk to themselves or others, which is a tough standard. This makes it hard to get help for many who desperately need it.
  3. After hospital care, many individuals are released back to the streets without proper long-term plans. This shows a systemic failure to manage mental health properly and protect the community.

Top Links 546 Childcare as infrastructure. Why Larry Summers thinks blended finance is BS and how all that is solid burst into flames.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Childcare Finance Economic Policy Infrastructure Public Policy
  1. Childcare should be seen as important infrastructure for the economy. It's essential for supporting working families and boosting economic growth.
  2. Larry Summers is critical of blended finance, arguing that it doesn't really solve financial problems and can lead to more issues.
  3. There's a sense that many established systems are failing or breaking down. It's a call to rethink how things work in society.

The Kindergarten Intifada

The Truth Fairy • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Anti-Semitism Radicalization Public Policy
  1. There's a growing concern about teachers in America promoting anti-Israel views to students. Many educators are openly discussing ways to push their political beliefs in the classroom without getting in trouble.
  2. Jewish students are increasingly facing harassment and bullying related to the anti-Israel sentiment in schools. This negative climate can make Jewish students feel isolated and targeted by their peers.
  3. The inclusion of ethnic studies in school curricula is being used as a platform for anti-Israel activism. Some believe this is creating a generation that holds prejudiced views against Jews and Israel.

Compassion ceilings

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Social theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Some jobs limit how compassionate a person can be. This means people in certain roles cannot show their full kindness because of their job requirements.
  2. If the most compassionate people are excluded from roles, the overall compassion in that group decreases. This can lead to a culture that is less caring and more harsh.
  3. Compassion ceilings can have negative effects, even if the actions causing them aren't seen as wrong. The result is a workplace or society that is less understanding and more likely to harm others.

How high-speed rail won over the world

Urben Field Notes • 124 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Public Policy Economic Growth Environmental Impact
  1. Many countries around the world are expanding their high-speed rail systems, while the US is falling behind. It's surprising that America doesn't have more fast trains since the technology has been around for a long time.
  2. High-speed rail is benefitting countries with increased passenger numbers and better environmental impact. Rail travel produces far less carbon pollution compared to cars and planes, making it a cleaner option.
  3. To develop high-speed rail in the US, there may be a need to collaborate with countries that have experience in building these systems. Learning from others could help the US catch up in this area.
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Odds and Ends #44: The New Statesman still needs fixing

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Transportation Sanctions Public Policy
  1. The New Statesman needs a new strategy because its current direction isn’t working, especially with recent management changes. It's suggested that they should find a fresh approach to regain readers' interest.
  2. Channel Tunnel news indicates new train operators could start here, which means more travel choices for people. However, the slow process for getting these services running is frustrating.
  3. The Sekforde pub is facing NIMBY threats due to possible new licensing rules that could limit outdoor seating. It's highlighted that such pubs are important for social interaction and community events.

Odds and Ends #46: The transformation of London's skyline, a big week for nuclear, and installing software updates in Antarctica

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Energy Infrastructure Government
  1. London's skyline has changed a lot over the past 30 years, showing how cities can evolve over time.
  2. This week was significant for nuclear energy, but its implications could affect the future power landscape.
  3. Patching software in Antarctica is a unique challenge due to the extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of tech even in remote places.

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 Elections Political Messaging Democratic Party 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.

CROSSPOST: 23 Economics Nobel Prize Winners for Kamala Harris

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Public Policy Political theory Campaigns
  1. Many Nobel Prize winners in economics believe Kamala Harris would be better for the economy than Donald Trump. They think her ideas will strengthen the middle class and promote fairness.
  2. Harris's economic agenda focuses on enhancing competition and creating job opportunities. These policies are seen as more beneficial for the country's overall economic health.
  3. In contrast, Trump's policies are viewed as harmful, leading to higher prices and greater inequality. Experts worry that his actions could jeopardize essential economic stability.

Will Biden Pardon Fauci?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 153 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Healthcare Public Policy Government Accountability Political Commentary
  1. Biden might pardon Fauci, who is accused of perjury for his statements about gain of function research. This could set a worrying example for future public health leaders.
  2. Fauci's handling of the pandemic included many controversial decisions, like his advice on masks and school closures. Many believe he didn't provide enough scientific backing for these decisions.
  3. Justice isn't just about punishment; it serves to deter future wrong actions. Pardoning Fauci could lead to more reckless behavior in health leadership during crises.

the new tribe

bad cattitude • 249 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Civil Liberties Public Policy
  1. Many people feel that current academic systems are failing because they prioritize ideology over objective truth. This has led to a loss of trust in experts and their qualifications.
  2. A new group of builders and creators is emerging, ready to take charge and restore trust and functionality in society. They want to replace ineffective leadership with practical solutions.
  3. The division in society, often caused by political and social issues, is now being recognized as manipulated to keep people fighting each other. A united approach is needed to advocate for freedom and a better future.

Mini Exasperation #5

Exasperated Infrastructures • 2 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Transportation Urban planning Civic engagement
  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.

Governmental Efficiency: What Can It Possibly Mean?

The Good Science Project • 167 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Public Policy Fiscal Responsibility
  1. Cutting a lot of government jobs might not really save much money. Most spending comes from bigger programs like Social Security and Medicare, not just employee salaries.
  2. Firing workers randomly can hurt important services that people rely on. Instead of cutting jobs, we should focus on fixing how agencies work to make them more efficient.
  3. There are better ways to improve government without just slashing budgets. Setting clear goals and using technology to make processes easier can lead to more meaningful changes.

Daft Spunk

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Public Policy Social Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. Many men are avoiding university because they feel outnumbered by women and see fewer opportunities for relationships. This trend reflects a change in the gender dynamics at schools.
  2. The university environment is increasingly seen as accommodating to women while being less appealing to men. This might lead men to pursue different paths for their careers.
  3. There are concerns about how the current educational focus on diversity and inclusion is affecting the overall representation of men in universities, possibly impacting future relationships and social dynamics.

When we lost our minds: Pt. 5 The Lessons Leamer Learned

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Housing Monetary Policy
  1. Housing is really important to the economy. It helps predict how the economy will do and often drives changes in it.
  2. The best time to step in and control the housing market is when construction is happening a lot and above normal levels. Waiting too long can cause problems.
  3. In areas like Los Angeles, even though people think there are too many homes, the reality is that many people are affected by rising rents and low construction rates.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political theory Management Regulation
  1. A government that does a few things well is better than one that tries to do many things poorly. When the government gets involved in too many areas, it often struggles to manage them effectively.
  2. The federal government acts like a big, clumsy business conglomerate. It has overlapping agencies and goals that conflict, making it hard to oversee and improve its work.
  3. When considering government interventions, we should expect them to be less effective than planned. This means we should rethink how much we ask the government to do and focus on making sure it does a few things really well.

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

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

Saturday Commentary and Review #178

Fisted by Foucault • 187 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Policy Political strategy Government Agencies International relations
  1. Elections in the USA are more complicated and possibly rigged than people think. There's a lot of doubt about whether they are truly fair and free, especially after events surrounding the 2020 election.
  2. Government agencies can sometimes act in ways that contradict their original missions, such as the case with ICE and drug trafficking operations. This shows a lack of coordination and oversight within government bodies.
  3. The idea of BRICS as a powerful alternative to Western financial systems isn't as strong as it seems. Current economic ties with the US make it hard for developing nations to shift away from the dollar.

January 20, 2025

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

Why housing shortages cause homelessness

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

The decline continues

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Policy Community Engagement Political culture
  1. People are feeling more demoralized and hopeless in their daily lives. This feeling is like a constant annoying noise that they can't ignore, affecting their mood.
  2. Everyday behavior and rules of civility are declining. There seems to be a lack of respect and common courtesy in public spaces, making it a more dangerous and frustrating environment.
  3. Many people don't seem to agree on following basic rules anymore. This breakdown of etiquette is leading to confusion and chaos in social interactions, like drivers not knowing how to handle intersections.

Mr. Witty Goes To Washington

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Corporate Influence Public Policy Legislation
  1. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, is facing tough questioning from Congress about a serious hacking incident that affected payments to doctors and hospitals. This is a crucial moment for him as lawmakers want clear answers.
  2. UnitedHealth's revenue has grown significantly, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. healthcare system. Witty might downplay the company’s size, but it has grown from $87.1 billion in 2009 to $371.6 billion last year.
  3. Witty may argue that the company’s large financial resources help in recovering from incidents like the hack. However, critics suggest that such wealth is a result of harmful business practices that strain healthcare providers.

An Appreciation of Joe Stiglitz

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Statistical Analysis Public Policy
  1. Markets work best when everyone has the same information, but that's rarely the case in reality. Stiglitz shows us how imperfect information affects economic decisions.
  2. Share-cropping has its own risks and benefits. It allows landlords to provide safety nets for tenants, but it can also limit tenants' work incentives.
  3. When companies pay higher wages, they can improve worker effort and reduce turnover. This is known as the efficiency wage theory, which explains why some businesses might choose to hire fewer employees at higher salaries.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 63 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Elections Political Analysis Identity politics Government Structure
  1. The 2024 presidential election brought a lot of focus on identity politics and its impact on candidates' success.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential risks of political changes affecting government stability and operations.
  3. Cuts to government programs are often oversimplified and can harm valuable services that people rely on.

The Dingularity 2024

Men Yell at Me • 531 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Satire Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Dingularity describes a situation where too many foolish leaders come together, creating chaos and losing meaning in the world. It's a funny way to highlight how absurd things can get in politics.
  2. The author jokingly points out that many questionable figures are being appointed to important positions. This reflects a mix of humor and frustration about the current political climate.
  3. Even amidst all the craziness, the author emphasizes the importance of laughter and not losing sight of joy while fighting for justice and freedom.

Disaffected: Episode 158

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Public Policy Healthcare Media
  1. There's a sense that many people in the West are out of touch with reality. This disconnect can lead to serious problems for society.
  2. President Biden is showing signs of memory issues, and this has been highlighted in a recent report. It raises concerns about his ability to remember important events.
  3. There are alarming trends in society, like extreme actions taken by some parents regarding their children's health. This suggests we may be facing significant social issues.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Capitalism Public Policy Patient rights
  1. People in the U.S. often face a tough experience with health insurance companies, which frequently deny care instead of helping patients. This differs a lot from the experiences in countries with socialized healthcare systems like Norway.
  2. For-profit health insurance companies prioritize their profits over patient care. This leads to a system where they often refuse necessary treatments, pushing patients into stressful battles just to receive care that should be available to them.
  3. Health insurance companies in the U.S. have little incentive to promote preventative care because they risk losing patients. In contrast, public health systems are designed to encourage preventive care, as healthier citizens reduce overall costs.

LA wildfires disinformation reveals limits of fact-checking

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

President Biden proposes $2,000-a-year limit on prescription drugs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Insurance Public Policy Government Action
  1. President Biden wants a yearly cap of $2,000 on prescription drug costs for everyone, not just seniors. This could help many people afford their necessary medications.
  2. This proposal builds on a previous law that already caps costs for Medicare recipients, showing a commitment to reducing healthcare expenses for all.
  3. The success of this plan relies on public support and overcoming resistance from insurance companies, who may argue it could lead to higher costs elsewhere.

Friday Funnies: While Rome Burns,

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

$10 Trillion Stolen Right Under Our Noses

COVID Reason • 1784 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy Public Policy Inflation Wealth Inequality Government spending
  1. Over $10 trillion was spent on the COVID-19 pandemic, with $6 trillion from CARES Act and $4 trillion from Biden's administration.
  2. Money was stolen through fraud and embezzlement during COVID relief, with the effects leading to inflation and societal wealth disparity.
  3. The spending spree due to the pandemic led to significant financial losses, missed opportunities, and wealth redistribution, impacting many aspects of people's lives.

Inequality is overwhelmingly between firms, not within

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
💰 Finance Income Inequality Corporate Structure Economic Theory Labor Market Public Policy
  1. Income inequality is mainly based on differences between companies, not just between workers in the same company. Some companies pay their workers a lot more than others, and that's a big part of why inequality has grown.
  2. About 40% of this inequality comes from workers choosing to work at different firms. The other 20% is because some firms are simply more productive or profitable than others.
  3. We should focus more on how many highly skilled workers are earning a lot overall, rather than just looking at top executives. More people than ever have high incomes, showing that there's great potential for those who can add value in the economy.

The existence of the monopsony model does not imply a minimum wage is optimal

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Theory Market Power Public Policy
  1. The monopsony model suggests there might be just one buyer for labor, which can create wage issues. However, just because this model exists doesn't mean we should automatically support a minimum wage.
  2. Implementing a minimum wage isn't straightforward because we can't easily measure supply and demand for labor. Different firms have different needs, making a one-size-fits-all wage unrealistic.
  3. Studies on minimum wage effects are mixed, but many show that while it can help some workers, it can also lead to slight job losses and reduced hours. It's also more complex than just raising pay; sometimes, directly giving support to people may be a better solution.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Social Issues Public Policy Government Accountability
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

Letter from Harvard

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

The Submission Chain

Thinking about... • 447 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political theory Public Policy International relations Political Movements
  1. Submission happens when people accept lies or narratives that aren't true, which can lead to a sense of division in politics. This creates a power dynamic where some feel they 'own' others by repeating these lies.
  2. There's a chain of submission that exists from Trump voters to Trump and then to leaders like Putin and Xi. This relationship suggests that the power structure affects how countries interact with each other, making America weaker.
  3. If the U.S. backs down on supporting Ukraine, it could embolden other countries like China. Supporting Ukraine is crucial not just for its sake but also for maintaining strength against potential threats globally.

January 18, 2025

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

Kamala Harris, Crayon Candidate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 192 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Candidates Elections Public Policy Media influence
  1. Kamala Harris often relies on scripted lines and rarely shows her own thoughts when interviewed. This makes it hard for her to respond to tougher, unexpected questions.
  2. During a recent debate, she struggled to explain key issues like immigration and her differences from Biden. It seemed like she was stuck on talking points against Trump rather than offering her own ideas.
  3. Harris appears to have multiple personalities when speaking, shifting between different styles but not genuinely expressing her stance. This raises questions about her readiness for the role she seeks.