The hottest Public Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Gender gaps run both ways: the data

Of Boys and Men • 198 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Gender gap measures should look at both sides, meaning they should assess disadvantages for both men and women. It's important to recognize that sometimes boys and men face challenges too.
  2. The Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR) is criticized for only measuring advantages of women and not recognizing when men are at a disadvantage. This can make it seem like a country is equal when it's not.
  3. There's a big gap in education where more women are enrolled in higher education than men, and this is often overlooked by current reports. A better understanding of these gaps can help in creating more effective policies.

Trump’s Big Bitcoin Bet. The Tyranny of Higher Ed. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 649 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Bitcoin is gaining acceptance and Congress is working on new laws to support it, which could change how we think about money. Many people believe in its future, beyond just a passing trend.
  2. There are serious issues in higher education that need fixing, and some leaders think it's time to change how universities operate to better serve students and taxpayers.
  3. Europe faces challenges with its aging population and declining traditions, leading to concerns about cultural and economic survival in the region.

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Policy
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

Inequality is overwhelmingly between firms, not within

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
💰 Finance 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.
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This Progressive Has a Plan to Win Trump’s Base. Steve Bannon Calls It ‘Brilliant.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1493 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Ro Khanna wants to connect with voters who feel ignored, especially those who support Trump. He believes he can win them over with the right message.
  2. There was a heated exchange between Khanna and J.D. Vance about a controversial figure who made racist comments. Khanna thinks it's important to discuss these issues openly.
  3. Khanna feels that the political climate should encourage respectful conversations rather than insults. He values honest dialogue over divisive arguments.

This Dystopia Depends On Hiding Inconvenient Truths

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Our society often ignores uncomfortable truths to maintain a sense of normalcy. This hiding helps keep people from realizing the suffering that exists in the world.
  2. Inconvenient realities, like waste disposal and poverty, are often pushed away from our view. By doing this, we avoid facing the consequences of our actions.
  3. The truth eventually comes to light. Sooner or later, we will have to confront the realities we've been avoiding and take responsibility for them.

Why I'm worried that Nigel Farage will break the British state

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The British government is in a tough spot right now, trying to balance a bad economy with pressure for more public spending. It is important to recognize that real change in policies and results takes time.
  2. There is cautious optimism that the government's current strategies, like planning reform, might help the economy grow in the future. However, there is still a chance that these strategies might not work well enough or quickly enough.
  3. The idea of Nigel Farage gaining power is concerning. It’s crucial to think ahead and address potential risks now, as there is a possibility he and his party could disrupt the political landscape significantly.

Grading the World's Shortest Manifesto

Cremieux Recueil • 1944 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The manifesto written by the killer does not support his actions and lacks logical reasoning. It fails to make a strong case for why he committed such a violent act.
  2. The killer misunderstands the U.S. healthcare system and its costs. Poor life expectancy in the U.S. is mostly due to factors unrelated to healthcare quality, like obesity and violence, rather than the system itself.
  3. Blaming 'corruption and greed' in the healthcare system oversimplifies complex issues. Good people can make bad choices in healthcare policy without being motivated by greed or corruption.

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 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.

Top Links 816 How the "Big Beautiful Bill" will cost lives. Dysprosium from the warlords of Myanmar. Factories in space. Popular archaeology and China's Great Wall.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The highest income earners in America have been spending more than the rising cost of living since 2019. This means they are better off than most people when it comes to their purchasing power.
  2. Dysprosium, a rare earth element, is connected to conflicts and power struggles in Myanmar, showing how resources can often come with a dark side.
  3. The idea of factories in space is becoming a possibility, hinting at new frontiers for manufacturing and technology beyond Earth.

Somalis gonna Somali

Unreported Truths • 93 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Somali social life is strongly organized around clans and kinship, with practices like cousin marriage and collective family loyalty shaping behavior.
  2. Large-scale resettlement of people from tribal societies can allow clan networks to re-form in diaspora, which may hinder civic integration and, in some cases, enable coordinated wrongdoing like the Minnesota fraud cases.
  3. Immigration policy should be cautious about admitting whole tribal groups en masse without safeguards, because doing so can preserve fragmented allegiances and make assimilation to rule-of-law institutions more difficult.

Is Anyone Worth A Billion Dollars? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There is a fierce competition to hire top AI experts, and some companies are paying massive sums for their skills. It's amazing to see AI professionals being offered contracts worth hundreds of millions or even billions.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg envisions creating AI companions that could really understand and assist us in our lives. People are curious about how this technology will work and what impact it will have on our daily living.
  3. Recent changes in Apple’s features might disrupt how political fundraising is done, possibly leading to changes in communication for politicians and their supporters.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 10, 2025: "California Fires and America's Competency Crisis"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1662 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Los Angeles is currently facing severe wildfires, and the situation is critical with no containment in sight. This highlights the growing threat of natural disasters in the area.
  2. The fires raise questions about the preparedness and response of local leaders and public services. Many believe that better planning and resources could have helped manage this disaster.
  3. While some attribute these fires to climate change, it's essential to recognize the area's historical vulnerability to wildfires. There are lessons to be learned about living in disaster-prone regions and the responsibilities of local government.

Adam Carolla is Wrong

Points And Figures • 1678 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Better forest management could help prevent severe wildfires. It involves clearing brush and controlled burns instead of just letting nature take its course.
  2. People who lost their homes in California fires are unlikely to change their political beliefs. Their deep-rooted views will not easily shift, regardless of the changes happening around them.
  3. Democrats typically expand government to solve problems, while Republicans lean toward private sector solutions. This difference affects how cities like San Francisco and New York handle their issues.

Can the Fed Keep Its Independence? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 542 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Federal Reserve has maintained its independence despite pressure from President Trump. This is important for maintaining stable financial policies.
  2. A Democrat is proposing a law to remove older members of Congress if they show signs of senility, sparking discussions about age and leadership in politics.
  3. Comparisons between blue and red states reveal differences in governance and efficiency, highlighting how regulations can impact everyday activities.

Deceitful Messages, Scarcity, American Abyss

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Couples in America spend less quality time together than they did 50 years ago. Many of them don't do activities like meals or outings together anymore.
  2. Men's noses are generally bigger than women's due to puberty, which helps provide more oxygen for larger muscles. It's a small but interesting difference between the sexes.
  3. People feel happiest when they're making progress on meaningful goals that feel achievable. It's important to aim for goals that provide purpose without being too overwhelming.

Is this the secret plan to build HS2 to Manchester?

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. HS2 has been delayed, pushing its opening date to likely between 2036 and 2039. Problems with timelines and costs have caused this setback.
  2. Former Crossrail CEO Mark Wild is now in charge of HS2 and is working on resetting the project to get it back on track.
  3. There may be some hope for the HS2 leg to Manchester, which was cancelled, as new developments suggest it could be revived.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Heroes, Radicals, and Gen-Z’s Hottest Show

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. There was a major flooding disaster in Texas that claimed over 120 lives. Many believed it was avoidable because the area had a history of such floods and lacked proper warning systems.
  2. The consulting industry might be declining due to government cost-cutting and advancements in AI. This change could reshape how businesses operate and affect many jobs.
  3. Elon Musk is starting a new political party, but not many people are taking it seriously. Analysts think there are big challenges ahead for his political ambitions.

Public records suggest name and luxury residence of CIA's Manila chief of station

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 549 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Public records show that Peter Enzminger is the CIA's chief of station in Manila, staying at a luxury hotel called Raffles Makati. This suggests a high-profile role in U.S. intelligence.
  2. Enzminger previously served as Amman's CIA chief, using a cover as a Regional Affairs Officer. This indicates a history in key positions within the agency.
  3. The CIA has a practice of keeping officers’ identities under wraps while using diplomatic covers, highlighting the ongoing need for secrecy in intelligence work.

It’s Not Just Kay Granger. All of Congress Is an Old Age Home.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old congresswoman, is living in an assisted care facility while still serving in Congress. This raises questions about the ability of elderly politicians to effectively represent their constituents.
  2. Many older members in Congress may not be fully engaged or capable of performing their duties. This situation suggests a broader issue with age and effectiveness within government.
  3. There are calls for reevaluation of compensation for lawmakers who are not actively participating in their work as public representatives. This brings up the debate about taxpayer money and how it's spent on elected officials.

Stock Investing for Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 134 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Michael and Susan Dell are donating $250 savings accounts for up to 25 million children to create starter savings for kids.
  2. They limit eligibility to zip codes with median incomes under $150,000 to avoid the wealthiest areas, but that threshold still covers most of the country and is well above the national median income.
  3. The government savings program the donation supplements is structured so upper‑middle and middle‑class families benefit far more than working‑class or poor families, making the policy design the bigger equity problem.

Minnesota, Fraud, and Selfishness

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 34 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The Minnesota fraud case exposed massive government incompetence and waste, with billions of taxpayer dollars funneled to criminals because oversight was weak.
  2. Profit-driven private companies tend to cut waste and reward efficiency, while government lacks clear success measures and so often tolerates complacency.
  3. When selfish fraudsters meet apathetic officials, institutional incentives fail and large-scale theft goes unchecked, so fixing incentives is essential to prevent future abuse.

We Must Return to the Classical Black American Tradition

Journal of Free Black Thought • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. A post–civil rights ideological shift toward neo-Marxist and socialist-influenced, state-managed solutions prioritized social engineering over community-building, which encouraged dependency and weakened families, churches, and local order.
  2. Progressive, technocratic city governance and a permanent political class have managed chronic poverty while elites opt out with private schooling, leaving public schools to focus more on ideology than on basic literacy and vocational skills, which deepens stagnation.
  3. The proposed remedy is a return to the classical Black American tradition—combining traditional Christian ethics with free-market enterprise and Booker T. Washington’s emphasis on economic self-reliance and moral development—to restore dignity, stability, and prosperity.

The LVT Landscape #1: Movement Across the U.S.

Progress and Poverty • 1270 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Land value tax (LVT) is becoming popular in various states in the U.S. as a way to manage property taxes more fairly.
  2. Cities like Baltimore and Spokane are making efforts to adopt LVT to deal with issues like vacant properties and encourage development.
  3. Legislation supporting LVT is being introduced and discussed in places like Minnesota and New York, indicating growing interest in this tax reform.

How the government successfully spun the Daily Mail (Odds and Ends #73)

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The government managed to turn a tough situation into positive news by influencing the Daily Mail's reporting. It's interesting to see how media can shape public perception.
  2. Creative destruction is important for rebuilding Britain, and it will be key for Starmer's vision. Embracing change can lead to growth and improvement for communities.
  3. There's a fascinating story about a council leader who still lives with his mum, which highlights unique personal circumstances in politics. It's a reminder that leaders are also individuals with their own lives.

AI and the Future of Freedom

OpenTheBooks Substack • 124 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. AI is going to keep advancing, so we should focus on shaping it to expand individual freedom rather than trying to stop it.
  2. Training AI on large government spending datasets can give citizens real-time tools to spot waste, fraud, and bad policy and hold officials accountable.
  3. AI’s power in pattern recognition and prediction (as seen in areas like protein mapping) can be applied to public policy to make debate smarter and improve government efficiency.

Horrifying, Sickening, Stomach Turning

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. The government and organizations like the CIA may manipulate events for their own goals, which often harms ordinary people. It's important to question their motives and actions.
  2. Many people believe that the push for electric cars is more about control than the environment. This raises concerns about privacy and autonomy.
  3. There's a strong belief that the current system doesn't respect citizens’ freedoms or rights, and some feel it needs a complete overhaul to truly serve the people.

Yes, Kevin Hassett Would Be a Very Bed Fed Chair

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 453 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kevin Hassett is seen as untrustworthy because he often promotes misleading or false information for personal gain. People believe he shouldn't be in a position of power like the Federal Reserve Chair.
  2. In the past, Hassett made bold claims about the stock market that turned out to be incorrect. This history makes many economists skeptical of his insights.
  3. Despite his controversial reputation, Hassett has continued to maintain a career in politics, which suggests that some influential people appreciate his willingness to say whatever suits their interests.

Top Links 801 Is a decade of American exceptionalism coming to an end? The stages of China's real estate grief. Saving Rococo from Trump & the "Age of Hard Trying.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. American exceptionalism might be ending, with shifts in economic power becoming apparent. This means that the U.S. may not be the dominant force it used to be.
  2. China's real estate market is going through tough times, which impacts its economy and global standing. The struggles they face could have wider effects on the world economy.
  3. There are cultural challenges, like the presidency of Trump, that affect creativity and artistic expression in society. People are trying to find ways to preserve and celebrate their culture amidst these challenges.

The Owner of the LA Times Takes the Red Pill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1326 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
  2. The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
  3. Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.

ICE is melting

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. California enrolled about 1.6 million undocumented people in Medi‑Cal with few eligibility limits, costing Americans nearly $10 billion a year, and that spending issue is getting little attention.
  2. The administration sharply cut illegal southern border crossings, especially by families, but heavy‑handed ICE tactics, misleading official statements, and resulting protests and deaths have undermined that success.
  3. Most Americans support a tough immigration stance short of unlimited sanctuary, and a workable path (like fines and legal stays for long‑term noncriminal residents), plus better ICE training and stricter rules of engagement, could deescalate the crisis and refocus the debate.

Cities Panic Over Having to Release Mass Surveillance Recordings

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 175 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Flock cameras do more than just read license plates; they capture detailed information about vehicles and even people. This technology raises privacy concerns because it records everything in sight.
  2. A recent court ruling declared that data from Flock cameras is public, causing cities to panic and deactivate them. Officials are worried about the implications of revealing this surveillance data.
  3. While the public may be monitored by these cameras, officials and the wealthy often want to keep their own activities hidden. This creates a troubling double standard in surveillance practices.

Gov. Spencer Cox on boys and men

Of Boys and Men • 63 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Men and boys often need strong anchors—work, family, faith, and community—to give them purpose and stability, and male role models in schools, churches, and civic groups matter a lot.
  2. Most men are doing okay, but a meaningful minority lack a clear sense of purpose and face serious mental-health risks, including high suicide rates, so targeted support is needed.
  3. Practical, nonpartisan solutions—like more vocational pathways and apprenticeships, more male teachers and mentors, fatherhood support, and male-friendly services to re-engage men in education—can help address these problems.

Pete Hegseth Shows His Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1414 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the military's focus back to combat readiness by prioritizing fleet rebuilding over climate initiatives. He believes efficiency in warfare should come first.
  2. He plans to reverse the firing of service members who didn't take the Covid vaccine, promising to reinstate them with their pay and rank. This shows his stance against the previous policies.
  3. The confirmation hearing was heated, with accusations against Hegseth raised by Democrats. However, Republican support made it likely that he would be confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

Democrats Need a Mamdani-Type to Win

The Novelleist • 564 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Democrats need a strong candidate who can rally a movement and offer bold ideas, not just stick to traditional policies. It's important to connect with the public's desire for change.
  2. There are different types of Democrats, like social Democrats who focus on big social issues and abundance Democrats who want to build infrastructure. They should work together instead of fighting against each other.
  3. Simply having good policies isn't enough to win elections. Candidates need to create a strong vision for the future that resonates with people, especially when facing strong opponents.

Documentary Exposes Politics Trumping Science in Child Transgender Medicine

The DisInformation Chronicle • 440 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Medical decisions about transgender treatments for kids can be influenced more by politics than by solid science. It's important to look closely at the evidence behind these treatments.
  2. In the U.S., the healthcare system has a profit motive that can lead to quick decisions without thorough evaluations, which is different from some European approaches.
  3. Media coverage of transgender medicine can be inconsistent, sometimes highlighting the lack of evidence but then later suggesting there's a broad agreement on its benefits. This makes it hard for the public to understand the real facts.

Justin Yifu Lin warns U.S. AI bubble will burst in 5 years, causing another international crisis

Pekingnology • 120 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Experts believe the AI boom in the U.S. could lead to a financial crisis, similar to what happened in 2008. If the AI bubble bursts, it could have a big impact on the global economy.
  2. China is encouraged to change its economic policies to boost growth. By investing more in technology and infrastructure, China can improve its economy and overcome challenges from the U.S.
  3. Some common beliefs about China's slow growth, like blaming state-owned companies or an aging population, are seen as misunderstandings. The real issues are weak global demand and restrictive technology access from the U.S.

Meet Kemi Badenoch, New Tory Leader and Would-Be Thatcher. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1576 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy
  1. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the UK Conservatives and faces big challenges after her party's recent losses. She wants to fix her party and bring back traditional values to revive the UK economy.
  2. Badenoch sees herself as a defender of classic liberal values, which she believes are under threat. She wants to protect ideas like free speech and the rule of law from progressive ideologies.
  3. Angela Merkel's legacy is viewed negatively now compared to eight years ago, with critics pointing to her policies as contributing to Europe's issues today. Her memoir tries to explain her controversial decisions during her time in office.