The hottest Regulatory issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Inside the Interconnection Queue

Construction Physics • 27559 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Infrastructure Renewable Energy Regulatory issues Economic Impact
  1. There are currently over 11,000 energy projects waiting to connect to the US electrical grid, with a total capacity that is nearly double what currently exists. This shows a huge demand for new power sources.
  2. The waiting time for projects has increased to over 5 years, causing delays in getting new energy infrastructure built. This bottleneck is a significant issue for the growth of renewable energy projects.
  3. Most upcoming projects are focused on renewable energy like solar, wind, and batteries, representing around 90% of planned capacity. This shift highlights a strong move towards cleaner energy across many states.

Birth-rate worriers should care about housing deregulation

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Growth Regulatory issues Public Policy
  1. Housing regulations make it hard to build new homes, which can affect birth rates. If it's easier to build, families may feel more comfortable having more children.
  2. Economic growth is slowed down by strict housing rules. Reforming these rules in certain cities could boost the economy and increase workers' earnings.
  3. Different groups see housing issues in various ways. It's important to find common ground to make big changes in housing policy.

Think Stabilized Spike is Bad? Meet Replicon mRNA Vaccines. They are So Bad, We Predict FDA Will Posture for Public Trust on These.

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Trust Regulatory issues Public Health Biotechnology
  1. Replicon mRNA vaccines have the ability to replicate inside the body, which could lead to unknown risks and side effects. This uncontrolled replication raises concerns about overstimulating the immune system or causing mutations.
  2. Protests in Japan highlight public fear and skepticism surrounding self-replicating vaccines. Many people are worried about the lack of long-term safety data and want more transparency from health officials.
  3. How Japan handles this new vaccine could influence other countries' decisions. Regulatory bodies worldwide need to balance innovation with public safety and trust to avoid backlash and promote acceptance.

A review of Charles Piller’s Doctored

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Research Ethics Public Health Alzheimer's Disease Regulatory issues
  1. Fraud and bad research have hurt Alzheimer's studies for years. Some scientists faked results, leading to wasted money and efforts chasing non-existent breakthroughs.
  2. Many findings in Alzheimer's research, like the amyloid hypothesis, have not led to effective treatments. This shows that simply following popular theories can mislead researchers away from better solutions.
  3. The issues in research go beyond fraud; they include the way studies are designed and published. Negative results are often ignored, which can cause scientists to miss important information and keep searching down the wrong paths.

Norway’s Wealth Tax Is Backfiring. Are Americans Paying Attention?

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 277 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economic Impact Wealth Inequality Regulatory issues
  1. Norway's increased wealth tax led to many rich people leaving the country. This departure caused the government to lose significant income.
  2. The wealth tax was supposed to bring in more money, but it ended up costing the government much more than expected. The wealthy took their money elsewhere, leaving a big gap in revenue.
  3. Similar wealth tax proposals are being considered in the U.S., but if they mirror Norway's experience, they could drive wealthy individuals out of the country too.
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The Bear Cave #257

The Bear Cave • 396 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Regulatory issues Activism
  1. Activist reports are highlighting possible financial issues with several companies, suggesting they may not be as strong as they claim.
  2. Recent executive resignations at various companies indicate instability and potential challenges within their leadership.
  3. The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking action against Southwest Airlines for their ongoing delays, showing the importance of accountability in the travel industry.

Repeal the Jones Act of 1920

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3494 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Trade policy Regulatory issues National Security Economic Impact
  1. The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, restricts shipping between U.S. ports to American-built and operated ships, but it has led to a decline in U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trade. After a century, the country ships very little between its own ports, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
  2. Repealing the Jones Act could significantly reduce shipping costs, increase trade, and boost the economy. It would create more jobs and provide essential supplies more efficiently during emergencies, which often cannot be met due to current shipping constraints.
  3. Opponents of the Jones Act argue that it protects a limited number of jobs at the expense of overall economic growth. They believe that allowing competition from foreign ships would enhance the maritime industry and lead to better outcomes for consumers and the economy as a whole.

Roblox’s Hindenburg moment

SuperJoost Playlist • 238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Tech Companies Market Trends Regulatory issues
  1. A financial report claims Roblox might have been lying about its user numbers, saying they inflate how many people really play the game each day.
  2. The report also points out safety issues for kids, saying Roblox doesn't do enough to protect young users from inappropriate content and predators.
  3. Lastly, there's a concern that Roblox could struggle to grow due to reaching most of its potential markets, which might affect its future profits.

Even More Problems at B. Riley (RILY)

The Bear Cave • 303 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Stock Analysis Investment strategy Regulatory issues
  1. B. Riley has serious issues linked to fraud allegations, which have harmed its reputation and led to a significant stock drop.
  2. The company's inability to file its financial reports has raised even more red flags about its stability.
  3. These troubles at B. Riley could also negatively impact CBIZ Inc, hinting at wider concerns in the market.

RealPage, Collusion, and Rents: Part 4

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Housing Market Regulatory issues Market Competition Political Commentary
  1. The software used by landlords to set rents has been blamed for rising rental costs. However, it's only responsible for a small fraction of the rent increases compared to other factors like low housing supply.
  2. Many cities are reacting to rising rents by trying to legislate against the software, even though it has a low market share in the most expensive areas. This means other bigger issues are being ignored.
  3. People need to reassess their economic beliefs and focus on more significant causes of high rents, rather than getting fixated on algorithms and large corporations, which may not be the main problem.

The Bear Cave #245

The Bear Cave • 653 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Regulatory issues Economic Trends
  1. New reports are raising serious concerns about several companies, including Hershey, which was found to have harmful chemicals in its products. This could impact its reputation and sales.
  2. Several high-profile executives have recently resigned from their positions at major companies, suggesting possible instability or issues within those organizations.
  3. There are calls for caution when it comes to tweeting about stocks, as public opinions and statements can significantly affect market perceptions and investments.

The Bear Cave #243

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Corporate Governance Market Analysis Investment Strategies Regulatory issues
  1. Roblox has been accused of inflating its user numbers by including fake accounts and bots. This has raised safety concerns, especially regarding child safety on the platform.
  2. There have been multiple recent resignations of CFOs from various companies, often after short tenures. This may indicate instability or issues within those organizations.
  3. Some companies are being investigated for their marketing practices, including the use of questionable data sources for email campaigns. This raises questions about ethical business practices.

Coinbase Q4 2023 Earnings

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Investing Market Analysis Regulatory issues Financial Strategies
  1. Coinbase made a profit of $273 million in Q4 2023 after struggling for two years, thanks to cost-cutting and increased trading volume. This shows that the company has bounced back from a tough period.
  2. Many retail and institutional investors are returning to Coinbase, with retail transaction revenue jumping 79% from the previous quarter. Coinbase is gaining market share in the crypto trading space.
  3. Coinbase is on track for potential inclusion in the S&P 500, which could lead to even more attention and investment. This would be a big deal for the company and the crypto market.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Mandates Regulatory issues
  1. RFK Jr. could be pushed out of the healthcare conversation because he is anti-corporation. Many pharmaceutical companies might not want him involved due to his stance.
  2. He wants to change how vaccine makers are protected from lawsuits, suggesting they should face accountability like other drug companies. This could lead to better safety practices in vaccines.
  3. The current healthcare system is seen as corrupt and ineffective. There's a need for deeper reforms and better studies to ensure drug and vaccine safety.

New reports detail UnitedHealth's latest acquisitions under shady pretenses

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Industry Acquisitions Regulatory issues Financial impact
  1. UnitedHealth is buying a lot of clinics, especially in areas where it already has many Medicare Advantage members. This helps them earn more money from the government.
  2. As UnitedHealth grows, it doesn't have to publicly announce many of its deals. This means they can make several acquisitions without much notice to shareholders.
  3. The company seems to be taking advantage of crises in healthcare, such as when a recent hack affected doctors’ payments, by pushing through acquisitions that profit them during tough times.

GameStopped

The Dollar Endgame • 439 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Market Manipulation Regulatory issues
  1. In January 2021, the GameStop ($GME) stock price experienced extreme volatility and a significant price surge, shedding light on underlying issues in the stock market.
  2. The situation revealed how shorting mechanisms were exploited, with the stock being sold significantly beyond its float, and the impact of large institutions and financial media favoring institutional interests over retail investors.
  3. The events with GameStop highlighted the complex interactions between retail investors, short sellers, brokers, and clearinghouses, ultimately leading to regulatory scrutiny and uncovering the reality of market dynamics.

More Problems at B. Riley (RILY)

The Bear Cave • 653 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investigation Stocks Auditing Fraud Regulatory issues
  1. The Bear Cave has raised concerns about B. Riley's ties and financial exposure to an accused fraudster, Brian Kahn, as well as regulatory and disclosure issues at the company.
  2. Short seller Marc Cohodes referred to B. Riley as the "biggest pound-for-pound financial fraud" he has seen.
  3. New evidence presented by The Bear Cave includes a potential departure of B. Riley's audit engagement partner, contradicting statements about a loan to Brian Kahn, and engagement of outside counsel by B. Riley's auditor in response to concerns.

India Stumbles

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Corporate Governance Regulatory issues Economic Impact
  1. Gautam Adani, once the richest person in India, faced huge financial losses after allegations of stock market manipulation. His companies' value dropped by $123 billion, leading to skepticism among investors.
  2. The Adani scandal impacts not just him but also India's reputation and raises concerns about its stock market regulations. Political opposition is demanding investigations into his business practices.
  3. This situation highlights the problems caused by the use of offshore entities in business and the need for greater corporate transparency. It underscores the risk of financial crises affecting India's economic growth and stability.

How Moderna hid the death of a child in a Covid vaccine clinical trial - even as it seemed to disclose the trial's results

Unreported Truths • 45 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Clinical Trials Public Health Health Policy Regulatory issues
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, but the company didn't report it properly. This raised concerns about transparency in vaccine testing.
  2. Moderna published trial results that excluded details about the child's death, which created confusion about the safety of their vaccines for children.
  3. The company has not provided further details about the child's health condition or the circumstances of the death, leaving important questions unanswered.

Sam Wants Your Coins - Alameda / Voyager Update

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Digital Assets Market Trends Regulatory issues
  1. Voyager has a plan to repay customers by giving them back some cryptocurrency, but they also offer the choice to take equity in the new Voyager. This could mean more coins available for others to receive.
  2. Alameda's proposal is to only pay customers the USD value of their cryptocurrency on a specific date, not the actual coins. This is seen by some as potentially unfair if crypto prices change.
  3. There are other interested buyers for Voyager, and rushing a deal could limit the best options for customers. More competition among buyers might lead to better payouts for those affected.

The Takada paper shows very clearly that the COVID vaccines are not safe

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Safety concerns Pharmaceuticals Regulatory issues
  1. The Takada paper suggests that there are very high risks of myocarditis associated with the COVID vaccines, especially with Moderna, which has an alarming ROR of 54.
  2. This data raises concerns about the overall safety of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, indicating they have significant issues compared to other drugs.
  3. Health authorities are not providing adequate information about these risks, and there are calls for more transparency regarding the vaccine's safety profile.

California's insurance crisis: the cash cow slowing climate adaptation

Greg’s Sometimes Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Insurance Policy Climate change Consumer Advocacy Regulatory issues
  1. California has a serious homeowners insurance crisis because many companies aren't selling new policies. This makes it difficult for people to protect their homes.
  2. The problem is linked to climate change and old rules from 1988 that limit how insurance companies can calculate rates. These rules block new methods like predictive modeling that could help assess risks better.
  3. There's a push for change, but some groups are fighting it because they benefit from the old system. This means homeowners may face higher insurance costs, but having insurance is still better than having none.

II. Why did it happen?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 08
💰 Finance Market Trends Risk management Regulatory issues
  1. People often become overly optimistic when times are good, which can lead to financial bubbles. There's a pattern throughout history of underestimating risk when things are going well.
  2. The problem with risk in financial markets is that those who take the risks often don't bear the consequences. This creates a disconnect that needs to be addressed.
  3. To improve the system, we should change how financial rewards are structured. Bonuses should be based on long-term performance, not just short bursts of profit.

Bond Ratings: Why, how and what next?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 09
💰 Finance Bond Markets Credit Risk Investment Analysis Regulatory issues Bond Markets Credit Risk Investment Analysis Market Regulation Financial Institutions
  1. Bond ratings help investors understand the credit risk of borrowing companies. Ratings agencies provide this information because individual investors often lack the knowledge to assess it themselves.
  2. Bond rating changes can affect market prices, but often prices react before the rating changes happen. This shows that while ratings are useful, they can be slow to reflect current risks.
  3. Though there are concerns about conflict of interest because ratings agencies are paid by the companies they rate, it's important to recognize that many factors contribute to bond performance, not just these ratings.