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In Aviation Policy News, Robert Poole examines the gap between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s air traffic control staffing claims and the actual numbers, raising questions about air travel safety.
Aviation Policy News: Air traffic controller staffing and resignation claims - Reason Foundation
Plus: How air traffic control reforms are described, the costs of modernization, and more.
reason.org
December 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
In Aviation Policy News, Robert Poole examines the gap between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s air traffic control staffing claims and the actual numbers, raising questions about air travel safety.
A new Oregon study shows significant mental health gains from legal, supervised psilocybin therapy. As federal agencies review the psychedelic’s Schedule I status, these early results strengthen the case for legal access to safe and regulated psilocybin treatment.
New study details how legal psychedelic services can treat depression, anxiety
A new study has found notable improvements in mental health among participants who underwent legal, supervised sessions with psychedelics in Oregon.
reason.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A new Oregon study shows significant mental health gains from legal, supervised psilocybin therapy. As federal agencies review the psychedelic’s Schedule I status, these early results strengthen the case for legal access to safe and regulated psilocybin treatment.
Minimum lot size laws make it illegal, or too costly, to build smaller, more affordable homes.
Reforming these laws can help unlock starter homes, ease the housing crunch, and give people more options.
Reforming these laws can help unlock starter homes, ease the housing crunch, and give people more options.
Mandating inefficiency: minimum lot size regulation and housing
Excessive land use restrictions are a primary contributor to the ongoing housing crisis, and minimum lot size regulations are among the most pervasive.
reason.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Minimum lot size laws make it illegal, or too costly, to build smaller, more affordable homes.
Reforming these laws can help unlock starter homes, ease the housing crunch, and give people more options.
Reforming these laws can help unlock starter homes, ease the housing crunch, and give people more options.
San Diegans are already feeling the squeeze from pension debt and rising costs. Now, instead of reforming how the city operates, officials are asking for even more in taxes and fees.
Before burdening residents further, the city should give proven solutions, like managed competition, another shot.
Before burdening residents further, the city should give proven solutions, like managed competition, another shot.
San Diego’s government needs more competition, not more taxes
San Diego’s rising pension costs and mounting long-term debt are creating significant budget pressures that have city officials turning to tax and fee increases.
reason.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
San Diegans are already feeling the squeeze from pension debt and rising costs. Now, instead of reforming how the city operates, officials are asking for even more in taxes and fees.
Before burdening residents further, the city should give proven solutions, like managed competition, another shot.
Before burdening residents further, the city should give proven solutions, like managed competition, another shot.
This harm reduction framework can help leaders design thoughtful, collaborative solutions to public health, education, housing, transportation, and justice problems and meet people where they are to build systems that heal rather than harm.
Read the full guide here:
Read the full guide here:
Interdisciplinary harm reduction: A practical guide
The goal is to identify where policies may be incongruent, such as through gaps in care, conflicting mandates, or fragmented accountability, and to design coordinated responses that reduce those…
reason.org
December 6, 2025 at 12:44 AM
This harm reduction framework can help leaders design thoughtful, collaborative solutions to public health, education, housing, transportation, and justice problems and meet people where they are to build systems that heal rather than harm.
Read the full guide here:
Read the full guide here:
Teachers are the heart of our education system, yet their pay hasn’t kept pace—even as school funding has grown. Structural costs like pension debt and non-teaching staff have crowded out raises. To truly value educators, we need reforms that put students and great teachers first.
Why teacher salaries are stagnant
That teachers’ wages have stagnated over two decades of growth in public school funding highlights deep structural problems in K–12 finance.
reason.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Teachers are the heart of our education system, yet their pay hasn’t kept pace—even as school funding has grown. Structural costs like pension debt and non-teaching staff have crowded out raises. To truly value educators, we need reforms that put students and great teachers first.
The WHO wants countries to regulate or ban e-cigarettes and treat them like cigarettes, even though safer alternatives like vaping are helping millions quit. In low- and middle-income countries, where quit tools are scarce, this approach could keep more people smoking and dying needlessly.
Why the World Health Organization's anti-nicotine policy could keep millions smoking
If these recommendations are put in place, they could discourage millions of smokers from switching to safer alternatives.
reason.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:19 AM
The WHO wants countries to regulate or ban e-cigarettes and treat them like cigarettes, even though safer alternatives like vaping are helping millions quit. In low- and middle-income countries, where quit tools are scarce, this approach could keep more people smoking and dying needlessly.
A new federal housing bill offers support to communities working to ease the housing crisis—through research, guidance, and grants aimed at zoning reform.
But real, lasting change will still depend on local and state leaders removing the barriers that keep homes out of reach for too many families.
But real, lasting change will still depend on local and state leaders removing the barriers that keep homes out of reach for too many families.
The ROAD to Housing Act carries promise but risks bureaucratic expansion
While this approach may seem like a balanced first step, it raises important questions about how far federal agencies should go in shaping local decisions.
reason.org
December 5, 2025 at 12:36 AM
A new federal housing bill offers support to communities working to ease the housing crisis—through research, guidance, and grants aimed at zoning reform.
But real, lasting change will still depend on local and state leaders removing the barriers that keep homes out of reach for too many families.
But real, lasting change will still depend on local and state leaders removing the barriers that keep homes out of reach for too many families.
This Surface Transportation Innovations newsletter looks at the escalating costs of the proposed Key Bridge replacement, Spain’s challenges paying for highways after removing tolls, new high-speed rail cost estimates and more.
Surface Transportation News: Key Bridge replacement costs soar - Reason Foundation
Plus: Fixing the Highway Trust Fund, Spain de-tolls motorways resulting in problems, and more.
reason.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:24 AM
This Surface Transportation Innovations newsletter looks at the escalating costs of the proposed Key Bridge replacement, Spain’s challenges paying for highways after removing tolls, new high-speed rail cost estimates and more.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont recently proposed to use state pension funds to buy stakes in the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
Mariana Trujillo argues that turning pensions into political tools undermines both financial performance and fiduciary duty.
Mariana Trujillo argues that turning pensions into political tools undermines both financial performance and fiduciary duty.
December 1, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont recently proposed to use state pension funds to buy stakes in the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
Mariana Trujillo argues that turning pensions into political tools undermines both financial performance and fiduciary duty.
Mariana Trujillo argues that turning pensions into political tools undermines both financial performance and fiduciary duty.
Across the country, state and local governments are facing more than $6 trillion in debt, a burden that increasingly diverts money away from essential services and puts upward pressure on taxes.
December 1, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Across the country, state and local governments are facing more than $6 trillion in debt, a burden that increasingly diverts money away from essential services and puts upward pressure on taxes.
Our model Veterans Mental Health Innovations Act lets states join forces to research ibogaine—a promising but restricted treatment for PTSD and brain injury.
The multistate model cuts costs, avoids red tape, and keeps research benefits local, offering hope for veterans.
The multistate model cuts costs, avoids red tape, and keeps research benefits local, offering hope for veterans.
New model legislation would authorize groundbreaking ibogaine research
Growing research has demonstrated the promise of ibogaine in treating a wide range of intractable conditions, which could benefit veterans.
reason.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Our model Veterans Mental Health Innovations Act lets states join forces to research ibogaine—a promising but restricted treatment for PTSD and brain injury.
The multistate model cuts costs, avoids red tape, and keeps research benefits local, offering hope for veterans.
The multistate model cuts costs, avoids red tape, and keeps research benefits local, offering hope for veterans.
This month’s Reason Foundation’s Pension Reform Newsletter explores how rising pension costs are fueled by mounting debt and how states like Ohio, California, and Florida are confronting the long-term challenges of funding their retirement systems. ⬇️
Pension Reform News: Reason analysis shows debt drives the rise in pension costs - Reason Foundation
Plus: Ohio bill would advance shared pension responsibility, Florida has decades to go before fully funding benefits, and more.
reason.org
November 27, 2025 at 12:13 AM
This month’s Reason Foundation’s Pension Reform Newsletter explores how rising pension costs are fueled by mounting debt and how states like Ohio, California, and Florida are confronting the long-term challenges of funding their retirement systems. ⬇️
Between 2002 and 2023, California’s public school funding increased by nearly 80%, rising from $14,526 per student to $25,941 per student after adjusting for inflation.
Yet, despite this dramatic increase in spending, test scores have largely stalled or worsened.
Yet, despite this dramatic increase in spending, test scores have largely stalled or worsened.
Southern California school districts spend big, but student outcomes have barely budged
California's per student spending increased by nearly 79 percent between 2002 and 2023.
reason.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Between 2002 and 2023, California’s public school funding increased by nearly 80%, rising from $14,526 per student to $25,941 per student after adjusting for inflation.
Yet, despite this dramatic increase in spending, test scores have largely stalled or worsened.
Yet, despite this dramatic increase in spending, test scores have largely stalled or worsened.
Scandals like the one allegedly involving NBA player Terry Rozier may seem like proof that betting hurts the integrity of the game. But in reality, legalized betting helps catch misconduct thanks to monitoring, reporting, and cooperation with leagues, law enforcement and sportsbooks.
Legal sports betting didn't create corruption. It exposed it
Banning sports betting so that it falls exclusively into the hands of criminals and offshore platforms won’t eliminate corruption; it may very well worsen it.
reason.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Scandals like the one allegedly involving NBA player Terry Rozier may seem like proof that betting hurts the integrity of the game. But in reality, legalized betting helps catch misconduct thanks to monitoring, reporting, and cooperation with leagues, law enforcement and sportsbooks.
In 2024, national test scores were lower than in 2003 across most subjects—even after a 36% rise in per‑student spending since 2002 and infusion of $190 billion in pandemic relief funding. Policymakers need to make reforms so our education dollars actually help students learn.
K-12 Education Spending Spotlight 2025: Annual public school spending nears $1 trillion
Eight states spend more than $25,000 per student: New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island and Hawaii. Public school enrollment fell in 39 states from 2020…
reason.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:43 PM
In 2024, national test scores were lower than in 2003 across most subjects—even after a 36% rise in per‑student spending since 2002 and infusion of $190 billion in pandemic relief funding. Policymakers need to make reforms so our education dollars actually help students learn.
Between 2020 and 2023, California recorded the largest per-student spending increase in the nation—a jump of 31.5%. Yet despite this historic funding surge, the state lost more than 318,000 students. Instead of scaling down, California added 3,400 non-teaching staff.
Read more in our new report:
Read more in our new report:
K-12 Education Spending Spotlight 2025: Annual public school spending nears $1 trillion
Eight states spend more than $25,000 per student: New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island and Hawaii. Public school enrollment fell in 39 states from 2020…
reason.org
November 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Between 2020 and 2023, California recorded the largest per-student spending increase in the nation—a jump of 31.5%. Yet despite this historic funding surge, the state lost more than 318,000 students. Instead of scaling down, California added 3,400 non-teaching staff.
Read more in our new report:
Read more in our new report:
The FTC’s loss in its case against Meta marks a clear setback for antitrust regulators, suggesting they currently lack a strong legal foundation to prove that major digital platforms like Meta are operating as illegal monopolies.
Federal Trade Commission fails to convince judge that Meta monopolizes social media
In its zeal to punish Big Tech, the Federal Trade Commission stuck to a market definition that became more obsolete with every year.
reason.org
November 22, 2025 at 12:44 AM
The FTC’s loss in its case against Meta marks a clear setback for antitrust regulators, suggesting they currently lack a strong legal foundation to prove that major digital platforms like Meta are operating as illegal monopolies.
The K-12 Education Spending Spotlight finds New York spends the most per student at $36,976, followed by New Jersey at $30,267. Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island and Hawaii also spend more than $25,000 per student. See how much your state is spending:
K-12 Education Spending Spotlight 2025: Annual public school spending nears $1 trillion
Eight states spend more than $25,000 per student: New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island and Hawaii. Public school enrollment fell in 39 states from 2020…
reason.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
The K-12 Education Spending Spotlight finds New York spends the most per student at $36,976, followed by New Jersey at $30,267. Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island and Hawaii also spend more than $25,000 per student. See how much your state is spending:
U.S. counties carry $757 billion in debt.
Some counties owe over $40,000 per resident. See the most debt-heavy places ⬇️
Some counties owe over $40,000 per resident. See the most debt-heavy places ⬇️
Report: County governments have $757 billion in debt
In per capita terms, North Slope Borough, Alaska, ranks first, with its total debt representing $46,883 per county resident.
reason.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:19 AM
U.S. counties carry $757 billion in debt.
Some counties owe over $40,000 per resident. See the most debt-heavy places ⬇️
Some counties owe over $40,000 per resident. See the most debt-heavy places ⬇️
Despite record-high spending, many public schools are falling short.
From 2002 to 2023, K–12 funding rose nearly 36%, yet teacher salaries fell, outcomes stagnated, and schools added staff while enrollment barely grew.
Read more:
From 2002 to 2023, K–12 funding rose nearly 36%, yet teacher salaries fell, outcomes stagnated, and schools added staff while enrollment barely grew.
Read more:
Funding Education Opportunity: 2025 K-12 Education Spending Spotlight Release
All 50 states increased K-12 funding from 2002 to 2023, but inflation-adjusted average teacher salaries fell by 6.1% between 2002 and 2022,
reason.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Despite record-high spending, many public schools are falling short.
From 2002 to 2023, K–12 funding rose nearly 36%, yet teacher salaries fell, outcomes stagnated, and schools added staff while enrollment barely grew.
Read more:
From 2002 to 2023, K–12 funding rose nearly 36%, yet teacher salaries fell, outcomes stagnated, and schools added staff while enrollment barely grew.
Read more:
Most public pension dollars aren’t funding current workers' benefits, they’re paying off old debt from years of underfunding.
Over half of what governments contribute goes to past promises, not future ones—leaving less for today’s needs like schools, roads, and public safety.
Over half of what governments contribute goes to past promises, not future ones—leaving less for today’s needs like schools, roads, and public safety.
Most pension contributions go toward paying off debt, not funding benefits
Over 50% of the public pension contributions by state and local governments are directed toward paying off pension debt rather than to benefits themselves.
reason.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Most public pension dollars aren’t funding current workers' benefits, they’re paying off old debt from years of underfunding.
Over half of what governments contribute goes to past promises, not future ones—leaving less for today’s needs like schools, roads, and public safety.
Over half of what governments contribute goes to past promises, not future ones—leaving less for today’s needs like schools, roads, and public safety.
Florida’s main pension system still carries billions in debt and won’t be fully funded for at least 17 years. One recession could reverse progress and strain local budgets. Florida must stay the course with pension reforms to protect both taxpayers and public workers.
Florida must stay the course to pay for promised pension benefits
Florida’s retirement system for public workers is estimated to be 17 years away from eliminating expensive pension debt.
reason.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Florida’s main pension system still carries billions in debt and won’t be fully funded for at least 17 years. One recession could reverse progress and strain local budgets. Florida must stay the course with pension reforms to protect both taxpayers and public workers.
Cities across the U.S. are carrying $1.4 trillion in debt (about $7,000 per person), much of it tied to long-term promises like pensions, retiree health care, and municipal bonds.
Nantucket, Ocean City, and Miami Beach have some of the highest per capita debt, at over $30,000 per local resident.
Nantucket, Ocean City, and Miami Beach have some of the highest per capita debt, at over $30,000 per local resident.
Report: Cities have $1.4 trillion in debt
San Francisco, Nantucket, New York City, Ocean City, and Miami Beach are the cities with the most per capita debt.
reason.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Cities across the U.S. are carrying $1.4 trillion in debt (about $7,000 per person), much of it tied to long-term promises like pensions, retiree health care, and municipal bonds.
Nantucket, Ocean City, and Miami Beach have some of the highest per capita debt, at over $30,000 per local resident.
Nantucket, Ocean City, and Miami Beach have some of the highest per capita debt, at over $30,000 per local resident.
The shutdown may be over, but America’s air traffic control system is still vulnerable and in need of modernization.
Most other countries insulated their air traffic systems from politics. It’s time we do the same to protect passengers, planes, and progress.
Most other countries insulated their air traffic systems from politics. It’s time we do the same to protect passengers, planes, and progress.
Aviation Policy News: Protecting air traffic control and travelers from the next government shutdown - Reason Foundation
Plus: Air traffic controller retirements, why the proposed air traffic control changes aren't privatization, NASA's huge risk in Artemis II mission, and more.
reason.org
November 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
The shutdown may be over, but America’s air traffic control system is still vulnerable and in need of modernization.
Most other countries insulated their air traffic systems from politics. It’s time we do the same to protect passengers, planes, and progress.
Most other countries insulated their air traffic systems from politics. It’s time we do the same to protect passengers, planes, and progress.