The hottest Government Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Noahpinion 15647 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Trump's recent actions create a lot of chaos in government, making it hard for institutions like FEMA and scientific research to function properly. There's concern that this unpredictability could harm everyday services.
  2. Despite some claims to the contrary, U.S. economic data is generally reliable and shows that the economy is doing well, with improvements in wages and job opportunities for most Americans.
  3. China is becoming strong in technology by having multiple industries that support each other, which poses a challenge for U.S. companies because they don’t have the same kind of interconnected industrial ecosystem.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 2030 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. Israel is creating new stories about atrocities to justify continuing military actions in Gaza as ceasefire talks are approaching. This seems like a tactic to rally support for resuming violence.
  2. The claims being made by Israel lack evidence, and there is reason to believe that the children in question may have died as collateral damage from Israeli strikes rather than at the hands of Hamas.
  3. This narrative plays into a larger strategy to deflect attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza and justify actions by portraying Israel as a victim, while ignoring the suffering of many innocent people.
Can We Still Govern? 205 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. University endowments are not a single pool of money. They are made up of many funds that come with specific rules about how they can be used.
  2. Only a few universities have very large endowments, while most institutions struggle financially. So, using these endowments to compensate for federal funding cuts wouldn’t work.
  3. The idea of taxing large endowments might seem fair, but it could harm universities. It's important to use those funds for broader access and support for smaller schools instead.
The Chris Hedges Report 147 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. Both Republicans and Democrats serve the interests of the rich, not working people. We need to stand up for workers' rights against both parties.
  2. Major billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg are harming workers and are anti-union. Their actions show they don’t care about the rights of everyday people.
  3. It's crucial to create a new working-class movement that is independent of the current political parties. This movement should aim for better healthcare, housing, and an end to military funding.
Can We Still Govern? 360 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  1. Policies under Trump's administration are making it harder for people with disabilities to find jobs and gain opportunities. Many young people, like Vincent, are facing canceled internships and hiring freezes.
  2. Cuts to funding and support programs for disabled individuals are threatening their education and healthcare. This is causing fear for many who rely on these services to succeed.
  3. The exclusion of disabled individuals from public life affects everyone, as it limits diverse perspectives and contributions in society. It's important for us all to support inclusion and equal opportunities.
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COVID Reason 1031 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. The government spent nearly $1 billion to promote misleading information about COVID vaccines and masks. This kind of spending could seriously hurt a private company if they did the same.
  2. The PR campaign exaggerated the dangers of COVID and claimed vaccines were very effective, even saying they stopped transmission. This created a loss of trust when real-life results showed otherwise.
  3. The ads scared parents into thinking there were strict health rules for schools unless their kids got vaccinated and masked up. Many of the risks of the vaccines were not properly discussed, leading to confusion.
Bailiwick News 5983 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. Vaccines have historically been linked to harm for multiple generations, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness.
  2. There is a belief that government and health officials have manipulated regulations to make vaccine approvals easier without proper safety standards.
  3. Many urge individuals to stop vaccinating, especially children, citing a lack of trust in the health system and its practices.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2142 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, saying they must release all hostages by a certain deadline or there will be severe consequences. This has raised tensions in an already fragile ceasefire situation.
  2. The conversation around cancel culture is changing, with some claiming it's over and discussing what might come next. People are concerned about where this shift could lead us in terms of public discourse.
  3. There's a debate about whether Kanye West may need a conservatorship due to his troubling behavior. Some believe it's important to ensure he gets the help he needs while balancing concerns about autonomy and mental health.
Some Unpleasant Arithmetic 4 implied HN points 14 Jun 25
  1. Many people live in 'slums' or informal settlements because of high housing costs and inadequate access to affordable housing. In Buenos Aires, these areas often lack basic services like sewage and water.
  2. The reasons for housing issues are complex. Economic instability and strict lending regulations make it hard for many to get mortgages, which limits their ability to buy homes.
  3. There are clear ways to improve the situation, like better city planning and cooperation between different levels of government. However, political will and the capacity to implement these changes are significant challenges.
Tom Renz’s Newsletter 5753 implied HN points 05 Oct 24
  1. FEMA's response to disasters has faced serious criticism, especially in recent events. Many feel that the organization is not doing enough to help those in need.
  2. The situation in the North Carolina area after the hurricane is extremely bad, with reports suggesting a very high death toll. It highlights the urgency and severity of the crisis.
  3. It's important to support those affected by disasters through prayer and community efforts, as many feel let down by government responses. There's a call for individual action in times of need.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 2444 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. Journalists are facing serious consequences for speaking out about Israel and its actions. Some have been detained and banned for expressing opinions that are seen as critical of Israel.
  2. There is a growing pattern of civil rights being weakened across many Western countries, supposedly to protect Israel. This trend is alarming as it impacts freedom of speech.
  3. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is deeply rooted in a long-term agenda to displace Palestinians from their land. Many believe that recent violence has been used as a pretext for further colonization.
Michael Shellenberger 2214 implied HN points 28 May 25
  1. The US is denying visas to foreign officials who try to censor American social media. This means that if someone from another country tries to limit free speech online, they may not be allowed into the US.
  2. This new policy also applies to the families of these officials. So, not only the person who censors but their immediate family could be affected.
  3. The US sees protecting free speech as an important part of its foreign policy. This move is part of a larger effort to fight against what they call the global censorship-industrial complex.
Rory’s Always On Newsletter 1150 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Data protection concerns are slowing down important updates in the NHS. It's essential to modernize the system to serve patients better.
  2. Public fear over data sharing often outweighs the potential benefits for healthcare, like early cancer detection.
  3. Other countries, like Sweden, show that we can provide better digital health tools without excessive fear of data issues. It's time to move forward and improve our health services.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 5838 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Trump plans to sign an executive order emphasizing traditional views on gender. He wants to remove policies allowing biological males in women's sports and facilities.
  2. The order aims to end the housing of male prisoners who identify as transwomen in women's prisons. This change is part of his broader push against gender ideology.
  3. The campaign ad contrasting Trump with Kamala Harris proved very effective by highlighting the debate over gender identity. It reinforced Trump's promise to fight against what he calls gender ideology extremism.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 11962 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. Many Americans have started ignoring the news because they believe it will be bad. However, there are still many positive things happening that they miss out on.
  2. Access to healthcare has improved so much that even the poorest today can receive better care than some of the richest people did in the past.
  3. 2024 highlighted a spiritual crisis in America where extreme partisan beliefs began to crumble, showing a shift away from political conflicts toward a more hopeful outlook.
The DisInformation Chronicle 670 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. The CIA recently suggested that the COVID virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier claims that labeled this idea as a conspiracy theory. This has caused a stir among scientists and writers who previously dismissed these claims.
  2. Some scientists who once strongly rejected the lab leak theory are now reconsidering their stance, as new assessments show that the virus's origin is still unresolved. They admit there is no definitive proof for either a natural or lab-based origin.
  3. The claim that calling the lab leak theory a conspiracy was unfounded has been echoed by various commentators. Many are now acknowledging that skepticism about the virus's origin deserves more serious discussion.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 18799 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. The vaccines didn't work as well as promised, and it's important to look at how the public was informed about them. Many people might have been misled about their effectiveness.
  2. There was a lot of pressure from officials to follow strict guidelines, but some of these recommendations may not have been based on solid research.
  3. The narrative that there was a 'pandemic of the unvaccinated' was likely part of a larger campaign, aimed at stirring emotions and turning the public against each other.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 14365 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. The term 'fringe' is often used to dismiss views that many people actually support. It's important to reconsider what we label as fringe.
  2. Critics can be quick to judge individuals based on their views without considering the larger public opinion that might align with those views.
  3. There seems to be a disconnect between mainstream experts and the beliefs of the general population, leading to debates about academic freedom and public health policy.
Karlstack 380 implied HN points 02 Jun 25
  1. Many U.S. states have passed laws that make it illegal to boycott Israel, which some people see as a threat to free speech. These laws can lead to serious penalties, even for simply expressing dissent.
  2. There have been cases where individuals faced job loss or discrimination for refusing to sign pledges relating to boycotting Israel. This includes teachers and disaster relief recipients who had to prove their loyalty.
  3. New legislation is being introduced that highlights growing restrictions on free speech, particularly around criticism of Israel. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and threatens open discussion.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 779 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. Trump's executive order aims to deport noncitizens who support terrorist groups. This means students who protest in favor of jihadist movements could face serious consequences.
  2. There is a debate about whether this action is a necessary step for good governance or just censorship. Two experts who usually agree on free speech strongly disagree on this topic.
  3. The situation highlights the tension between protecting national security and upholding free expression on campuses. It's a complex issue that raises important questions about rights and responsibilities.
New Things Under the Sun 272 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. Government funding for research and development usually offers significant returns, boosting economic growth over time. For example, for every dollar spent on R&D, there can be several dollars in economic benefits.
  2. A 1% increase in government R&D funding can lead to a noticeable rise in national productivity within a few years. Specifically, it can increase productivity by about 0.2% over the long term.
  3. Different types of R&D spending, like defense versus non-defense, can have varying impacts on productivity. Non-defense R&D tends to have a greater positive effect, meaning it’s often more beneficial to overall economic growth.
Life Since the Baby Boom 691 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. Public TV often gets funding cuts proposed by some politicians, but it survives by rallying support from well-loved characters like Mr. Rogers and Big Bird.
  2. There are worries about biased reporting from public media, especially from NPR and PBS, which some say have a liberal lean. This has led to calls for directing funding to other media outlets.
  3. Instead of completely defunding public broadcasting, it might be better to diversify funding, allowing support for a wider range of media that reflects different viewpoints.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 4488 implied HN points 20 Dec 24
  1. President Biden is facing criticisms about his mental health and lack of engagement with key government officials, raising concerns about his leadership capabilities.
  2. President-elect Elon Musk and Donald Trump are disrupting the traditional budget process, causing Congress to struggle with passing a new budget amid rising tensions.
  3. There's a contrast in political styles between Biden, who presents a moderate image, and Musk, who is approaching governance in a radically different way, hinting at significant changes ahead.
Michael Tracey 47 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. There's a new deal in the works between the US and Ukraine that could give the US control over many Ukrainian resources. This means Ukraine might lose some of its freedom and sovereignty.
  2. A debate in the Oval Office between Zelensky and JD Vance caused a delay in finalizing the deal. This unexpected clash raised questions about the future of US support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the discussions and controversies, Trump stated that the US will continue to provide arms to Ukraine, showing that military support is still a priority.
Disaffected Newsletter 1918 implied HN points 27 Aug 24
  1. Many people now accept that AI can make mistakes, and they think it's normal to just ask for help later. This mindset can hurt our rights, like due process, especially when it comes to important things like licenses or voter registration.
  2. We’ve changed how we view young and old people in society, putting too much focus on the youth and not enough value on the wisdom of age. This shift has made being older seem less important and even embarrassing for some.
  3. The rise of the 'teenager' as a separate identity is a recent cultural change, and it leads to neglecting the responsibilities of nurturing and guiding younger generations instead of just letting them act out.
The Take (by Jon Miltimore) 793 implied HN points 06 Oct 24
  1. Tim Walz's COVID snitch line encouraged people to report their neighbors for breaking pandemic rules. This created a culture of distrust and fear among citizens.
  2. The phenomenon of reporting on others echoed historical events where citizens informed on each other, like during the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthy era, but here it focused on pandemic-related behaviors instead.
  3. Many reports to the snitch line seemed motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for public health. This reflects how people can lose a sense of personal freedom and try to control others in tightly regulated environments.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2156 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. Columbia University is struggling with a rise in antisemitism, with numerous reports of Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Recent events and exhibits have fueled tension, highlighting serious concerns for student safety.
  2. A new report has raised alarms about TikTok's influence on American youth, suggesting the platform is used to promote pro-China views. This has serious implications for national security and the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding its future in the U.S.
  3. The portrayal of body image is changing again, as many celebrities at the Golden Globes showcased thin figures possibly aided by weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the body positivity movement and societal beauty standards.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 4219 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  1. The government has been categorizing people into limited racial groups since 1977, which critics argue is outdated and arbitrary.
  2. Changes to these categories are coming, with the 2030 census set to have seven defined races instead of five, but these classifications are still seen as confusing and nonsensical.
  3. Some people believe that instead of having these set racial categories, the concept of race should be completely abolished in government practices.
Don't Worry About the Vase 1388 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. Biden's farewell address highlighted the risks of a 'Tech-Industrial Complex' and the growing importance of AI technology. He proposed building data centers for AI on federal land and tightening regulations on chip exports to China.
  2. Language models show potential in practical applications like education and medical diagnostics, but they still fall short in areas where better integration and real-world utility are needed.
  3. Concerns about AI's risks often stem from pessimism regarding humanity's ability to manage technological advancement. It’s important to find hope in alternative paths that can lead to a better future without relying solely on AI.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2610 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty in a high-profile trial, raising questions about why he was prosecuted in the first place. The verdict was seen as a relief for Penny and his supporters.
  2. There is concern over rising crime rates in Manhattan during Alvin Bragg's time as district attorney. Critics argue that his decisions have not effectively protected the public.
  3. Entrepreneurs are leaving Norway due to high taxes on unrealized gains. This has been detrimental to business growth and has prompted some to move to more favorable locations.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2207 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. Polio vaccines have saved many lives and prevented unimaginable pain for families. Ignoring their value can lead to serious health risks.
  2. Political violence is increasing again, and it seems people are accepting or even supporting it more. In the past, similar patterns led to chaos.
  3. In Georgia, protests are happening every night, reflecting deep concerns about the country's direction. People are fighting for their future and EU membership.
Noahpinion 34882 implied HN points 24 Feb 24
  1. Creating a multiracial society requires deep societal changes and can't be achieved through quick fixes or shortcuts
  2. Forging a shared national identity in a diverse society is challenging but achievable through extended, cooperative contact between racial groups
  3. Efforts to combat racism through shortcuts like discriminatory practices or oversimplified diversity training often backfire and require long-term, thoughtful solutions
Disaffected Newsletter 2198 implied HN points 18 Jul 24
  1. Changing political and cultural views can lead to significant personal and social consequences. Many people experience pushback when they express alternative opinions or truths.
  2. Facing severe backlash—like losing a job or being labeled negatively—can increase feelings of isolation and mistrust among those who speak out.
  3. The idea of 'rising above' and not holding others accountable can feel unfair, especially to those who have been treated poorly for standing up for their beliefs.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2230 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  1. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father, President Biden, despite earlier claims that such a pardon would not happen. This has raised questions about honesty and the use of presidential powers.
  2. The situation in Syria is escalating, with rebel groups challenging the government's authority, which adds to the existing tensions in the Middle East.
  3. Many people struggle with smartphone addiction, as shown by an artist who quit her phone to regain control over her life and live in the moment.
BIG by Matt Stoller 27044 implied HN points 10 Mar 24
  1. Biden's administration is taking steps to reduce corporate power through measures like capping credit card late fees and focusing on monopolies in the healthcare sector.
  2. There is a mix of positive and negative actions within the Biden administration towards tackling concentrated economic power, showcasing a nuanced approach to corporate regulation.
  3. Despite Biden's populist State of the Union rhetoric, the administration faces challenges in fully addressing corporate power and governance issues, including instances of corruption and policy setbacks.
Aaron Mate 204 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. The cuts to USAID by the Trump administration have hurt global relief programs that many depend on for help. This has left some critical health programs in a difficult situation.
  2. USAID is not just about helping people; it can also be used to destabilize countries and push propaganda. This means it might not always be acting in good faith.
  3. In places like Ukraine, USAID has played a big role in U.S. strategies aimed at weakening Russia, highlighting its dual purpose of aiding both humanitarian efforts and political goals.
Erik Torenberg's Thoughts 390 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Wokeness focuses on reducing inequalities between groups, prioritizing equity over equal treatment under the law. This can often lead to the idea that more progress is always needed until absolute equality is achieved.
  2. There is a belief that achieving equality of opportunity ties closely to achieving equality of outcome. Without equal outcomes, true equal opportunity seems impossible, which can shift discussions toward more government intervention.
  3. True equality under the law accepts that inequalities will exist in practice. The goal should be to raise the minimum standards for everyone without aiming to equalize outcomes between different groups.
Heterodox STEM 249 implied HN points 26 Jan 25
  1. The National Science Foundation's GOLD program was created to boost diversity in geosciences but has faced criticism for possibly promoting discrimination instead of true inclusion.
  2. There have been incidents where events limited participation based on race, raising legal concerns about civil rights violations under federal law.
  3. Many diversity initiatives funded by the government need better oversight to ensure they don't violate civil rights, and it’s important for people to report any discrimination they encounter.
Force of Infection 243 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. Influenza activity is rising again, hitting high levels not seen since earlier in the season. This increase is particularly strong among young children, leading to more hospital visits.
  2. The data about flu activity is not completely reliable, with federal health data disrupted recently. This makes it harder to track how things are changing.
  3. COVID-19 is still around, with some signs of increased activity, especially in the Midwest, but severe cases are not rising significantly.
Letters from an American 24 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. JD Vance delivered a strong critique of European values at the Munich Security Conference, claiming they're under threat not from outside forces, but from within.
  2. There are rising concerns about the push towards far-right ideologies in the U.S. and abroad, with influential figures like Elon Musk supporting these movements.
  3. The current U.S. administration's stance on Ukraine is unclear, with some leaders expressing support for Ukraine while others seem to align with Russian interests.