The hottest Government Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
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.
Faster, Please! 548 implied HN points 16 Nov 24
  1. AI is creating a big boom in US construction, especially for data centers. Spending on these centers has grown a lot since the launch of ChatGPT.
  2. The US government has plans to triple its nuclear power by 2050. This is to keep up with the demand for clean energy as AI and industries grow.
  3. There is a push for a new research initiative to support advanced science fields like quantum computing. This aims to keep the US ahead in technology against competitive countries.
Unmasked 41 implied HN points 28 Nov 25
  1. Media often changes its criticism based on who is in power, showing bias. For example, they overlooked Biden's age-related issues but are quick to highlight them for Trump.
  2. There seems to be a pattern of dishonesty or 'gaslighting' from media outlets regarding political figures. They might downplay serious issues for one party while exaggerating them for another.
  3. The initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic involved misleading information that impacted public health decisions. This miscommunication reflects how governments and media sometimes exaggerate or downplay issues to control narratives.
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.
In My Tribe 394 implied HN points 24 Dec 24
  1. Cato's wish list includes ideas for government reform, like raising Social Security retirement ages. Some of these suggestions might not be politically popular, but they show a push for change from a libertarian angle.
  2. There's a big difference in how academics and policymakers view the impact of interest rates on consumption. Academics think higher rates could boost future consumption, while policymakers see them as a negative for the economy.
  3. Scott Sumner highlights the issues with measuring inflation. He argues that inflation numbers are often confusing and imprecise, which also affects how we understand productivity changes.
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S/FJ 275 implied HN points 30 Sep 23
  1. New York City is unprepared for heavy rain and has inadequate infrastructure for migrants.
  2. Randalls Island refugee camp is overcrowded and lacking basic necessities like warm bedding.
  3. Various organizations in NYC are helping asylum seekers with shelter, basic needs, and legal assistance.
Points And Figures 1119 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. Pro-Palestinian protesters are being paid by non-governmental organizations to protest the war in Israel.
  2. Blocking traffic and shut downs are tactics used by these protesters.
  3. The writer suggests the tactics of arrests, impounding vehicles, and legal strategies to hold accountable those funding the protesters.
Faster, Please! 456 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  1. An invasion of Taiwan by China could disrupt global stability and economic growth. It might create fear and uncertainty, much like we saw in past wars.
  2. There's concern that the potential conflict could end the current positive economic trends we are experiencing, especially with advancements in technology and AI.
  3. Different possible scenarios of military action by China have been analyzed, showing various levels of impact on the economy. Understanding these scenarios can help us prepare for the future.
Bet On It 171 implied HN points 03 Jun 25
  1. Milton Friedman suggested abolishing certain government policies he viewed as unnecessary. Some of these policies include price supports for agriculture and minimum wage laws.
  2. He believed that many interventions weren't justified by their outcomes, indicating a need for less government control in various sectors.
  3. Friedman's focus was on promoting free-market principles, but his priorities differed from contemporary issues, revealing changes in the economy and regulation over time.
Who is Robert Malone 13 implied HN points 10 Jan 26
  1. The West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse, promote, and even mandate widespread childhood COVID-19 vaccination despite claims of risk of death and disability in children.
  2. A "Keep Vaccines Optional" rally took place in Hilo (Big Island) on January 9, 2026, and a video of the address is available.
  3. Coverage of the rally is published publicly as part of a reader-supported newsletter that encourages sharing and subscriptions.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 239 implied HN points 27 Sep 23
  1. Medicare Advantage ads are misleading, and there is an effort by the government to make them more transparent. Consumers need to be careful and do their research before signing up for these plans.
  2. In 2024, health insurers are planning significant rate hikes that could affect employers and consumers. This could lead to higher overall healthcare costs and impact inflation.
  3. There is increasing pushback from employers against these rate hikes. They are using new transparency rules to negotiate better deals with health insurers.
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.
Japan Economy Watch 219 implied HN points 21 Jul 23
  1. Achieving 70% renewable energy in Japan by 2035 is technically and economically feasible.
  2. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has a more pessimistic view on renewable energy due to geographical and physical challenges, suggesting the need for more modest goals and continued reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels.
  3. Regulations, business practices, and government policies are the main hurdles to faster adoption of renewable energy in Japan, not geographical limitations or costs.
Resilient Cyber 79 implied HN points 13 Mar 24
  1. CISA has released a final form for secure software development that vendors need to follow to sell software to the Federal government. This means companies must prove their software is developed with important security practices.
  2. The attestation form applies to software developed or significantly changed after September 14, 2022, making it crucial for many vendors. This rule covers popular Software as a Service (SaaS) products as well.
  3. Not all software is included; for example, software created directly by Federal agencies and open-source software is exempt. This leaves some gaps in security measures that need attention, especially for software that might still pose risks.
CalculatedRisk Newsletter 19 implied HN points 17 Dec 25
  1. Existing home sales likely ran at a 4.10 million seasonally adjusted annual rate in November, unchanged from October and about 1.7% below last November; median single-family prices were roughly 1.9% higher year-over-year.
  2. Current-coupon MBS spreads to Treasuries are very low — near late‑2022 levels — driven by unusually low interest-rate volatility and speculation that GSEs will keep buying MBS.
  3. There is concern GSEs are ramping up debt‑financed MBS purchases at the FHFA’s direction; those purchases may be politically motivated, not profitable given low spreads, and not in the public’s financial interest.
Who is Robert Malone 21 implied HN points 11 Dec 25
  1. People must have real informed consent and be free from compulsion, coercion, or enticement when deciding about medical treatments or vaccines.
  2. Science is a dynamic, debate-driven process and public health recommendations should be conservative and based on solid data; making decisions when key data are missing is problematic.
  3. Public outrage and coordinated pressure can cost professionals their jobs and chill open scientific discussion, which undermines trust and the quality of medical policy.
Who is Robert Malone 33 implied HN points 08 Nov 25
  1. The recent killing of nearly 400 disease-free ostriches in Canada raises serious concerns about government actions and their treatment of animals. Many people are upset about how these animals were handled and killed for no good reason.
  2. Owning and caring for birds like ostriches and emus can foster a loving bond, as they are affectionate creatures. People who keep these birds feel a deep connection and often see them as part of the family.
  3. To protect backyard flocks from government interventions that may lead to culling, it's suggested that people focus on breeding disease-resistant birds. This approach allows owners to maintain healthy flocks without relying on government assistance.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 29 implied HN points 18 Nov 25
  1. Kamala Harris's memoir tends to focus more on personal grievances than on deep political insights. It gives off a vibe of self-pity about her political journey.
  2. Harris's concept of freedom emphasizes government assistance, which some voters might not want. Many people are looking for less government involvement in their lives.
  3. The book lacks a strong vision or clear political ideas for the future. Harris talks about rebuilding trust and empathy but doesn't offer solid plans or policies.
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.
Points And Figures 106 implied HN points 04 Jul 25
  1. The U.S. isn't perfect, but it's a country that offers opportunities and a chance for hope and success. Many people still desire to come here for a better life.
  2. The political landscape has changed significantly, with both major parties evolving over time. People are encouraged to get involved and make changes to support their beliefs.
  3. Flying the flag is a way to celebrate and show pride in America, reflecting on its history and the dreams of those who came here seeking a better future.
bad cattitude 264 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. There's concern about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that are quickly pushed through without proper testing. People worry that these vaccines could lead to more harm than good.
  2. Current vaccine liability laws protect companies from being sued if their products cause harm. This might lower their incentive to ensure the vaccines are safe and effective.
  3. Many believe that if vaccine manufacturers were held accountable for their products, they would take more care in their development and testing. This would help restore public trust in vaccines.
Who is Robert Malone 15 implied HN points 24 Dec 25
  1. Pharmaceutical companies have long shaped vaccine regulation and public health policy, using donations, patents, and legal influence to affect universities, journals, and government agendas.
  2. Key laws and court decisions — from the 1902 Biologics Control Act to the 1986 liability shield and Jacobson v. Massachusetts — helped concentrate industry power by protecting makers and raising barriers that favored large firms.
  3. The COVID period amplified corporate influence through media pressure and mandates, but broader public access to information and legal challenges have increased scrutiny and calls for accountability.
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.
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.
Resilient Cyber 139 implied HN points 30 Oct 23
  1. FedRAMP is being updated to make it easier for the government to use cloud services. The goal is to increase the number of authorized cloud providers and reduce the complicated process that currently exists.
  2. The memo emphasizes the use of automation and machine-readable formats to speed up compliance processes. This means that instead of relying on paper documents, they'll use technology to better manage security assessments.
  3. There's a push to allow more existing security certifications to count towards FedRAMP requirements. This could help smaller businesses enter the market and expand the options available for federal agencies.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 65 implied HN points 05 Aug 25
  1. The First Amendment is facing new challenges, with proposals that could limit free speech under the guise of protecting certain groups.
  2. There's a history of controlling speech, especially with the idea of 'free speech zones,' which may seem helpful but can actually suppress voices.
  3. Both sides of the political spectrum have used speech control to their advantage, but this could come back to haunt them as the rules change.
OK Doomer 72 implied HN points 11 Jul 25
  1. Many people today feel like things will never return to normal. This sense of unease has been growing for the past few years.
  2. Some folks think they know how to prepare for future challenges, but in reality, nobody really has all the answers.
  3. Parents often feel judged for their choices, especially regarding raising kids in uncertain times. It's a tough question to face.
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.
JoeWrote 214 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. The recent election showed that centrist liberalism failed to meet the needs of voters. Many people wanted significant change but didn't feel inspired by the Democratic candidates.
  2. Blame for the loss was quickly placed on various external factors instead of accountability within the Democratic Party. This pattern of blaming others prevents real solutions from emerging.
  3. Voters want real change and are open to both progressive ideas and Trump's platform. If Democrats don't offer appealing solutions, people may turn to extremes for answers.
Open Source Defense 42 implied HN points 19 Aug 25
  1. A recent court ruling found that the ban on carrying guns in post offices is unconstitutional for one case, which is a small win for gun rights. This means the law as it stands still exists, but the specific legal action in this instance has been dismissed.
  2. Gun laws often change in response to specific violent incidents, leading to bans that sometimes overlook broader issues. The cycle starts with a shocking event, leading to new laws that may not effectively address the root causes.
  3. People can forget why certain laws were enacted over time, leading to misunderstandings about their importance. This can happen with many regulations, like tax laws, showing that laws are often created as reactions to urgent circumstances.
Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts 189 implied HN points 23 Nov 24
  1. RFK Jr. wants to fight corruption in medicine, especially the money doctors take from pharmaceutical companies. It's important to have honest practices to benefit patients.
  2. A proposed change is to limit the number of doctors in advisory groups who have received money from drug companies. This could start at no more than 60% in 2025 and end with 0% by 2028.
  3. By having fewer conflicts of interest, doctors might focus more on what's best for patients rather than just following drug company interests. This could lead to better healthcare decisions.
Japan Economy Watch 299 implied HN points 08 Sep 22
  1. Bank of Japan faces a dilemma with interest rates and the yen due to the growing gap between Japan and other countries' interest rates.
  2. Japan's weak domestic demand and a very weak yen are impacting consumer spending and business investment negatively.
  3. There is uncertainty around whether speculators will force the Bank of Japan to raise 10-year bond rates above 0.25% in response to the weak yen.
Data: Made Not Found (by danah) 127 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. The article discusses different ways to understand the current political climate in the U.S. using concepts like 'Jenga Politics' and 'Arson'.
  2. It examines Facebook's new policies, suggesting they are more about control than free speech.
  3. The author encourages readers to explore these ideas and to join her on a different platform for more content.
Japan Economy Watch 179 implied HN points 02 Feb 23
  1. Using tax incentives to direct investments towards startup companies can have positive effects on entrepreneurship drive.
  2. Professional management of angel funds can help reduce risks for retail investors interested in startups.
  3. Models like France's tax incentive plan have successfully supported the growth of startups and innovation in a country.