The hottest Government Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Putting the fun back in fundraising

City Hall Watcher • 275 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Government
  1. City Hall Watcher celebrates its 250th issue with a focus on fundraising events in Toronto's mayoral by-election.
  2. Swanky cocktail parties played a significant role in funding candidates, with some raising millions through ticketed events.
  3. Analyzing campaign finance data shows the impact of fundraising strategies on the mayoral contenders and their success in the election.

The Cost of Restoring Order in Los Angeles

OpenTheBooks Substack • 177 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Los Angeles is facing high costs due to record overtime pay for emergency services. The city spent $1.1 billion on overtime, which is a big burden on taxpayers.
  2. There are many job vacancies in the city, especially in the police department, because of early retirements and hiring delays. This has led to increased overtime as the remaining staff try to cover the gaps.
  3. Top city officials are earning high salaries, with many workers making over $100,000 a year in overtime. This pay structure is raising concerns about financial sustainability for the city.

Trump's Parade of Horribles

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 189 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's upcoming parade events are portrayed as outlandish and satirical, highlighting how his presidency has been characterized by unusual spectacles.
  2. There is a sense of irony in how the military is being politicized for show, reflecting on the nature of political power and display.
  3. The tone suggests a critical view of Trump's antics and compares him to dictators who use grand displays for personal gain.
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BREAKING: Norfolk Southern says it's willing to deal on the Red Line

The Charlotte Ledger • 275 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Norfolk Southern is now considering allowing commuter rail on its tracks in Mecklenburg after a 20-year impasse
  2. The change in Norfolk Southern's stance could give momentum to Charlotte's regional transit system plans
  3. The city leaders hope that a deal with Norfolk Southern for the Red Line could help secure support for a larger transit plan

A Friendly Appeal to the Unconvinced

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Governments often fail to effectively address social problems due to mismanagement of economic principles. They usually implement policies that sound good but don’t actually help.
  2. A lot of current government actions may sound good, but they lead to negative outcomes. This shows that just fixing individual issues isn't enough; we need to rethink the overall role of government.
  3. If markets are better at creating positive outcomes than governments, then reducing government power could lead to better solutions for society.

The Social Democrats are plotting a judicial putsch to seize control of the German government. This is totally real. This is actually happening.

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 143 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The Social Democrats in Germany are trying to take control of the government through a legal strategy to ban a political party called AfD. This is a serious plan that has actual backing.
  2. By banning the AfD, the leftist parties believe they can gain a majority in parliament and replace the current government leadership. This change could lead to a very different political environment.
  3. If successful, this plan could result in long-lasting changes to Germany's political system, making it harder for other parties to regain power. It suggests a major shift towards a leftist-dominated government.

It's The Bugs all the way down

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 275 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The movie Starship Troopers proves to be a subtle critique of society's hunger for violence, reflecting real-life America.
  2. The honor bestowed upon a police officer for killing a civilian raises questions about police responses and heroism.
  3. The failure of the Worcester City Council to address issues with the Ballpark Commission exposes potential conflicts of interest and lack of genuine concern for community benefits.

Things are going even worse than I expected

The Future, Now and Then • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Elon Musk has taken significant control over the U.S. government, causing concern among observers. His style of leadership resembles how he managed Twitter, which raises questions about legality and governance.
  2. The ability to rebuild and enforce government regulations takes time, and the current situation is making it harder for progressives to succeed. There’s a sense of lost potential for positive change.
  3. Many people feel a sense of mourning for the futures that now seem impossible. Plans and hopes for progress that once existed are now gone, and it leaves a feeling of disappointment.

Top Links 564 Who, actually, works for the government? Trump and world trade. Leaving Illinois and the agony of Haiti.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Only a small portion, about 2%, of the US workforce is employed by the federal government. It's interesting to see how few people actually work directly for the government.
  2. If half of the federal workers were fired, a big chunk of those remaining would be in military or security-related jobs. This shows how much of the federal workforce is tied to defense.
  3. The discussion about government jobs and employment raises important questions about efficiency and how the system is structured. It's worth thinking about what that means for America.

Biden’s industrial policy

Speaking Security • 275 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Industrial policy involves government intervention to support specific economic sectors
  2. There's a debate on whether the US already had an industrial policy before Biden's initiatives
  3. Military spending has historically been the main industrial policy of the US

Everything's Fine.

News Items • 275 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Many voters are struggling financially, with dwindling savings and rising loan costs.
  2. Cultural issues will likely play a significant role in the 2024 presidential campaign.
  3. The economic environment for most Americans is challenging, signaling a coming storm.

Letters to the Editor: Is the National Endowment for Democracy Worth Saving?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has had funding issues due to a recent order affecting its budget. This has created big challenges for the organization, impacting its ability to pay staff and cover basic costs.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the NED's role, with some arguing that it helps promote democracy globally, while others believe it's ineffective or even harmful.
  3. The debate around NED highlights the tension between supporting civil society initiatives and concerns about government spending on such organizations.

DOGE due diligence at treasury

bad cattitude • 314 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Since 1946, U.S. presidents and their advisors haven't had access to the government's payment system. This lack of transparency has been a long-standing issue.
  2. Many former treasury secretaries are upset about attempts to make the payment system more visible. They believe this openness threatens the way things have always been done.
  3. There's a push for greater auditing and transparency in government spending. People want to hold officials accountable and make sure tax dollars are spent properly.

Vaccines, Amen - Book Launch Party!

Injecting Freedom • 48 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Government
  1. The book launch party was a fun and lively event where many people gathered to celebrate.
  2. Rob Schneider shared important thoughts about government control and personal freedom regarding medical choices.
  3. An Air Force member's story highlights the struggle for rights in the face of vaccine mandates, inspiring others to stand up for their beliefs.

Robodebt: When automation fails

Can We Still Govern? • 157 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The Robodebt system in Australia failed because it used bad assumptions that caused serious mistakes, affecting many people negatively. This shows how dangerous it can be to rely on automation without fully testing it first.
  2. When the government tried to recover supposed overpayments, many vulnerable individuals faced harsh consequences, including stress and financial ruin. This highlights how automated systems can create burdens that hurt those who are already struggling.
  3. The lessons from Robodebt emphasize the need for human oversight in automated decision-making. Governments should listen to feedback and warnings from those affected to prevent future failures.

The Nuclear Reorganization Act

Gordian Knot News • 153 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The proposed Nuclear Reorganization Act aims to replace the current NRC with three new agencies to improve nuclear safety and certification. This could streamline the testing and certification of nuclear designs.
  2. The Nuclear Monitoring Agency will ensure that radiation levels around plants are monitored and reported publicly, helping residents stay informed about any potential risks.
  3. The emphasis is on creating a competitive environment in the nuclear industry while balancing safety with regulation. This approach aims to minimize barriers to entry and foster innovation.

Should Cities Buy Office Buildings?

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Government
  1. Experienced investors are seizing the opportunity to acquire distressed office buildings due to significant investment momentum and low prices.
  2. Cities are offering incentives like tax abatements and low-interest loans to encourage the purchase and conversion of office buildings into residential spaces.
  3. Cities could benefit by investing in distressed office buildings themselves to shape the future of their urban landscapes and prevent missed opportunities, similar to what happened after the Great Financial Crisis.

How the Indigo Blob runs a bluff

Silver Bulletin • 397 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Biden's age-related decline is often hidden by the White House. Many around Washington know about it, but it's not openly discussed.
  2. Media coverage has been inconsistent about Biden's age. While some outlets pointed it out, others downplayed or ignored the issue.
  3. Claims of a conspiracy regarding Biden's ability seem to have some truth. There was effort to manage how his decline was presented to the public.

NEW EVENT: How the YIMBYs won

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The YIMBY movement focuses on making housing more affordable and accessible, which has gained attention in British politics. It's about saying 'Yes In My Back Yard' to new housing developments.
  2. Over time, the YIMBY movement has shifted the political conversation in Westminster, making housing a key issue that politicians now care about. Even high-level politicians, like the Prime Minister, are aligning with this movement.
  3. There will be a live event where Anya Martin, a key figure in the YIMBY movement, will discuss how it changed the political landscape and how they managed to win the housing debate.

Evaluating a Sitting Senator's Healthcare Claims

Cremieux Recueil • 392 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Senator Chris Murphy made strong claims about healthcare causing deaths in the U.S. but lacked accurate data to back them up. It's important for public officials to use correct statistics when discussing serious issues.
  2. Many deaths in America are unrelated to insurance denials, especially for people over age 65 who are mostly covered by Medicare. This shows that the healthcare system isn't as profit-driven in these cases as Senator Murphy suggested.
  3. Studies have shown that expanding access to healthcare has only small effects on overall mortality. Claims about thousands of deaths caused by lack of care might be greatly exaggerated.

How to Fight Trump Mindfully

Nonzero Newsletter • 451 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. It's important to think carefully about how we react to political events, rather than just responding out of frustration. This way, we can lead more thoughtful conversations.
  2. Understanding why people support Trump, like economic changes and social media influence, helps us address deeper issues in politics and society.
  3. Fostering better mental health and understanding of tribalism can help reduce divisions. Connecting our psychological well-being with social improvements is key.

New York Lawmakers Approve Assisted Suicide Bill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. New York's lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow assisted suicide, making it the twelfth state to do so. This bill does not have a waiting period, which means people can access it faster.
  2. The vote in the state senate was close, with 35 in favor and 27 against. Some Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the bill, showing that opinions on this topic vary widely.
  3. A doctor with ALS expressed that knowing assisted dying is an option helps him focus on living his best life. This highlights the personal impact such a law can have on individuals facing serious illnesses.

UK Government Agency Is Refusing To Release Data On COVID Vaccines And Excess Deaths

Unmasked • 37 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Government
  1. Governments pushed hard for COVID rules like masks and vaccinations, often ignoring or downplaying any opposition. They kept saying vaccines were 100% effective and that only unvaccinated people were at risk.
  2. Despite many claims being proven wrong over time, the push for vaccinations and boosters never slowed down. There was always a focus on getting everyone vaccinated, no matter what the data said.
  3. Some governments are now refusing to share data about vaccine effects and deaths, which raises concerns about transparency and accountability in health decisions.

Taking to the Streets with Georgia’s Pro-Western Protesters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Protests in Georgia have been intense, with riot police using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Many protesters are sharing stories of violence they faced from law enforcement.
  2. The protests started after the Georgian Prime Minister announced that the country wouldn't seek EU membership until 2028, which angered those who support a pro-Western path.
  3. Activists and protestors are facing severe police crackdowns, with reports of arrests and assaults, signaling a tough stance from the government against dissent.

REVEALED: How the Trump admin is covertly reconfiguring online algorithms

Weaponized • 113 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The current strategy involves using government pressure to change how online platforms work, encouraging them to promote certain ideas while minimizing others. This means the algorithms are influencing what information people see without direct censorship.
  2. New rules require AI used by government agencies to be free of 'ideological bias,' which many argue isn't truly possible. This affects not only government tools but also private companies that want government contracts, shaping public information more broadly.
  3. This shift in online content management allows the government to appear neutral while controlling the narratives that are visible to the public. People may not realize that what they see online is being influenced by political agendas.

The great 2024 vibe shift (and other stories)

Wrong Side of History • 403 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The concept of political trends is similar to fashion trends, where ideas shift from cool to mainstream and eventually to uncool. This shows how society's values can change over time.
  2. The idea of echo chambers exists where people only hear opinions that match their own, but this can actually lead to more extreme views. In the past, people were less exposed to opposing opinions, which might have resulted in calmer discussions.
  3. In America, there's been a noticeable shift to the left in cultural issues, leaving many regular voters feeling disconnected. This polarization reflects broader divisions in society.

How to Survive a Government That Wants to Sacrifice You for Profit

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Food safety has become a serious issue due to job cuts at the FDA and CDC, which means fewer inspections and oversight. This makes it harder to ensure the safety of the food we eat.
  2. Reports show that foodborne illnesses and related hospitalizations have drastically increased, highlighting the critical impact of these cuts. This situation suggests that our health might not be a priority for the government.
  3. It's important for individuals to be aware of these changes and take steps to protect themselves from food contamination and related health risks.

Top Links 579 How bad is Russia's inflation? The history of the slurpee & junk playgrounds.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Russia is facing serious inflation issues, and it is important to understand how badly it is affecting the economy.
  2. There is a fascinating history behind the slurpee and junk playgrounds that explores their cultural significance.
  3. Banks and private credit firms are forming new partnerships, which could change the financial landscape.

Welcome to Vichy America

Unpopular Front • 313 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The current state of America is compared to a Vichy regime, which is partly fascist and reflects a sense of defeat and exhaustion in democracy.
  2. This regime attracts a mix of different groups who may hide their true intentions while claiming to act in the nation's best interest.
  3. People might soon regret their support for leaders like Trump, realizing that their political choices have long-term consequences.

Free Speech Is Truly Under Assault

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Free speech is facing significant challenges, especially with the way information is being controlled and manipulated by various entities.
  2. There is a growing concern about government interference in elections and the use of agencies to suppress opposing viewpoints.
  3. Calls have been made to disband certain government agencies, overhaul the system, and start over in order to address the issues around free speech and manipulation of information.