The hottest Government Substack posts right now

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

Towards a Broader, Bolder HUD

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. HUD's current role is limited, focusing mainly on providing subsidies to low-income renters in big cities, missing out on addressing broader housing market issues.
  2. HUD could enhance its role by coordinating research, encouraging regional cooperation among housing authorities, and providing more guidance and support to local governments.
  3. HUD should prioritize assembling and disseminating real-time housing market data to improve housing policy, address the housing crisis, and provide better insights for decision-making.

Odds and Ends #52: A right to air conditioning?

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Government
  1. Everyone should have the right to air conditioning, especially as it becomes more essential for comfort. It can help people stay healthy and productive in hot weather.
  2. New Zealand has found a smart way to tackle its housing crisis, which could inspire solutions in other places. Their approach focuses on making housing more accessible to everyone.
  3. There are issues with some Chinese robotaxis that raise concerns, but there’s still hope for the future of self-driving technology. It’s important to address these problems to improve safety and reliability.

Dingus of the Week: Nancy Mace

Men Yell at Me • 412 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Nancy Mace introduced a bathroom bill targeting trans women, specifically aimed at new Congress member Sarah McBride. This move appears to prioritize political gain over inclusivity.
  2. The author criticizes Mace for claiming to protect women's spaces while potentially harming vulnerable groups, highlighting the hypocrisy in her actions.
  3. During a time when real issues, like rising costs and safety, need attention, Mace's focus on bathroom laws seems misplaced and not beneficial to the public.
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i-SOON Leak: Unanswered Questions and What Now?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Government
  1. Chinese hacker groups have historically displayed poor operations security, making mistakes and leaving evidence, despite successfully targeting critical infrastructure.
  2. The leaked i-SOON documents reveal the extensive involvement of private cyber security companies in China, indicating the government's reliance on external expertise.
  3. The effectiveness of the 'name-and-shame' strategy in compelling or deterring behavior of exposed Chinese threat actors appears limited, as seen with cases like Chengdu 404 and Goldsun.

Secession

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Secession allows regions to leave a government that they feel is taking advantage of them. This can help keep governments accountable and service-focused.
  2. Easy secession can lead to better treatment of citizens because governments would worry about losing parts of their population to secession.
  3. The idea of making secession easier depends on enough people wanting it and supporting it, which could change the way governments operate.

The Comey Case is Dismissed

The Reactionary • 32 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. A judge ruled that the person who indicted James Comey was not properly appointed, which led to the dismissal of the case against him.
  2. The dismissal of the indictment could mean the end of any legal action against Comey, since the time limit to prosecute might expire soon.
  3. There's a possibility that the government might still bring the case back to court if they choose to resubmit the indictment.

We Deserve Answers

Michael Shellenberger • 1462 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The COVID-19 virus likely leaked from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology laboratory.
  2. The first three people sickened by the virus were scientists experimenting with coronaviruses in Wuhan.
  3. US government officials, including the FBI and Anthony Fauci, must provide answers on COVID-19's origins.

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.

Bringing Starship to the UK

Planetocracy • 137 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Government
  1. The UK lacks a launch capability for space missions
  2. An individual has started a petition to bring Starship launches to the UK
  3. The author encourages sharing the petition outside normal social circles for wider reach

Revisiting the Origins of Civic Tech

Can We Still Govern? • 118 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Civic tech is all about using technology to make government services better for people. It focuses on understanding what the public needs and improving access to those services.
  2. The journey of civic tech teaches us that fixing government issues often requires understanding the root problems rather than focusing just on technology. Change takes time and must involve all levels of the system.
  3. Anyone can get involved in civic tech! There are many ways to help improve local and national government services using technology, whether through volunteering or working in policy-making roles.

Stop Making Cents?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 282 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The cost of making a penny is greater than its value, leading to debates about whether they should continue to be produced.
  2. Some people believe that the penny has sentimental value and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't seem practical.
  3. The argument against the penny includes the huge losses the government faces from minting them, which may outweigh any emotional reasons to keep them.

Too good not to share

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Government
  1. Helen Dale has a unique ability to explain complex ideas about government and culture in a clear way. She's great for anyone wanting to understand the Westminster system better.
  2. Dale combines her intellect with imagination in her writing, making her novels both insightful and creative. Her work on historical events like the Holodomor showcases her talent.
  3. The essay highlights the emotional and cultural impact of music, particularly through personal memories and experiences, making it relatable and engaging for readers.

Harlan Kelly Heads to Court

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 235 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Harlan Kelly, former manager of SFPUC, is facing corruption charges alongside his girlfriend and chief strategy officer, Juliet Ellis.
  2. Corruption scandals involving officials like Mohammed Nuru have connections to City Hall and Mayor London Breed, revealing a history of mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
  3. Ongoing investigations into City Family corruption, including the Community Benefits Program, highlight concerns about lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest in San Francisco government.

Europe's Mess

Pieter’s Newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government
  1. Farmers across Europe are protesting due to rising fuel costs, inflation, and other challenges.
  2. Right-of-center and populist parties are gaining strength in EU elections, challenging the EU's authority.
  3. The war in Ukraine continues with internal divisions and slow military aid, raising concerns about Russia's strength and NATO's stability.

Fauci is pardoned

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 311 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Biden's last pardons included Anthony Fauci, which raises questions about his past actions related to pandemic research.
  2. Fauci might face consequences for his alleged past actions, especially if questioned again about funding controversial research.
  3. His handling of the pandemic was criticized, as he oversimplified responses and made many incorrect recommendations that impacted public health and schools.

Congress' Lack of Transparency is a Choice

OpenTheBooks Substack • 347 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Congress often rushes through big budget bills, expecting quick approvals without proper review. This approach makes it seem weak and disconnected from the people it serves.
  2. Taxpayers deserve transparency and more straightforward processes in how Congress handles budgets. Fewer agencies and clearer debates would make it easier for everyone to understand government spending.
  3. Just like in hard jobs, Congress members need to roll up their sleeves and work through tough issues. They have the power to make significant changes, so they should step up and do just that.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Musk's claim that some government jobs are 'fake' highlights a misunderstanding of how important certain roles are in addressing public issues, like climate change. Real government work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
  2. The idea of restructuring government with big influence from private sector billionaires raises concerns about accountability and transparency. People worry that this could lead to a lack of proper checks and balances in government operations.
  3. Musk's plans to reduce federal regulations and budgets might sound appealing, but the legal and practical realities show it would be much harder to achieve than claimed. Many regulations require processes that can't just be ignored or wiped away.

unpardonable pardons

bad cattitude • 291 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The pardoning of individuals related to January 6 raises serious concerns about justice and accountability. It seems to give a free pass to those who may have acted unlawfully while in power.
  2. A dangerous precedent is set when political figures can use pardons to avoid consequences for their actions. This undermines trust in the system and holds the potential for abuse of power.
  3. Despite the pardons, there's still a chance to pursue the truth by calling on those involved to testify. They could face new charges for lying, which might encourage honesty and accountability moving forward.

We need to get rid of politicians

The Novelleist • 890 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Politicians are often chosen for their appeal to different groups, rather than their ability to lead effectively.
  2. Voting for a plan rather than a person could lead to more effective governance.
  3. An alternative approach could involve selecting a group to create and execute an eight-year plan for the country.

Inauguration Links

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Betsy DeVos suggests that getting things done in Washington takes a lot of time because many people are stuck in their ways. She believes it's important to focus on those who are open to new ideas.
  2. John Cochrane offers economic advice, saying a flat tax could work better than the current system, and that direct payments might be a smarter way to redistribute wealth. He admits he's leaning towards a libertarian view on taxes.
  3. Marc Andreessen praises Donald Trump's understanding of business and issues like energy management, suggesting that his experience can help tackle difficult problems effectively.

DOGE Is Coming...

OpenTheBooks Substack • 383 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. A new initiative called DOGE aims to make the government more efficient and cut wasteful spending. They have a huge database of public spending to help identify areas for improvement.
  2. Key leaders, including Trump and Musk, have set ambitious goals to cut $2 trillion from the budget by 2026. This aims to create a smaller government that works better for taxpayers.
  3. The public can help by sharing reports on wasteful spending and using the available database to uncover more issues. It's a group effort to bring attention to these spending problems.

The Looming Tech Takeover

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Facial recognition technology is causing serious problems, like wrong arrests. It's important to question the reliability of these tools.
  2. Trump is getting a lot of support from tech leaders as he prepares for his second term. This close relationship could change how tech and politics interact.
  3. Biden and Trump are both taking credit for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it seems Trump’s envoy may have played a bigger role in making it happen than Biden did.

Doofuses That Write About Economics

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The author criticizes mainstream media for lacking understanding in economic analysis, particularly in their coverage of immigration and its impact.
  2. The author argues against the notion that illegal immigrants bring economic benefits, highlighting the importance of considering opportunity costs and the true impact on wages.
  3. The author suggests a solution to the issue of illegal immigration by advocating for securing borders and deporting all illegal immigrants, emphasizing the potential cost savings in comparison to housing them.

Trump's Deportation Stormtroopers

The Weekly Dish • 113 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. There's a plan to create a large enforcement force for immigration control. This could change how immigration is managed in the country.
  2. The concept of 'domestic gulags' suggests a frightening level of control over people's lives. This raises concerns about human rights and personal freedoms.
  3. People are worried about the implications of these changes for society. It could lead to fear and division among communities.

The Paradox Of Mamdani’s Paradise

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Mamdani's proposals for New York City, like rent freezes and free buses, sound good but would be difficult to implement and could lead to bigger problems for the very people they aim to help.
  2. Raising wages and taxes can hurt small businesses and lead to job loss, making it harder for low-income workers to find employment rather than creating more opportunities.
  3. The ideas presented overlook the complexities of economic systems, and relying on government intervention could worsen existing issues rather than solve them.

congressional immunity

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The new funding bill includes a hidden section that grants Congress members immunity from legal oversight. This means they can ignore subpoenas and investigations, making it hard to hold them accountable.
  2. This immunity is retroactive, which could stop ongoing legal cases from gathering important data from Congress. It's like they're protecting themselves from any scrutiny of their actions.
  3. Such actions go against the idea that public officials should be accountable to the people. If Congress can avoid investigation, it's a big problem for democracy.

The Don's Corruption Inc.

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 290 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's leadership is seen as lacking core values, which makes his administration feel unstable.
  2. There are concerns about potential changes to the presidency, including the idea of extending Trump's time in office.
  3. Criticism of Trump is expected to continue for many years, as many feel strongly about his actions and their impact.

The state AI regulation argument may spark a Republican divide

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. States are looking to pass their own laws on AI, but there's a push from the federal government to prevent this. Some worry this could benefit large tech companies at the expense of local regulations.
  2. There is a split within the Republican Party about how to handle AI regulations. Some leaders believe states should have the power to regulate, while others side with big tech interests.
  3. The current situation on AI regulation shows uncertainty and could mean a shake-up in the political landscape as different factions within the party begin to clash over technology issues.

Why Housing Vouchers Need a YIMBY Movement

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. YIMBY movement has had significant successes in housing reforms, but the impact on housing supply and affordability is uncertain.
  2. While YIMBYism appeals to various political ideologies, it may not address the need for subsidized housing for the growing number of Americans in poverty.
  3. Advocating for the expansion of project-based vouchers, which offer federally guaranteed rent and simplify affordable housing development, could be a more pragmatic and cross-over approach embraced by developers and policymakers.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

Can We Still Govern? • 248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.