The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

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

Picking Ro Khanna

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Legislation Political Ideologies Government Regulation
  1. Silicon Valley values innovation and rebellion, allowing entrepreneurs to challenge norms. This spirit of independence is crucial for their success.
  2. The author questions how Silicon Valley can support someone like Ro Khanna, who promotes regulation and control over innovation. This seems contradictory to their rebellious nature.
  3. There's a belief that progressives benefit from capitalists, using the innovations they create to push for more rules and regulations. This can stifle the very innovation that drives progress.

He is Defunding the State and Running for Missouri Treasurer. Ope! He's Also Uncontested.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2209 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Policy Candidates Government
  1. Uncontested seats in elections can lead to undemocratic outcomes.
  2. Missouri Representative Cody Smith has been focusing on defunding public libraries, Planned Parenthood, and public schools.
  3. Efforts to contest every seat in elections can help prevent unopposed politicians from implementing extreme measures.

The Week in Abortion

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2987 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion rights Reproductive Rights Legislation
  1. A campaign ad featuring personal abortion stories can have a significant impact on raising awareness and shifting views.
  2. Efforts to restrict abortion access continue, including cruel tactics like forcing women into unnecessary procedures to undermine the importance of abortion.
  3. Pro-choice groups are actively working on ballot measures to protect abortion rights, facing opposition and challenges from anti-abortion activists.

Maryland Governor Declares Maryland A Trans Sanctuary State

Erin In The Morning • 5346 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Government Rights Activism
  1. Maryland Governor declared the state a Trans Sanctuary State, the 12th state to enact such policies.
  2. Several measures were outlined in the order to protect transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
  3. Maryland has implemented various protective policies for transgender individuals, making it one of the safest states in the U.S.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Foreign Policy Public Opinion Social media International relations Legislation
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Texas is Fabricating Abortion Data

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5247 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Anti-Abortion Movement Women's Health Legislation
  1. Doctors in Texas are being forced to report fake abortion complications or risk losing their jobs.
  2. Texas is manipulating abortion data by requiring vague and nonsensical reporting of abortion complications.
  3. Anti-abortion organizations are using fabricated data to create a false narrative about the dangers of abortion.

Judge Blocks Montana Drag Ban Using Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell's Own Words

Erin In The Morning • 5129 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Discrimination LGBTQ+ Court ruling
  1. A federal judge blocked Montana's drag ban using the bill author's own words which were seen as discriminatory.
  2. The judge found the ban unconstitutional due to violations of first amendment rights on freedom of speech.
  3. The law was deemed overly vague and unconstitutional due to broad definitions that could impact various groups.

The 12-Week Lie

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5070 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Republicans Healthcare Women's Rights
  1. Despite efforts to frame abortion bans as 'commonsense,' they are causing significant damage to the conservative agenda.
  2. Legislation like the 12-week abortion ban in North Carolina may appear as compromises, but they create numerous obstacles and humiliation for women seeking abortions.
  3. Republicans' messaging around 'reasonable' abortion restrictions contradicts the actual cruelty and punitive nature of the proposed laws.

Abortion, Every Day (1.9.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3007 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Reproductive Rights Florida
  1. Florida bill aims to ban abortions for minors except for life-threatening emergencies, raising concerns about reproductive rights
  2. Idaho faces OBGYN shortage due to restrictive abortion laws, showcasing the impact of anti-choice legislation on healthcare access
  3. Anti-abortion movement focuses on denying emergency abortions, revealing extreme measures to limit reproductive rights

Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 508 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Defense Legislation
  1. Pete Hegseth has controversial views on Islam, suggesting it is a continuous threat to the West, which could impact his role in defense if appointed.
  2. His lack of managerial experience raises concerns about his capabilities to lead the military effectively.
  3. Hegseth's views might worsen tensions with Muslim-majority countries and influence how U.S. foreign policy is shaped, especially regarding military actions.

Abortion, Every Day (1.10.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2928 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Elections Healthcare Reproductive Rights
  1. The media coverage of post-abortion ban deaths is concerning and highlights the lack of attention on crucial issues.
  2. There are deceitful campaigns against pro-choice measures in states like Arizona, emphasizing the importance of understanding the language in such initiatives.
  3. Republican anti-abortion activism in Ohio's Supreme Court reveals the ongoing threats to abortion rights and the need for vigilance in protecting those rights.

Put your Kid to Work Day

New Means • 2771 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Legislation Capitalism Inequality
  1. Child labor violations have increased by 50% in 2023, resulting in tragic accidents and deaths of young workers.
  2. Multiple state legislatures are working to weaken child labor laws, allowing kids to work longer hours in dangerous jobs.
  3. The push for child labor is tied to capitalist interests seeking to further exploit and profit off of vulnerable populations, including children.

It's time we learned to love the Lords

Striking 13 • 2316 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy Legislation Reform Partisanship
  1. The House of Lords, despite being undemocratic, is effective in improving laws and providing scrutiny in ways the Commons can't.
  2. The lack of a majority in the Lords prevents the government from unchecked power, forcing better governance and encouraging consensus-building.
  3. Expertise in the Lords, particularly from crossbenchers, plays a key role in improving legislation and offering valuable insights, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to democracy.

Abortion, Every Day (2.7.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2338 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Activism Lawsuit Reproductive Rights
  1. Anti-abortion studies attacking mifepristone retracted due to misleading and inaccurate information.
  2. Anti-choice groups resort to harassment campaigns in states like Florida and Missouri to suppress pro-choice efforts.
  3. Various states like Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Illinois are introducing controversial anti-abortion legislation, leading to increased threats and violence against abortion providers.

Senate establishment takes aim at Tulsi Gabbard, after failing to trip up Hegseth nomination

The Dossier • 277 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. The Senate has shifted its focus from questioning the Defense nominee to targeting Tulsi Gabbard for her past statements on Syria. This shows a strategic move to create hurdles for her confirmation as the director of national intelligence.
  2. Tulsi Gabbard has a past visit to Syria that some senators are criticizing. However, the history of U.S. foreign policy is filled with mistakes, making it questionable for senators to judge her based on one trip.
  3. Gabbard is a U.S. Army veteran who possesses the knowledge and character needed for the role. The Senate should prioritize confirming nominees like her, rather than nitpicking past actions.

Abortion, Every Day (1.16.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2692 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Elections Public funding Reproductive Rights
  1. Anti-abortion activists are using victim-blaming tactics to avoid acknowledging the harm caused by abortion bans, as seen in the case of Yeni Glick in Texas.
  2. Legislators in different states are introducing bills that impact reproductive rights, such as a controversial fetal personhood bill in Kentucky and concerns about abortion access in Illinois.
  3. Various efforts are being made to protect abortion rights and improve reproductive health services, including legal battles, political campaigns, and initiatives to provide accurate information to the public.

Abortion, Every Day (2.1.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2378 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Policy Legislation Election Advocacy
  1. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled against ten Republican state senators who staged a walkout over abortion, disqualifying them from reelection.
  2. Kentucky and Tennessee lawmakers are working on abortion legislation, with focus on repealing bans and providing more resources for patients.
  3. The anti-abortion movement is facing backlash, including activists violating the FACE Act and attempts to repeal clinic protection laws.

OSD 308: Instagram matters more than gun laws do

Open Source Defense • 80 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Social media Legislation Public Policy Cultural influence
  1. Social media has a huge impact on discussing gun rights. If people can freely talk about guns online, they can challenge and change laws more effectively.
  2. Current rules on social media limit conversations about guns, which can make laws tougher to fight against. Better communication online can help spread good ideas and innovations about gun rights.
  3. Gun laws are important, but the culture around guns and the ability to talk about them online is even more powerful. A strong gun culture can prevent restrictive laws from being made in the first place.

Abortion, Every Day (1.22.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2476 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Legislation Political Activism Voting
  1. Republicans are strategically avoiding the term 'abortion ban' to gain public support for their restrictions.
  2. Some states like Wisconsin and Iowa are pushing extreme abortion restrictions, like banning abortions at 14 weeks and requiring 'prosecutable' cases for rape victims.
  3. Efforts are being made in various pro-choice states like Colorado, Maine, Maryland, and Alabama to protect abortion rights through ballot measures and legislation.

The Good News Supplement: 22nd January - Sunday 28th January

The Glinner Update • 2358 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Legal case Civil Rights Public Figures
  1. Professor Jo Phoenix won her legal case against the Open University for discrimination and harassment because of her gender critical views.
  2. Ohio Senate has overridden Governor DeWine's veto, preventing medical interventions for gender-confused children.
  3. Kemi Badenoch is addressing the issue of gender pay gap data being recorded based on self-declared gender identity, rather than biological sex, in the Civil Service.

Health Insurers Increasingly Prevent Care for Children, New Congressional Report Finds

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Child Health Medical Ethics
  1. Health insurers are making it harder for children to get necessary medical care. This often happens through a process called prior authorization, where doctors need approval from insurers before treating patients.
  2. A recent government report found that private insurers have inconsistent rules about approving basic health screenings and treatments for kids, which is crucial for their long-term health.
  3. The report suggests the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should check if insurers can really ask for prior approval for care that doesn't need it according to regulations. This is important to ensure all children get the preventative care they need.

Abortion, Every Day (1.18.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2535 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Elections Reproductive Rights
  1. Google is still retaining location data for abortion clinic visits despite promises to delete it.
  2. Abortion rights organizations in Missouri are facing challenges and disagreements over 'viability' standards in the proposed ballot measures.
  3. Biden-Harris campaign is launching an abortion-rights push focusing on Trump's impact on abortion bans across the country.

Fake Jobs and Fake Facts

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Political strategy Elections Public Policy
  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.

How 'gender' made a muppet of Nicola Sturgeon

The Glinner Update • 4402 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+ Legislation Mainstream Media Resignation Public Opinion
  1. The Scottish parliament passed a controversial Gender Recognition Reform bill despite public opposition.
  2. Instances like Isla Bryson case highlight the dangers of self-ID laws, prompting intervention from officials.
  3. The fallout led to the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, showing the political risks of implementing poorly considered policies.

Why Trump is So Afraid of the Bipartisan Border Deal

The Message Box • 2122 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Parties Border Security Foreign Aid Bipartisanship
  1. House Republicans killed a bipartisan border deal quickly to prevent Biden from having a victory.
  2. The Senate deal on border security, Ukraine, and Israel is contentious, with Democrats not fully supporting it.
  3. Donald Trump and House Republicans worked hard to stop the Senate bill from passing, showing their fear of the political implications.

February 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. A young engineer gained access to crucial U.S. government systems, which could allow him to disrupt major government payments. This raised serious concerns about security and control over federal funds.
  2. Elon Musk's team is planning to use AI to change government software, which might lead to security risks. There are worries that using AI could unintentionally create vulnerabilities in sensitive systems.
  3. There is increasing tension over Musk's influence on government programs and potential illegal actions. Protests and legal efforts are rising to push back against what many see as an overreach of power.

February 3, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Billionaires Federal Agencies Constitution
  1. Elon Musk is gaining unprecedented control over U.S. government functions, bypassing Congress and making cuts to important programs. This raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a private citizen.
  2. Recent actions by Musk's team have compromised security in various government departments and accessed sensitive information about citizens and businesses. This could threaten both privacy and national security.
  3. Trump’s announcement of tariffs has caused economic turmoil, with market reactions showing significant concern. This has led to uneasy agreements with neighboring countries to avoid immediate crisis, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his economic strategies.

Moscow Marjorie

Diane Francis • 1119 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Espionage Legislation Disinformation Democracy
  1. Russia is spreading misinformation and trying to weaken democracies around the world. This includes spying and undercover operations in Europe and the US.
  2. Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene are seen as supporters of Russia, often sharing ideas that align with Russian narratives.
  3. There are concerns about Trump's demand to limit the FISA Act, which helps protect the US from foreign threats, despite warnings from former officials about the risks.

WHERE’S WALDO? NEW REPORT SHOWS DC STILL A GHOST TOWN AFTER COVID

OpenTheBooks Substack • 203 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Bureaucracy Accountability
  1. Many federal workers in D.C. are still working from home, with only about 6% returning to the office daily. This has led to significant underutilization of office spaces.
  2. There's a lot of taxpayer money being spent on salaries and benefits for these remote workers, yet many job responsibilities are being ignored, causing serious issues like backlogs at agencies.
  3. A new bill, the REMOTE Act, aims to hold federal employees accountable for their work and assess the impact of telework on productivity.

A Missouri GOP Lawmaker, Who Runs a Construction Business, Weighs in on IVF

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1652 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Election Controversy Reproductive Rights Political Activism
  1. Senator Rick Brattin, a Missouri GOP lawmaker, lacks understanding of IVF and proposes restrictive laws around embryo storage and creation.
  2. Brattin's controversial views on abortion, rape, and IVF highlight the importance of challenging unopposed extreme positions in politics.
  3. The lack of opposition in elections can lead to extreme and harmful policies going unchallenged, emphasizing the need for diverse political representation.

February 5, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political parties Policy
  1. Trump is back in office and is removing people he thinks are against him from key government positions. This includes the Department of Justice and the FBI.
  2. Elon Musk appears to be gaining control over various federal systems, raising concerns about his influence on important data and potential conflicts of interest.
  3. Protests are occurring as people are worried about the government's power being taken over by Musk and Trump, especially with cuts to vital services that affect rural voters.

My Father and the Trumps

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Elections Political Figures Party Dynamics Legislation
  1. Donald Trump mentioned a politician named Sy Halpern, who impacted his father's early career. It's interesting to see how past connections can shape present political figures.
  2. Halpern was part of a different kind of Republican party that focused on bipartisanship and social issues like civil rights. This shows how political identities can change over time.
  3. Donald Trump represents a link to a bygone era in New York City, where local politics involved personal connections and community-focused leaders. It's a reminder of how history shapes current events.