The Atlantic

A U.S. FDA advisory panel narrowly voted 8-6 to recommend easing restrictions on seven synthetic peptides (including BPC-157, TB-500, and Semax) for compounding pharmacy use, despite FDA scientists citing insufficient safety and efficacy data. The panel, convened under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., included several members with ties to the peptide industry. Critics warn the decision could expand a “Wild West” gray market, while supporters argue for patient access. The FDA is not bound by the vote but typically follows such recommendations.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 07:06 PM UTC

A federal judge in Nevada dismissed FBI Director Kash Patel's $10 million defamation lawsuit against blogger Jim Stewartson, who had called Patel a 'googly-eyed Kremlin bitch' and a 'chud.' Chief District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled that the court lacked personal jurisdiction over Stewartson, who has no meaningful ties to Nevada. Patel had initially won a $250,000 default judgment in August 2025 after Stewartson failed to respond, but Stewartson later successfully challenged that ruling. The judge's final order notably included the insult in a footnote. Stewartson celebrated the dismissal on social media, declaring that people are now free to refer to Patel with those terms without legal repercussions. The article notes that Patel, following President Trump's lead, has filed six defamation lawsuits against journalists in seven years, including a recent $250 million suit against The Atlantic.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:18 PM UTC

The FBI's Rapid Response account on X launched a social media attack on The Atlantic after the magazine filed a motion to dismiss Kash Patel's $250 million defamation lawsuit. The Atlantic argued Patel failed to plausibly allege actual malice in its April article, which reported that Patel drank to excess, delayed operations, and was often unreachable, raising national security concerns. The FBI account called The Atlantic a 'slop rag' with 'zero interest in real journalism.' The Atlantic also filed a motion to stay discovery except for Touhy requests, allowing it to seek documents from the FBI and DOJ. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg stated, 'If Director Patel did not want to face this process, he should not have filed this suit.' The article questions the appropriateness of a government agency defending its director in such a manner.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:06 PM UTC

The Atlantic has filed a motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by FBI Director Kash Patel. The lawsuit, filed in April, stems from The Atlantic's reporting that alleged Patel engaged in excessive drinking and questioned his job performance. Patel claims the magazine defamed him by relying on sources who were not in a position to know the facts. The Atlantic argues the lawsuit is an unconstitutional assault on press freedom. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the FBI leadership and media outlets over coverage of official conduct.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:03 PM UTC

This article is a compilation of opinion pieces. Vivekanand Jayakumar argues that post-pandemic economic shifts require central banks to adopt greater flexibility and forward-looking decision-making due to altered inflation dynamics and monetary transmission. Lila Shroff and Rose Horowitch report that AI companies are recruiting star researchers from universities, shifting the center of AI research away from academia. Meehika Barua critiques the trend of turning hobbies into identity markers, causing guilt for those preferring quieter pursuits. Andrea Bernstein profiles Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, who uses a business-oriented, kind approach to diplomacy, including brokering a ceasefire deal with Hamas and Israel.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:34 PM UTC

This Forbes opinion piece argues that the common claim 'airpower alone cannot win a war' is a misleading cliché that misjudges military effectiveness. The author contends that modern warfare requires applying appropriate capabilities to specific political objectives, not testing airpower against tasks like occupation that it was never designed for. The article critiques recent commentaries that declared airpower failed in the Iran war, asserting that such judgments wrongly define victory only as territorial conquest or regime change. Instead, the author argues airpower is effective for limited objectives like degradation, denial, coercion, and generating diplomatic leverage. The piece uses the 2003 Iraq invasion as an example where ground forces also failed to achieve stable political outcomes, concluding that success should be measured by whether military choices align with political goals, not by narrow slogans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:30 AM UTC

On July 21, 2026, President Trump announced 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports—including wine, hockey sticks, dairy, and autos—under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, citing discriminatory treatment by Canada. The move exempts energy, potash, and critical minerals but covers USMCA goods. Canada’s PM Carney signaled readiness for talks while threatening retaliation. Legal challenges are expected, as experts deem the law defunct. The tariffs follow the USMCA’s non-renewal and prior threats over wildfire smoke, deepening bilateral trade tensions.

31 reports · 14 sources · Updated Aug 2, 12:30 PM UTC

The article, published on Reason.com, critiques Tyler Austin Harper's Atlantic X thread on ideological imbalance in academia. While Harper acknowledges that academia is often closed to non-progressive perspectives, the author argues the problem is even worse. Harper cites George Mason University as an example where conservative views are 'well-represented,' but the author counters that this is limited to the law school and economics department, which are small enclaves within a largely left-wing university. The author also challenges Harper's implication that economics departments are bastions of free-market thought, citing a 2007 study showing only 8% of American Economic Association members support free-market principles. The piece concludes that the ideological imbalance is not due to competition of ideas but systemic exclusion, making academic careers in fields like anthropology or history untenable for right-leaning individuals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:23 PM UTC

The article, published on Reason.com, critiques Tyler Austin Harper's Atlantic thread on ideological imbalance in academia. While Harper acknowledges that academia is often closed to non-progressive perspectives, the author argues Harper understates the problem. The author notes that at George Mason University, conservative views are only well-represented in law and economics, which are small enclaves. The author also challenges Harper's implication that economics departments are bastions of free-market thought, citing a 2007 study showing only 8% of American Economic Association members support free-market principles. The article concludes that the ideological imbalance is severe, and a right-leaning college senior would be career-suicidal to pursue academia in fields like anthropology or history unless they hide their views.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:23 PM UTC

This analysis from The Week examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It highlights his transformation from a principled, bipartisan senator and close ally of John McCain to a fawning supporter of Donald Trump. Initially a vocal critic of Trump in 2016, Graham later became his key Senate ally, abandoning his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' for political relevance. The article draws on multiple sources, including The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico, to explore whether Graham's shift was a cynical adaptation to the new GOP or a genuine change. It notes that Graham used his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing policy goals, such as bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. The article traces his transformation from a bipartisan, hawkish patriot who initially condemned Donald Trump as a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot' to becoming Trump's most important Senate ally. Graham's career is divided into two phases: loyalty to John McCain as a 'Three Amigos' member advocating American military power for good, and later a 'head-spinning transformation' to align with Trump. Critics note Graham craved influence and chose adaptation over leaving politics, using his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing goals like bombing Iran. The piece questions whether his legacy of abandoning principles for relevance was ultimately worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It traces his transformation from a principled, bipartisan hawk in the John McCain mold—who once called Donald Trump a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot'—into Trump's most important Senate ally. The article highlights Graham's 'head-spinning transformation' after Trump's 2016 victory, driven by a craving for influence and relevance. It notes that Graham abandoned his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' to become an opportunistic collaborator, enabling him to advance long-standing policy goals like bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

The article reports on a proposed Trump administration rule that would shift federal scientific grantmaking decisions from independent peer reviewers to political appointees, allowing the White House to reject or cut funding for projects that do not align with presidential priorities, including those promoting DEI, transgender identities, or perceived 'anti-American' ideas. Critics, including scientists, Democratic lawmakers, and Republican Senator Susan Collins, argue the rule would undermine U.S. scientific leadership, enable arbitrary political control, and harm research on disease and economic growth. Supporters claim it increases democratic accountability. The public comment period has closed, and the administration plans to finalize the rule by October 1. Science groups are lobbying Congress and organizing protests.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:58 PM UTC

The article reports on a proposed Trump administration rule that would shift federal scientific grantmaking decisions from independent peer reviewers to political appointees. Critics, including scientists and Democratic lawmakers, argue this would allow the White House to defund research it dislikes, including projects involving diversity, transgender identities, or opposition to administration policies. Supporters claim it increases democratic accountability. The rule would affect hundreds of billions in funding and has drawn opposition from over 300 scientific organizations. The public comment period has closed, and the administration plans to finalize the rule by October 1. Opponents warn it will undermine U.S. scientific leadership and economic competitiveness.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:58 PM UTC

The article reports on a proposed Trump administration rule that would shift federal scientific grantmaking decisions from independent peer reviewers to political appointees. The rule would require projects to align with the president's priorities and could defund research promoting DEI, transgender identities, or 'anti-American' ideas. Critics, including scientists and Democratic lawmakers, argue this would politicize science, enable arbitrary funding cuts, and undermine US scientific leadership. Supporters claim it increases democratic accountability and ensures research serves the national interest. The article notes that nearly 8,000 scientific grants were already suspended or canceled in 2025, and warns the change could blunt US science supremacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:58 PM UTC

The article, published on Reason.com, analyzes a thread by Tyler Austin Harper of The Atlantic, who challenges progressive academics to acknowledge that academia is often closed to non-progressive perspectives. The author argues that Harper understates the problem. While Harper notes conservative views are well-represented at places like George Mason University, the author counters that such representation is limited to small enclaves (law school, economics department) within a large, overwhelmingly left-wing university. The author also debunks the myth that economics departments are right-wing bastions, citing studies showing a 3-4.5:1 Democrat-to-Republican ratio and that only 8% of American Economic Association members are free-market supporters. The piece concludes that the ideological imbalance is severe, and that a right-leaning student would be 'career-suicidal' to pursue academia in fields like anthropology or history unless they hide their views.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:23 AM UTC

Nicholas Thompson's newsletter covers multiple stories: the persecution of Cuban independent journalist Abraham Jiménez Enoa, who fled to Spain after being harassed for reporting reality; Anne Neuberger's account of her parents' rescue from Ugandan terrorists on July 4, 1976, and her family's history of surviving the Holocaust and communism; a story about a couple refusing medical treatment for their newborn due to religious beliefs; an investigation into a hiker allegedly leaving his girlfriend to die on a mountain; and a revisit to David Grann's story about building a third water tunnel under New York City. The piece ties these narratives together with themes of freedom, truth, and resilience.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

This digest from The Week UK presents four opinion pieces. Ro Khanna in Foreign Affairs criticizes Pentagon procurement as slow and over budget, risking US military readiness. Alan Cushing in The Atlantic notes baseball and other sports are increasingly targeting casual fans with sensory overload. Ingrid Rojas Contreras in Time reflects on ICE killings of fathers, drawing parallels to her own father. Tom Jones at Poynter discusses TV networks' dilemma in covering President Trump's election integrity speech, given his history of false or misleading statements.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:40 PM UTC

Donald Trump used a prime-time address to allege Chinese interference in US elections, claiming Beijing obtained 220 million US voter files and attempted to manufacture illegal ballots for Joe Biden in 2020. The White House released declassified documents to support these claims, but analysts note no evidence supports that election results were manipulated. China denied the allegations. The article suggests Trump's motives include soothing his ego over the 2020 loss and potentially delegitimizing the upcoming November midterms. Republican leaders, focused on cost-of-living issues, have been wary of Trump's election denial narrative. The accusations may also complicate US-China trade relations and cast a shadow over President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 12:15 PM UTC

The United States is facing an imminent shortage of whey protein as consumer demand outpaces industrial processing capacity. Driven by a cultural 'protein mania' where Americans increasingly seek high-protein foods and supplements, wholesale prices for food-grade whey powder have surged by over 50 percent since January, reaching record highs. Retail prices have followed suit, with popular brands seeing significant price increases. Historically considered a waste by-product of cheesemaking, whey became a valuable commodity following environmental regulations and technological advancements in the 1980s. However, the recent explosion in demand, fueled by dietary trends and influencer culture, has overwhelmed the dairy industry's infrastructure. Experts note that building new processing facilities is capital-intensive, costing up to $1 billion, and takes years to complete. Consequently, the industry is currently in a lag situation where supply cannot quickly adjust to the rapid shifts in consumer preference, leading to tight inventories and sustained high prices for protein products.

1 reports · 1 sources

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has formally recused himself from policy matters concerning the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. These recusals stem from potential conflicts of interest linked to his wife, Katie Miller, a former White House strategist and current podcaster. Katie Miller has been engaged in informal discussions to sell her podcast to Paramount and holds consulting ties to Elon Musk’s xAI and SpaceX. The situation intensified after Katie Miller helped organize a high-profile dinner attended by President Trump, Paramount CEO David Ellison, and senior administration officials, including the acting Attorney General reviewing the merger. While the White House asserts that Stephen Miller complies with all ethics rules and distinguishes between podcast sponsorships and consulting, critics argue that Katie Miller leverages her marital connection to sell political access. Sponsors of her podcast include major corporations with legislative interests before the administration. Despite these controversies, no evidence has emerged of improper official acts benefiting podcast sponsors, though the arrangement highlights ongoing tensions regarding influence peddling within the Trump administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

This analysis from The Atlantic argues that President Donald Trump’s recent candid remarks and behavioral gaffes pose significant risks to Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Although Trump himself is not on the ballot, his conduct creates political headwinds for his party. The article highlights Trump’s admission that he does not consider Americans’ financial struggles amidst an ongoing conflict with Iran and rising inflation. Unlike predecessors who framed wartime sacrifices as necessary for national goals, Trump has offered no clear strategic objective for the war while dismissing economic hardship. Additionally, the piece details a series of unpresidential incidents, including insulting the White House, snapping at reporters regarding construction costs, and expressing indifference to concerns about reduced Black representation due to redistricting efforts led by his allies. The author contends that Trump’s unique brand of populism, which relies on scorn for elites, fails to resonate when he openly displays contempt for the economic suffering of ordinary voters, potentially undermining GOP electoral performance.

1 reports · 1 sources

This satirical opinion piece from The Atlantic, dated May 2026, critiques the erosion of women's rights in the United States through the ironic concept of "girl rights." The author mocks the societal expectation for women to accept diminished bodily autonomy, particularly regarding access to mifepristone and abortion services, which vary confusingly across states. The article satirizes political narratives that frame reduced rights as beneficial or less burdensome for women, comparing them to trivial trends like "girl math." It highlights the absurdity of blaming women for issues such as male loneliness and declining birth rates, while dismissing immigration as a solution. The text also ridicules misinformation about birth control and suggests regressive ideas like household voting. By contrasting "girl rights" with full constitutional protections, the author underscores the systematic removal of legal safeguards for women, including threats to the Voting Rights Act. The piece serves as a sharp political commentary on misogyny, reproductive rights, and the shifting legal landscape affecting gender equality in America.

1 reports · 1 sources

This news digest compiles four distinct opinion and analysis pieces from major publications. First, Helen Lewis in The Atlantic examines the rise of 'masculinism,' arguing that the movement led by figures like Pastor Doug Wilson is not merely opportunistic but part of a broader New Right effort to counter feminist advances and solidify Donald Trump's electoral base. Second, Mark Clifford in The Wall Street Journal discusses new U.S. sanctions on Hong Kong oil-trading firms, asserting that Washington is targeting Beijing's role in facilitating Iranian oil sales and terror financing. Third, Daniel Hryhorczuk in the Chicago Tribune highlights the escalating nuclear danger at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, warning that war conditions could lead to a Fukushima-like disaster due to inadequate safety designs for conflict zones. Finally, Vikas Khanna in Time critiques global culinary standards, arguing that they unfairly label non-Western cuisines as 'ethnic' while ignoring the cultural depth and lived experience embedded in traditions like Indian food. The collection covers political ideology, international sanctions, environmental security, and cultural critique.

1 reports · 1 sources

In this episode of The Atlantic's Galaxy Brain podcast, host Charlie Warzel interviews journalist Chris Hayes to discuss the emotional and societal impacts of the current artificial intelligence boom. Hayes introduces the concept of the "jagged frontier," describing how AI exhibits uneven capabilities, excelling at some tasks while failing unexpectedly at others. He expresses personal anxiety, termed "The Bad Feeling," regarding the rapid pace of technological change and its potential to erode human cognitive skills, particularly in creative fields. Hayes argues against using AI for brainstorming to preserve critical thinking muscles, despite acknowledging the risk of eventual job displacement. The conversation explores the disconnect between tech industry hype—such as autonomous bot swarms and economic upheaval predictions—and the everyday concerns of regular citizens. Hayes adopts an anthropological approach to analyze the AI discourse, aiming to help listeners calibrate their expectations and emotions amidst the overwhelming narrative of automation, existential risk, and industry-driven malaise.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article analyzes Stephen Colbert's unique approach to late-night television as his program, The Late Show, prepares for its final broadcast in May 2026. Colbert is characterized by a rare blend of sincerity and intellectual depth, distinguishing himself from peers like Jimmy Fallon and his predecessor David Letterman. He frequently engaged guests in substantive discussions, ranging from Joe Biden’s handling of grief to Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homeric epics. Despite critical acclaim and a distinctive style that balanced playfulness with political critique, CBS decided to cancel the show, citing financial reasons and shifting viewing habits away from live television. However, the timing of the cancellation has raised suspicions of political motivation, given recent settlements between CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, and President Trump, who has been a frequent target of Colbert’s satire. The piece argues that Colbert’s departure marks the loss of the classiest voice in late-night TV, ending an era where intellectual curiosity coexisted with comedy. The final season is described as funereal, reflecting the broader decline of the traditional network talk show format.

1 reports · 1 sources

This analytical article from The Atlantic argues that commencement speeches are primarily ritualistic acts rather than opportunities for profound expression or lasting advice. While famous addresses by figures like Steve Jobs or Toni Morrison are remembered for their wisdom, the author contends that these are exceptions. For most graduates, the specific content of the speech is forgotten quickly, which serves the event's true purpose: bringing the community together in a shared moment of celebration. Experts cited in the piece, including David Murray of the Professional Speechwriters Association, suggest that the speaker’s role is to disappear into the background, ensuring the focus remains on the graduates, their families, and the institution. The article highlights that attempting to deliver cosmic wisdom often fails, whereas providing comforting sentiments and fulfilling the ceremonial formula succeeds. Even when speakers fail due to lack of preparation or inappropriate behavior, the ritual itself persists. Ultimately, the value of a commencement speech lies in the physical presence of the speaker and the collective experience of the event, not in the longevity or memorability of the words spoken.

1 reports · 1 sources

This weekly photo collection from The Atlantic highlights diverse global events occurring in mid-May 2026. Key military developments include NATO's Sword 26 exercise in Poland, where allied forces tested the Flowcopter FC100, a heavy-lift drone designed for evacuating injured soldiers. Cultural and sporting events feature prominently, such as the start of Eurovision Song Contest week in Vienna, Austria, and the Great Escape Festival in Brighton, England. In sports, cyclists competed in heavy rain during Stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia in Italy. Traditional celebrations were captured in Ayutthaya, Thailand, with an annual modified tractor race marking the rice-farming season. Social and political moments include children playing on the painted Mexico-U.S. border wall during Mother’s Day, students protesting for university funding in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Afghan children walking home from school in Zabul province. Nature photography includes flamingos in India and a seagull in Germany. The collection provides a visual snapshot of international life, blending technological advancements, cultural festivities, and everyday human experiences across multiple continents.

1 reports · 1 sources

Brittany Aldean, wife of country star Jason Aldean and a prominent right-leaning influencer, has launched Vada, a new fragrance line aimed at conservative women who feel overlooked by the mainstream beauty industry. Selling directly to fans, Aldean positions the brand as an aspirational luxury for women who prioritize family, faith, and traditional femininity. Although not explicitly political, the perfume codes conservative due to Aldean’s public persona, including her support for Donald Trump and controversial social media posts. The launch reflects a broader trend of beauty brands catering to conservative demographics, joining companies like Elevate Beauty and Nimi that market products with anti-woke messaging. Aldean distinguishes herself from tradwives by emphasizing her career-driven identity while maintaining traditional gender views. The brand faces a trademark lawsuit from an unrelated jewelry company also named Vada. Despite this, initial demand has been strong, with significant turnout at pop-up events. The article highlights how personal identity and political affiliation are increasingly intertwined in consumer goods, creating a lucrative niche market for high-end products aligned with conservative values.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles, positioning himself as a 'factory-reset' option for a city in crisis. In an interview, Pratt outlined extreme proposals, including clearing homeless encampments, utilizing 3D-printed affordable housing, and constructing aerial bike tubes. He refers to severely addicted homeless individuals as 'zombies,' reflecting the widespread despair over the city's deteriorating conditions. The article contextualizes his candidacy within the broader collapse of Los Angeles infrastructure and public safety following the devastating Palisades Fire of January 2025, which destroyed thousands of structures. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces significant backlash for her absence during the fires, having attended an inauguration in Ghana despite weather warnings. The city currently grapples with record levels of vector-borne diseases, organized theft, and unchecked street homelessness fueled by fentanyl and methamphetamine. With the nonpartisan primary scheduled for June 2, 2026, Pratt’s campaign highlights the deep frustration among residents regarding the fragmented jurisdictional landscape and the perceived failure of progressive policies to address the humanitarian crisis engulfing the region.

1 reports · 1 sources