'Protecting kids from life's troubles leaves them more vulnerable'
Allysia Finley in The Wall Street Journal
It's hardly surprising that Chinese hospitals are suddenly "overwhelmed by sick children," says Allysia Finley in The Wall Street Journal. Respiratory viruses "suppressed by nearly three years of Covid lockdowns" have "come back with a vengeance" amid low "natural immunity." Hospitalization rates are up for young U.S. children, too. That's partly due to "bone-headed" mask mandates that didn't stop Covid but "reduced children's exposure to a potpourri of germs that strengthen their developing immune systems."
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'Holding judges to high ethical standards is essential'
Bloomberg editorial board
The Supreme Court's newly adopted ethics code is an "overdue acknowledgment" that its "justices have exhibited a series of embarrassing ethical lapses," including failing to disclose lavish gifts, says the Bloomberg editorial board. The missteps "stain the court's reputation and reduce public confidence in its authority and independence." But the new rules lack enforcement mechanisms, so they might just "breed more public cynicism." Congress needs to step in with legislation "to hold the justices accountable."
'The $16 McDonald's meal that struck a nerve'
Allison Morrow at CNN
"Sticker shock" is no longer just a lonely moment of panic for a cash-strapped consumer, says Allison Morrow at CNN. Social media can transform any "unexpectedly high bill" into an invitation for "everyone to publicly shake their fist" at the state of the economy. Take the Idaho guy whose late-2022 post on his $16 McDonald's meal went viral recently. This kind of exaggerated snapshot prevents Democrats from making people see "the economy is actually doing great."
'The flight of young voters to Trump is a stunning'
A.B. Stoddard at The Bulwark
A second term for former President Donald Trump will "destroy democracy," says A.B. Stoddard in The Bulwark. He "calls for internment camps," and "prosecution for political enemies." But President Joe Biden is having a hard time convincing voters of "the danger of Trump." Biden is losing support while "Trump has never had more." Apparently, Trump's "shock and corruption" has "worn off" with nonwhite, young, and independent voters, who trust him more on the economy and immigration.
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Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
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Crossword: September 13, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
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Sudoku medium: September 13, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
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Graphic videos of Charlie Kirk’s death renew debate over online censorshipTalking Points Social media ‘promises unfiltered access, but without guarantees of truth and without protection from harm’
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‘Peak consumption has become the Holy Grail of the energy debate’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for coup attemptSpeed Read Bolsonaro was convicted of attempting to stay in power following his 2022 election loss
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Calls for both calm and consequences follow Kirk killingTALKING POINTS The suspected assassination of far-right activist Charlie Kirk has some public figures pleading for restraint, while others agitate for violent reprisals
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Why does Donald Trump keep showing up at major sporting events?Today's Big Question Trump has appeared at the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and other events
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‘Democracy is under threat globally’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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Former top FBI agents sue, claiming Trump purgeSpeed Read The agents alleged they were targeted by a “campaign of retribution”
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Why does Trump keep interfering in the NYC mayoral race?Today's Big Question The president has seemingly taken an outsized interest in his hometown elections, but are his efforts to block Zohran Mamdani about political expediency or something deeper?
