Reading archive 2025-09-17

A seamlessly unserious president: Damage from Trump’s protectionism mounts domestically as danger abroad rises. - "Before Alaska, Trump threatened Russia with 'very severe consequences' unless it took certain steps toward a Ukraine settlement. When Russia took none of them, and suffered no consequences, Trump emitted another gust of bluster: He would put a recalcitrant Russia in a 'rough situation.' It is probable that Putin yawned when, last Friday, Trump said his patience was 'running out fast” and 'we’re going to have to come down very, very strong.'"

The GOP cut parts of Obamacare. Now it’s at the center of a funding fight.: Democrats are asking for restored health care subsidies and funding in exchange for their support, but Republicans are daring them to risk a shutdown over the issue.

D.C. police shoot, kill man they say ran at them while holding knives: The man’s parents called officers to their Northwest Washington home. Police said the man was acting “erratic.”

D.C.’s $3.7 billion Commanders stadium deal to face final vote today: The D.C. Council is debating potential adjustments to the massive plan to redevelop the old RFK Stadium site, some of which the Commanders expressed “deep concern” about.

Warming your feet can be as effective as sleep aids for faster sleep: Your new mantra: Heat your feet to get better sleep.

‘More Hawkish Than When I Arrived’: A View From Inside China - "Second, 'our allies are our superpower,' Burns said. This is America's decisive asymmetric advantage. China has 14 neighbors and no treaty allies, save one with North Korea. The U.S. has a formidable network of powerful democracies in the Indo-Pacific and Europe who share its concerns. 

"As Burns noted, when the U.S. adds the power of its alliance system to its own, America is 'significantly more powerful' than China. Antagonizing friends in Japan, South Korea, or Europe with punitive tariffs isn't tough—it's a 'strategic mistake,' as Burns put it, that weakens the U.S.’s hand against its primary competitor."

Four Bipartisan Efforts That Could Become Law: Checking in on across-the-aisle legislating.

The real enemy of democracy sneaked up on me: I used to be a cautious optimist, but social media has changed our politics for the worse.

Anti-Trump influencers flood the White House’s new TikTok account: The rocky rollout of the president’s official presence on the social platform showcases the challenges he faces among younger people online, even as he says he’s nearing a deal to get it sold to U.S. owners.

Bill Cassidy cast the key vote for RFK Jr. What is he thinking now?: The GOP senator has invited Susan Monarez, the former CDC director, to testify on Wednesday about her concerns that Kennedy is threatening vaccine access in America.

Britain and France’s debt crises are bad. America’s will be worse.: Washington’s fiscal failings mirror Europe’s economic mess. - "America’s economy, workforce and tax code are not equipped to finance the expanding Social Security and Medicare shortfalls. France and Britain are at least debating solutions. The U.S. continues to slash taxes, add benefits and ignore unfathomable budget deficits. Yet the laws of math and economics always win eventually, and Americans are dangerously ill-prepared for what is coming."