Across the Pond
Decoding Boris Johnson’s Exceedingly British “Partygate” Scandal
The scandal over the prime minister’s relentless socializing in defiance of his own COVID-19 lockdown orders touches all the raw nerves of the traditional British psyche—and could herald his oft-predicted downfall.
Capitol Attack
Of Course Trump Is Already Talking About Pardoning Insurrectionists Come 2024
In a Texas speech, the former president also assailed the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack a day after the panel subpoenaed fake Trump electors.
Inside the Hive
Why Does the Economy Look So Good and Feel So Bad?
Inflation! Supply chain! GDP! Economist Beth Ann Bovino looks at the ups and downs of our (grim and not so grim) economic moment.
Media
With Jesse Watters Primetime, Fox Dips Another Toe in the Populist Culture Wars
The Trinity grad’s attacks on corporate America and Minnie Mouse seem to be working—his premiere episode this week even beat out Tucker Carlson.
Supreme Court
You’ll Never Believe It, but Mitch McConnell Is Already Threatening to Block Biden’s SCOTUS Pick
Who could have seen this coming other than literally everyone?
Climate
Joe Biden Needs to Do More to Keep His Climate Promises
Stalled bills, legal challenges, and a lack of urgency are imperiling Biden’s much vaunted pledges to address the crisis.
2024 Election
Some Light Shines in the Biden Tunnel
A new poll suggests there may be hope for the Democrats in 2024, whether or not Joe Biden runs again. (I don’t think he will.)
Levin Report
Womp, Womp: Melania Trump’s NFT Hat Auction Doesn’t Go as Planned
The former first lady’s auction came up well-short of the $250,000 she was hoping to take home.
MAGA
“It Was All About How the 2020 Election Was Stolen”: Billionaire Peter Thiel Hosts Fundraiser for Liz Cheney Challenger
The secretive tech titan welcomed donors to his lavish Miami compound for what was described as a MAGA rally in miniature.
WTF
Tennessee School Board Bans Pulitzer Prize–Winning Holocaust Graphic Novel Because of Drawing of a Naked Mouse
They also objected to the word “damn.” Which, we hate to break it to them, wasn’t the worst thing that happened during the Holocaust.
SCOTUS
Justice Breyer’s Retirement Is a Break With Tradition That Reflects a New, Toxic Supreme Court
His retirement came all too soon, ensuring President Joe Biden can appoint a liberal justice, and yet too late to save a court mired in politics.
Foreign Policy
“There Is No Military Solution Out of This Crisis”: Progressives Finally Speak Out on Russia
Following weeks of near-total silence on the spiraling crisis over Ukraine, progressives have warned Biden against any use of military force—and lodged concerns over sanctions.
SCOTUS
Democrats Finally Have a Supreme Court Fight They Can Win
Biden says he’ll pick a replacement by the end of February, and Democrats are hoping to buck all trends and see a smooth confirmation process ahead.
Media
Lineup Changes Give Morning Joe Even More Power at MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle’s move into the 11 p.m. slot gives the Morning Joe franchise an even bigger presence at the network.
Levin Report
Mitch McConnell Is One Week Away From Claiming Biden Can’t Put Someone on the Supreme Court the Same Year He Started Re-Watching the Original Gossip Girl
The Kentucky lawmaker doesn’t have the power to do whatever he wants this time around, but you’ll have to forgive Democrats for being worried he might try.
Swing And A Miss
Eric Trump Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Saying Award-Winningly Stupid Things on TV
According to the former first son, Joe Biden is a no-good layabout compared to his dad.
Coronavirus
You Are Not the Only One Taking Out More of Your Pandemic Frustration on Biden
Recent polling suggests Americans are losing confidence in the administration’s ability to handle the pandemic—even as his inaugural promise to “overcome this virus” stretches beyond him.
SCOTUS
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to Retire
The 83-year-old justice’s retirement gives Biden a chance to fill the seat while Democrats still have the chance.
Media
“Juneteenth Is a Pretty Aggressive Holiday to Take Hostages With”: NYT Union Views New Holiday Schedule as Latest Union-Busting Bid
A new holiday schedule excluding union members comes as NYT tech employees are holding their own union election.
Levin Report
Surprise: Florida Republicans Want to Ban Talk of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Schools
The Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, passed its first legislative hurdle last week.
East Germany
Virginia Governor Urges Parents to Rat Out Schools for Teaching Kids About “Divisive” Topics Like Racism
Glenn Youngkin has gone full Stasi.