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Articles by Cole Murphy
Marylanders of Modest Means Bear the Cost of Public Disorder
Hyattsville, Md. Touring the Marylander Condominiums in Prince George’s County, Md., I noticed how the ground squelched under my shoes. It was a clear day in February—water was leaking through burst underground pipes. The buildings near the back of the complex were dilapidated. Their windows had been smashed; some were boarded up with plywood. Locks were broken.
Every Vinyl LP Tells a Story
Free Expression is a daily newsletter on American life, politics and culture from the Opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal. Sign up and start reading Free Expression today. My dad gave me his childhood vinyl collection when I was 14—more than 100 worn and dusty albums.
Polymarket Has the Odds on Jesus’ Second Coming
Online prediction markets could be blazing a trail to a brave new financial world. Photo: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg News Free Expression is a daily newsletter on American life, politics and culture from the Opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal. Sign up and start reading Free Expression today. Jesus told his disciples that he would return and warned them to “keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Their response wasn’t recorded.
Georgia’s Film Tax Incentive Bombs at the Box Office
Fayetteville, Ga. In the Trilith Studios lot sits a bus station to nowhere, a relic from “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” filmed in late 2020 and early 2021. Back then major franchises filmed here to pocket the state’s aggressive tax incentive. It was so popular Georgia was nicknamed “The Hollywood of the South.” Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Opinion | New York Is Making a Hash of Its Legal Marijuana Industry
Harsh regulation and bureaucracy have cannabis dispensaries coughing up taxes, not profits. Review & Outlook: Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City focused on the cost of living and Trump's unpopularity, and they rolled to big victories. What do Republicans need to do to avoid another wipeout in 2026?
What’s Going On With Oil?
Happy Thursday! The Library of Congress blamed a “coding error” after text from the U.S. Constitution, including a section on the right to habeas corpus, mysteriously disappeared from the Constitution Annotated website for a few hours Wednesday. Hopefully the constitutional glitch only occurred in the cyberworld. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on more than 90 countries went into effect just after midnight Thursday, raising the average U.S. tariff rate to the highest levels in a century.
Rival Governments Vie for Sudan
Happy Wednesday! President Donald Trump on Tuesday took impromptu questions from reporters as he inspected the White House roof in preparation for future construction. When asked what he planned to build, Trump responded: “nuclear missiles.” Now that’s an HGTV show we could get behind.
Trump Meddles at the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Happy Tuesday! Before we get to the news, a quick note from Executive Editor Declan Garvey: We’re thrilled to welcome Ross Anderson to The Dispatch as the next editor of TMD. Ross has been in our orbit for years—he first wrote for us in 2021—but he officially started at The Dispatch yesterday after stints at The Spectator, New York Sun, and Tablet, and working as a researcher for Dispatch contributing writer Jesse Singal.
The Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady
Happy Friday! We hope you have a great weekend! Be sure to tune into CNN at 9 a.m. ET Sunday to watch Jonah on State of the Union, but don’t forget to flip channels to NBC News by 10:30 a.m. ET to catch Steve on “Meet The Press.” President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday night setting previously unannounced tariff rates for dozens of countries.
Is AI on the Verge of an Economic Takeover?
Happy Thursday! We want to make The Dispatch even better for you. Our team is conducting a quick summer research project to understand what’s working well and what we could improve in your reading experience. Would you mind taking five minutes to share your thoughts? Your feedback will help us deliver the quality news coverage you expect and enhance the features that matter most to you.
Targeted by Trump, Universities Weigh Next Steps
Happy Tuesday! We were as excited as anybody when Instant Pot announced a new line of MAGA-themed products last month, so you can imagine our disappointment upon learning that the presidential appliances had been shelved. We sure hope this isn’t a bad omen for the $149 Trump slides we’ve had our eye on. President Donald Trump on Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine in “10 or 12 days” or face economic penalties.
The Tariffs Clock Counts Down
Happy Monday! Retired international baseball star Ichiro Suzuki was one of four players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, and, while thanking the Miami Marlins for signing him in the late stages of his career, decided to come clean: “Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015,” he said, “I had never heard of your team.” Then again, this is the same player who received a text message from Tom Brady, requesting to meet Ichiro and study his stretching...
Japan’s Long-Governing Party Takes a Hit
Happy Wednesday! Reddit is back to moving markets. This time, instead of pumping up GameStop’s price, users have zeroed in on Kohl’s. The retailer closed Tuesday up 38 percent in the internet’s latest get-rich-quick scheme. Smart investment? Probably not. Will this boost the value of your Kohl’s cash? Possibly. But meme stock investors have already moved on to Krispy Kreme equity, so get ready to leverage some options to pay for as many boxes of donuts as you can get your hands on.
The Federal Reserve Under Fire
Upgrade to full Dispatch membership to unlock the full version of this newsletter—and unlimited access to all our reporting and analysis. Join The Dispatch today. Happy Tuesday! A hospital in Ibiza, Spain, has a therapy horse that plays a keyboard to wake up children from anesthesia. No fingers necessary: The miniature horse, Black Pearl, simply rubs her muzzle across the keys.
What’s Going on With X?
You are currently on our free list—meaning this is just a preview of the newsletter. To access the full version and unlock all our reporting, join The Dispatch. Happy Wednesday! There likely aren’t many people who, after arriving home after a long day’s work, unwind by playing an online simulation of their day job. But Chicago White Sox minor league pitching prospect Noah Schultz relaxes by playing the video game “MLB: The Show.” The player had one objection, though.
Deadly Clashes Rock Southern Syria
This is the free version of The Morning Dispatch. To unlock the full version and start your day informed on the biggest stories impacting your world, become a Dispatch member. Happy Tuesday! Police in Tempe, Arizona, arrested a GrubHub driver during a traffic stop—but the officers still made sure his in-progress Little Caesars delivery arrived at its destination.
Amid More Tariffs, Metrics Paint a Murky Economic Picture
This is the free version of The Morning Dispatch. To unlock the full version and start your day informed on the biggest stories impacting your world, become a Dispatch member. Happy Wednesday! When the Washington Nationals fired both their longtime president of baseball operations and manager on Sunday, ownership cited the team’s need for “new energy.” On Wednesday night, the players debuted a new home run celebration: an Uncle Sam hat with a stars-and-stripes jacket.
Texas Flooding Death Toll Rises
This is the free version of The Morning Dispatch. To unlock the full version and start your day informed on the biggest stories impacting your world, become a Dispatch member. Happy Tuesday! There’s film, there’s real life, and then there’s Australia. Last week, a flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was delayed for two hours after a snake was discovered in the passenger jet’s cargo hold. Fortunately, the stowaway serpent was a member of Australia’s nonvenomous minority.
SCOTUS Wraps a High-Profile Term
Happy Tuesday! If Trump memecoins aren’t your thing, how about a Trump cologne?For just $199 a pop, you can purchase your very own bottle of “Trump fragrance.” The online storefront assures us that the “Fight Fight Fight” collection will be your “Rallying Cry In A Bottle.” The Senate kicked off a “vote-a-rama” on Monday, allowing senators to propose an unlimited number of amendments to the budget reconciliation megabill that contains President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
Tucker Versus MAGA
‘Regime change in Iran may look very bloody.’ Published June 30, 2025 David Frum joins Jamie Weinstein to break down Trump’s Iran strikes, the brewing civil war within MAGA over foreign policy, and the winners (and losers) of the tariff war. The Agenda: —The state of the Trump administration —Analyzing the Iran strikes —MAGA’s foreign policy split —Immigration policy —J.D. Vance and opportunism —What’s going on with the Democratic Party?
Conflicting Assessments on Iran Attack Emerge
Trump Ends the Folly of De-escalation President Trump prefers peace deals to the use of military force, and he reportedly delayed Israel’s plans to attack Iran earlier this spring and destroy—or at least degrade—the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities. But after the first few days of Israel’s highly successful air, intelligence, and cyber offensive in mid-June, Trump did not urge de-escalation. “[Iran] had bad intentions,” he told reporters.
GOP’s Megabill Hits Senate Rules Roadblock
You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events. Happy Friday! We’re hiring! As The Dispatch continues to grow, we’re looking to bring on another editor to work on this newsletter. If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—check out our careers page.
Mamdani Wins NYC’s Democratic Mayoral Primary
You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events. Happy Thursday! We always like to provide on-the-ground reporting here at TMD, so we would like to officially confirm the existence of a heat wave in the Washington, D.C., area. If it goes on much longer, The Dispatch will be moving its headquarters to Alaska.
Leaders Kick off the NATO Summit
You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events. Happy Wednesday! A 21-year-old Norwegian tourist recently claimed he was denied entry to the United States after immigration authorities discovered a meme of Vice President J.D. Vance on his phone camera roll. The digitally altered image featured the vice president with a bald, egg-shaped head.
What Comes Around Goes Around
Iran tastes its own medicine. Published June 24, 2025 Eli Lake, host of Breaking History and columnist at The Free Press, joins Jonah Goldberg to ruminate upon the the United States’ recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and the wider implications. Were they constitutional? Is regime change next? Plus: Jonah and Eli’s thoughts on Bill Buckley and American conservatism.
Iran Retaliates, and Trump Declares a Truce
You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events.
Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Immigration
You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events. Happy Thursday! Want to join our team? The Dispatch is looking for a news-obsessed editor to work on TMD. If that’s you—or you know someone who might be a good fit—check out our careers page.
America’s Political Violence Problem
By , , and Published June 17, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. You’re reading the free version of The Morning Dispatch. Consider joining as a paid member to get full access to our news, analysis, community comments, and live events.
Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites
The Israeli onslaught, which included a series of strikes on Tehran, quickly swept through Iran’s chain of command. Among the top military officials killed were Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Gen. Hossein Salami and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of Iran’s military and the highest-ranking commander after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
RFK Jr. Replaces Vaccine Advisory Panel
Happy Thursday! If you’re still looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift—or maybe you’re just looking to treat yourself—we’ve got you covered. From today until Sunday, you can get a free Dispatch dad hat when you purchase a Dispatch Premium membership. Finally, a way to signal to your neighbors that you’re the most well-read dad on the block! Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Iran is “actively working towards a nuclear weapon,” Republican Sen.
School Cellphone Bans Gain Momentum
By , , and Published June 11, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Wednesday! It was the team-up you didn’t know you needed (and probably never wanted). Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was spotted dining in Washington, D.C., with Trump consigliere Steve Bannon. We couldn’t for the life of us tell you what they discussed.
Heading Toward a Debt Spiral
Policy How more and more deficit spending will put pressure on the U.S. economy. By and Published June 6, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Friday! Today marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day—or the beginning of the allies’ invasion of Normandy during World War II. Gen. Dwight D.
Ukraine-Russia Negotiations Stall
World Events Ceasefire talks make little headway as U.S. lawmakers consider new sanctions against Russia. By and Published June 4, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Wednesday! Due to the high unemployment rate and social stigma attached to being jobless, companies in China are letting people pay to pretend to work.
What Becomes of DOGE Without Elon Musk?
The Consistency of Donald Trump’s Inconsistency You can credit President Donald Trump with a certain consistency. The first trip he took abroad during his first term was to Saudi Arabia. His first trip abroad in the current term was also to Saudi Arabia. And he expressed the same sentiments each time. “We are not here to lecture,” Trump said upon landing in Riyadh in May 2017.
Trump Admin Targets International College Students
By and Published May 28, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Wednesday! In a fun Canadian Parliament tradition (not a description we often give), lawmakers physically drag the new speaker of the House of Commons to the front of the chamber on his first day. Our summer interns start in two weeks; we’ll keep this in mind.
Inside Israel’s Leadership Crisis
‘We must fight Hamas and we must destroy Hamas.’ Published May 27, 2025 Seasoned journalist Matti Friedman joins Jamie Weinstein to unpack the current state of Israel’s war against Hamas, exploring the tension between military objectives and the return of hostages. He also delves into the role of American leadership, the morality of warfare, and what the future might hold for Israeli-Iranian relations.
‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Moves on to the Senate
Scientists Need to Explain Themselves Crises can be useful for pressure-testing systems and exposing their weaknesses. Such is the case with the delays and outright cancellations of federal funds for worthy biomedical science research projects.
For Those Who Gave It All
Happy Monday! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy Memorial Day today while pausing to remember the sacrifices of those who’ve died defending our country. President Donald Trump on Sunday delayed previously announced plans to place a 50 percent tariff on goods and services imported to the U.S. from the European Union.
Aviation Safety in the Spotlight
The Oval Office Bully Pulpit Forget standing upon a bully pulpit. President Donald Trump prefers to humiliate other leaders seated, in the Oval Office, before TV cameras. Consider the scene that unfolded this week with the visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The White House press pool squeezed into the crowded Oval Wednesday as Trump and his counterpart exchanged pleasantries. The leaders were flanked on the couches by their respective government delegations.
Aviation Safety in the Spotlight
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Friday! The Dispatch is hiring a vice president of multimedia! If you have 7+ years of experience in the podcasting space and are excited about the prospect of growing our audio and video offerings, check out the job description here. Quick Hits: Today’s Top Stories The House narrowly passed its tax cut and spending bill by 215-214 early Thursday morning, after Republican leadership won over hardliners with last-minute changes.
An Antisemitic Attack in America’s Capital
Happy Thursday! Big news: Kermit the Frog will be delivering the University of Maryland commencement address on Thursday. But if you thought the beloved muppet would be a good choice to dodge campus uproar, think again—students are already criticizing administrators for avoiding “real issues.” A gunman shot and killed two Israeli Embassy staff who were leaving an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
An Antisemitic Attack in America’s Capital
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Thursday! Big news: Kermit the Frog will be delivering the University of Maryland commencement address on Thursday.
Biden’s Decline and the Democratic Fallout
Politics ‘People knew, everyone just couldn’t say it.’ By , , , and Published May 21, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Wednesday! A former social worker is currently on an “I Will Listen” tour of Canada, setting up a table and two chairs in cities and towns across the country to lend strangers a sympathetic ear for free. Finally, someone who will listen to Declan’s ruminations on the Cubs.
Biden’s Decline and the Democratic Fallout
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Wednesday! A former social worker is currently on an “I Will Listen” tour of Canada, setting up a table and two chairs in cities and towns across the country to lend strangers a sympathetic ear for free. Finally, someone who will listen to Declan’s ruminations on the Cubs.
An Inconclusive Inflation Report
Economics April’s slowed inflation rate could be the calm before the tariff storm. By , , and Published May 14, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Wednesday! In New Zealand, it’s long been known that sheep outnumber humans. But in a shocking underdog story, the humans are catching up—we’re at 4.5 sheep per New Zealander, down from 22 in 1982. It’s good to see humanity getting a win these days.
An Inconclusive Inflation Report
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Wednesday! In New Zealand, it’s long been known that sheep outnumber humans. But in a shocking underdog story, the humans are catching up—we’re at 4.5 sheep per New Zealander, down from 22 in 1982. It’s good to see humanity getting a win these days. Quick Hits: Today’s Top Stories The U.S. will lift all sanctions on Syria, President Donald Trump announced from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Trump Blinks on China Tariffs
Economics ‘This is another signal to China that we’re not serious.’ By , , and Published May 13, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Tuesday! Asked about his decision to accept a $400 million jumbo jet from the Qatari government on Monday, President Donald Trump quipped: “You should be embarrassed asking that question. … They’re giving us a free jet.
The Trump Administration Spars With Harvard
Society & Culture ‘Republicans can fairly say this is all hard-earned skepticism.’ By , , and Published May 8, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Thursday! Don’t show up to Mother’s Day brunch this weekend empty-handed; give mom the gift of fact-based news and expert analysis that respects her intelligence and her time.
Ukraine Minerals Deal Signals a Reset
By , , and Published May 6, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Tuesday! The defending champion Celtics lost a home thriller last night—and Boston haters everywhere rejoice.
Tensions Again Flare Between India and Pakistan
World Events In the wake of a terrorist attack, the nuclear-armed powers threaten escalation. By and Published May 5, 2025 Scroll to the comments section Audio versions are only available to subscribers of The Dispatch. Join Today! to listen to this post. Happy Monday! A pair of hikers in the Czech Republic’s Krkonoše Mountains recently stumbled upon an aluminum can filled with jewelry and gold coins worth an estimated $680,000.
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