July 2nd 2026

The Economist Today Our best journalism, handpicked each day

Brooke Unger Senior digital editor

Heading to the Continent (as we folk in the United Kingdom call it)? Beware. European airport queues are long and getting longer. We preview—and explain—the misery. Transport and annoyance feature also in this week’s Schumpeter column, about how Lime bikes divide opinion among liberals. Some deem them paragons of liberal capitalism. To others they’re the devil. Our business columnist probes the meaning of this cyclical schism. And today’s episode of The Insider takes stock of America as it approaches its 250th birthday. Our editors assess the health of its democracy and the future of American power. You can watch from 6pm London time.

Editor’s picks A selection of must-read articles

EESy come, EESy go? Europe’s airport queues are extremely long—and getting longer The continent’s border-control system is out of control

→ Travel is becoming a competitive sport

Schumpeter Show a liberal a Lime bike and he will show you his soul Are the e-bikes a paragon of liberalism or an abomination?

NHS cover-ups Death and dishonesty in British maternity hospitals Yet another report paints a bleak picture

Our cover America is anxious, and awesomely powerful Restlessness is what prevents the republic from sinking into stagnation

World in a dish Heinz tomato ketchup and the sweet taste of market dominance The condiment that conquered the world was created 150 years ago

More of our coverage ▸ India’s government overhauls a vast workfare programme. The country’s rural development scheme had earned international acclaim for its scale and ambition. Now economists are warning that an update to it could be a historic error. ▸ Africans are turning to Starlink. Maddened by poor connections, people are turning to satellite terminals. In the coming years it could boost connectivity, both by providing internet to more Africans and by spurring broadband providers to improve. ▸ Unpacking Venezuela’s peculiar debt restructuring. A deal to renegotiate the country’s $240bn debt would help clear the path for economic recovery—if it can be pulled off.

Tracking Donald Trump Our latest numbers The American president’s net approval rating Find out

Podcast The Intelligence Roaring trades: oil majors’ secret success story Listen

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