August 5th 2026

The Economist Today Our best journalism, handpicked each day

Roger McShane US digital editor

Abdul El-Sayed is not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), but he draws support from that crowd. Today he was declared the winner of Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, the latest indication of the far left’s growing influence. Could a DSA-aligned candidate win the Democrats’ presidential nomination in 2028? The fact that this is even a plausible question is a remarkable development for a group with some deeply unpopular positions. Elsewhere, AI isn’t about to replace humans on the red carpet. But behind the scenes the technology is playing a growing role in Hollywood. It is used for everything from script development and production planning to shot generation and editing. Many studios are reportedly taking a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to AI use.

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Editor’s picks A selection of must-read articles

Flight of the comrades America’s Democratic Socialists are having the summer of their lives Could a far-left candidate win the Democrats’ presidential nomination in 2028?

→ How to fight back against Gen-Z socialism

Bots on the lot Hollywood is entering its AI era The technology is quietly playing a role in every aspect of film-making

The Telegram Al Capone would recognise today’s world order. That’s not good In a gangsterish age, the UN needs an ultra-pragmatist as secretary-general

Of mice and politics A bipartisan coalition is taking aim at animal research America’s animal-rights activists have more sway than ever

Back to Earth Investors are having doubts about Elon Musk’s grandiose ambitions SpaceX is spending gobs of money to refashion itself as an AI company

More of our coverage ▸ Chip-fuelled wealth is reshaping South Korea. South Korea’s president compared the dawn of the AI era to the discovery of fire and called it “truly a new opportunity for Korea”. But this new era also brings new risks. ▸ Why most IPOs are not worth the hype. It is not hard to see why IPOs are so tempting. Buying shares in a newly listed firm can feel like getting in before it takes off. But investor returns are not guaranteed. ▸ A long-lost memoir brings the horrors of atomic warfare to life. If you’ve read John Hersey’s “Hiroshima”, you’ll know the story of Tanimoto Kiyoshi. Tanimoto’s own, newly rediscovered memoir offers a significant contribution to the historical record.

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