Opinion Today: When your family dislikes your dumbphone
A cost of digital detox.
Opinion Today
September 16, 2026
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Illustration by Mikel Jaso

Notable

President Trump is not trying to protect Jews. “The civil rights revolution was never finished. Now its contradictions have returned, sharper than ever.”

— James Loeffler, a professor of modern Jewish history at Johns Hopkins University

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When faith is used to control women. “While John-Paul Miller’s abuse was extreme and unusual in its cruelty, many churches and religious influencers preach that women should submit to their husbands, sexually and otherwise.”

— Jessica Grose, an Opinion writer

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The president may not be entirely wrong about A.I. “One consolation is that this isn’t the first time great scientific minds have warned that they’ve created the instruments of humanity’s destruction.”

— Bret Stephens, an Opinion columnist

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Spotlight

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Olivia James

I Love My Dumbphone. My Family Hates It.

An extended digital detox is freeing, but it can be hard on friends and family.

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ICYMI

There’s a reason Europe is obsessed with immigration. “Migration is assailed from practically all sides as a threat to Europe’s identity. Yet in the 21st century, it is unclear what exactly that identity is.”

— Anton Jäger, a contributing Opinion writer

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Listen (or Watch)

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The Opinions

Why We Can’t Stop Arguing About S.S.R.I.s

What’s missing in the national conversation on mental health medication.

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42 MIN LISTEN

More in Opinion

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Guest Essay

JD Vance, Here’s a Catholic Politician You Should Get to Know

Andy Burnham is in some ways a throwback to U.S. Catholic politicians of past decades. He might be a signpost for the future.

By David Gibson

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Thomas L. Friedman

It’s Already Too Late to Stop the A.I. Threat

China and the United States must work to repair the damage A.I. has done now, not look to future developments.

By Thomas L. Friedman

Guest Essay

If You Thought Immigration Policy Couldn’t Get Any Crueler

The Trump administration is moving to deny green cards to immigrants who might need public services.

By Stephen Yale-Loehr

In Your Words

Re: So Much Lies Hidden Beneath the Mamdani-Giuliani Handshake

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