Opinion Today: We might just miss OPEC
Here’s what we’re focusing on.
Opinion Today
May 6, 2026
An illustration of a tumbling stack of oil barrels.
Ariel Davis

Notable

We’ll miss OPEC when it’s gone. “When oil shocks hit, Washington inevitably scrambles to ease the pain. But the most effective defenses take time to build.”

— Jason Bordoff, a Columbia professor

Read now →

French literature is in an uproar. “Oligarchs are no longer staying hidden. They are flaunting their power, destroying, exploiting, intimidating and getting richer than any group of people in human history.”

— Olivier Guez, a French writer

Read now →

A message to the Cuban government. “Unless you are completely isolated, you must know that continuity is not what most Cubans want.”

— Ada Ferrer, a professor of history at Princeton University

Read now →

Spotlight

A photo illustration of smiling children holding hands and circling a needle used for administering a GLP-1 drug.
Photo illustration by Kristie Bailey/The New York Times

If Kids Need GLP-1s, We’ve Already Let Them Down

Our contributing Opinion writer Julia Belluz writes that the debate over treatment in kids is missing a bigger problem.

Read now →

ICYMI

With Ukraine, you can glimpse the shape of success. “The means of Ukrainian survival, where Europe steps up as the United States steps back, is not a sign of American failure. It’s what successful American adaptation looks like in a world where it’s conspicuously no longer the 1990s.”

— Ross Douthat, an Opinion columnist

Read now →

Listen (or Watch)

Article Image

The Opinions

‘Not a Perfect Union’: Neil Gorsuch on America at 250

David French and the Supreme Court justice discuss how the ideals of 1776 shaped — and strain — the country today.

play button

28 MIN LISTEN

More in Opinion

A banner reading “We the People” held up with the U.S. Capitol in the background.

Jamelle Bouie

John Roberts Believes in an America That Doesn’t Exist

Guess who benefits from a “colorblind Constitution.”

By Jamelle Bouie

Photo illustration showing two men shaking hands on the left and a Chinese flag on the right.

Thomas L. Friedman

The U.S. and China Have a Common Foe. Hint: It’s Not the U.S.S.R.

A new level of global disorder will face the American and Chinese presidents at their summit. Like Mao and Nixon, they face a common threat.

By Thomas L. Friedman

Rep. Jake Auchincloss gazes ahead, one side of his face illuminated and the other in shadow.

Bret Stephens

A Democrat Who Makes Me Listen

An interview with Representative Jake Auchincloss, a Democrat from the charismatic center.

By Bret Stephens

A roadside billboard reads “Breast reduction covered by insurance,” with an image of a woman in a low-cut red dress and the name of the practice, “Rowe Plastic Surgery.”

letters

Big Payouts for Some Doctors, Too Little for Others

Readers discuss how arbitration has led to some huge awards while emergency care is often underpaid. Also: Don’t abandon America’s Afghan friends.

In Your Words

Re: “Trump Is Losing Normie Republicans

The normie Republicans I know do not care what Trump does as long as he keeps their taxes as low as possible. Everything else is irrelevant. — A comment by Person from Earth

Read more comments on the story here and check out our Letters to the Editor.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times.

PLAY TODAY’S GAMES

Wordle

Wordle →

Connections

Connections →

Strands

Strands →

Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee →

Crossword

Crossword →

Mini

Mini →

Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com.

If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times.