We examine the path of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, once a bookish cleric underrated by everyone—including himself. He has hung on to power perhaps in part by not making decisions at crucial points. Our finance correspondent looks at the shifting wisdom on how best to manage an inheritance. And why India’s addresses are so long, complex and ultimately costly.
Between May 21 and June 16, 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison went on a trip together through Upstate New York and parts of New England on horseback. This "northern journey" came at a moment of tension for the new nation, one in whose founding these Virginians and political allies had played key roles. The Constitution was ratified and President Washington was in his first term of office. Whether the country could overcome regional and political differences and remain unified, however, was still very much in question. Hence why some observers at the time wondered whether this excursion into Federalist New England by the two most prominent southern Democratic-Republicans, both future presidents, had an ulterior motive.
Madison, maintained that the journey was for "health, recreation, and curiosity." He and Jefferson needed a break from their public responsibilities, so off they set. Along the way, they took notes on the ravages of the Hessian Fly, an insect that had been devastating wheat crops. While in Vermont, they focused on the sugar maple tree, which many hoped might offer a domestic alternative to slave-grown sugar cane imports. An encounter with a free Black farmer at Fort George resulted in a journal entry that illuminates their attitudes toward slavery and race. A meeting with members of the Unkechaug tribe on Long Island led to a vocabulary project that preoccupied Jefferson for decades, and which remains relevant today.
The northern journey was also about friendship. Madison later recalled that the trip made Jefferson and him "immediate companions," solidifying a bond with almost no peer in the annals of American history, one that thrived for fifty years. Jefferson declared at the end of his life, that his friendship with Madison had been "a source of constant happiness" to him. A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship(Oxford University Press, 2025) reveals the moment when it took hold.
Louis P. Masur is Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University.
Between May 21 and June 16, 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison went on a trip together through Upstate New York and parts of New England on horseback. This "northern journey" came at a moment of tension for the new nation, one in whose founding these Virginians and political allies had played key roles. The Constitution was ratified and President Washington was in his first term of office. Whether the country could overcome regional and political differences and remain unified, however, was still very much in question. Hence why some observers at the time wondered whether this excursion into Federalist New England by the two most prominent southern Democratic-Republicans, both future presidents, had an ulterior motive.
Madison, maintained that the journey was for "health, recreation, and curiosity." He and Jefferson needed a break from their public responsibilities, so off they set. Along the way, they took notes on the ravages of the Hessian Fly, an insect that had been devastating wheat crops. While in Vermont, they focused on the sugar maple tree, which many hoped might offer a domestic alternative to slave-grown sugar cane imports. An encounter with a free Black farmer at Fort George resulted in a journal entry that illuminates their attitudes toward slavery and race. A meeting with members of the Unkechaug tribe on Long Island led to a vocabulary project that preoccupied Jefferson for decades, and which remains relevant today.
The northern journey was also about friendship. Madison later recalled that the trip made Jefferson and him "immediate companions," solidifying a bond with almost no peer in the annals of American history, one that thrived for fifty years. Jefferson declared at the end of his life, that his friendship with Madison had been "a source of constant happiness" to him. A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship(Oxford University Press, 2025) reveals the moment when it took hold.
Louis P. Masur is Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University.
President Donald Trump addressed leaders at a NATO summit in the Netherlands Wednesday as the tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Iran continued to hold for a second day. Trump said the U.S. would be holding talks with Iran sometime next week, though he added he didn’t think a new nuclear agreement was actually necessary because ‘the war’s done.’ While the administration continues to fight reports that Iran’s nuclear program remains anything short of “totally obliterated,’ there’s still an ongoing debate within the broader MAGA world about the wisdom of the strikes in the first place. Sohrab Ahmari, U.S. editor for the British news and opinion outlet UnHerd, talks about what the strikes ultimately say about the MAGA foreign policy doctrine.
And in headlines: Attorney General Pam Bondi denied knowledge that federal agents were wearing masks during immigration raids, Trump appeared to inch closer to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in its ongoing war with Russia, and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s political future remains uncertain after a resounding loss to State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary.
What to know about the next round of talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Also, why American pediatricians are already clashing with vaccine advisors.
And—what to know about Jeff Bezos’ lavish wedding and the protests against it.
Plus: We're looking back on 10 years of marriage equality, explaining what’s behind the stock market’s latest turnaround, and sharing plans for a new kingdom at Disney World.
Those stories—and even more news to know—in about 10 minutes!
Join us every Mon-Fri for more daily news roundups!
About Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today’s top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, TBOY Lite is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell.
A battery that lasts 50% longer, charges faster, and has a near-zero risk of fire…say it ain’t so! WSJ columnist and co-host of the Bold Names podcast, Christopher Mims, says it might actually come to market sooner rather than later thanks to one company’s advancements. Plus: Hackers are targeting the tech-support workers we’ve come to rely on. WSJ reporter Robert McMillan tells us about a newer strategy criminals are deploying to get access to our sensitive information. And how you can protect yourself. Victoria Craig hosts.
Millennials’ financial lives have been profoundly shaped by two economic events: the Great Recession of 2008 and the pandemic-era shutdowns. Now, the prospect of a third recession looms — what’s this generation to do? Host Julia Carpenter explores what this could mean for millennials and their ability to prepare for the future.
During World War II, the U.S. shipbuilding industry flourished. Now, it's nearly non-existent. China is the dominant shipbuilder in the world economy., On today's show, we look at what happened to American shipbuilding and the protectionist impulses that could stifle a revival.
