Libertarian Reporting for 2026-05-17
Today’s news coverage from libertarian media sources.
Some Links
TweetMy former Mercatus Center colleague Walker Wright explains how trade promotes peace. Two slices: While the liberal peace theory remains influential, a growing wave of empirical research over the ...
Cafe Hayek
May 16, 2026 - cafehayek.com
Josh Hawley's Pro-Union Bill Would Let Washington Write Your Contract
The GOP wants to be the party of labor. The Faster Labor Contracts Act isn't the way to do that.
Reason.com
May 16, 2026 - reason.com
The Anarchists Who Thought Mao Was on Their Side
As the Cultural Revolution turns 60, here's a look back at some of the fantasies that people projected onto it—and at one moment of possible prescience.
Reason.com
May 16, 2026 - reason.com
Stewart Brand on Fixing Stuff, Modern Environmentalism, and the Nuclear Future
"There's always a place in not just the market, but a range of situations and mindsets, for things that are cheap, fast, and just barely in control," the Whole Earth Catalog creator tells Reason.
Reason.com
May 16, 2026 - reason.com
DHP Ep. 286: Ep. 0286: Braving This Dystopian Timeline (w/Matt Carano)
Good news — things have finally stabilized for CJ & his family, & he has finally fully recovered from the illnesses that caused him to be hospitalized in March! He’s now back at the podcasting game fu...
The Libertarian Institute
May 16, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
The (Amusingly) Destructive Economics of Wealth Taxation
I’ve shared several columns (here, here, here, here, and here) reviewing scholarly research on the harmful economic impact of wealth taxation. From now on, however, I think I’ll simply share this clev...
International Liberty
May 16, 2026 - danieljmitchell.wordpress.com
Today in Supreme Court History: May 16, 1918
5/16/1918: The Sedition Act of 1918 is enacted. The Supreme Court upheld prosecutions brought under this law in Schenck, Debs, and Abrams. The post Today in Supreme Court History: May 16, 1918 appeare...
Reason.com
May 16, 2026 - reason.com
Predicting Recession
The Shiller CAPE ratio has only been higher once in 150 years. The Buffett indicator is 2.5 standard deviations above trend. 40% of the S&P 500 is in just ten stocks. Wall Street sees nothing wron...
Mises Institute
May 16, 2026 - mises.org
Even in China, Economic Reality Isn’t Optional
TweetHere’s a different angle on Greg Ip’s flawed column on China’s “industrial policy of everything.” Editor: Greg Ip warns that the American and other economies will be left “in the dust” by China’s...
Cafe Hayek
May 16, 2026 - cafehayek.com
Judge Stops U.S. Treasury From Sanctioning Someone's Speech
The Trump administration accused Francesca Albanese of “lawfare that targets U.S. and Israeli persons.” But a court said that’s not ground to seize her property.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
What Do Bruen, Dobbs, and SFFA Have In Common?
The Supreme Court issued landmark rulings that were resisted by lower courts, and the Supreme Court refused to intervene.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
These Politicians Want To Tax the Rich. But Why Do They Seem To Despise Them?
Are Jeff Bezos and other billionaires really evil just because they're wealthy?
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Trump's 'Golden Dome' Estimated To Cost $1.2 Trillion, New Report Reveals
The project’s critics have compared it to Reagan’s failed “Star Wars” initiative.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Abortion by Mail
Plus: Chinese relations, far-right extremists, Yale discriminated, and more...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Thomas Massie's Enemies Are Attacking Him With an Unfair Accusation
Partisan political actors have seized on a vague and unsupported "hush money" allegation.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
A North Carolina Goodyear Plant Is the Latest Victim of Trump's Misguided Tariffs and Costly Iran War
Another example of the flawed logic behind the Trump administration's tariff policies: You can't make a tire without rubber, and the U.S. doesn't produce rubber.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Guest Post: State Prosecutors, Protests, and Politics as Usual?
Professors Bruce A. Green and Rebecca Roiphe opine on the disqualification of a Santa Clara County prosecutor.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Digging beneath the surface of the April jobs report
Nearly 1.3 million fewer people are employed today than this time last year. Beyond the headlines reporting on the recently-released April jobs report that told us 115,000 jobs were added that month i...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
Virginia Dem’s SCOTUS request could lead to single Election Day
Elle Purnell writes for the Federalist about Virginia Democrats’ attempt to salvage their congressional gerrymander. Jay Jones, the Virginia attorney general who fantasized about executing a Republica...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
Secret Recording at Pretend Date by O'Keefe Media Wasn't Tortious, Court Holds
From yesterday's decision by Judge Anthony Trenga (E.D. Va.) in Fseisi v. O'Keefe Media Group: The Complaint alleges the following:… The post Secret Recording at Pretend Date by O'Keefe Media Wasn't T...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Virginia's New 'Assault Firearm' Ban Is Plainly Unconstitutional, a Federal Lawsuit Argues
Three Second Amendment groups say the law violates the right to own arms in common use for self-defense and other lawful purposes.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Short Circuit: An inexhaustive weekly compendium of rulings from the federal courts of appeal
A camp chair, a shaking of faith, and a murder in front of a Waffle House.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The Federal Government Tried To Spy on Your Financial Transactions. A Texas Court Just Said No.
The ruling is a victory not just for one Texas title company, but for the principle that agencies like FinCEN can only do what Congress actually authorized.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Maryland's Energy Crisis Was Created In Annapolis
This week, Wes Moore blamed grid operators for high electricity costs, but the problem has worsened because of his own policies
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
U.K. Targets U.S. Suicide Forum With Massive Fine It'll Never Collect
British speech police try to impose their restrictions on the entire world.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The Kyle Anzalone Show: Trump Considers Restarting War, Says Iran Ceasefire on Life Support
A president says he has “the best plan ever,” insists Iran is “defeated militarily,” and talks like one more strike package can end the problem. We slow that down and look at the actual mechanics of a...
The Libertarian Institute
May 15, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
Plunder, War Profiteering, and Spirit Airlines
You don’t even have to turn on the financial news. You can tell whether oil prices will be up or down in the morning by simply reading the president’s midnight social media posts. If he announces conf...
The Libertarian Institute
May 15, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
The Kyle Anzalone Show with Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski: A Ceasefire With Ships Getting Shot At Isn’t a Ceasefire, It’s a Pressure Campaign
A “ceasefire” that still includes ships getting shot at isn’t a ceasefire, it’s a pressure campaign with a short fuse. Kyle sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski to make sense of the new...
The Libertarian Institute
May 15, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
The American Synagogue
Jewish history is not just a long tale of tragedy. Especially as Americans, Jews should celebrate their triumphs.
Law & Liberty
May 15, 2026 - lawliberty.org
How to Win with a Nazi Candidate
We need to get the narrative pat and put out immediately. The post How to Win with a Nazi Candidate appeared first on Free the People.
Free the People
May 15, 2026 - freethepeople.org
S. Ct. Denies Stay of Virginia Supreme Court's Redistricting Referendum Decision
Today's order is here; the application that was denied is here. The state's argument for a stay, which the Court… The post S. Ct. Denies Stay of Virginia Supreme Court's Redistricting Referendum Decis...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Supreme Court "Shadow Docket" Order Preserves Mifepristone Via Telemedicine--For Now
The Court stayed a lower court order that would have blocked FDA rules allowing the prescription of mifepristone to terminate pregnancies via telemedicine.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
$500K Damages for False Report of Assault to Police
From Bisogno v. Libertella, decided two months ago by the New York Appellate Division, Justices Francesca E. Connolly, Paul Wooten,… The post $500K Damages for False Report of Assault to Police appear...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The FDA's New Psychedelic Rules Are Groovy, but the Agency Is Still a Bad Trip
The new rules will fast track clinical testing, but a far cry from legalization or decriminalization.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The Kyle Anzalone Show with Dan McKnight: America’s Dangerous Path
The story we’re being sold about the Iran war is simple: it’s limited, it’s working, and it’s almost over. The reality sounds a lot more dangerous when you slow down and ask the questions leaders keep...
The Libertarian Institute
May 15, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
Georgia High Court Admonishes D.A.'s Office, Over "Vehement" Dissent, for Role in AI Hallucinations in Court Order
But the court is unanimous on the sanctions for the particular Assistant D.A. who was involved, and added: "We strongly encourage trial courts to carefully review proposed orders with the understandin...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
ICE Discovers Thousands of Foreign Workers in Alleged Fraud Scheme
Now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has discovered another one, this time involving thousands of foreign workers.
Main Feed
May 15, 2026 - libertynation.com
The GOP Fiscal Follies
While Republicans have promised robust economic growth to accompany their tax cuts, reality has been different. That is because Republicans increased government spending at the same time, dragging dow...
Mises Institute
May 15, 2026 - mises.org
Should Presidential Pardon Power be More Restricted?
Today, however, the way the president exercises his pardon power is disturbing and unprecedented.
Cato Recent Op-eds
May 15, 2026 - cato.org
The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of Sweden, Part IV
I don’t often claim to be ahead of the curve, but I’m going to pat myself on the back in today’s column about Swedish economic policy. More than 16 years ago, I started writing about Sweden’s shift fr...
International Liberty
May 15, 2026 - danieljmitchell.wordpress.com
Vladeck v. Adler on the Shadow Docket
A discussion of the Supreme Court's "Shadow Docket" on the We the People Podcast.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The Surprising Divide Over What Counts as True
A new study finds that what people think about facts, authenticity, or coherent beliefs explains why they disagree about what is true.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
CIA Whistleblower Reveals COVID Lab Leak Cover-Up
Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi discuss the latest developments on the origins of COVID-19 and also the flimsy accusations against Rep. Thomas Massie.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
The Global War on Free Speech
Jacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff discuss the global decline of free speech, why democracies are embracing censorship, and what can be done to protect open debate.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Court Orders Reinstatement of Untenured Professor Allegedly Non-Renewed for Speech About "the Palestinian Resistance"
From Robinson v. Damphousse, decided Wednesday by Judge Alan Albright (W.D. Tex.): Plaintiff Dr. Idris Robinson is a non-tenured, but… The post Court Orders Reinstatement of Untenured Professor Allege...
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Trump and Xi Jinping Make Progress With Talks in China
Trump’s visit to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was the first time in nearly a decade that a sitting US president met with a Chinese leader in Beijing.
Main Feed
May 15, 2026 - libertynation.com
AI demand helps push Microsoft away from climate goals
Kevin Killough writes for Just the News about an interesting shift in Microsoft’s priorities. During the Biden era, Microsoft was a leader in Big Tech’s push to eliminate fossil fuels and power the wo...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
CIA whistleblower calls Fauci COVID cover-up intentional
Brittany Bernstein writes for National Review Online about the latest bad news for a central figure in the federal government’s COVID regime. A CIA whistleblower says Dr. Anthony Fauci’s role in the “...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
Devils Don’t Always Wear Prada
Hate them because they're evil, not because they're beautiful.
Law & Liberty
May 15, 2026 - lawliberty.org
Looking Beyond Net Zero: An Energy Policy for British Recovery
British discussion of energy policy has become so intellectually degrading that I was dubious when Mr Bickley asked me to join it. One side talks as if we can continue indefinitely importing hydrocarb...
The Libertarian Alliance
May 15, 2026 - libertarianism.uk
An Alabama Mom Delivered a Preterm Baby in a Jail Cell. She Says Staff Refused To Help.
The mother is suing after she delivered her preterm baby on the jail's floor following 24 hours of labor with no medical assistance.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
Today in Supreme Court History: May 15, 2000
5/15/2000: U.S. v. Morrison is decided. The post Today in Supreme Court History: May 15, 2000 appeared first on Reason.com.
Reason.com
May 15, 2026 - reason.com
‘Have You Investigated Those Claims’ of Civilians Killed by US in Iran? CENTCOM Chief: ‘We Have Not’
While claiming that the subject of civilian casualties is his “passion” before US lawmakers during a US Senate hearing on Thursday, the head of US Central Command was asked directly if he and his team...
Antiwar.com Blog
May 15, 2026 - antiwar.com
Can Gerrymandering Win Congress?
Checking the odds on a congressional victory. Gerrymandering
Main Feed
May 15, 2026 - libertynation.com
Mass Exodus: Young Residents Fleeing Greater Boston
As Boston’s woke Mayor Michelle Wu hands “queer and trans” migrants $500 vouchers for massages and yoga, young residents are fleeing the Greater Boston region and the state of Massachusetts, according...
Main Feed
May 15, 2026 - libertynation.com
Congress Is Back – And ‘Busy’ Ahead of Midterms
The 119th Congress came back from a two-week recess with a vengeance.
Main Feed
May 15, 2026 - libertynation.com
Trump Touts Police-State Corp Palantir to Drive up Stock Price
"President Donald Trump scooped up shares of surveillance-state software maker Palantir weeks before he famously praised the stock on Truth Social."
Mises Institute
May 15, 2026 - mises.org
When the President Acts Like a Mafia Chief
Despite the fact that the government owes firms refunds due to Trump's tariffs being declared illegal, companies are turning down the opportunity in fear of angering the president.
Mises Institute
May 15, 2026 - mises.org
Texas vet ditched Penn State law school over anti-racism course
Aaron Sibarium writes for the Washington Free Beacon about one veteran’s disturbing encounter with left-wing higher education. David Blackman, a native of Plano, Texas, was thrilled to be starting law...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
New report details ‘sexual barbarism’ of 2023 Hamas attacks
Editors of National Review Online assess a new report of Hamas atrocities. On October 7, 2023, the world watched as Hamas terrorists and their supporters spilled over Gaza’s borders into Israel, slaug...
John Locke Foundation
May 15, 2026 - johnlocke.org
An Old and Tired Movie
TweetHere’s a letter to the Wall Street Journal. Editor: Greg Ip warns that China’s “industrial policy of everything” will leave the “rest of the world in dust” (“Beijing’s ‘Industrial Policy of Every...
Cafe Hayek
May 15, 2026 - cafehayek.com
The Domestic Emoluments Clause Returns To The Trump Presidential Library in Miami
The Trump Library will stand tall, but the plaintiffs have no standing.
Reason.com
May 14, 2026 - reason.com
"The Politics of Jobless Prosperity"
A very interesting article by my Hoover Institution colleague Andy Hall (who is also at the Stanford Graduate School of… The post "The Politics of Jobless Prosperity" appeared first on Reason.com.
Reason.com
May 14, 2026 - reason.com
Xi Warns Trump of ‘Clashes and Conflict’ Over Taiwan
During a meeting with President Donald Trump in China on Thursday, President Xi Jinping warned of the possibility of war over Taiwan. According to a recounting of the meeting between the two leaders,...
The Libertarian Institute
May 14, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
NC’s “tax the rich” scheme is a bad idea
Some people refuse to learn from their mistakes or the mistakes of others. Several Democrats in the North Carolina General Assembly have introduced a bill that would levy a new, 7 percent tax on perso...
John Locke Foundation
May 14, 2026 - johnlocke.org
DOL gets flexible on overtime
The Department of Labor (DOL) will formally reverse a Biden-era rule that expanded the number of workers eligible for overtime on Friday. Courts had previously rejected the rule as overreaching. The d...
Blog Posts Archive - Competitive Enterprise Institute
May 14, 2026 - cei.org
Unitelma Sapienza University Talk and Interview About "Threats to Liberal Democracy in the United States - And How To Counter Them"
Videos of my presentation and interview on this topic at a major Italian university.
Reason.com
May 14, 2026 - reason.com
Saudi Arabia Suggests Arab States Develop Non-Aggression Pact with Iran
Diplomats speaking with the Financial Times said Saudi Arabia has been discussing developing a non-aggression pact among Gulf Arab states and Iran. Two Western diplomats told FT that the framework fo...
The Libertarian Institute
May 14, 2026 - libertarianinstitute.org
New Draft Article: "Popular Conceptions of Fourth Amendment Curtilage"
The Supreme Court says everyone knows this. We decided to ask people.
Reason.com
May 14, 2026 - reason.com
Iran Seizes Ship Near UAE
Iranian forces boarded a ship near the UAE. The vessel potentially contained a cache of weapons. On Thursday, armed men boarded a ship near the United Arab Emirates, and it sailed to Iranian waters. ...