When There Is Too Much News

Travel bans. Investigations on Biden and his aides. New restrictions on international students at Harvard. A push to strip Columbia’s accreditation.

All in one afternoon. All critically important stories. But let’s not miss the sleight of hand.

The timing suggests these stories are serving a secondary purpose: distraction—from two consequential issues that deserve sustained scrutiny.

First, H.R. 1, now with the Senate, is now drawing widespread criticism, including the ire of Elon Musk. The nonpartisan CBO estimates it will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit and leave more than 10 million Americans uninsured. While the bill is still being dissected as the Senate rewrites, on the healthcare cuts, the context of second order consequences is missing from discussions. Those without coverage still need care—often from overcrowded emergency rooms—shifting costs and strain across the entire healthcare system. It's robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Second, the state of tariffs. Ninety days. Ninety “deals.” Zero clarity. The administration’s approach has created whiplash-level uncertainty across the economy, undercutting its own growth goals. Companies have been unable to plan. We all know business hates uncertainty. And today’s jobs report—just 37,000 new hires—makes that clear.

The administration is throwing chum in the water in the hopes that other stories will knock these two headlines down a bit.

All of these stories are worthy of coverage. But these two—the bill and the trade agenda—will shape the economic and health futures of the entire country. News organizations and Americans need to stay focused on the top stories and not let them drown in distraction.