We finally have a plausible answer to a question that has haunted American government for more than half a century: Why should we bother balancing the budget? The answer, as practiced by political leaders of both parties, has been: We shouldn’t. It’s too hard. Spending has to be cut; or taxes have to be raised. These steps are unpopular. Meanwhile, ...

As the rise in Covid-19 infections stresses hospital resources, a legal and ethical fight is brewing over the distribution of ventilators. Activists are warning that rationing plans currently on the books, by favouring patients likely to live longest, discriminate against the elderly and the disabled. And whatever the outcome of any lawsuits, the debate tests our lofty national commitment to ...

This is a big deal. Apple and Google are combining their engineering prowess and dominant market positions to fight the coronavirus war in a smart and effective way. If successful, it may be the first step in turning the tide against the pandemic and moving society back to a more normal life. The two tech giants announced a joint effort ...