What We’re Following
The European project: One mayoral candidate in Barcelona used to be the prime minister … of France. Manuel Valls was born in Barcelona to a Catalan father, but at an early age he moved to France before ascending the ranks in the country’s Socialist Party. After stepping down as prime minister in 2016, he decamped to Barcelona. His campaign, like his dual identity, is centered on the ideal of a global, transnational Europe—but in the age of Brexit, that notion seems almost quaint. Valls has so far skirted charges of carpetbaggery. In a crowded field, does the Frenchman really have a shot?
What’s the matter with Wisconsin? After Trump surprisingly won the purple state in 2016, it overwhelmingly swung blue in 2018 with the victory of a Democratic governor. This week, that momentum hit another roadblock. In a crucial race for a state supreme-court seat, the conservative Judge Brian Hagedorn narrowly beat the liberal Judge Lisa Neubauer—an upset that gives conservatives control of the court for the foreseeable future. The victory should serve as a warning sign to Democrats, argues Charles J. Sykes.
One more thing: Last month, we asked you to help us vote on a new holiday, one that we could celebrate together. Would Lend a Hand Day win out over Get Back in Touch Day? Would Crafter All Day win out over Deadline Day? We have a winner: Step Away Day! Take a little tech sabbath this month (including from, gulp … TheAtlantic.com), and let us know how you unplugged by writing to us at letters@theatlantic.com.