Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

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Today's Headlines

Guarding the Gates of Our Language

One hundred years after the publication of Fowler’s ‘Dictionary of Modern English Usage,’ it is more important than ever to uphold standards of correct English.

Supreme Court Seems Ready to Let States Ban Men from Women’s Sports

You can’t ask schools and sports leagues to avoid discriminating on the basis of sex if you can’t even tell them what sex is.

Police Bodycams: The Left's Biggest Self-Own

blm activists pushed for bodycam legislation in the 2010s, thinking they'd catch racist cops hunting black

Left Is Collapsing the Dems, Then Centrists Will Come Back

Democratic strategist and pollster Mark Penn told Mark Levin on FOX News Channel's "Life, Liberty & Levin" that a Democrat supporting immigration reform or a crime bill couldn't win a presidential primary.

Venezuela releases multiple American citizens from prison following military operation

At least four Americans detained under Nicolás Maduro’s regime were released by Venezuela’s interim government following a U.S. military operation that captured the longtime leader.

A West Virginia teenage trans athlete’s case goes to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is to hear arguments about a teenage trans athlete competing despite a state law that bans transgender women and girls from women’s sports teams.

Senator Says Prosecutors Are Investigating Her After Video About Illegal Orders

It is unclear what possible crime might involve Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, who has warned in dire terms about the dissolution of American democracy.

A Breathtaking Week of Pure Trump Id

Military success in Venezuela has emboldened the president to flex his power even more.

Rep. Byron Donalds to Newsmax: Bill Clinton Should Face Contempt of Congress

Former President Bill Clinton should be held in contempt of Congress if he refuses to answer a congressional subpoena, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said Tuesday.

Trump’s Shrinking Coalition

The president can no longer present himself as anti-system, because he has become the system.

The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act

Let's start with the positive: Republicans and Democrats are coming together to protect same-sex marriage from the Supreme Court.

Axios: Say, Does Anyone Remember When Global Warming Was a Thing?

The Credit Card (Dunce’s) Cap

Should prices be set by countless interactions between countless people, or by someone in government?

Does Congress Even Exist Anymore?

The fast fade of a co-equal branch of government

Smithsonian Submits More Records in Face of Trump Deadline

The institution, which is viewed as independent, has sought to reduce tensions with the White House by complying with some of its demands for documents.

Claudette Colvin, Who Refused to Give Her Bus Seat to a White Woman, Dies at 86

Her defiance of Jim Crow laws in 1955 made her a star witness in a landmark segregation suit, but her act was overshadowed months later when Rosa Parks made history with a similar stand.

Venezuela Frees Several Americans From Prison, U.S. Says

They were the first U.S. citizens released after the U.S. military captured Nicolás Maduro and flew him to the United States to stand trial on drug and other charges.

Joe Rogan Splits With Trump on ICE Enforcement Tactics

Podcaster Joe Rogan said Tuesday that illegal immigration is "more complicated" than many acknowledge, while criticizing what he described as militarized enforcement actions in American cities, including people being "snatched" off the streets.

In a Risky Gambit, Trump Tries Brute Force to Lower Prices

To assuage cost-weary voters and combat inflation, the president has resorted to a mix of threats and punishments, targeting companies and policymakers alike.

Trump Loyalist Asserts She Can Keep U.S. Attorney Title

In an aggressively worded filing, Lindsey Halligan accused a judge of having a fundamental misunderstanding of the order that determined she had been unlawfully appointed.

Iranian Civilians Are Being Massacred to the Sound of Progressive Silence

Where is the activist left? What happened to the all-consuming empathy for civilian casualties that’s been broadcast the past two years running?

The Purged

Donald Trump’s destruction of the civil service is a tragedy not just for the roughly 300,000 workers who have been discarded, but for an entire nation.

Turley: Keith Ellison's Lawsuit Makes Us All Dumber

Looming war powers Senate vote ramps up pressure on Hawley after MAGA backlash

Sen. Josh Hawley defended constitutional stance on Venezuela war powers resolution as Trump administration works to flip Republican votes before Wednesday's full Senate vote.

Another Self-Destructive Decision by the Trump DOJ

Investigating the widow of Renee Good, who was killed in the Minneapolis ICE shooting, is a terrible idea that has already had repercussions.

Why Vance Committed So Hard to the Minneapolis Shooter

The vice president knows what ICE means to MAGA.

Should People Who Dislike Trump Answer Subpoenas? Or Is That Only For Republicans?

Turning Point Action Backs Donalds for Florida Gov.

Turning Point Action, the political advocacy arm of Turning Point USA, has formally endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race, giving the front-runner another major boost as he solidifies his hold on the race.

Blowback Builds Over Criminal Investigation of Powell

Trump allies fear that the inquiry into the Fed chair could complicate the process of replacing him this year.

11 House Dems buck party to side with Republicans in reversal of Biden-era shower regulation

House passes SHOWER Act to codify a Trump executive order reversing shower head regulations. Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., says the bill defends consumer choice.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket after receiving President Joe Biden's support t…

Trans Liberation Activists Accused of Hacking Free Speech Union

Minneapolis Won't Cower in Fear Amid Border Crackdown

Michele Norris: In recent days I have found myself reporting on another incident of police violence in my hometown.

KT McFarland to Newsmax: Iran Protests Force Tough Choices for Trump

The ongoing mass protests in Iran have pushed the country into uncharted territory, presenting President Donald Trump with difficult choices as violence escalates and the future role of Iran's powerful military apparatus remains uncertain, KT McFa…

How ICE Lost Its Guardrails

The Minneapolis shooting will get less official scrutiny because of cuts by the Trump administration.

Podcast #320: Fighting for Freedom in Iran

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Iranian writer and journalist Roya Hakakian about the protests in Iran and why and how they might succeed.

South Carolina GOP lawmakers introduce bill to criminalize abortion as murder

South Carolina Republicans introduce bill criminalizing abortion as murder from conception, applying homicide laws with penalties for all involved.

Trump nominates a company chief and Republican donor, David MacNeil, to the F.T.C.

Mayor Commie Mamdani Is SO Mad He Momentarily Lost His Twinkle

How DEI Caused Military Recruitment Crisis

The Biden administration discouraged white recruits. Secretary Hegseth's ‘reset' invites everyone to serve.

The Housing Crisis

Soaring housing costs are driving young people towards socialism—only dispersed development and expanded property ownership can preserve liberal democracy.

SCOTUS Looking at Trans Athletes

Tuesday, January 13th on the RealClearPolitics Podcast - Joined by Fox News Contributor Mary Katharine Ham and The New Yorker's Nick Paumgarten: 00:00 SCOTUS...

Protesters Rally at SCOTUS Against Men Competing in Women’s Sports

The justices heard oral arguments in West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox, two cases involving transgender-identifying athletes.

Credit Card Caps and Paternalism

How many of the people denied credit cards would turn to worse sources of credit?

The Biggest Myth About Trump’s Base (And Why Many Believe It)

The MAGA faithful aren’t deserting their leader.

Don't Turn Iran Into Another Iraq

American power can make itself known in various ways, as Teddy Roosevelt brilliantly outlined with his famous admonition to Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Trump Wants To Make Imperialism Great Again

The president has moved on from the isolationism of his first term.

Dept. of Labor Aides Placed on Leave Amid Travel Probe

Two top aides to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer were placed on administrative leave as the department’s inspector general investigates allegations of travel misuse and other misconduct.

How Kyrsten Sinema's decision makes Democrats' 2024 Senate map tighter

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decided to shake up the political world on Friday by becoming an independent. The former Democrat is still caucusing with the party in the Senate, so the Democratic caucus still has 51 members. Now, instead of 49 Democr…

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Can the Ayatollahs Fall?

Amid the darkness of a communications blackout, Iranians are fighting for their freedom and the totalitarian theocracy under which they have lived since 1979 seems more threatened than ever before.

Supreme Court appears skeptical of challenges to bans on trans athletes

The justices heard arguments on whether bans in two states on trans athletes competing in women’s sports violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

White House says Trump gave ‘appropriate’ response after heckler confrontation caught on video at Ford plant

The White House called President Trump’s reaction “appropriate" after video showed him responding to a heckler during a visit to a Michigan Ford plant.

Mamdani, President Trump have been texting at least twice a week — as unlikely bromance blossoms: sources

Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Trump reportedly text twice weekly in an unlikely political bromance that sources describe as 'friendly.'

Lawsuit in Canada to Force Catholic Hospitals to Permit Euthanasia

Freedom of religion is on the ropes in increasingly authoritarian Canada.

Trump administration files seizure warrants targeting ships tied to Venezuelan oil trade: report

The U.S. has seized five vessels in a Venezuela oil crackdown as the Trump administration files court warrants targeting sanctioned trade in international waters.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Who Cussed Out ICE, Is No Stranger to Crisis

Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, has clashed with his party’s activist wing. His response to ICE has won him new respect at home and new foes in Washington.

Everything you need to know about Biden's student loan forgiveness program

President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program, which promises to deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of borrowers, is on hold indefinitely as legal challenges work their way through the courts.

Location, Location, Location

Too many countries still have trouble taking seriously the threat posed by China.

Trump officials eye park near National Mall for Garden of Heroes

The potential site of the National Garden of American Heroes is a prominent area near the memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, two people said.

Why Australia Struggles to Confront Islamic Antisemitism — and What This Means for Social Cohesion

Why has Australia proved reluctant to confront antisemitism when its sources are treated as culturally or religiously sensitive?

Trump hints at Iran decision as advisers meet to prepare strike options

As the White House considers military options in Iran, some political allies are concerned about attempting another high-risk operation or starting a wider war.

Halligan defends her use of U.S. attorney title in combative court filing

Lindsey Halligan was a personal lawyer for President Donald Trump before being appointed as interim U.S. attorney in Virginia’s Eastern District.

Previously secret memo gave legal basis for U.S. mission to nab Maduro

The administration releases a redacted version of a previously secret memo that gave the legal basis for the U.S. mission to arrest Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

Sen. Mullin to Newsmax: Defunding DHS Undercuts US Security

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., told Newsmax on Tuesday that congressional Democrats threatening to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security are putting far more at risk than immigration enforcement.

Why This Time Is Different for Iran

Iranians have taken to the streets to protest the collapse of the country's currency and surging inflation, with many calling for an end to the Islamic Republic.

Meet the woman steering Biden's bipartisan winning streak on Capitol Hill

The Biden administration managed to rack up a long list of major legislative wins in its first two years despite facing one of the most closely-divided Congresses in history. From bipartisan action on infrastructure, gun safety and same-sex marria…

MAGA Thinks Maduro Will Prove Trump Won in 2020

The capture of the Venezuelan leader has revived a debunked conspiracy theory.

Jay Blues

The move against Fed Chairman Jerome Powell may well complicate efforts to pick his successor.

Keir Jung Un-Believable

Europe Should Be Begging U.S. To Buy Greenland

Trump's push to buy Greenland is grounded in history and strategy, countering Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.

Foreign Fraud Gangs Ripping Off West Coast States

We've seen the Somali fraud schemes in Minnesota, but in the West Coast, there seems to be another pattern: foreign fraud rings ripping off Americans. What are the most common schemes you're seeing here?

One Big Downside of Military Successes

The threshold for the use of military force remains lower than it ought to be.

Rand Paul says GOP colleagues 'don’t give a s‑‑t about these people in the boats': They 'say they’re pro-life'

Sen. Rand Paul blasted GOP colleagues over the boat strikes near Venezuela, accusing them of not caring about the lives lost on the vessels.

The Palisades Fire Cover Up Continues

CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by David Chalian.

Johnson: 'No boots on the ground' for Trump's Greenland acquisition plans amid military speculation

House Speaker Mike Johnson pushes back on military intervention in Greenland, saying no troops will be deployed as Trump pursues the Arctic territory.

Tuesday's Final Word

GOP senator suggests Fed chair Powell resign now to dodge potential criminal indictment

Sen. Kevin Cramer suggests Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell should resign amid a DOJ criminal probe into Fed headquarters renovation project costs.

AI and the End of Common Culture

Culture is fragmented; it is about to become atomised.

The Great Leap Forward (in Disability Accommodation)

The hidden motive: More disability means more money for the school.

From ‘I’m Not Mad at You’ to Deadly Shots in Seconds

Frazzled agents, quick triggers, and a motor-powered protest movement are creating a uniquely dangerous moment on U.S. streets.

Eric Adams’s crypto coin crashes soon after launch, sparking scam accusations

Former New York mayor Eric Adams hawked the “NYC Token,” a meme coin that he claimed would be used to fight “anti-Americanism” and antisemitism.

Trump makes obscene gesture, mouths expletive at Detroit factory heckler

A cellphone video captured Trump twice mouthing “f--- you” and raising his middle finger toward a line worker shouting at him inside the Ford factory.

How the Propaganda Is Done

The Strange Case of Alaa Abd El-Fattah

How human rights law led the UK to roll out the red carpet for a man who expressed hatred of white people and support for killing civilians.

Border Patrol to Newsmax: More May Be Hurt as 'Agitators' Disrupt ICE

Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander overseeing ICE operations in Minneapolis, warned Tuesday on Newsmax that "agitators" interfering with arrests are increasing the risk of serious injury or death, saying "someone is going to get hurt" if con…

‘You Are Now a King, Under a Different Name’

America went to extraordinary lengths to throw off the rituals and titles of monarchy. Why would we fall for royal trappings today?

A Perfidious Charge of Perfidy?

The United States has an interest in preserving the laws of armed conflict.

Atlas No More

It is difficult to overstate just how reactionary Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy is.

DiGenova, Toensing to Newsmax: Clinton Contempt Charges Are Justified

Former U.S. attorney Joe diGenova said Tuesday that House Oversight Chair James Comer has firm legal grounds to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt for skipping subpoenaed depositions.

ICE head says agents facing 'constant impediments' after migrant seen ramming cars while trying to flee

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons claimed immigration agents are facing "constant attacks" after a suspected illegal migrant rams cars in attempt to evade arrest.

Trump Raises Middle Finger at Heckler in Michigan Ford Factory Tour

A White House spokesman said the president “gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.”

DOJ: Judge Abused Power Questioning Prosecutor's Authority

Justice Department officials on Tuesday accused a federal judge of abusing his power in demanding that Lindsey Halligan explain why she continues to identify herself as a U.S. Attorney in Virginia despite another judge's ruling that she was illega…

Analysis: Trump Supports Protesters in Iran, but Not in Minneapolis

The split-screen television images of mass demonstrations in Minneapolis and Tehran have highlighted the president’s disparate views of democracy and popular dissent.

The Warmth of Collectivism

Zohran Mamdani wants to institute “collectivist” governance, but NYC already has a collectivist problem—a coordinated veto system that blocks development and progress.

Top prosecutors in D.C., Minneapolis leave amid turmoil over shooting probe

Prosecutors resigned from the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota amid turmoil over an investigation into a shooting by an immigration officer.

In the wake of the Republican National Convention earlier this month, Fareed speaks with historian Niall Ferguson about how and why the modern-day GOP has changed since the Reagan era of the 1980s.

I Tried to Be the Government. It Did Not Go Well.

My five-month quest to monitor the weather, track inflation, and inspect milk for harmful microorganisms

Podcast #319: How to Think Like a Human

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to psychologist David Weitzner about the differences between human cognition and artificial intelligence.

Trump blasts Fed’s Powell in speech on economy

‘That jerk will be gone soon,’ the president pledged, even as Republicans have criticized a criminal investigation into the central bank.

Sen. Paul Criticizes GOP Over Drug Boat Killings

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said in an interview Tuesday that his Republican colleagues do not care about the people on boats killed by the U.S. military to prevent fentanyl from being smuggled into the country.

Majority of Young Voters Now Reject Both Parties

The U.S. political system is currently experiencing previously unimaginable levels of partisan and ideological polarization. And at the same time, public disaffiliation with both major parties is reaching historic highs.

When Narrative Outpaces Evidence: The Minnesota ICE Shooting

What four videos show—and fail to show—about a deadly ICE encounter.

Clinton fails to show for Epstein deposition, threatened with contempt of Congress

In a letter, the former president said a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee was “invalid and legally unenforceable.”

Lethal Force on a Frozen Street

Trump’s immigration crackdown takes a dark turn in Minneapolis.

Democrats seek answers on donor access tied to Trump’s White House ballroom

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and colleagues are pressing the Trust for the National Mall, which is managing donations, to divulge details of the project.

Nothing Says 'Chicago' Like a Little Loopy Mayhem

The Arabs’ Anti-Colonial Delusion

The Arabs still believe that they are fighting a colonial war against Israel. But they are not.

Will Trump Hit Iran?

‘There is always that temptation with Trump to try and find a deal.’

House Democrats Move to Block Funding for ICE

Opposition to federal immigration enforcement is intensifying as nearly 100 House Democrats say they will refuse to support funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

Newsom: Don't Blame Me for the Wealth Tax Fiasco

Flashback: When Scott Adams Explained Trump, Persuasion, and 'Loserthink'

Justice Dept. Memo Said Trump Could Send Troops Into Venezuela Unilaterally

The memo offers a detailed look into the administration’s legal justification for the military incursion into Venezuelan territory in early January.

Margins of Error

Look closely at almost anything and you'll find data—lots of it. But what are those numbers really saying about who we are and what we believe? Harry Enten is on a mission to find out.

Trump Declares Funding Cuts to Sanctuary Cities, States

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration will halt federal funding to cities and states that have declared themselves sanctuaries for illegal aliens beginning next month.

Minneapolis-area leaders condemn ICE, call for removal amid Trump deportation campaign

Minneapolis-area officials moved to condemn federal immigration authorities and seek their removal from the region as the Trump administration ramps up deportations.

The notable legal clouds that continue to hang over Donald Trump

All eyes are on former President Donald Trump, who has launched another White House bid.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

Fareed explains why AI's massive energy demands are straining the power grid, but also why AI could enable big breakthroughs in sustainability and clean energy.