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

A MAGA Attorney Hired Epstein’s Lawyer for His ‘Valuable’ Experience

A firm that represents Pete Hegseth and once represented Donald Trump now employs the co-executor of the disgraced financier’s estate.

Trump fires official over jobs report; moves submarines as warning to Russia

Get the latest news on President Donald Trump’s second term and the Republican-led Congress.

Democrats Should Give Up on Hating Trump

It hasn't worked and it won't work.

Iran says it has 'plenty of scientists' left to restart uranium enrichment, despite US, Israeli strikes

Tehran demands compensation from Washington for nuclear facility strikes as Iran's foreign minister says the country retains uranium enrichment capabilities.

Trump Rates His Cabinet: Rubio 'Born for This Job'

President Donald Trump gave a scorecard, of sorts, to his Cabinet and White House senior staff, telling Newsmax on Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was "born for this job."

A New Kind of Family Separation

The Trump administration is again going after undocumented minors—but its approach is different than during his first presidency.

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.

Comer OKs delay for Ghislaine Maxwell’s congressional testimony, denies immunity request

House Oversight Chairman James Comer agreed to delay Ghislaine Maxwell's deposition but rejected the Jeffrey Epstein confidant's request for immunity from prosecution.

Sen. Mullin to Newsmax: Saddened, Not Surprised by Russiagate Disclosures

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., told Newsmax on Friday that he was disheartened but not surprised by recently released declassified documents that alleged a conspiracy at the top levels of the Obama administration to paralyze President Donald Trum…

Trump says he’s ‘very happy’ about Federal Reserve governor’s early resignation

Recess on ice as Republicans hunker down for high-stakes nominee blitz

Senate Republicans have struggled to reach a deal with Democrats to confirm a slew of President Donald Trump's nominees as they move beyond their scheduled departure from Washington.

Sanctions bill targets China for enabling Putin’s war in Ukraine

The bipartisan legislation was introduced as tensions soared between Washington and Moscow, which has spurned President Donald Trump’s bid to end the Ukraine war.

Christopher Wray referred to DOJ over claims he misled lawmakers on Catholic memo, China probes

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray faces criminal referral over testimony about anti-Catholic bias memo and Chinese fake driver's license plot during 2020 election

U.S. aid money to Gaza trickles in, belying Trump’s claims, as U.S. officials visit

UK's Authoritarian 'Online Safety Act' Debuts to Raving Mad Reviews

Donald Trump Shoots the Messenger

Classic authoritarian move: When reality doesn’t go your way, deny reality.

Two Democrats Are Bolting From a Bipartisan Governors’ Group

The NGA, some Democrats say, has failed to respond forcefully enough to Trump’s incursions into state matters.

Why Do Statues of Fat Black Women Keep Popping Up?

VA reverses Biden admin policy providing abortion services agency calls contrary to federal law

Department of Veterans Affairs announces reversal of Biden-era exception allowing abortion services for veterans, citing conflict with medical benefits law

Sexual Perversity in Ontario

An absurd trial, a prurient media circus, and a failure of feminist ethics.

Getting China Wrong

American conservatives show no interest in understanding their country’s greatest geopolitical foe. The consequences of this incuriosity could be disastrous.

GOP activist reveals why New Jersey is not 'just a Democrat state' in push to flip governorship

Republican activist Scott Presler launches voter registration drive in New Jersey to help flip the governorship red, targeting rural areas and diverse communities

Another Major Document Release

The long-awaited classified annex to John Durham's report is a large, significant, upsetting document. It's not the final word on this mess, but it establishes definitively that the public version of the Trump-Russia story, which officially began …

Podcast #296: How LGB Became Estranged from T

Gay activist-turned-journalist Adam Zivo tells Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay how radicalised forms of trans and queer advocacy became a liability to the once-united LGBT movement.

Army Pilots Might Have Struggled to See Passenger Jet Before D.C. Crash

Light pollution from Washington and the passenger jet’s dim lights might have contributed to difficulties spotting American Airlines Flight 5342 before the collision on Jan. 29, Army experts said.

Rep. Comer Postpones Ghislaine Maxwell's Testimony

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said on Friday that he will postpone indefinitely any testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted co-conspirator of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump’s Reckless Move to Fire BLS Commissioner Will Backfire

The baseless charges will help undermine public confidence in yet another American institution.

Border Apprehensions Hit Another Record Low in July

Why Trump Broke With Bibi Over the Gaza Famine

The president wants the war to end and thinks Benjamin Netanyahu is standing in his way.

Appeals Court Allows Trump Order That Ends Union Protections for Federal Workers

A famously liberal circuit court ruled in President Trump’s favor, authorizing a component of his sweeping effort to assert more control over the federal bureaucracy.

Brian Netter Approved $2M Payout to Russia Hoaxers

The DOJ official who signed off on payments to Russia collusion hoaxers helped lead the legal resistance to President Donald Trump.

How NASA Engineered Its Own Decline

The agency once projected America’s loftiest ideals. Then it ceded its ambitions to Elon Musk.

New Hampshire Bans Gender Affirming Care as Letitia James Sues Trump

Bioethicists Want to Infect People With Disease That Makes You Allergic to Meat

WATCH: Trump says he is hopeful Hillary Clinton will be investigated for election fraud

Speaking with reporters on Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump said, 'I hope so' when asked whether former opponent Hillary Clinton will be investigated for election fraud.

The FBI’s Leaders ‘Have No Idea What They’re Doing’

A casualty of Trump’s purge speaks out.

From 'He's Crashing the Economy' to 'It's a Mirage'

For Democrats and their allies in the press, the first quarter GDP numbers were an opportunity to attack, attack, attack.

Trump Demurs on Pardons for Maxwell, Combs, Santos

President Donald Trump demurred on whether he would pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and former Republican Rep. George Santos, telling Newsmax he's been asked to pardon only one of them to date.

Russia’s Strategic Blindness

Putin’s fixation on Ukraine is eroding his empire.

Mamdani reportedly eyeing former 'Squad' member for top position despite controversial track record

NYC socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering former progressive House Democrat Jamaal Bowman to head the New York City public school system.

President Donald Trump on Friday declined to say where the United States positioned two nuclear submarines...

Democrats Become Schizophrenic on Gender Ideology

Democrat hypocrisy on transgender issues grows as leaders like Emanuel and Newsom pretend to be moderate on gender policies.

Trump to Newsmax: US Nuclear Subs 'Closer to Russia'

President Donald Trump called out the "fresh mouth" of a Russian official for invoking the "ultimate threat" of nuclear weapons, telling Newsmax on Friday that as a result, he ordered two nuclear submarines "closer to Russia."

Trump is reviving the presidential fitness test. Did it work before?

How Alex Karp Defeated European Defeatism

Alex Karp and Nicholas Zamiska have written a book about how the US can regain its technological and military edge. But The Technological Republic is really about something deeper: how America inherited Europe’s post-World War II trauma and turned…

Federal Judge Bars Trump From Expediting Deportation of Migrants Paroled into U.S.

The ruling halted the Trump administration from pursuing the deportation of hundreds of thousands of migrants accepted into the United States, who now retain only minimal legal safeguards.

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…

Protesters Arrested at Offices for Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand

Comer to delay Maxwell congressional deposition

It’s Still the Culture of Death at the New York Times

If you or a loved one is in need of medical care, I pray that the doctors see a fully human person, not organs or unnecessary expenses and declining usefulness.

Trump Tries to Scare the Hell Out of Russia

Trump’s saber-rattling to Russia is unusual and signals heightened tensions, but it should not occasion another round of speculation about the imminence of World War III.

Why Josh Hawley Is Trying to Reverse Medicaid Cuts He Voted For

The political fallout from Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” begins.

The Economics of Nuclear Energy

In many of the countries that could afford to implement nuclear energy, the decision not to is not a technological matter. It’s a policy choice.

Columbia Deal Is a Blueprint. Higher Ed Should Fear What's Next

One by one, elite universities are signing away some of their autonomy to the Trump administration after it has accused them of civil rights violations and withheld federal funding.

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…

Trump to Newsmax: Hillary, Obama 'Should Pay Price' for Hoax

President Donald Trump told Newsmax on Friday that Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama - everyone involved - should "pay a price" for their role in the alleged Russiagate hoax, calling it one of the "great scandals" in our nation's h…

Lutnick Disbanded Statistical Task Force Working to Improve Survey Response Rates

The Trump administration is mad about the exact thing the committee was working on during its final meeting.

ICE’s Mind-Bogglingly Massive Blank Check

Congress has appropriated billions with few strings attached, creating a likely windfall for well-connected firms.

Blue-state Democrats face hurdles countering Texas GOP’s new election map

Democratic leaders in California, Illinois and New York are exploring retaliatory measures to offset the creation of more safe red seats. Moving as swiftly as their GOP counterparts will be hard.

In Tense Hearing, Texas Republicans Defend Redrawn Political Map

The legislative hearing was part of a rapidly moving redistricting process, pushed by President Trump, that could see the map approved next week.

American Eagle or Nazi Eagle?

The Sweeney ad represents a vibe shift — not because of what was in it but because of what happened after.

Columbia Protected Its Funding and Sacrificed Its Freedom

The university’s agreement with the Trump administration bodes ill for American higher education.

How to Build a Better Society—One School at a Time

Inside the uncompromising vision of Britain’s strictest headmistress, Katharine Birbalsingh.

Cooke: Kamala Harris Must Realize That She’s Not Good at This

‘She never really had a future.’

Gridlock crumbles as Senate advances spending bills in race against shutdown

Senate advances spending package despite Republican concerns over increased funding levels as lawmakers race to prevent government shutdown by Sept. 30.

Sacre Who? French Shocked to Find Gazan Refugees 'Anti-Semitic'

Senate Passes Its First Spending Bills, but Battles Lie Ahead

Overwhelming bipartisan passage of $488 billion in federal funding masked a bigger fight ahead over funding the rest of the government before a Sept. 30 shutdown deadline.

The Naked Gun Returns: Clapter Is Out, Laughter Is In

It couldn’t come at a better time, as audiences seem ready to trade outrage for joy.

Trump Says He Ordered Nuclear Submarines Repositioned After Threats From Medvedev

In a social media post, the president described the move as a deterrent prompted by threats by a former Russian leader. It is unclear if any submarines did actually change position.

WATCH: Dem senator agrees with GOP that Trump's making progress on trade war

His fellow Democrats got it wrong about President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., told Fox News Digital, adding that so far the U.S. trade war is “going well."

If Only the BLS Commissioner Hadn’t Pursued Such an Erratic Tariff Policy

This Trump controversy is parodic.

Two Links on Judging the Trade War

The Trump administration, most economists, and investors as a group are applying three different standards to judge how the trade war is going.

Polling Is About to Get Harder

Changes in the iPhone’s operating system will create challenges.

Federal judge finds 'racial and discriminatory animus' in Trump move to cancel temporary protected status

Court ruling provides reprieve for over 60,000 immigrants with temporary protected status as judge finds Trump policy rooted in discrimination.

Friday's Final Word

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

A Democrat for the Trump Era

Jasmine Crockett is testing out the coarse style of politics that the GOP has embraced.

I Listened to Michelle Obama’s Podcast So You Didn’t Have To

The Lifeline weekly newsletter reports on a pro-life surprise.

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 Held Firm, Got Exactly What He Wanted in Trade Deals

In the end, President Donald Trump got exactly what he wanted.

Trump Turns to Untested Tariffs to Reorder Global Trade

President Trump has long wanted to rework world trade. The tariffs set to go into effect next week will carry out that plan.

Crime Is Falling Because of Democratic Mayors Like Me

Instead of working to reduce crime, Trump and Republicans in Washington have pushed unprecedented cuts to important programs.

For Some, Return of Presidential Fitness Test Revives Painful Memories

Generations of Americans who struggled to complete a pull-up in front of their classmates winced as President Trump announced that he was reinstating the annual assessment.

Durham’s Debunking of the ‘Clinton Plan’ Emails, Explained

Trump allies have fixated on a purported message about Hillary Clinton and Russia. John H. Durham, the special counsel, found evidence that it was likely a fake assembled by Russian spies.

Trump’s Epstein Denials Are Ever So Slightly Unconvincing

The president is not behaving like an innocent man with nothing to hide.

Five Things Investors Should Ponder on Crypto

Yes, there are risks, but we should recognise that the underlying technology can be useful

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.

After D.C. Plane Crash, Air Traffic Controllers Were Not Tested for Alcohol

The F.A.A. has since been training on-call specialists to be snappier about administering alcohol and drug tests after a serious incident, an official said.

Trump moves nuclear submarines weeks after praising sub's power in Iran strikes

President Donald Trump's announcement to move two nuclear submarines in response to heightened Russia threats comes just weeks after he praised a submarine's role in the Iran strikes.

Sanctions bill targets China for enabling Putin’s war in Ukraine

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…

His Satanic Majesty Retires

A tribute to the man who helped to revolutionise modern rock music and reality TV.

These Referrals Are Baseless, They'll Be Dismissed

Former CIA Director John Brennan offers his first response to current CIA Director John Ratcliffe's statement this weekend that he's referred Brennan to the DOJ for prosecution on charges of perjury related to "Russiagate."

The Soldier and the Revolutionary

The contrasting lives and ambitions of two major figures in the fight for Indian Independence: Kodandera Subayya Thimayya (“Timmy”) and Subhas Chandra Bose.

ICE Nabs Child Predator Illegals

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Thursday arrested illegal immigrants across the U.S., many of whom were convicted of offenses involving minors.

Republicans Are Clobbering Democrats in Super PAC Fund-Raising

When it comes to attracting mega-donors, Republicans are crushing Democrats.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is Shutting Down

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.

Repairing America’s Broken Civic Spirit: Lessons from David Gergen (1942–2025)

His ability to provide valued counsel to Presidents of both major parties originated from a deep love for his country tempered by decades of accumulated political wisdom.

Trump Chose the Right Architect

Jim McCrery is one of the leading practitioners of classical architecture today.

A Real American Hero

Hulk Hogan said in his speech to the RNC that Donald Trump is a real American hero. It takes one to know one.

Trump to Newsmax: Powell 'Most Likely' to Remain Fed Chair

While acknowledging that he'd like to remove him in a "heartbeat," President Donald Trump told Newsmax on Friday that Jerome Powell will "most likely" remain as chair of the Federal Reserve.

President Donald Trump said he would release the names of the donors who contribute to the...

Trump to Newsmax: Fired Labor Stats Chief Was 'Very Suspect'

President Donald Trump ordered the removal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over the jobs numbers report that came out earlier in the day because "we didn't believe the numbers," further telling Newsmax she was "very suspect."

Ancient Indian Tradition—Or Twentieth-Century European Export?

Evidence suggests that today’s common yoga practices were inspired by a popular 1924 Danish gymnastics manual.

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.

Axios: Guess What Democrats Have Stopped Talking About?

Court: Trump Can End Federal Worker Union Bargaining

A federal appeals court on Friday lifted a judge's order blocking U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from stripping hundreds of thousands of federal workers of the ability to engage in union bargaining with U.S. agencies.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Report: Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith Being Investigated

Jack Smith, who oversaw two criminal investigations of President Donald Trump, is under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, the New York Post reported.

Rep. Burchett Wants Soros, Associate Before House Panel

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., has asked that the chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform request billionaire Democrat donor George Soros and an associate to testify regarding declassified documents that allegedly tie them to …

Before D.C. Crash, Fates of 2 Pilots and Air Traffic Controller Entwined

Documents released in the inquiry into the deadly midair collision over the Potomac River on Jan. 29 reveal new details about three people whose decisions shaped the outcome of the disaster.

This Variety Ranking of Marvel Film and TV Projects is Awful

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.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Schumer says Trump is imitating authoritarians by firing BLS chief

Podcast #295. War and the End of Empire

Iona Italia talks to historian and film-maker Phil Craig about the latest in his series of books about World War II: ‘1945: A Reckoning: War, Empire and the Struggle for a New World.’

Obama Is in a Very Tricky Spot Legally and Politically

During an interview on FOX News radio, Sean Davis of "The Federalist" suggested two ways Obama can answer charges from the Trump administration over "Russiagate."

For Canada’s Carney, no deal with Trump might be better than a bad one

Who Could Have Guessed that the Nantucket Wind Farm Would Be a Disaster?