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

Polling Brutal for Democrats on Immigration Enforcement According A-Rated Pollster

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.

House GOP searches for votes to reopen government with razor-thin majority

House Democrats have indicated privately that they do not plan to support the plan, leaving Republicans to go it alone.

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…

Commission Sues Trump Administration Over Hudson Tunnel Funding

The commission overseeing a massive $16 billion Hudson River tunnel, the linchpin of rail travel between New York and New Jersey, filed suit to force the Trump administration to restore funding just days before construction is set to halt on Frida…

The Network Behind Minneapolis Chaos

One of the city's protest organizations stoked a raging fire.

How Minneapolis Looks From the Police Chief’s Squad Car

In the city where George Floyd was killed, Trump hastens a new social breakdown.

California AG Sues Children's Hospital to Force Them to Resume Gender Affirming Care

Sen. Wicker Undermining Peace Efforts in Ukraine?

Former senior official who reported criminal violations by Helsinki Committee, chaired by Senate Armed Services Commitee Chairman Roger Wicker, urges investigation by Trump administration

A History of Morality Clauses

The century-old moral panics and persecutions by Anthony Comstock and the Society for the Suppression of Vice are echoed today by cancellation campaigns from the moralistic Left and Right.

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…

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.

How To Cook Good Food on $15 a Day or Less

The $15-a-day debate is about whether we still value self-reliance, basic household skills, and personal responsibility.

Massive Minnesota fraud case puts AG Keith Ellison under microscope as climate ties resurface

A sweeping fraud scandal is putting Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in the spotlight, reviving questions about his controversial ties to progressive environmental causes.

Mobbed on Campus, Vindicated in Court

Four years after the University of Washington began investigating Stuart Reges for authoring a satirical ‘land acknowledgement,’ his First Amendment rights have been upheld by the Ninth Circuit.

NY Times vs the Supreme Court

The Gentle Wildness of Tasmania

Tasmania looks like wilderness from afar. Up close, it is lush, intimate, and unexpectedly generous—a place that feels familiar, yet entirely its own.

Maryland House approves new congressional map as Senate leaders warn of risks

The Maryland State House moved forward with a new congressional map backed by Democrats, even as state Senate leaders cautioned the plan could backfire.

H.H.S. to Expand Faith-Based Addiction Programs for Homeless

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said addiction is a “spiritual disease” that calls out for the involvement of religious organizations.

Jeffries says GOP 'done eff'd up in Texas,' vows they won't win five seats: 'They can't ignore it'

Hakeem Jeffries said Republicans "done eff'd up in Texas" on redistricting, predicting GOP will fall short of flipping five congressional seats in 2026.

Pollster Allocco to Newsmax: Texas State Senate Loss Epic GOP Fail

Pollster Patrick Allocco told Newsmax on Monday that Republicans suffered an "epic failure" in a recent Texas State Senate special election after a Democrat won by 14 percentage points in a district long considered safely conservative.

Podcast #322: The Demise of Private Life

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Tiffany Jenkins about her fascinating and provocative new history, 'Strangers and Intimates: The Rise and Fall of Private Life.'

House speaker ‘confident’ partial shutdown will end by Tuesday

Speaker Mike Johnson says he’s prepared to pass funding measures, already approved by the Senate, with the sole support of House Republicans.

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.

Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify in House Epstein investigation, ahead of contempt vote

The Clintons faced a vote on contempt of Congress after not appearing for scheduled depositions.

Sen. Schmitt to Newsmax: Crime Down, Proves US Safer Under Trump

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., told Newsmax on Monday that recent historic declines in crime nationwide, including Washington, D.C., prove "America is much safer with President [Donald] Trump in office.

NATO Is an Alliance, Not a Protection Racket

Even if unsuccessful, Donald Trump’s aggressive campaign to acquire Greenland threatens to undermine America’s reputation as a champion of western security, freedom, and co-operation.

Come On, Baby, Light My Fire: Fifth 'Young Man' Picked Up for Starmer Arson Attacks

Trump: We're Talking to Cuba

Greg Bovino Loses His Job

The Border Patrol chief has been ousted from his role as “commander at large,” and will return to El Centro.

Democrats Call on ICE Watchdog to Speed Up Use of Force Inquiry

The inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security is scrutinizing use of force by ICE, according to Democrats in Congress who requested the report.

Still Winning: India Agrees on Trade – And Ending Russian Oil Imports?

Government shutdown enters day 4 as lawmakers gear up for House-wide vote on Trump-backed deal

The government shutdown entered its fourth day as the House GOP prepares a Tuesday vote on a Senate funding compromise.

Groundhog Day and Friday the 13th

The government shutdown continues as House Republicans face a razor-thin majority to pass the bill that includes funding for the Pentagon, HUD and transportation programs.

Justice Dept. demotes Ed Martin, stripping Trump ally of most authority

Top Justice Department officials have stripped Ed Martin of the bulk of his expansive responsibilities.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Meet with Trump at the White House

President Trump was expected to meet privately with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia on Tuesday. They have clashed in the past, but there are signs that tensions are easing.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Trump family crypto firm sold major stake to UAE investment firm

The investment, worth a reported $500 million, gave Emirati-backed investors a 49 percent stake in World Liberty Financial, a Trump crypto company.

Trump urges Republicans to 'nationalize' voting

President Donald Trump urged the GOP to "nationalize" voting, sparking constitutional controversy as Democrats call the proposal "outlandishly illegal."

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.

The Martin Center Announces a New Feature

The first issue of the quarterly “From the Academy” newsletter focuses on the liberal arts on campus.

Artemis II Undergoing Dress Rehearsal for Possible Launch This Weekend

The Death of the Debasement Trade?

The fundamentals underlying the debasement trade have not changed.

US Applauds Panama Canal Ruling Against China

The United States is welcoming a landmark ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that voided long-standing port contracts tied to a China-linked company operating at the Panama Canal, calling the decision an affirmation of the rule of law and national s…

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Trump Says He’s Only Renovating the Kennedy Center

Even though President Trump held a movie premiere for his wife’s new film there last week, he said the state of the building was “actually sort of dangerous.”

Nigel Farage Senses Moment as Tory Defections Mount

Nigel Farage sees May 7th as a pivotal moment for his populist movement, following Reform's rise and the Tories' fall in polling.

Monday's Final Word

Siemens Energy Bets $1 Billion That A.I. Power Demand Will Last

The German manufacturer announced plans to expand factories in several U.S. states and build a new plant in Mississippi.

Pirro Threatens Jail Time for Lawful Gun Owners Who Travel to D.C. With Firearms

The remarks by Jeannine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, prompted swift pushback from the Republican Party’s pro-Second Amendment wing.

Trump wants to ‘nationalize the voting,’ seeking to grab states’ power

Trump, who continues to falsely claim that he won the 2020 election, has baselessly alleged widespread fraud.

Judge ordered 5-year-old released, but data shows ICE is detaining more kids

As family detentions spike, the Trump administration is increasingly ensnaring the youngest, and most vulnerable, lawyers and advocates say.

We Are What We Pretend to Be

Robert Peel created modern police forces and wanted them to be seen as an arm of the public itself.

Trump’s New Method of Humiliation

The president doesn’t seem to fire people anymore, but he marginalizes them in other ways.

Trump administration blocked from ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

Trump administration's plan to end Haitian Temporary Protected Status halted by federal court. Judge Ana Reyes pauses Feb. 3 termination affecting 350,000 people.

Investigation Finds Credit Suisse Had Wider Nazi Ties Than Previously Known

A lawyer who has been scrutinizing archives for the bank, which is now part of UBS, is expected to testify about his findings on Tuesday.

Meet the New Proud Boys

The far-right group’s views and tactics are now emulated by federal agents.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Stumbles into Populism’s Blind Alley

Anyone who tries to meet the aggrieved populists in the middle will be outflanked by a genuine kook.

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…

DHS Secretary Noem to testify before key House committee amid spotlight on deportation agenda

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem agrees to appear before Congress in March amid scrutiny over two U.S. citizen killings during Minnesota immigration operations.

The Supreme Leader’s Reckoning

The brutality the security forces are unleashing in Iran is not an improvisation. It is doctrine.

That Other Greenland Standoff

In April 1940, Danes, Germans, Brits, Americans, and Canadians had designs on the world’s largest island. Eighty-five years later, many of their arguments sound eerily familiar.

‘I don’t support ICE’: Gas station refusal ignites debate over denying service to federal agents

ICE agents denied service at gas stations and hotels sparks legal debate over discrimination vs. private business rights in controversial incidents.

‘They Couldn’t Break Me’: A Protester, the White House and a Doctored Photo

President Trump and the White House regularly circulate imagery that has been manipulated by A.I. But the photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong was different.

NFL to 'Get Facts' Before Probing Giants' Co-Owner Tisch's Alleged Ties to Epstein

New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch's alleged connection with Jeffrey Epstein is not yet the subject of an NFL investigation, but commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is "looking into" the facts around the files released by the U.S. Justice…

The Alaa Abd El-Fattah Case and the Limits of Human Rights Law

How did Britain end up granting citizenship to radical activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah?

Federal officers in Minneapolis to start wearing body cams, DHS says

The decision to equip federal agents in Minneapolis with body cameras comes after federal agents in the metropolitan area shot and killed two people.

Welcome to the American Winter

In the frozen streets of Minneapolis, something profound is happening.

Europe Needs a New Alliance

Trump’s threat to annex Greenland has revealed the shakiness of America’s commitment to NATO. Europe urgently needs to create its own alternative.  

God of the Yawning Gaps

It’s hard to believe in God when even very bright, thoughtful people can’t come up with good reasons why you should.

TIPP Poll: No Change in Trump's Favorability Ratings

President Donald Trump's favorability ratings remain stagnant as he enters the 13th month of his second term, according to an I&I/TIPP poll.

Plan to end government shutdown survives key House hurdle after Trump quells GOP rebellion threats

The House is preparing for a crucial vote on a Senate compromise to end the partial government shutdown.

Trump, Colombia's Petro to Meet Amid Strained Relations

President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro meet at the White House for the first time on Tuesday, an encounter that will test whether the two leaders can reach a lasting detente despite clashing ideologies and reputations for unp…

House to vote on reopening government, extending ICE funding

The deal would fund most of the government through September. But Congress would have only 10 days to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Not in Their League: Why It's Harder To Be a Sports Fan

Why it's harder to be a sports fan

Maryland House OKs New Map; Senate Roadblock Ahead

The Maryland House approved a new congressional map that could flip the state’s only Republican-held U.S. House seat, but Senate leaders say it lacks sufficient support to advance due to concerns it could backfire.

A Robot Thermopylae – in Ukraine

UGVs are used as mobile weapons, surveillance tools, and for numerous other functions including mine-clearing, logistical support, and evacuating the wounded.

‘It’s a Five-Alarm Fire’

The FBI’s search and seizure of material from Fulton County election offices marks a major escalation.

James Traub Misreads the Classroom

The author of The Cradle of Citizenship is too busy trying to debunk conservatives to recognize the deep politicization all around him.

In Texas, Democrats narrow GOP’s U.S. House majority, win upset in state Senate

Democrats flipped a state Senate district that President Donald Trump won by double digits. In a House election, the outcome slimmed the GOP’s margin further.

EXCLUSIVE: Gabbard answers Democrats — and explains why Trump personally sent her to Fulton County

In a letter exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, Tulsi Gabbard explains why she was present at an FBI search in Fulton County, saying President Trump specifically directed her to attend.

The Fall of Zhang Youxia

A septuagenarian loyalist may be facing execution for the crimes of caution and professionalism.

Greenland FM Seeks Common Ground, but Has Red Lines

Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said Tuesday she was hopeful and optimistic that the Arctic island would find common ground with the United States that respected its red lines.

Trump team has $400 million, and 5 other campaign money takeaways

The Democratic Party on the national level has a mere fraction of what Republicans have heading into the 2026 midterms. Big donors like Elon Musk are back, too.

Just Crazy Enough It Might Work: ONLY Americans Need Apply for HUD and Sec 8 Housing

Gavin Newsom vs California's Progressive Idiots

The Case Against Don Lemon Is Junk, and Dangerous

If the Cities Church case falls apart, it will not be the first such embarrassment for Trump’s Justice Department.

Battles Are Raging Inside the Department of Homeland Security

Officials overseeing Trump’s mass-deportation campaign are fighting one another for power.

Trump Seeks $1 Billion From Harvard University in Damages

President Donald Trump said late on Monday that his administration is seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard University. "We are now seeking One Billion Dollars in damages, and want nothing further to do...

In Trump’s Fraud Crackdown, Political Foes Face Harshest Scrutiny

State officials say the president’s actions are a new form of retribution, even as the White House has pardoned allies charged with defrauding government.

Despite 3 million files, Epstein release leaves big questions unanswered

The members of Congress who wrote the law requiring disclosure of the files are still looking for explanations.

‘Trust Has Been Breached’

The broken relationship between Minnesota and the federal government

Cap Credit Card Interest Rates at 10%

Senator Bernie Sanders calls Wall Street credit card practices

Rep. Langworthy to Newsmax: Clintons Realized Contempt Threat Was Serious

Bill and Hillary Clinton agreed to testify before Congress about their ties to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein only after facing the prospect of criminal contempt charges from the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Nick Langworthy…

The Logical End Point of Trump Saying He Could Shoot Somebody on Fifth Avenue

His administration is trying to distort the reality of Alex Pretti’s killing.

It Wasn’t Democrats Who Persuaded Trump to Change Course

A flood of GOP statements sent an unmistakable message to Trump: Enough.

Tim Walz Fears a Fort Sumter Moment in Minneapolis

The Minnesota governor warns of a national unraveling.

Now the Trump Administration Wants to Talk with Iran?

Reports suggest that the U.S. may open new nuclear talks with Iran, but it’s unclear what remains to negotiate — or why.

What I’ve Been Reading This Month

Theology, history, and some AI tinkering.

Haiti Is Not Great Anymore, Apparently

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.

Planned Parenthood drops lawsuit challenging Trump administration's Medicaid cuts

Planned Parenthood announced it has dropped its lawsuit against the Trump administration over Medicaid funding cuts to abortion providers.

China’s Demographic Bomb Is Already Detonating

The plummeting birth rate colors so many global trends for the years to come.

NYC Chambers Unite to Defend Jewish, Israeli Firms

Two pro-business groups have launched an alliance in New York City aimed at protecting Jewish and Israeli-affiliated companies amid rising anti-Zionist activism and policy changes under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Why Texas Is the Wildest Story in U.S. Politics Right Now

First came a remarkable State Senate upset. Next up: two high-octane U.S. Senate primaries.

Extinction as Feminism, or The Testament of Ann Lee

The movie wants you to admire its beautiful set pieces while making you miserable.

Why Is Substack Caught Up in Australia’s Social Media Ban?

Australia’s under-16s social media ban has proven wildly popular among parents, but nevertheless it was ill conceived and comes with worrying trade-offs.  

Spain Goes Merkel

Europe’s 2027 is already looking . . . interesting.

DOJ Failed to Address Press Law in Application to Search Washington Post Reporter’s Home

The Justice Department did not address a 1980 law that generally bars warrants for reporting material when it sought to seize a Washington Post reporter’s devices, an unsealed filing shows.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

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.

Pretti Shooting Thrusts Border Patrol’s History of Aggressive Tactics Into View

Officials have struggled to provide oversight of the agency, even as local communities and civil rights groups have documented episodes of violence.

Cuba Starting to Get Those Venezuela Vibes

Vogue Embarrasses Itself in Its Gushing Profile of ‘Embarrassingly Handsome’ Newsom

The reporter didn’t get around to discussing things like the LA wildfires, the chronic homelessness Newsom promised to end, and other such matters.