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

White House taps Jay Bhattacharya, CDC critic, to lead agency for now

The co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which rebuked CDC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, will oversee the nation’s leading public health agency.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Friday 6 February – Friday 13 February

Doing Your Taxes? We Want to Hear From You.

The New York Times is looking to speak to Americans about how the most recent tax cuts are affecting their pocketbooks.

Officials Violated Court Orders on Immigration in New Jersey, Justice Dept. Tells Judge

The violations stemmed from immigration cases. Judges across the country have expressed alarm about illegal transfers and missed deadlines.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Jill Filipovic Cuts the Gordian Knot on Trans Surgeries

Replacing Marjorie Taylor Greene puts Trump’s control of MAGA to the test

The president is accustomed to defining a race. But some voters in Georgia’s 14th District do not like being told what to do.

Tracking who Trump is appointing to fill key administration roles

Follow President Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

Do Democrats Have a Plan?

A party tries to figure it out in real time, on the world stage in Munich.

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…

A Press Freedom Case in Peril, From a Lawyer Who Helped Write It

Alan Dershowitz was present at the creation of New York Times v. Sullivan. Now he is asking the Supreme Court to revise or destroy it.

NEW: Trump Orders FEMA to Suspend Operations in Dems' DHS Shutdown

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…

The Epstein Emails Show How the Powerful Talk About Race

The files reveal the disgraced financier’s interest in “race science.”

Trump jokes about Nobel Prize at inaugural Board of Peace meeting, says Norway will host Gaza aid gathering

President Donald Trump joked about Nobel Prize hopes at a Board of Peace meeting, quipping he thought a Norway announcement meant he was finally getting the award.

The Price of the Epstein Frenzy

Press-led hysteria and institutional cowardice are inflicting needless damage on higher education.

As ICE Buys Up Warehouses, Even Some Trump Voters Say No

The agency is ramping up arrests, but local pushback is complicating efforts to expand detention capacity and prevent overcrowding.

ICE After Minneapolis

Trump’s team wants a reset on its mass-deportation goals, not a retreat.

‘The Trust Has Been Absolutely Destroyed’

Some state election officials say they no longer trust their federal partners.

Ramadan Over Lent

The Truth About Free Will

Neuroscience’s challenge to free will misses the point: consciousness and choice emerge from complex systems, not individual neurons.

Populism’s Self-Defeating Trap

Populist rhetoric is exceptionally effective for pursuing and gaining power, but it provides no program for the complexities of actual governance.

Another Job for Rubio: History Tutor for Clueless Democrats

I made fun of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) yesterday on Rising after listening to her get tripped up when discussing U.S. Taiwan policy at the Munich Security Conference, but her remarks on that topic were brilliant and statesmanlike com…

Top Maryland Democrat defies Jeffries on mid-cycle redistricting push to boot state's lone Republican

A leading Maryland Democrat is resisting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ push to redraw the state’s congressional map, exposing a rift over mid-cycle redistricting.

Refugees Without Green Cards Could Be Arrested Under New Trump Policy

The change is part of the administration’s broad effort to target refugees and tighten pathways for immigrants to legally enter or remain in the United States.

Canada, Britain, and Now Germany Make Strategic Partnerships With China

Built for weeks of war: Inside the firepower the US has positioned in the Middle East

U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume as both nations prepare for conflict, with Iran fortifying facilities and America deploying military assets to the region.

Trump says US contributing $10B to Board of Peace, Iran must reach nuclear deal or 'bad things happen'

President Trump announces $10 billion U.S. commitment to Board of Peace initiative as he urges Iran to join the larger effort to bring peace to the region.

Khanna and Massie threaten to force a vote on Iran as prospect of US attack looms

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie push for vote on Iran-related measure as the prospect of a U.S. attack on Iran looms.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Trump hails Vance and Rubio as ‘extraordinary’ duo: hammer and velvet glove

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio earn Trump's acclaim following their Munich Security Conference speeches, with Trump joking about firing Rubio.

Virginia Republicans charge 'power grab' as Democrat who backed redistricting runs for Congress

Virginia Republicans accuse Democratic lawmaker Dan Helmer of a "power grab" after he launched a congressional campaign for a district he helped redraw.

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.

BREAKING: Prince Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Connections

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.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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 Second Death of Charlie Kirk

The activist’s assassination unleashed anti-Semitism that is pulling the Trump coalition apart.

Ohio’s Covid Czar Hopes to Be the State’s Democratic Governor

Amy Acton’s service to retiring Gov. Mike DeWine gives her bipartisan credibility in a Republican state, but that service, leading Ohio’s pandemic response, also stirs charged emotions.

DHS Denies Suspending FEMA Disaster Aid Travel

The Department of Homeland Security on Thursday denied reports that it suspended the deployment of Federal Emergency Management Agency aid workers because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Woe, Canada: Liberals Brainstorm Spiffy Plan to Beef Up Currently Pathetic Military

Ahead of Sewage Crisis, DC Water Officials Focused on DEI

DC Water, the public utility responsible for the massive sewage spill in the Potomac River, focused much of its attention on environmentalism and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in recent years.

EPA May Correct a Supreme Court Error

Will the justices reconsider their finding that Congress authorized the agency to regulate greenhouse gases?

Trump Presses Iran for Nuclear Deal, Signals 10-Day Deadline

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a deal over its nuclear program or "bad things" will happen, and appeared to set a 10-day deadline before the U.S. might take action. Amid a massive U.S. military buildup in the Mid…

Md. Gov. Moore Brushes Off Dem Resistance Amid 2028 Buzz

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore forcefully rejected suggestions that he is politically weakened after repeated clashes with fellow Democrats in the state legislature, framing himself instead as an independent leader accountable only to voters.

Can the Gaslighting Get Even More Brazen?

AIPAC accused of covert campaigning as Democratic support falters

Democrats in Illinois have accused the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel organization, of meddling in competitive primary races.

Rep. Mace: Andrew Arrest Follows GOP Push on Epstein Files

Rep. Nancy Mace on Thursday applauded the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, crediting House Republicans who forced the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Hegseth invited Christian nationalist Doug Wilson to preach at Pentagon

The self-described “paleo-Confederate” has argued that wives should submit to their husbands, women should be denied the vote and Christian enslavers were on “firm scriptural ground.”

Israel’s Ministry of Truth? An Interview with Gadi Taub

Historian Gadi Taub discusses media leaks, military censorship, and the Sde Teiman controversy in Israel—and his defamation suit against Ronen Bergman.

Trump White House ballroom proposal gets approval by Commission of Fine Arts

President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project got fast-track approval Thursday by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

Hunter Biden's former 'sugar brother' lawyer drops big money on Swalwell's campaign: 'Biggest cheerleader'

Kevin Morris, the Hollywood lawyer who bankrolled Hunter Biden’s defense and other bills, now backs Rep. Eric Swalwell’s California governor bid with significant donation.

Trump appears ready to attack Iran as U.S. strike force takes shape

Although the United States and ally Israel have a decisive military advantage over Iranian forces, there are ways for Tehran to make any attack painful, officials said.

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.

Kid Rock, RFK Try To Bench-Press the Establishment

It's time to stop whatever you are doing, put on your stiffest blue jeans and go to the gym. You are a Kennedy. Kid Rock is already there doing push-ups. Make sure you bring your whole milk. We will be drinking it, as is customary, in the hot tub.

England’s Founding Father

How a 10th-century warrior-statesman forged a unified England and why his legacy still matters in our identity-obsessed day.   

Commission, packed with Trump allies, approves White House ballroom project

The Commission of Fine Arts voted unanimously to approve the nearly 90,000-square-foot building’s design. A federal judge is weighing whether to halt the project.

Rep. Downing to Newsmax: Board of Peace Will Be 'Incredible Legacy' for Trump

Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., praised President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace in the Middle East during a Thursday appearance on Newsmax's "National Report," calling the Board of Peace initiative "an incredible legacy for this administration."

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.

Critics warned Trump’s deportations would spark bloodshed — progressive group reports police killings fell

Police killings dropped for first time in five years during Trump's deportation push, contradicting predictions of increased violence in sanctuary cities.

Justice Dept. Lawyer Is Found in Contempt by Federal Judge

The ruling out of Minnesota marks a new level of judicial concern about the Trump administration’s lack of compliance with judges’ orders in immigration cases.

‘Not American Enough’

Trump’s immigration crackdown has Latinos wondering if they belong in his America.

The Housing Crisis Is Destroying Homeownership—and Undermining Democracy

Escalating house prices and density rules trap young people in renting, eroding homeownership—a key to democracy.

Learning From Jesse Jackson

This morning, February 17, I awakened to hear on my radio that Jesse Jackson had died. I have known Mr. Jackson as a colleague and close friend for 40 years. I worked with him since 1984 to help him as the "ghostwriter" of his autobiography.

GOP rips FISA court for tapping ex-Biden ‘disinformation’ lawyer to advise on surveillance

Republican lawmakers express concern over Jennifer Daskal's appointment to advise the secretive FISC after her controversial disinformation board role.

The Artemis Project

The race is on to build a base for permanent human habitation on the Moon.

Inside Schumer's Evolution on Shutdowns

The Senate Democratic leader is embracing the resistance playbook during Trump's second term.

The Mamdani Nightmare Is Just Beginning

The Moral Collapse of Empire

Southeast Asia in World War II, Part One: Japanese Conquests and British Disgrace

Judge orders slavery exhibit to be restored after Trump administration removal

A GOP-appointed federal judge in Pennsylvania has ordered the Trump administration to restore displays about slavery to a George Washington site in Philadelphia.

John Cleese Has Been Redpilled on Islam

Ted Cruz: Regime Collapse in Iran, Venezuela, Cuba 'Possible' in 6 Months

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said in an interview late Wednesday that the collapse of the governments in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba within the next six months is "entirely possible," arguing the United States is facing a rare opening to reshape geopolit…

Beshear is latest 2028 contender to write a book, focused on faith

The Democratic governor of deep-red Kentucky will rebuke “how faith has been hijacked” by Donald Trump and other figures, his publisher says.

Rep. Alford to Newsmax: DHS Shutdown 'Stupidest' in US History

Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., did not mince words Thursday on Newsmax, calling the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown the "stupidest" in American history and blaming Democrats for what he described as a manufactured crisis.

EPA Set to Reform $5B Biden-Era Electric School Bus Program

The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to overhaul a controversial electric school bus program with $2.3 billion in unspent taxpayer funding, shifting its focus to what officials call more "reliable" American energy sources.

How a Body Positivity Influencer Came Back to Reality

The Democrats Aren’t Built for This

They say they want to save democracy. First they’ll need to get out of their own way.

The Disappointment of Young Trump Voters

Americans under 30 swung to the right in 2024, but they’re not getting what they voted for.

Canada’s Unmarked-Graves Farce Continues Apace

Almost five years after falsely claiming it had found graves of 215 Indigenous children, the Kamloops First Nation has announced the supposed crime scene may never be excavated—but could instead be preserved as a ‘Sacred Site.’

As Trump Weighs Possible Iran Strikes, U.S. Military Moves Into Place

President Trump has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed, as diplomatic talks continue.

How Jeff Bezos Broke The Washington Post

The paper of record for the nation’s capital cut a third of its staff this week. It didn’t have to be like this.

What Mamdani Doesn’t Know About Tenants

Fixing New York’s affordable housing isn’t as simple as going after bad landlords.

GOP Worried Trump Base Won't Turn Out for Midterms

With President Donald Trump not on the ballot for the midterms, Republicans reportedly are concerned about their supporters turning out to vote. GOP strategists and operatives are increasingly alarmed...

GOP congressman who says he supports dogs over Muslims faces calls to resign

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) said Tuesday that Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida) is “an Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot.”

Pardon Czar Johnson to Newsmax: Trump Focused on 'Second Chances'

Alice Marie Johnson, who was named the nation's first pardon czar a year ago, told Newsmax on Thursday that the White House's pardon effort centers on giving Americans who have been sentenced to prison for crimes the opportunity to rebuild their l…

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.

U.S. Deploys Vast Mideast Force as Trump Pressures Iran

The US military is stationing a vast array of forces in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, fighter jets and refueling tankers, giving President Donald Trump the option for a major attack against Iran as he pressures the country to s…

Wednesday's Final Word

Trump’s Black supporters tout minority gains during White House ceremony

Wednesday’s Black History Month event marked a continued defense of a president who has made racial grievance a hallmark of his political ascent.

Keep Calm and Adapt

Matt Shumer’s viral essay about AI is part of a long history of fear produced by technological change.

The Murder of The Washington Post

Today’s layoffs are the latest attempt to kill what makes the paper special.

Trump’s Order Aims to Boost Ingredient Used in Roundup

An executive order aimed at ramping up production of glyphosate set off alarms among supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Another Indiana Semi Crash, Another Fatality, Another ICE Arrest

Kristi Noem’s Audience of One

The DHS secretary is suddenly talking about more than just mass deportations.

The Epstein files have brought a wave of resignations and investigations

A number of prominent figures have stepped down or are facing investigations after their communications with Jeffrey Epstein and his former longtime companion, Ghislaine Maxwell, were released last month.

Why Exactly Did Biden & Co. Destroy the Border?

Biden's border chaos wasn't accidental-it was a political strategy to reshape America's electorate and expand left-wing power.

Gov. Wes Moore stands by account of grandfather's interaction with KKK amid scrutiny: 'Hurtful and offensive'

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore defends family KKK story after Washington Free Beacon report questions details about grandfather fleeing South Carolina threats.

Mamdani Launches First Salvos in New York Fiscal Battle

The mayor, the governor, and the members of the city's big-ticket tax base are all squaring off over prospective tax increases and service cuts.

Conservative Women Find a New Way to Talk About ICE

When can an influencer opt out of the news cycle?

Trump Georgia Trip to Focus on Economy as Midterms Loom

When he visits battleground Georgia in a trip designed to help boost Republicans' political standing heading into the high-stakes midterm elections, President Donald Trump's team insists he will focus on the economy.

Inside OpenAI's Ideological Echo Chamber

ChatGPT's secular progressive moral code is serving as the framework for the world's most powerful and influential AI systems.

Stop Pretending the Tumbler Ridge Killer Was Female

The sight of Canadian police and journalists extending fraudulent courtesies to a trans-identified mass-murderer may prove to be a clarifying moment.

American-Born Olympian Competing for China Is a Disgrace

Eileen Gu competing for China has sparked debate over patriotism, media bias, and U.S.-China tensions ahead of the Milan Olympics.

Texas Congressman’s Aide Told Co-Worker of Affair Before Killing Herself

The co-worker, who no longer works for Representative Tony Gonzales, shared screenshots of the text exchange with The New York Times. Mr. Gonzales accused his Republican primary challenger of being behind the revelation.

Arts Panel Packed With Trump Allies Approves White House Ballroom Project

President Trump has eliminated any pocket of resistance from within his administration to his plans for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

Trump: Board of Peace Will Make UN 'Run Properly'

President Donald Trump on Thursday said his Board of Peace not only will work with the United Nations on Gaza's future, the board will make sure the international organization "runs properly. "Speaking at the inaugural Board of Peace gathering at …

Why Is Trump Dumping East Wing Rubble in a Public Park?

The East Potomac Golf Links is a municipal course that has been a fixture in Washington for decades. President Trump is turning it into something else.

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.