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

"They Hate Australia": The Activists Behind the Gaza Flotilla and the Radical Left's Antizionist Turn | Quillette Cetera Ep. 65

Hava Mendelle — army veteran, nurse, and co-founder of Minority Impact — speaks with Zoe Sankey about antisemitism in Australia, the red-green alliance, October 7th, and why she left the activist left behind.

5 Takeaways From Scott Pelley’s Interview With The New York Times

Mr. Pelley, who was at CBS News for 37 years, including as a White House correspondent and a “60 Minutes” correspondent, spoke in his first extended interview since he was fired.

Keep Politicians Out of College Sports

Claire's Weekly Letter: Secrets and Lies

Never Neverland, Andrew Hammel — The new Michael Jackson biopic and the campaign to whitewash the King of Pop’s reputation. Also New * What Is the Euro-Med...

Hegseth Criticizes Europe Over Migration ‘Invasion’ in D-Day Speech

The remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reflect many of the Trump administration’s previous assertions on immigrants in Europe, which overlap with the language of European far-right political parties.

Bob Packwood, Senator Forced to Quit in Sex Scandal, Dies at 93

An unorthodox Republican, he helped shape tax policy and women’s rights legislation before resigning in 1995 amid accusations by more than 20 women of sexual misconduct.

Trump Looms Over Pivotal Republican Senate Runoff in Georgia

The president has not yet endorsed Representative Mike Collins or Derek Dooley, a former football coach, in the race to challenge the Democratic senator, Jon Ossoff.

Steve Hilton launches ad mocking Xavier Becerra's '36 years' as a career politician in California gov race

Steve Hilton launches campaign ad mocking Xavier Becerra's 36-year political career as California's gubernatorial general election fight begins.

Preventing Canada’s Next Unmarked-Graves-Style Social Panic

Journalists should resolve to treat their Indigenous sources as real-life human beings—as opposed to mystic savants who channel sacred and unfalsifiable ‘knowings’

LA Voting Debacle Reflects a Democracy in Crisis

Half of America is watching LA count its votes with a sense of deja vu.

Trump walks out of ‘Meet the Press’ interview when challenged over false claims

When pressed by host Kristen Welker, the president cited no evidence for claims about Jan. 6 and elections he said were “rigged.”

White Guilt Is a Pathology That Afflicts the West

This isn't politics anymore. It's pathology. Imagine that someone you knew - a friend or a member of your family - was constantly uttering the words that are now commonplace assumptions in our national discourse:

Henry Nowak and Fatal Anti-Racism

On a city street last December, Vikrum Digwa, 23, murdered Henry Nowak, 18, with the kirpan dagger.

Don't Laugh: Young Voters Falling for Sanders' AI-Heist

Bernie Sanders is pushing a bill to confiscate 50% of the nation's largest AI developers - a concept straight out of Vladimir Lenin's or Fidel Castro's playbook. And Gen Z is falling for it....

Jill Biden says former president will live with stage 4 cancer 'for the rest of his life,' has slowed down

Jill Biden says former President Joe Biden will live with stage four prostate cancer for the rest of his life, noting he has slowed down at 83.

The Main Obstacle to Trump's 2026 Agenda Is Trump Himself

Senate Republicans ended the week with much relief and self-congratulation. After struggling through a "vote-a-rama," they managed to clear a budget reconciliation bill pre-funding immigration enforcement well into the post-Trump era.

Pelley Will Be Remembered as a Beacon of Integrity

While his bosses look (to varying degrees) like bumblers, cowards or corporate tools, Pelley will be remembered as a beacon of integrity

Platner supporter Khanna calls Senate hopeful's past relationships 'toxic,' but says he deserves 'redemption'

Rep. Ro Khanna calls Graham Platner's past relationships "toxic and volatile" but says the Senate candidate is taking accountability for his actions.

Hilton, Becerra lead in California’s governor primary. See live results here.

Latest California governor primary results as Democrats Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra and Republicans Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton vie for nominations to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Open Hiding

Jewish testimonies before Australia's Royal Commission paint a portrait of a culture already transformed—one in which Jewishness has become a professional and social liability

Maine GOP hopeful vying for Trump endorsement previously ran birthing clinics catering to migrant women

Jonathan Bush, GOP candidate for Maine governor, marketed his birthing clinic to immigrant women with Spanish-language ads, according to his own book.

Dysfunctional CA Primary Does Not Bode Well for Dems

They avoided the worst-case scenario in the governor's race, but their dysfunctional primary does not bode well.

Democrats in Congress Grapple With Concerns Over Platner Allegations

Representative Ro Khanna said that he believed the account of a woman who accused Graham Platner of physically threatening behavior, and urged his campaign not to criticize her.

It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To

The most consequential weakness of philosopher and journalist Kathleen Stock’s new polemic against assisted dying is its failure to engage with the empirical record.

Trump pardons former GOP congressman convicted of insider trading

President Donald Trump issued a full pardon for Steve Buyer, a former Indiana Republican congressman who was convicted of insider trading in 2023.

Graham Platner, Deep Water Man

It's going to be a red-flag weekend on the coast of Maine after new claims about his treatment of women.

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.

Florida and Texas are battling for new residents — DeSantis thinks he found an advantage

Gov. Ron DeSantis backs a constitutional amendment to expand Florida's homestead exemption to $250,000, potentially saving homeowners billions in taxes.

Why a Navy SEAL’s family is angry with Hegseth, Trump’s son over death investigation

Cmdr. Job Price’s death was ruled a suicide. But irregularities raised suspicions among his loved ones and others.

Can the Senate Save College Sports?

For the sake of the traditions America loves most — no more punting on this issue.

Top House Democrat says there's 'no way' Platner didn't know tattoo's Nazi origins

Rep. Brad Schneider said Senate candidate Graham Platner's denial of knowing his tattoo's Nazi origins is not credible, joining Democratic criticism.

Trump Says Iran Has Made a ‘Big’ Nuclear Promise. It Isn’t New.

President Trump’s boasts of securing a commitment from Iranian leaders not to develop a nuclear weapon have puzzled nuclear experts who note that Tehran has made that pledge for more than 50 years.

Higher Education Should Become More Family-Friendly

After all, the fewer births, the fewer students in the future.

TDS Watch: The 'Convicted Felon' Argument

The Case Against State-Sanctioned Euthanasia

Podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Kathleen Stock about her new book, ‘Do Not Go Gentle’—in which she argues that governments should be denied any institutional role in facilitating the death of their citizens.

Young Voters Falling for Socialist Myths

C.I.A. Officer Found With Gold Bars Said to Have Created Fake Spy Program

A federal judge has ruled that David Rush, the C.I.A. employee, must remain in detention. U.S. officials say Mr. Rush funneled millions in federal funds to himself.

Top Trump artificial intelligence adviser to leave the White House

Sriram Krishnan, who has been central to the administration’s AI efforts, will probably continue to play an active role in its approach to the technology.

A New Jersey Doctor Has Legally Assisted About 200 Suicides

The normalizing of suicide will have profound ramifications beyond the early demise of terminally ill people.

Pennsylvania AG explains why state leads nation in Medicaid fraud convictions while others battle mass schemes

Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday says his state leads the nation in Medicaid fraud convictions, citing aggressive prosecution and collaboration with partners.

The Mainechurian Candidate

Graham Platner, running for U.S. Senate, was recruited by Washington’s coziest insider progressive networking politicos.

I Hopped Off the Platner Train After the Totenkopf

I personally don't trust Graham Platner. With what we've seen so far, I don't think he belongs in the U.S. Senate versus Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign back in April and whom I like quite a lot.

On Not Believing Platner

It’s a strange race to jettison moral standards for.

Friday's Final Word

U.S. attorney’s office in California announces probe into elections

The Los Angeles U.S. attorney's office said it has launched an investigation into election fraud in California's elections.

Trial of Bay Area Pro-Life Activist Ends in Mistrial

The jury leaned heavily toward acquittal.

Passing the Tests: Sunday Reflection

CNN Political Briefing

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

CBS News' Shakeup and the Future of the Mainstream Press

GOP firebrand lashes out at reporter over Massie allegation: ‘F--- you, first of all!’

Rep. Boebert cursed out a reporter when asked about allegations of a sexual relationship between her and Rep. Massie raised by his alleged ex.

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.

Trump Defends Compensation Fund and Iran War in ‘Meet the Press’ Interview

In a lengthy interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the president again vowed that gas prices would go down when the war in Iran ends.

Jill Biden's Book Tour Reopens Dem Wounds

The former first lady's memoir has made some Democrats frustrated at relitigating the 2024 presidential election and her treatment of a once loyal White House aide.

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…

Bureaucrats in the Way

The Left Covers for Graham Platner

Raman overtakes Spencer Pratt in razor-thin race, AP count shows, but race remains uncalled

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has overtaken Spencer Pratt in the latest AP vote count, leading by more than 3,000 votes in the race.

Saturday's Final Word

RFK Jr. Appears Disengaged on Many Health Department Matters Beyond Vaccines

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has demonstrated little interest in managing his sprawling department as he focuses on food and vaccine policies, according to colleagues.

Former Indiana Rep Stephen Buyer receives full pardon from Trump for 2023 insider trading conviction

President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to former Rep. Stephen Buyer, absolving his 2023 insider trading conviction that prompted a 22-month prison sentence.

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.

Spencer Pratt's runner-up edge over Democrat Raman down to 1%, few thousand ballots

Spencer Pratt's lead over Nithya Raman in the L.A. mayoral race has slimmed to just 1% as late ballot counting continues days after election day.

Former Biden official Deb Haaland wins New Mexico primary for governor

Haaland could make history as the first female Native American governor if she’s elected.

WATCH: Mace says Trump's endorsement hasn't sealed SC gubernatorial race: ‘It’s a dog fight’

Rep. Nancy Mace says Trump's endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette hasn't resonated with grassroots Republicans in South Carolina's GOP primary.

The Emotional Displacement of Losing a Part of Your Community

Lists, Damn Lists, and Critical Correctness

Love them or hate them, lists are now firmly established—along with cats and porn—among the apex predators of the modern internet.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

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 Irony of Graham Platner's Campaign

Peter Singer Criticizes Pope Leo’s Encyclical for Embracing Human Exceptionalism

The utilitarian bioethicist contends that being human is irrelevant to determining moral value. What counts are capacities and the ability to suffer.

Antifragility in Ukraine

Four years into the full-scale invasion, Ukraine bears little resemblance to the country Russia expected to defeat in a matter of days.

Lawsuit Aims to Stop U.F.C. Fights at White House on Trump’s Birthday

A federal lawsuit said the event, set for June 14, was unlawfully planned and designed to benefit Mr. Trump and his allies.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Antifragility in Ukraine

Richard Dawkins and the Claude Delusion

What is consciousness for?

Pope Leo Should Have More Faith in Markets

Pope Leo gets AI’s humanity question right but its economics wrong.

The Left Fueled the Male Crisis. Now It's Shocked

Instead of cultivating men's strengths, the left neutered them, pushed them aside and spent decades on feminist rhetoric about empowering women.

Kennedy Center Loses Case Against Musician Who Canceled Over Trump Naming Dispute

A judge sided with jazz performer Chuck Redd, who canceled a 2025 holiday concert after President Trump’s name was added to the building.

Senators Warn of Intelligence Gaps if Surveillance Program Expires

Two senior Republicans urged the Trump administration to prepare for the possible expiration of a contentious intelligence-gathering authority.

The Murder of Henry Nowak and the Politics of Certainty

This case shows how quickly tragedy becomes raw material for those who seek to exploit it.

Sunday Smiles

The Associated Press Asks: Aren’t We All Scott Pelley?

The AP wants readers to see themselves in Scott Pelley. That’s a harder sell than it sounds.

Iowa Higher Ed Breakthrough

The state will now require all graduates of its public universities to complete a survey course in American history and a survey course in American civics.

J.D. Vance is Right About Henry Nowak

Whatever one feels about the helpfulness of the US intervention, the pearl-clutching over Vance's remarks is frankly pathetic.

Israel launches strikes on Iran after Tehran fires barrage of missiles

The exchange, after Tehran’s first such strike on Israel in two months, threatened to further complicate efforts to broker a peace deal aimed at ending the war.

The Scourge of ‘Teen Takeovers’

Where are these kids’ parents?

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Russia Is Losing Its War, and Congress Should Help Finish the Job

The West has a limited window of opportunity to persuade the Kremlin that victory in Ukraine is unattainable.

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.

Why California is taking so long to count votes in key primary races

The state is an outlier in taking days to count most votes, but supporters of the system say it is designed to enfranchise more people while protecting against fraud.

A Baseless Attack on Friedrich Hayek’s Intellectual Legacy

Author Quinn Slobodian has won acclaim for his attempt to link the famed Austrian economist to right-wing extremists. But his arguments collapse under scrutiny.