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

The Retro Fashion of the Wealth Tax

Every few decades, the ideas with the worst track records come back into style.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Claire's Weekly Letter: Naked in America

Bad Criticism

Name-calling, guilt-by-association, and other unscrupulous methods of argument are polluting our discourse.

Can Sununu Reclaim New Hampshire Senate Seat?

Rep. Chris Pappas, meantime, is trying to remind Democrats that the state is crucial to their party's midterm math.

Obama, Biden judges draw fresh fire as Trump’s immigration court clashes heat up: ‘Almost impossible’

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says Biden-appointed judges are "almost impossible" to work with as immigration enforcement battles intensify.

Antizionist City

A community that embraces a set of shared beliefs is not necessarily a bad thing, but the value of solidarity depends entirely on the merits of the cause in question.

‘Grand conspiracy’ probe of Trump foes goes on after prosecutor’s departure

Former CIA director John O. Brennan received a subpoena seeking his testimony before a grand jury in October, his lawyer said.

Working-class Americans aren’t running for office. It’s changing our politics.

It is having a direct impact on the kind of public policy coming out of the nation’s legislative bodies.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Did GOP Just Lose Its Best Chance To Save the Midterms?

The August inflation report had a few bright spots, but in political terms, the president and the Republicans are out of time.

UNC Pulls the Plug on a Chinese Partner University

UNC is evaluating all of its relationships with Chinese universities to discern which others may also be concerning.

Mamdani blasts feds for waging 'campaign of violence and terror' against NYC's immigrants

Zohran Mamdani condemned ICE raids and federal immigration policies as New York City joined other sanctuary jurisdictions in a lawsuit.

House Dems face Trump tariff dilemma as major Russia sanctions bill heads to floor

The Lindsey Graham sanctions bill forces House Democrats to weigh Ukraine support against expanding Trump tariff authority they've long opposed.

Mahmoud Khalil Sues Columbia for Failing to Protect Him (or Something)

Red States Replacing Woke Colleges With Real Education

No longer can students get a degree and not encounter the Bill of Rights, the Civil War, the Pilgrims and Puritans, and the Depression.

Youth Sports: Private Equity Having a Field Day--Kids Are Not

In the last decade, the cost of youth sports has skyrocketed. Cheaper, more local rec leagues have lost out premium travel leagues funded by private equity. The Covid-19 pandemic made things worse. As a result, some families are now paying thousan…

Texas Republicans denounce GOP statewide candidate for racist posts about UT students

Bo French, a GOP candidate for Texas Railroad commissioner, posted a photo of students celebrating a football win and said it showed “how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners.”

Elections Officials Breathe Sigh of Relief Following Court Ruling on Mail Ballots

Officials cheered the order blocking President Trump’s last-minute effort to change the rules on mail ballots, noting that some states had already mailed ballots.

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.

What Mike Johnson and Trump had to say about $5,000 payments this weekend

The president doubled down on his idea to pay Americans if the GOP keeps control of Congress in November. But the House speaker was more circumspect.

Surrogate who refused abortion asks SCOTUS to intervene as baby could be moved out of Texas

Surrogate McKenna West asked the Supreme Court for an emergency administrative stay, fearing the newborn could be moved from Texas to California.

AI CEOs Say They Need To Slow the Pace. But Will They?

After apocalyptic warnings about the the threats posed by AI, leaders like Sam Altman and Elon Musk backed Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's calls to 'slow the pace'

In onstage call with Nvidia CEO, Trump deems AI fears a ‘hoax’

The president has rejected calls by industry leaders for a coordinated slowdown in technological development.

Hochul accused of ‘hit job’ on behalf of teachers’ unions in act of ‘pure censorship’: labor group

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is accused of a free speech "hit job" after signing a law letting Letitia James fine groups contacting union members.

What Is Driving Diesel Prices Up? Energy Chaos Caused by Two Wars.

President Trump recently blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for causing a spike in diesel prices, but analysts say the Iran war is probably a bigger factor.

Israel's Most Consequential Election

Israelis go to the polls on 27 October. After seventeen years of Netanyahu, former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is in the lead.

Views of AI From the Shady Side of the Hill

McConnell returns after months-long absence for crucial vote

Mitch McConnell returns to the Senate floor after months of recovery from a fall, citing physical therapy and lingering effects of childhood polio.

Time to Break Up Academia

Rescued Air Force Officer and the 'Evidence of Real Life Miracles'

Gavin Newsom Says He Won’t Run in 2028 if Kamala Harris Does

The comments made to CNN, if taken at face value, seemed to fly in the face of the California governor’s presidential ambitions.

Measuring the Economic Cost of Affirmative Action in Academia

A new report on the Canada Research Chairs program analyses the reduced standards applied to scholars belonging to ‘equity groups.’

Progressives Are Still Freaking Out About Trump's Ballroom

Political Figures From Bernie Sanders to Steve Bannon Sound Alarms on A.I.

The two men will appear separately at an event calling for a “pro-human” approach to A.I. as warnings mount from the industry and the technology’s danger becomes a midterm issue.

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed says leaders must address ‘unpaid debts’ to Black communities

Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said that the country must confront what he described as "unpaid debts" owed to Black communities.

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…

Literary Studies Without the Literature

English departments are increasingly ignoring the great works of the past, in favour of popular literary works that reflect activist themes and nonliterary works of political and social theory.

How Politico Operates as a Gossip Rag for Lobbyists

A recent story in Politico provides yet another example of how K Street lobbying works in the nation's capital.

Russian Businessman With Putin Ties Paid for Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Party

The payments, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, represented an extraordinary flouting of ethical norms for an American president’s family member.

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…

Rep. Jasmine Crockett honors Chris Brown at concert, drawing backlash

Crockett gave singers Chris Brown and Usher a congressional recognition at a Saturday concert in Dallas.

Zombie Chancellor Walking

Supreme Court Blocks Trump Administration Plan to Screen Mail-In Ballots

The Trump administration had asked the justices to allow a new Postal Service plan to screen ballots just weeks before the midterm elections.

Ex-Dem insider exposes what Harris told top donors days before Biden dropped out: 'Insulting'

Lindy Li claims Kamala Harris secretly auditioned for wealthy Democratic donors while publicly insisting Joe Biden would stay in the 2024 race.

Yet another Dem ripped online for 'inventing racism' as lawmakers peddle debunked ‘lynching’ claims

Rep. Shontel Brown faces backlash after claiming lynchings are rising in the United States, despite cases being widely debunked as suicides.

Buying Baby Citizens

Trump agrees to stricter ethics rules Democrats demanded in crypto bill

Provision would allow state attorneys general to sue if federal officials violate ethics rules in the Clarity Act barring them from creating assets while in office.

Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Three Month Absence

Senator Mitch McConnell, the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican and former leader, had been absent for more than 13 weeks after a health incident, fueling questions about his ability to continue serving.

Huge Cost of Democrats Pushing To Delay Deportations

Why should taxpayers have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars prosecuting and incarcerating someone already in the country illegally, rather than deporting him?

AI Promises Boom, Doom and Both at Once

The companies' calls for regulation may be self-dealing, but that doesn't make them wrong.

Gun Control Groups Silent as Crime Rate Drops

Second Amendment restoration is on a hot streak, and violent crime is at a record low. If one asked the anti-gun lobby, they would say it's impossible.

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.

Last Man Standing

Francis Fukuyama’s new memoir assesses an intellectual life devoted to the health of the liberal-democratic idea.

Trump Jr. wedding celebrations were sponsored by powerful Russian businessman

Umar Kremlev, who heads the International Boxing Association and does business with the state, hosted two nights of parties, according to bride Bettina Trump.

Rules for Thee, Not for Me...or the 'Oppressed'

Talarico: I'm Broke Because I Don't Take One Percenter Money

The Mall Is Back

The ‘dead mall’ may not be a permanent blight on the suburban landscape after all.

A Bright September Day

Reflections on a morning that changed the world as we knew it.

‘Trojan horses’ in America: Congress probes influence networks tied to China, Iran and Cuba

Lawmakers will examine alleged foreign malign influence operations tied to China, Iran and Cuba after Fox News Digital traced pro-communist network operating inside the U.S.

$5,000 Checks Scheme Is an Insult to Americans

The president's promise to deliver hefty checks to all Americans if he wins is as a preposterously shallow gimmick.

With Agreed-Upon Deportation, Trump DOJ Succeeds in First-Ever Resort to Secret Court

A legal alien from Afghanistan was deported last month in the first-ever Alien Terrorist Removal Court case.

Navigating 9/11’s Anniversary with Young Kids

How can my children #NeverForget something impossible for them to remember? 

Trump’s Effort to Assert Control Over Elections Continues Despite Supreme Court Loss

President Trump has launched a broad, governmentwide effort to take more control of state-run elections and sow doubt about the outcome.

Trump’s Mail-In Ballot Order Dies (for 2026) at the Supreme Court

The Court let stand an injunction against the USPS implementing the rule in the 2026 midterms.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

U.S. Has Deployed Weapons in Space, Air Force Secretary Says

Troy E. Meink’s comments were the first public acknowledgment of American weapons in orbit. The Pentagon has been preparing for potential conflict in space with Russia or China.

Should Scientists Decide Policies About Wealth Inequality?

Every situation calls for a U.N. panel of experts!

Monday's Final Word

New Poll Shows Missouri Voters Are Narrowly Divided on Pro-Life Amendment

This poll shows that Show Me State pro-lifers have a real chance to prevail on election day.

House unanimously votes to eliminate 1-cent coin permanently

The Common Cents Act passed the House to officially end penny minting and establish cash rounding to the nearest nickel for cash transactions.

GOP Sen. Jon Husted wins an unusual endorsement — from Steak ’n Shake

The Midwestern fast food chain praised the Ohio Republican as a champion of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

Boomity - EPA Eliminates 'Greenhouse Gas' Rule

Unions Once Again Using Political Power to Keep Workers Ignorant of Their Rights

As is so often the case in the left’s lawfare operations, the process is the punishment.

Gavin Newsom says he won’t run for president if Kamala Harris does

The pair share deep roots in California politics.

McConnell returns to Senate, casting first vote since suffering a fall in June

The Kentucky Republican voted in the Senate on Monday evening for the first time since he was hospitalized in June.

The Learning Crisis Begins Before the Classroom

Differences in height between men and women—a biomarker of stressor exposure in childhood—suggest that poor early health and nutrition constrain what children are achieving at school.

This Is the Way the World Ends

Sex is declining because the options seem endless. This is counter-intuitive, but biologically it makes sense.

Kevin Warsh’s Time for Choosing

Given all the economic data, raising interest rates is the only correct decision.

Why is JD Vance Campaigning in Kansas, a Red State?

Why is JD Vance campaigning in a red state?

Be Afraid of AI and Regulate Aggressively

The recent spate of reports about the technology's destructive power underline two prime directives: Be afraid, and regulate aggressively.

Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to revive strict mail-ballot rules before midterms

A lower court's nationwide block on U.S. Postal Service mail-in ballot rules remains after the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration.

Why OpenAI Hired Schumer Daughter From Amazon

The AI industry has a greater need for government influence than anyone else.

Judge Blocks Trump Rule Aimed at International Students and Journalists

Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV wrote that the administration’s reasons for a rule limiting the length of stay for academics and journalists were “exceptionally weak.”

The Smell of Desperation in Texas

Still, after widespread criticism of Paxton’s lackluster and lackadaisical fundraising, at least somebody is putting in some effort.

Claire's Weekly Letter: A Bright September Day

Supreme Court blocks sweeping mail ballot restrictions for midterm elections

The Trump administration had said the plan was necessary to protect against voter fraud. States and voting rights groups said it could inject chaos into contests.

Who, Exactly, Does RuPaul’s Drag Race Represent?

If drag is female empowerment, one shudders to think what mockery looks like.

Ukraine's Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries May Have Bought It Some Leverage

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 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.

Why Is D.H.S. Getting Involved in Elections?

The Department of Homeland Security is in the midst of a weeks-long hunt for noncitizens among the nation’s registered voters despite the absence of evidence of widespread fraud. Reporter Hamed Aleaziz breaks down how a D.H.S. agency is using open…

Data Centers, the Hot New Target for Taxation Next Year

Iowa GOP gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn wants to cut the state’s gas tax in half and ‘make data center companies pay for it.’