Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

more info

Today's Headlines

Trump Pardons Stephen Buyer, Former Congressman Convicted of Insider Trading

Stephen Buyer, a former Republican representative from Indiana, was convicted of trading stock related to two deals before they were made public.

How Israel Can Prevent the Next October 7

Two Israeli journalists, Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot­, conduct an unsparing analysis of the failures that led to Hamas's atrocities.

Graham Platner Says His Past Is Being ‘Weaponized’ Amid Growing Democratic Concern

The presumptive Democratic Senate nominee in Maine said the state would have his back in the face of accusations he has denied.

The National Guard and DC Crime: Inside the Numbers

For most of this year, President Trump has proclaimed that street crime in Washington D.C. is virtually nonexistent. He assigns credit for this development, too - to himself for deployment National Guard on the streets of the nation's capital afte…

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.

Friday's Final Word

Blackouts, Hyperinflation, Dissent: Iran Considers Peace

Conditions that led to bloody prewar protests have been made worse, commentators say

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’

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.

"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.

Trump moves to slash intelligence office ahead of permanent chief's arrival

Trump says he instructed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to begin shrinking the office, calling it unnecessary and too big with holdovers from past terms.

New Lozier Study Shows Chemical Abortions Are Largely Unregulated

This important Lozier study demonstrates that stopping telehealth abortions should remain a top priority for pro-lifers.

The Mainechurian Candidate

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

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.

GOP victor in CA House primary cites major momentum shift in deep blue state: ‘Californians are tired’

Republican candidate Jenny Rae Le Roux says Californians are tired of one-party rule as she challenges Rep. Dave Min in the 47th District.

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

On Not Believing Platner

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

Iran Fired Drones Toward Strait of Hormuz With U.S. Shooting Down at Least 4, U.S. Military Says

The latest violence between the United States and Iran threatened a cease-fire and risked further stoking tensions in the region.

Bureaucrats in the Way

How Britain Treats Actual Hate Crimes Committed By the 'Right' People

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.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Graham Platner says his past has been ‘weaponized’ at rally in Maine

Supporters brush off negative stories about the Democratic Senate candidate and rebut suggestions that he is the wrong person to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins.

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.

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.

Higher Education Should Become More Family-Friendly

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

As Trump Pushes Deportations, a Skyrocketing Caseload Strains Immigration Courts

A federal surge has more than doubled caseloads within some immigration courts nationwide. Lawyers say the tactic is causing errors and confusion.

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.

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.

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.

CNN Political Briefing

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

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.

What I Learned About Faith, Fatherhood From Charlie Kirk

In an excerpt from his new book, the vice president reflects on how the death of the young conservative activist influenced his family to embrace a new life

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.

Hegseth takes six of his children to France on official trip

The Pentagon says he is covering his family’s travel expenses, but bringing them along could strain his security team during a time of increased threats, officials warned.

British Elites Don't Get Why People Are Upset

City of Lights on Fire

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.

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.

Trump Greets Farmers in Wisconsin, but Says He Could Be Home Watching TV

President Trump was in Wisconsin to reassure farmers who have been stung by his tariff policies and rising fuel prices from the war in Iran.

5 takeaways from the grueling Senate funding battle that just ended

What happened during the 18-hour vote-a-rama on the immigration enforcement package?

Trump green lights new DNI Pulte to 'start the process' on mass intelligence firings

Trump tells Wall Street Journal he gave Bill Pulte the green light to fire intelligence community officials and reduce the size of 18 agencies.

Keep Politicians Out of College Sports

Claire's Weekly Letter: Antifragility in Ukraine

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.

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.

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.

Democrats Can Do Better, Platner Needs To Drop Out

The party risks betraying its own values if it won't denounce the embattled Maine Senate candidate.

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.

Never Mind: UN Climate Forecast Shelved

It seems the people squawking the loudest about "following the science" were not exactly following it.

The Scourge of ‘Teen Takeovers’

Where are these kids’ parents?

Trump’s Defense Department Sees Growing Espionage Threat From Israel

The Defense Department has increased the counterintelligence threat assessment to its highest level, and Israel is believed to have eavesdropped on American negotiations with Iran.

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.

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.

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…

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.

Why Do Republicans Have the Celebrity Candidates?

Until recently, American politics operated on a simple premise: Aspiring politicians must suck up to party bosses, run for local office, earn supporters, master policy details and only then earn a shot at higher office.

The Bidens Return With New Book and South Dakota Speech Targeting Trump

The re-emergence of the former first family has been fraught for some Democrats who just want to move on.

Police Leaving Newark ICE Facility Exposed to Riots Tonight

The Left Covers for Graham Platner

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...

WATCH: Hawley fumes after 4 GOP senators help sink Trump-backed voter ID law

Sen. Josh Hawley criticizes four Republicans who voted with Democrats to block the SAVE Act voter ID amendment in the Senate reconciliation package.

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.

Can Democrats Learn From the 2024 Loss?

The 2024 DNC autopsy reveals a party unable to process its past, or suggest a future.

Patel Said to Have Fired Five F.B.I. Analysts Over Memo on Catholic Extremists

It is the administration’s latest effort to force out law enforcement personnel it accuses of “weaponizing” the government against President Trump and his supporters.

Pope Leo Should Have More Faith in Markets

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

Ach, Du Liebe, the Indignity! 1st Time Ever - Germany Bumped From UN Security Council Seat

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.

Trump expands TrumpRx prescription drug discount program to more than 800 medications

Trump announces TrumpRx.gov expansion to over 800 discounted prescription drugs, claiming the program has saved Americans over $400 million.

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.

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…

Paxton’s Senate Bid Raises the Stakes in His War on Latino Voting Groups

The Texas attorney general has mounted an all-out effort to prove Democratic Hispanic groups have been corrupting elections. Now he could be the beneficiary of his own attacks.

Trump Builds the Wall

Trump's striking progress on the U.S.-Mexico border wall is attracting less opposition because of Biden's catastrophic record.

Graham Platner blasts new allegations as 'false accusations': 'Maine, you have my back'

Democrat Graham Platner calls allegations against him "politically motivated" as he rallies supporters in Bar Harbor amid multiple controversies.

The Housing Pitfall Mamdani Must Avoid

Mayor Zohran Mamdani needs to make some big changes before moving forward with the City Council's well-intentioned but flawed effort to steer more distressed housing into the hands of nonprofit building managers. The Community Opportunity to Purch…

Trial of Bay Area Pro-Life Activist Ends in Mistrial

The jury leaned heavily toward acquittal.

Richard Dawkins and the Claude Delusion

What is consciousness for?

WaPo: Dems Worrying About Freaky Senate Candidate *Not* Named Platner, Too

WATCH: Maine voters divided on Platner as scandals shadow Democratic primary

Maine voters are split on whether explosive allegations against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner will affect their vote in Tuesday's primary.

Bruised Dems Far From United on How To Move Forward

The party may reclaim the US House and even Senate, but primary candidates are far from united on how to move forward

Cities Ditch ShotSpotter Tech That Has Worked To Catch Killers

ShotSpotter gunshot detection is being dropped by some cities despite claims it helps police respond faster and save lives in high-crime areas.

Delaney Hall snack purchases cast doubt on hunger strike reports, DHS says

DHS commissary data shows revenue tripled at Delaney Hall during the reported hunger strike period, undercutting Democrats' claims of dire conditions.

Raphael Warnock Says the Supreme Court Has Done ‘Violence’ to Democracy

The Democrat from Georgia on what he sees as the moral issues of our time.

Trump acknowledges price pain for farmers as supporters cheer for ending war

Besides higher fertilizer and fuel prices, the president also talked at length about D.C.’s fountains and the Reflecting Pool.

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.

The Emotional Displacement of Losing a Part of Your Community

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.

The Irony of Graham Platner's Campaign

Trump Says Bill Pulte, His New Intelligence Director, Should Slash Staff

The president suggested that employees who worked for previous Democratic presidents were among those who should be fired.

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.

As scandals follow Graham Platner, Democrats are losing patience

The Maine race is considered crucial to Democrats’ hopes of flipping the Senate, but Platner’s web of controversies is overshadowing other issues.