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

‘Not American Enough’

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

House GOP leader rips 'socialist' Zohran Mamdani after 18 people freeze to death in NYC

House Republican Steve Scalise attacked NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani over 18 cold weather deaths, linking tragedy to socialism as Democrats reject the current DHS deal.

The Christian Influencers Protecting Their Peace

When can an influencer opt out of the news cycle?

American Liberalism and Illiberalism

Americans who may have ferocious disagreements about the size of government, foreign policy, and a wide range of other issues must find a way to unite around their shared commitment to the liberal idea.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

How Not to Develop a Country

The idea that we should redistribute wealth by fiat from prosperous to low-income and stagnating countries remains popular even though it is profoundly misguided. 

CIS vs. Cato on Immigrant Welfare: Who’s Right?

The Center for Immigration Studies report reveals how much extra burden is placed on the welfare system because immigrants are in the country.

The Second Death of Charlie Kirk

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

Speaker Johnson Says He Will Examine Epstein Records

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday he plans to personally review the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files now being made available to lawmakers, signaling growing momentum in Congress to scrutinize the long-sought records.

Dems Doing an About Face on Body Cameras?

Goodell’s Monroe Doctrine

Like Bad Bunny, the NFL wants America to mean the Western Hemisphere.

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.

Susan Collins Runs for Re-election, in One of 2026’s Top Senate Fights

The Maine Republican is one of her party’s most vulnerable senators, and her seat is crucial to Democratic hopes of retaking control of the chamber.

Podcast #323: British Columbia’s Radical Political Landscape

Politician Dallas Brodie explains why her province continues to promote dubious social-justice policies and myths—including the false claim that 215 dead Indigenous children were discovered four years ago in ‘unmarked graves.’

Why This Shutdown Is Different

Now come negotiations over the administration’s immigration crackdown.

The Epstein Files Threaten to Topple Keir Starmer’s Labour Government

Labour’s leaders are, for the most part, circling the wagons around Starmer. But some are starting to break ranks.

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.

The Canadian Paediatric Society Is Trapped in a Pre-Cass Time Warp

While other jurisdictions adopt balanced, evidence-based protocols for treating gender dysphoria, the CPS has doubled down on an obsolete policy instructing doctors to reflexively ‘affirm’ trans-identified youth.

Monday's Final Word

Turning Point Backs Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Race

Turning Point Action, the political arm of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, backing his challenge to longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Alex Pretti Was More Than Just an Observer

What I got wrong — and right — in the aftermath of the Alex Pretti shooting.

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…

Hochul primary challenger Antonio Delgado ends campaign for New York governor

New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado drops out of governor race, citing "no viable path forward" to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in Democratic primary.

A Reasonable Climate Change Overview, Courtesy of Reason

The world is warming, but it’s not an emergency, and we’re getting better at producing more with less energy.

DOJ seeks to undo Bannon’s conviction for defying Jan. 6 subpoena

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for D.C., said a judge should dismiss Stephen K. Bannon indictment over defying a Jan. 6 subpoena “in the interests of justice.”

Takaichi on Top in Japan

By Taniguchi Tomohiko, Project Syndicate February 9, 2026Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae gambled big when she called an early election to strengthen her mandate. Now that her bet has paid off with an overwhelming victory and a huge majority…

'Melania' Breaks Record for Critic-Audience Discrepancy

It really shouldn't be surprising that a lot of Americans - whether fans of the Trumps or not - were curious to learn more about the first lady.

Rep. Messmer Pushes to Make SNAP Online Grocery Program Permanent

Rep. Mark Messmer announced on Tuesday that he introduced legislation to make permanent a federal pilot program that allows recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase groceries online...

Former Palm Beach Police Chief Said Trump Told Him ‘Everyone’ Knew About Epstein in 2006

Michael Reiter, a former Palm Beach police chief, described a 2006 conversation with Donald Trump to the F.B.I. years later, according to a newly released document.

Bad Bunny Showed What the Joy of Unity Looks Like

In an electrifying, fully Spanish performance, the Puerto Rican superstar showed what the joy of unity looks like.

No Bodies, No Accountability

A new book catalogues the damage to Canadian society caused by a 2021 social panic over non-existent ‘unmarked graves.’

Savannah Guthrie: 'We Need Your Help'

CNN Political Briefing

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

Stop Pushing College for All

Making higher education less expensive includes expanding alternatives to it.

Federal judge rejects Trump admin lawsuit seeking Michigan voter rolls

A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit to obtain Michigan voter registration rolls, saying federal law does not require states to hand them over.

To Democrats, the SAVE Act Is Political Kryptonite

As tensions mount over the SAVE Act, which would require voters to present proof of citizenship when they register to vote, photo IDs at the ballot box, and obligate states to remove noncitizens (and other ineligible individuals) from voter rolls,…

US Prosecutor Knocks Newsom's Court Victory Claim

Los Angeles' top federal prosecutor criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom after the governor claimed a favorable outcome in a federal court ruling addressing parts of a state law governing identification and mask use by law enforcement officers,…

Republicans are pushing to drastically change the way you cast ballots

Explaining the SAVE Act, which Republicans in Congress are voting on this week.

Trucking Is Hot Spot for Illegal Labor--With Lethal Results

The trucking industry is America's arteries, hauling essential goods across the country to make our lives easier. Yet greed, human trafficking and illegal labor have clogged our nation's artea€¦

The Shocking Trump Reveal In the Epstein Files Is ...

The Murder of The Washington Post

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

Sen. Johnson on Good, Pretti Deaths: Dems 'Got Their Martyrs'

Democrats "got their martyrs" when immigration authorities shot and killed U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday.

Trump Accounts touted as antidote to ‘anti-capitalist’ ideology, financial illiteracy gripping US: regulator

Trump Accounts serve as antidote to anti-capitalist sentiment, according to Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould, who calls them impactful financial literacy tools.

ICE acting director says Minnesota bodycam footage will be released amid transparency push

ICE acting director commits to releasing body camera footage from Minnesota operations, promising "full transparency" following recent fatal encounters.

‘The Trust Has Been Absolutely Destroyed’

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

ICE After Minneapolis

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

Could California Elect a GOP Governor?

California's nonpartisan primary pits eight Democrats against two Republicans; only the top two finishers advance. Do the math.

SCOTUS Should Ban Illegal Aliens From Census Count

Census figures used for congressional apportionment, redistricting, and redistributing federal funds have historically counted illegal aliens.

Democrats split on shielding Coast Guard, Secret Service as DHS shutdown threat nears

Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro is leading an effort to shield Coast Guard, TSA and Secret Service from a shutdown while Democrats are demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement reforms before funding approval for the Department of Homeland Security.

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.

Vance: US should get 'some benefit' from Greenland if it's going to be 'on the hook' for protecting territory

JD Vance says U.S. should get "some benefit" from Greenland if America will "be on the hook for protecting this landmass" as administration pushes acquisition.

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.

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…

Of Course Ghislaine Maxwell Took the Fifth

The accomplice in Epstein’s monstrous crimes has been led to believe she has leverage. She should be disabused of that notion.

Top Immigration Officials Refuse to Discuss Minnesota Shootings at Hearing

The heads of ICE and Customs and Border Protection told lawmakers that they could not comment on the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti because of continuing investigations.

Jimmy Lai’s Sentence

President Trump has in the past called for Lai’s release. He should do so again.

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…

How Weak Is GOP in '26? Likely Less Than You Think

Between historical precedent and his own weak poll numbers, there are a number of reasons President Trump should expect Republicans to lose control over the House of Representatives this fall.

On the ballot for the first time, the former RNC chairman competes in N.C.

Michael Whatley was selected for Post Next 50.

Judge Blocks Trump Admin Bid for Mich. Voter Data

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to force Michigan to hand over its full, unredacted voter registration rolls, ruling that federal law does not require the state to disclose voters' private information.

Fabulous Fabulist Gov 'Less Wes Is Moore' Not Invited to WH Dinner

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.

Trump threatens to block opening of bridge between U.S. and Canada

As the Gordie Howe bridge nears completion, Trump, in his latest salvo against Canada, suggested he would “not allow” it to open, saying Canada had treated the U.S. “very unfairly.”

Trump Is Doubling Down on All the Wrong Things

Republicans are worried about the midterm elections, but the president doesn’t seem to be.

Epstein Mania on the Digital Borderlands

The longevity of the Epstein story owes less to new facts of criminal conduct than to its symbolic utility in alleging deviancy.

The EPA’s Plan to Relax Carbon Dioxide Regulations Is Not a Nefarious Plot

Is there a dystopian hellscape coming, or a decrease in the costs of living, major appliances, and homes?

NFL's All-Spanish Half-Time Show Was a Mistake

Super Bowl viewers rejected Bad Bunny's political halftime show, with up to 9 million watching Turning Point's alternative show featuring Kid Rock instead.

Telecom Execs Defend Turning Over Lawmakers' Data to Biden DOJ

Executives from major cellphone providers told a Senate panel they complied with legal demands when turning over lawmakers' call records connected to a Justice Department investigation conducted during the Biden administration.

Lutnick Acknowledges Traveling to Epstein’s Island

The commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, acknowledged at a Senate hearing that he and his family visited Jeffrey Epstein on his private island.

Fulton County Suing to Prevent FBI Examination of Ballots, and 40+ Boxes Missing

Behind the E.P.A.’s Rush to Repeal the Endangerment Finding

The agency is racing to repeal a scientific finding that requires it to fight global warming. Experts say the goal is to get the matter before the justices while President Trump is still in office.

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.

Trump leaves Republicans guessing on midterms plans as outlook darkens

The president is said to be eager to increase his involvement but has yet to approve a spending plan for his $300 million-plus war chest.

Epstein’s lawyers asked CIA for records that could show affiliation with agency

Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyers filed records requests to the National Security Agency and the CIA, according to documents released by the Justice Department.

Murder Most Foul

William J. Mann’s new book about the notorious Black Dahlia case is a valuable corrective to the cottage industry of speculative theories that proliferated after her murder in 1947.

Trump Weighs Second Carrier If Iran Talks Collapse

President Donald Trump is considering deploying a second U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as negotiations with Iran resume, signaling that military force remains firmly on the table if diplomacy fails.

Supreme Court Justice Alito says 'things are so different' since Scalia's death

High court Justice Samuel Alito said that "things are so different" since Justice Antonin Scalia passed away, and that he often wishes Scalia were still around.

Georgia Ballot Inquiry Originated From Election Denier in Trump White House

A newly unsealed affidavit showed that a criminal investigation into the 2020 election in Fulton County, Ga., relied heavily on claims about ballots that have been widely debunked.

DHS Shutdown Looms as Senate Democrats Reject White House ICE Deal

Republicans have so far spurned most of Democrats’ demands to rein in federal agents carrying out President Trump’s immigration crackdown, threatening a homeland security funding bill ahead of a Friday deadline.

Money Laundering: Fidelity Charitable Fund Funneled Millions to Dem Dark Money Group

Schools Now Exist Solely to Promote Activism

Chomsky’s Judgments

Chomsky’s moral blind spots are long established.

Ninth Circuit: We Regret To Concede That Noem Has a Point About 'Temporary'

The Thornhill and Palmer Affair: When Evolutionary Biology Challenged Rape Orthodoxy

For their research showing that rape is generally motivated by sexual desire, Randy Thornhill and Craig Palmer were subjected to death threats and hounded in their personal and professional lives. And yet, they were right.

Self-Defeating “Sustainability”

The sustainable agriculture movement’s ideological opposition to biotechnology undermines genuine environmental progress and food security.

Navarro: Deportations Mean Smaller, Steadier Job Gains

White House senior trade adviser Peter Navarro is urging Americans — and Wall Street — to temper their expectations ahead of Wednesday's monthly jobs report, arguing that the Trump administration's deportations of illegal aliens will naturally low…

Michigan Judge Rebukes Justice Department’s Effort to Obtain Voter Data

The ruling from a Trump-appointed federal judge is the third in recent weeks to reject the administration’s demand for voters’ personal data from nearly every state.

A Republican lawmaker embarks on his biggest showdown yet with Trump

Thomas Massie has challenged Trump on issues including the Epstein files and is trying to survive reelection in deep-red Kentucky.

GOP mutiny forces House Speaker Mike Johnson to delay vote on key piece of Trump’s agenda

A procedural vote meant to protect President Trump’s tariffs sparked a GOP revolt, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to delay House action as Republicans warn leadership against overreach.

Georgia Lt. Gov. Subpoenas Nathan Wade in Fani Willis Probe

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has issued a subpoena to Nathan Wade, a former special prosecutor in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' case against President Donald Trump, escalating a Republican-led investigation into the handling of the p…

Ahead of Jobs Report, White House Seeks to Downplay Any Slowdown

President Trump’s top aides have argued in recent days that the economy is strong, even if new data on Wednesday show sluggish hiring.

Saudi Arabia’s Counter-Reformation

The Takfiris are back in business.

Plunge in America's Murder Rate Is Excellent News

Amid the daily horrors of President Trump's second term, it can be easy to overlook an unambiguous piece of excellent news: many fewer Americans are killing each other.

DHS Heads Toward Shutdown. Democrats Say That's Fine

Any funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security is going to face a tough climb in Congress with Democrats.

Legality of Trump’s $400M in private funding for White House ballroom at issue

A federal judge weighing whether the project may proceed has focused on whether the administration can use private donations to bypass congressional approval.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Friday 30 January — February 6, 2026

Ghislaine Maxwell declines to answer lawmakers’ questions in closed-door deposition

A lawyer for about Jeffrey Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell said she is prepared to testify before lawmakers if first granted clemency.

Battered in Ukraine, Russia races to rearm — but questions linger over its military strength

Estonia intelligence assessment reveals Russia rebuilding military for long-term conflict despite massive Ukraine losses, shifting to mass production.

The Ties That Bound the UK’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein

For years Peter Mandelson, a senior British politician, concealed the depth of his friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, until new files were released.

Canadian PM: Bridge Issue With US Will Be Settled

Canada and the United States will settle the issue of a bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario that President Donald Trump is unhappy about, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday.

Heir Jordan

Aaron Magid has written a timely biography of a consequential monarch.

How two Bernie Sanders allies are trying to counter the online right

More Perfect Union, one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels, doesn’t look like most other online political content.

Republican Cash Edge Threatens to Swamp Democrats in the Midterms

“Donald Trump has 99 problems going into the midterms,” one Democratic strategist said. “But money ain’t one.”

‘Trust Has Been Breached’

The broken relationship between Minnesota and the federal government

National Governors Association reportedly cancels meeting with Trump after White House snubs Democrats

President Donald Trump reportedly snubs Democratic governors from the traditionally bipartisan National Governors Association meeting in D.C.

Governors Won't Hold Trump Meeting After White House Only Invited Republicans

The National Governors Association will no longer hold a formal meeting with President Donald Trump when the group of state leaders meet in Washington later this month after the White House planned to invite only Republicans.

Lutnick distances himself from Epstein, says he had lunch on his island

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Congress that he recalls meeting with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein three times over the course of 14 years.

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.

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.

Higher Ed Accreditors Shouldn’t Get to Override State Law

State officials must assert themselves to put an end to this.

Unfortunately, Peggy Noonan’s Idealized Journalism Doesn’t Exist

It would be great if it did, but, alas, it does not.

Trump plans to keep Democratic governors out of traditionally bipartisan meeting

The White House did not say why Democratic governors were not invited to the meeting with Trump. In addition, at least two Democrats were uninvited to a dinner, their offices said.

WY Withdrawing Approvals for Two Wind Projects

Noam Chomsky’s Lame Excuses for His Years of Friendship with Jeffrey Epstein

For what it’s worth, some big former fans of Chomsky are disgusted.

DHS urges Newsom to honor ICE detainers after federal agent assaulted while arresting illegal alien at jail

Federal agents were assaulted by protesters while arresting an accused criminal illegal immigrant in California after local the jail refused to honor an ICE detainer.

San Francisco's Transit System Won't Survive Without a New Sales Tax

WSJ: Trump Admin Set to Repeal Key Obama-Era Climate-Change Finding

U.S. Hands Over Some NATO Commands to European Allies

The move shows that European countries are taking more responsibility for conventional war planning, a change that President Trump has long pushed for.

Trump’s New Method of Humiliation

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