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 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.

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.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, Resigns From Congress

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stands accused of stealing $5 million in federal funds. She said she would step down minutes before an ethics panel was to vote on whether to recommend expelling her.

CDC won’t publish report showing covid shots cut likelihood of hospital visits

The report, which had cleared the agency’s scientific-review process, had been delayed. It now won’t be published at all, people familiar with the decision told The Post.

Chaos, a blast, then bloodshed: U.S. Marine recounts deadly Kabul airport attack

Survivors testified at the trial of a man charged in the 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed 13 U.S. troops and nearly 170 Afghans.

Infinite Ingenuity: Andy Weir’s Optimistic Vision in ‘Project Hail Mary’

The new film 'Project Hail Mary' based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel, celebrates scientific problem-solving on a cosmic scale. There are striking parallels with David Deutsch's radical optimism.

Texas Can Require Display of Ten Commandments in Classrooms: Appeals Court

Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, a U.S. appeals court ruled Tuesday in a victory for conservatives who have long sought to incorporate more religion into schools.It sets up a potential clash at th…

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.

Minnesota allows ‘happy hour’ in nursing homes under new law easing alcohol restrictions

Gov. Tim Walz signed Minnesota's "Grandparents' Happy Hour" law allowing nursing home residents to drink alcohol at facility-organized social events.

Takeaways from Virginia’s vote to boost Democrats in national redistricting war

The measure puts Democrats ahead in the battle for the House, but attention now shifts to Florida, where Republicans could regain the gerrymandering advantage.

DOJ says Southern Poverty Law Center funneled $3M+ to white supremacist and extremist groups like the KKK

The DOJ accuses the Southern Poverty Law Center in a sweeping indictment of secretly funding extremist figures tied to the Ku Klux Klan and other neo-Nazi groups via shell accounts and prepaid cards.

AI is Taking Wall Street Jobs

Sheila Kerfuffle Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns From Congress

Tuesday's Final Word

FAFO Update: Bulbous Goon Who Clocked Savanah Hernandez From Behind on Media 'WAAH!' Tour UPDATE

Big Sky Crack-Up

Montana Democrats thought they found a novel way to win control of the U.S. Senate—until the party faithful started fighting back.

Democrats' California Problem: Too Many of Them Scrambling for Power

Banking, Blockading and the Final Iranian Financial Squeeze

Last week Treasury Man Scott Bessent unveiled Operation Economic Fury to put maximum financial pressure on the hoodlums running the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Apocalypse Soon?

Earth Day once helped focus public attention on real environmental problems. Today it is a festival of alarmism, misanthropy, technophobia, and moral theatrics.

An Oligarchy of Old People

How elderly Americans amassed disproportionate wealth and power

Hasan Piker Is the Enemy

If liberals wish to forge an alliance of convenience with a socialist and apologist for jihadist violence, they will be betraying the very values they profess to uphold.

LIVE RESULTS: Spanberger's Gerrymander Goes to VA Voters

U.S. operations against Iran expand to Indian Ocean with tanker capture

The capture of the tanker ship Tifani follows a Trump administration directive to interdict sanctioned vessels believed to be involved in smuggling Iranian oil.

A $440,000 Breast Reduction: How Doctors Cashed In on the No Surprises Act and Arbitration

A law meant to end surprise medical billing accidentally created a multibillion-dollar industry that is making doctors richer.

What I Learned About Billionaires at Jeff Bezos’s Private Retreat

For the richest men on Earth, everything is free and nothing matters.

Documenting a Decade of Academic Meltdowns

Podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with filmmaker Ric Esther Bienstock about her new CBC/BBC documentary, ‘Speechless’—which explores the rise of censorship and mobbings on campus.

Trump's Frustration and Iran's Delaying Tactics

The president's frequently expressed sense of frustration appears to have inspired Iran to drag things out for as long as possible.

California GOP Hopeful Bianco Debuts Ad

Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco on Tuesday released his first TV ad, vowing to eliminate California's income tax, protect girls sports, and crack down on crime if elected.

Trump Endorses Sticker Mule CEO to Replace Stefanik

President Donald Trump has endorsed Anthony Constantino in the race to replace the seat held by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

EXCLUSIVE: Pence warns GOP 'must deliver,' or Planned Parenthood gets taxpayer cash on Fourth of July deadline

Mike Pence warns Congress that Planned Parenthood will get a massive taxpayer-funded windfall if Republicans fail to extend the federal funding ban.

RFK Jr. Refused to Commit to Backing New CDC Director on Vaccines

In a tense congressional hearing, the health secretary also said he bore no responsibility for the measles outbreak in the United States.

D.H.S. Will Run Out of Money for Paychecks in May, Secretary Says

The issue threatens to renew chaos at airports as lawmakers remain divided over a deal to end the two-month shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

Tim Walz's New Small Town PAC Is a Joke

Trump endorses Sticker Mule CEO who battled officials over 100-foot pro-Trump sign for Stefanik's House seat

President Trump endorses Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino to fill Rep. Elise Stefanik's New York congressional seat, defying the state GOP.

Top California Dem running for office tied to Chinese school accused of US diploma scandal

California Treasurer and candidate for Lt. Gov. Fiona Ma faces scrutiny for visiting a China-based school accused of diploma fraud after its founder donated to her campaigns.

Senate takes first step to fund ICE, Border Patrol in bid to cut Dems out of the funding process

Senate Republicans begin budget reconciliation to fund immigration operations for the rest of Trump's term amid a DHS funding standoff with Democrats.

Judge Bars Imminent Removal of D.C. Bike Lanes

A federal judge found the National Park Service had improperly rushed plans to strip out bike lanes connecting downtown Washington to the Tidal Basin.

DOJ Withdraws Brennan Probe Subpoenas, Reversing Course

The Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas issued in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan, with officials asking for voluntary interviews instead of testimony before a grand jury, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Looks to Be a DOJ v State Voter Roll Showdown Coming

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…

Here are Virginia’s new congressional districts and who is running

Some House races are newly competitive, and three Republican incumbents are now endangered.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

What Did You Think Decolonisation Meant?

Decolonisation theory operates as a rigid, Manichaean ideology that neatly divides the world into evil perpetrators and innocent victims.

Escalation Is Looking More Likely in Iran

Iran has cast doubt on negotiations and says US has violated the truce

Virginia passes redistricting measure that could help Democrats retake the House

The referendum creates as many as four Democratic-leaning districts in Virginia ahead of the midterm elections.

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.

Democrats win Virginia redistricting fight, threatening Republican House majority

Virginia voters passed a redistricting referendum that could boost Democrats with four additional House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

College Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed Cancels Speech

Utah Valley University was thrilled that Sharon McMahon, a best-selling author, would speak at its graduation. And then her old posts resurfaced.

Iranian Propagandist, Social Media Manager for Iran's PM, Works for Watchdog Group on Media 'Bias' Too

CNN Political Briefing

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

The Professor and the Pariah

How a brilliant mind fell for bad history and worse people.

U.S. Abruptly Rescinds Subpoenas in John Brennan Inquiry

The reversal came after the Justice Department replaced a career prosecutor with a loyalist to President Trump in the administration’s effort to charge the former C.I.A. chief with a crime.

‘Stop this insanity’: Angel mom rips Newsom, Dems for bill to use taxpayer dollars for illegals’ defense

Agnes Gibboney, who lost her son in an illegal alien-involved shooting, rips Gov. Newsom and California Democrats over an immigrant legal defense bill.

Postliberalism After Hungary

Orbán’s defeat should scare the hell out of populist authoritarians.

The FBI Director Is MIA

Kash Patel has alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.

The Wrong Man

In Iran, Donald Trump is showing us what a populist war looks like.

Federal court upholds Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in public classrooms

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled in favor of a Texas law mandating Ten Commandments be displayed in all public schools.

5th Circuit allows Texas to require Ten Commandments in classrooms

The ruling sets up a likely Supreme Court battle over whether the Texas law violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

Trump Extends Iran Cease-Fire Before Deadline Expires; Vance’s Trip Is on Hold

President Trump attributed his decision to divisions among the Iranians about how to proceed and said he wanted to give them more time.

Schlossberg unveils plan to crack down on 'new frontier' of AI putting the 'squeeze' on consumers: 'Harbinger'

Democratic House candidate Jack Schlossberg calls for an FTC investigation into reports that Hertz AI scans may be overcharging rental car consumers.

What Was the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal?

President Trump has ridiculed President Barack Obama and the agreement, which he withdrew from during his first term. His critics say he could have avoided a war had he left it in place.

DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center over paid informants

The civil rights group is being investigated over how it has sought to infiltrate extremist groups, its CEO says, adding that it “will not be intimidated.”

Key Findings of Federal Indictment of SPLC

A federal grand jury indictment alleges that the Southern Poverty Law Center engaged in a yearslong scheme involving fraud, concealment of payments, and misuse of donor funds tied to undercover operations inside extremist groups.

Trump fought to keep the ballroom fundraising contract secret. Here’s what’s in it.

The agreement governing hundreds of millions in private donations was kept secret until a watchdog group sued and a judge ordered it disclosed.

House Democrat resigns ahead of possible expulsion vote over alleged financial crimes

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted last year on charges that she stole and laundered federal disaster money and used it to support a congressional campaign.

Dems Challenge Fed Chair Pick Warsh at Senate Hearing

Democrats challenged the former Morgan Stanley banker over his perceived allegiance to the president, but his nomination depends on two Republicans.

Trump blasted Obama’s Iran deal. Now he faces similar tradeoffs.

As U.S. envoys pursue peace talks, the president confronts persistent sticking points: sanctions relief, enrichment limits and the risk of empowering Tehran.

DOJ: The SPLC Was 'Paying Sources to Stoke Racial Hatred'

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: Trump Extends Ceasefire ... And the Blockade; UPDATE: Iran Threatens 'Harsher Lesson'

An Extra-Embarrassing White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Why is Donald Trump breaking bread with the “enemy of the people”?

House Democrats demand Kash Patel take alcohol test under penalty of perjury after Atlantic report

Rep. Jamie Raskin and House Democrats opened an investigation into FBI Director Kash Patel over alleged drinking behavior reported by The Atlantic, which Patel denies.

SCAM Act Restores Integrity to U.S. Citizenship

American citizenship is a covenant between the people of this nation, and when it is obtained through fraud, it is null and void.

The Book of JD, King James Version

‘Donald was anointed by God to lead the Chosen People out of the slavery into which they had fallen.'

Comer to Newsmax: Missing Scientists Pose Threat

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., told Newsmax on Tuesday the missing nuclear scientists represent a national security threat.

The UN’s Historically Selective Denunciation of Human Bondage

The transatlantic slave trade was a monstrous crime against humanity. Yet it represented just one example of an ancient evil that spanned many civilisations.

The Extremes in America Are United by Grievances

Far-left Reps. Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, and right-wing firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene are suddenly best friends.

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…

Trump Voters Are Over It

A shocking number of the president’s supporters have turned against him.

Trust Trump? Iran’s Doubts Shadow Peace Talks.

Iranian leaders fear being burned again by President Trump, who tore up a nuclear agreement reached during the Obama administration after lengthy negotiations.

Southern Poverty Law Center Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges

A federal grand jury in Alabama indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on 11 counts Tuesday, accusing the nonprofit of defrauding donors through a concealed program that paid members of extremist groups, officials said.

History Is Running Backwards

Why reactionaries are taking over the world

Cory Mills says Mace expulsion push could drag House into dangerous new territory

Rep. Cory Mills condemned an expulsion push by Rep. Nancy Mace, calling it political theatrics amid allegations of domestic abuse and blackmail threats.

Trump Picks Economist Phelan to Lead His Economic Council

President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan to be the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Canada’s 215 Imaginary Martyrs

How will Canadian journalists cover the five-year anniversary of the 2021 ‘unmarked-graves’ social panic without admitting their complicity in promoting a fake story?

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…

Tucker Carlson Says He Is ‘Tormented’ by His Past Support for Trump

“I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people,” said the conservative commentator, who has broken sharply with the president over the war with Iran.

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.

The Problem With Hasan Piker’s Einstein Story

People scrutinizing influencers for their views should also hold them to account for their facts.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

It’s Not Just Iran. Trump Is Flailing on Multiple Fronts.

The president is on a losing streak, and even some of his aides are dismayed by his choices.

Senate Republicans Push Forward on Measure to Fund ICE Through 2029

The resolution would pave the way for Republicans to push through a $70 billion infusion to pay for immigration enforcement for the remainder of President Trump’s tenure.

Referendum Day in Virginia

Tuesday, April 21st, joined by Jewish Insider's Josh Kraushaar

Can Blackface Be Anti-Racist?

In her early comedy career, Sarah Silverman mocked bigots by impersonating them. What could possibly go wrong?

Sen. Schmitt to Newsmax: SPLC Indictment 'Pretty Explosive,' Exposes 'Grift'

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., Tuesday on Newsmax called the federal indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center "pretty explosive," saying it reinforces long-standing concerns from conservatives about the group's activities.

California’s Blue Armageddon

One of the most liberal states in the country can’t find a Democrat to lead it.

Rep. Boebert to Newsmax: Thune 'Holdup' on SAVE America Act

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., said Tuesday on Newsmax that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is blocking a voter eligibility bill and urged pressure to force a vote, including by attaching it to surveillance reauthorization.

Insider on Justice Who Is 'Emotionally Abusive' to Clerks

But now a bombshell new book is exposing the secret goings-on behind the scenes, including scathing tales about Justices from their former staff.

Chris Murphy Doubles Down on Defending Iranian Propaganda

Alito: A Justice in Full

Justice Alito is the least heralded conservative on the Supreme Court; Hemingway corrects that by revealing the formidable man beneath the robe.

How Amazon AI Algorithms Raise Prices You Pay

Amazon can steer market-wide prices without ever colluding-exposing a gap in antitrust law that the FTC is now fighting to close.

Jared Kushner’s Mysterious Role in the Trump Administration

Is the president’s son-in-law carrying out the public’s business or pursuing his own private interests?

Hungary Just Ousted the Unoustable

Viktor Orbán had support from Moscow and Washington, but not from his own people.

Pentagon details record $1.5 trillion budget request

The nearly 50 percent jump in spending would fund many of President Donald Trump’s new military projects, but the request has to get through a skeptical Congress.

It's No Surprise Why Universities Lost Public Trust

The Hamas terrorist attack set in motion much of this self-reflection. Indeed, Jewish students at Yale have claimed harassment and the Trump Education Department opened an investigation last year.

Va. OKs Congressional Map Change Seen as GOP Setback

Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment allowing the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to redraw the state's congressional map, a move Republicans warn could cement a lopsided partisan advantage in the House.

Treasury Escalates Iran Pressure Even as Trump Extends Ceasefire

The U.S. Treasury Department is escalating sanctions enforcement against Iran even as President Donald Trump has authorized an extension of a fragile ceasefire that was set to expire, according to a Newsmax report and a Truth Social post attribute…

The Iran War: An Explainer

A selection of essays and interviews in Quillette examining how and why Iran and the West are at war, and what is likely to happen next.