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 Conciliator

Why did Gretchen Whitmer go soft on Trump?

Former FEMA leader set to return after being ousted

Cameron Hamilton had publicly disagreed with previous efforts to dismantle FEMA. While those plans have shifted, the agency’s future is still unclear.

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…

US general warns Russia may be developing nuclear anti-satellite weapon in orbit

U.S. Space Command chief says he is very concerned Russia may be developing a nuclear weapon in space that could disrupt satellites and daily life on Earth.

Acting ICE Director Says He Plans to Resign in May

Todd Lyons said he would leave to spend more time with his family. He has spoken about a surge in threats against ICE officers, saying that he knew the reality firsthand.

The Tragedy of Murdered Indigenous Women is Real. So How Did Activists Turn It Into a Punch Line?

Leah Gazan’s use of the absurd term ‘MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+’ to describe female Indigenous homicide victims is a case study in progressive linguistic self-sabotage.

Trump’s 250-foot arch receives early design approval as public pans it

The Commission of Fine Arts asked the architect for revisions, with one member suggesting the project could be downsized by leaving out gold-plated statues.

Rep. Stefanik to Newsmax: Socialists Have Taken Over N.Y. Democratic Party

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., told Newsmax on Thursday that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul are working to make the state less affordable with their pied-a-terre tax proposal.

Learning From Florida's School Choice Success

The Sunshine State's innovative school-choice programs are setting the standard nationally.

Hegseth Again Threatens Attacks on Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure

The U.S. blockade of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would last “for as long as it takes,” the defense secretary said.

Despite Cease-Fire, Iran’s Hackers Haven’t Logged Off

Tehran’s digital warriors have continued to seek ways to gain an advantage in the conflict in a new phase of cyberspace operations.

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.

How every House member voted on blocking Trump from striking Iran

The House is voting on a measure to block President Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran. See how your lawmaker voted.

What We're Seeing Is Much Bigger Than My Bar License

Claremont Institute senior fellow and former constitutional attorney John Eastman appeared on Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast and said that his disbarment case in California was politically motivated and part of what he describes as a broader le…

House narrowly rejects resolution directing Trump to end ‘hostilities’ in Iran

The Senate turned back a similar measure Wednesday seeking to rein in the president as the unpopular war approaches the two-month mark.

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.

Thursday's Final Word

Judge Again Halts Aboveground Construction on Trump Ballroom

A federal judge wrote that an exception he made for work on security features did not cover most of the construction on the larger ballroom project Trump has proposed.

Trump officially taps Erica Schwartz to lead CDC, avoiding vaccine skeptics

A new team could mark a shift away from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unpopular vaccine agenda ahead of the midterms.

US Blockade Stops 14 Iranian-Linked Tankers

Only four ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. began its blockade, the New York Post reported, citing maritime trackers.

Mamdani Releases Tax Returns, Made About $145K

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, released their tax returns Thursday, showing they made about $145,000 in 2025. Mamdani, who was an assemblyman last year and his wife, a visual artist, made a combined $144,784 before t…

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.

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.

10-day ceasefire in Lebanon begins as Israel agrees to U.S.-backed deal

President Donald Trump announced the agreement, which went into force Thursday evening, as Pakistani mediators worked to extend a U.S.-Iran ceasefire and arrange new talks.

Democrat Mejia Wins N.J. Special Congressional Election

Democrat Analilia ​Mejia coasted to victory Thursday in a special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, which was vacated after former Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor last year.

Holt to Newsmax: Ireland Protests Signal Global Conflict

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt argued Thursday on Newsmax that Ireland's escalating immigration protests are the leading edge of a worldwide conflict between national sovereignty movements and what he described as a globalist establishme…

AI and the Wiki Wars

The Wikipedia knowledge monopoly is not ready for the Grokipedia threat.

Hillary Clinton rips Trump on migrant child detentions, but Bill Clinton’s own record cuts deep

Hillary Clinton takes aim at Trump immigration policies over ICE child detentions, though thousands of juveniles were detained under Bill Clinton.

The Final Frontier

Like the old Wild West, the Moon offers the prospect of resources to exploit and land to settle. Artemis II's successful mission is just the beginning.

Postliberalism After Hungary

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

The State That Could Decide Trump’s Gerrymandering War

Democrats want Virginians to aggressively gerrymander the state.

BREAKING: Trump Claims Iran Agreed to Surrender the 'Nuclear Dust'; UPDATE: BFD, Says WaPo

House lawmakers express disgust over Swalwell not being exposed sooner: 'It's shameful'

Lawmakers from both parties express alarm over Rep. Eric Swalwell's alleged sexual misconduct as Capitol Hill debates how to prevent future abuses.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

House votes to restore protections for Haitians, defying Trump

Ten House Republicans joined Democrats to oppose President Donald Trump on his immigration policy Thursday, voting to restore temporary protections for Haitians living in the United States.

Podcast #333: The Search for Truth

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Michael Shermer, the author of a number of works on critical thinking, epistemology, and ethics, about his new book, 'Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters.'

Report: Acting ICE Head Lyons Plans to Leave Agency This Spring

The acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to leave the federal government later this spring, CBS ​News reported Thursday, citing two U.S. officials familiar with ⁠his plan.

House Democrats Intensify Iran War Powers Fight

Some House Democrats are planning to force a vote on a war powers resolution that would constrain President Donald Trump's ability to launch future military action against Iran without congressional approval, Axios reports.

Hungary Just Ousted the Unoustable

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

An Oligarchy of Old People

How elderly Americans amassed disproportionate wealth and power

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Viktor Orbán Could Actually Lose

The Hungarian leader faces an energized opposition—and questions about whether he would accept defeat.

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…

Justice Dept. Appealing Surveillance Court Ruling Amid Congressional Impasse

The court had barred national security agencies from using certain tools to process Americans’ data gathered under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires on Monday.

Blockade Is Breaking Iran...and European Elites Are Angry

In March I published an article titled "Global Energy Crisis Or Iranian Surrender In Five Weeks?" in which I outlined the "worst case" and "best case" scenarios for the war in Iran. In my best case scenario I argued in favor of a specific plan to …

Tracking who Trump is appointing to fill key administration roles

Follow President Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

DOJ opens investigation into Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations

The DOJ is investigating multiple sexual assault allegations against former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who has resigned from Congress and denied all accusations.

Miami Herald: Trump Must Be Clairvoyant In His Papal Pique, or Something!

Aussie Fuel Situation Just Got a Little Spicier

Two Magicians Warn the Supreme Court About Junk Science

Penn & Teller filed a Supreme Court brief questioning the use of “investigative hypnosis” in a death-penalty case in Texas.

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.

The $97 Million Utah Warehouse ICE Bought for $145 Million

Trump wants industrial-size immigration jails, and money is no obstacle.

No Tax on Tips, Overtime Saves Workers Thousands

The Labor Secretary says President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts are driving historic savings with average refunds topping $3,400 this tax season.

Bernie Sanders, AOC-backed Democrat wins key House race; GOP fails to expand fragile majority

Democrat Analilia Mejia won a New Jersey special election, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway in a race to fill Gov. Mikie Sherrill's vacant House seat.

The Battle for the Strait

After the failure of ceasefire talks in Islamabad, the United States remains at war with Iran and Trump’s priority is to liberate the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.

Foreign Power, Local Politics

Where local collaboration is absent, foreign intervention imposes enormous costs or simply stalls. Where it exists, intervention can succeed with surprising velocity.

Germany’s Cozy Catastrophe

The German state has been generous to its beneficiaries—but that largesse is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

How the Coordinated Ukraine Impeachment Hoax Worked

There was never a genuine complaint. It wasn't an opportunistic hit job either. It was something far more deliberate, a coordinated effort.

Panel Advances Trump’s Triumphal Arch, Even as Key Member Suggests Changes

The Commission of Fine Arts, a Trump-aligned advisory body, granted preliminary approval. But its vice chairman suggested losing statues atop the structure and other revisions before a final vote.

Iran Doesn't Believe Trump. That's Becoming Dangerous

Neither the president's threats nor his promises nor his deals can be taken at face value.

Paula Jones to Newsmax: Clinton Never Held Accountable, Set Bad Precedent

Paula Jones told Newsmax on Thursday that former President Bill Clinton "has not been held accountable for anything," arguing that his handling of sexual harassment allegations helped set a precedent that continues to affect politics today.

Tennessee governor signs nuclear family month resolution as critics push back on exclusions

Gov. Bill Lee signed a Tennessee resolution making June Nuclear Family Month instead of Pride Month, sparking backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

Trump Promotes ‘No Tax on Tips’ in Las Vegas and Brushes Off Iran War Inflation Concerns

At an economic event, the president sought to downplay the financial hardship that has followed his war with Iran, saying that “we’re having some fake inflation because of the fuel, the energy prices.”

Too Good to Be True? Israel Suggests That Popular Iranian Spokesman Is AI

Study: 90% of Social Science Research Leans Left

Republicans in Congress back Army secretary amid clash with Hegseth

Dan Driscoll, the top political appointee in the Army, gave his first public testimony since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth forced out the service’s top officer.

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?

Trump Open to Public Hearings With Epstein Survivors

President Donald Trump said he would be fine with Congress holding public hearings with the survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

House Votes to Preserve Deportation Protections for Haitians, Rebuking Trump

The action was largely symbolic since the president would be all but certain to veto the bill, but the bipartisan vote reflected resistance within his own ranks on his signature issue.

How Gavin Newsom Boosted His Book Sales With $1.5 Million From His PAC

Gov. Gavin Newsom offered supporters who gave any amount a copy of his book. Roughly 67,000 donors received the memoir, accounting for about two-thirds of its total print sales.

Trump says Iran agrees to hand over ‘nuclear dust’

Iran has not confirmed Trump’s claim. Giving up its highly enriched uranium would be a major step toward an agreement.

Trump Expected to Nominate Fmr Acting FEMA Head

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL whom the administration fired as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's acting leader last year, as FEMA's permanent administrator, according to a person familiar wit…

Trump admin announces expansion of visa restriction policy in Western Hemisphere

The State Department said it imposed visa restrictions on 26 individuals under the expanded policy targeting those acting for U.S. adversaries.

Without Warning, We Are This Much Closer to a Nightmare Wind Farm 'What If?'

CNN Political Briefing

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

Illegal aliens are getting taxpayer-funded boob jobs and sex change ops in Newsom's California, watchdog says

Illegal immigrants in California homeless shelters allegedly received taxpayer-funded sex change procedures through the state's Medi-Cal program.

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.

Move 37 and the Coming Mindhack

What happens when human manipulation arrives at its Claude Mythos moment?

You Are What You Consume

Personal identity should come from the things we get to choose for ourselves.

Trump Rips Mamdani, Warns NYC 'Has No Chance'

President Donald Trump said Thursday that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is "destroying New York" and that the federal government should stop funding a city that "has no chance."

Ten GOP House Members Vote to Keep All the TPS Haitians in the Country

Federal judge sets new limits on Trump ballroom construction

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon clarified that some national security work can continue while the overall project is halted. Trump attacked him on social media.

1979 Is the Year That Explains Donald Trump

And pretty much all of the 1980s do too.

Can Newsom Help With Dems' Mess in CA Governor Race?

While governor of California is one of the biggest jobs in America, for months the 2026 election has looked like a real snoozer. Now it's suddenly turned into a huge mess for Democrats. This week, Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race and resigned…

History Is Running Backwards

Why reactionaries are taking over the world

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.

The Wrong Man

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

House Again Thwarts Challenge to Trump’s Authority to Continue Iran War

The G.O.P. narrowly blocked a Democratic war powers resolution, but a senior Republican suggested that backing for the conflict is not open-ended and could wane as a statutory deadline approaches in weeks.

In Las Vegas, Trump’s economic pitch meets a skeptical audience

Trump touts “no tax on tips” in Las Vegas as voters grapple with high prices and economic unease.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submits resignation letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin

Fox News has confirmed acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin Thursday.

Swalwell's Fall Was by Design

Eric Swalwell was Nancy Pelosi's made man, the golden child of San Francisco's rotten machine politics.

U.S. and Iran in Indirect Talks To Extend Ceasefire

The US and Iran have been in indirect talks aimed at extending the two-week ceasefire beyond its expiry on 22 April, as Pakistan's army chief arrived in Tehran to continue mediation efforts.

Pentagon Seeks Help From Ford and G.M.

Concerned about the slow pace and high cost of weapons production, Pentagon officials have begun talks with General Motors and Ford Motor about producing certain parts.

Oh, to Be a Fly on the Wall in the Supreme Court

Missing general, scientist deaths tied to secret US work prompt White House probe

Multiple scientists tied to U.S. military and defense research have disappeared or died, prompting questions about whether a broader pattern exists.

André Gide versus George Orwell: Two Paths to Truth

More than a century after it was first published, ‘If It Die’—Gide’s shockingly candid account of his childhood and sexual awakening—remains a gripping read.

Another Way to Game the UK Asylum System: Fake Domestic Abuse Claims

Shouting match erupts between RFK Jr and Dem lawmaker over his comments about Black children

RFK Jr. and Rep. Terri Sewell clashed during a budget hearing over his past podcast comments about Black children allegedly needing to be re-parented.

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…

Just Abolish the H-1B Visa

When a program is rotten to its core, reform isn't enough.

Senate Clears Path for Mining in Minnesota

The Senate on Thursday narrowly passed legislation to roll back Biden-era protections on a wilderness area in Minnesota, sending the measure to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

Trump Voters Are Over It

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

Democratic Party Strategist Says POLITICO Had Swalwell Story in 2019, Dropped It

Franklin Graham defends Trump in letter shared on Truth Social after AI ‘Jesus’ image backlash

Rev. Franklin Graham defended Trump over an AI-generated image controversy, saying the president thought it depicted a doctor helping someone, not Jesus.

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.

NY Raises Taxes on City's Nonresident Rich

The mayor, his supporters, and public opinion convinced their previously reluctant governor to agree to a tax on the second (or third, fourth, fifth, etc.) homes of their city's nonresident rich.

Irony: Conservatives Won in Hungary

J. D. Vance Is Definitely Against Foreign Election Interference

The vice president accused the European Union of meddling—as he stumped for Viktor Orbán.