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

How Beijing's Once-Powerful Leverage Has Eroded

President Trump's economic policies on trade, energy and manufacturing position the U.S. to negotiate with China from a place of unprecedented strength.

Creators and Destroyers of Worlds

Despite the dangers, we must seize the gifts bequeathed by world-altering technologies, since these amount to life in unprecedented abundance.

Trump's China Policy Not What Everyone Expected

Donald Trump's upcoming summit with Xi Jinping is likely to be dominated and somewhat overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Did Trump Do Democrats an Attack-Ad Favor?

Democrats are sure to like I don't think about Americans' financial situation and I don't think about anybody as attack ad lines come November.

Mamdani's Unbelievably Dishonest Budget

Mayor Mamdani spiked the ball Tuesday, as the Big Apple's budget crunch seemed to go away as it quickly as it had appeared.

Judge Orders U.S. to Return Colombian Woman Deported to Congo

The unusual ruling came after the judge found that the Trump administration had most likely violated the law by deporting the 55-year-old woman to the African country despite its refusal to take her.

The Worst-Run Country In Europe

It’s not just health care but transportation, housing, and just about everything else the government touches.

Officially, Marco Rubio is still banned from China. So how is he in Beijing?

Chinese officials are using a different transliterated character for the secretary of state's name, perhaps to allow him to visit without lifting a 2020 ban.

NYU Students Want to Cancel Jonathan Haidt as Graduation Speaker

Wednesday's Final Word

The Wrong Way to Talk About the Iran War

The war to defang Iran is a national project, and Trump needs to solicit the public’s participation in it.

Why the Migrant Child Crisis Is Roiling the California Governor Race

The Times broke the story that has become a dominant line of attack against Xavier Becerra, the Democratic front-runner. Here are five things to know about it.

Miami Residents Sue Over Trump’s Plan to Make His Library a Hotel

The suit argues that the development on state-donated land would violate the Constitution’s domestic emoluments clause, which prohibits the president from accepting money or gifts from states.

Can Republicans Build Wall Against a Blue Wave?

jamDemocrats are hoping for a blue wave, while Republicans are looking to just retain control of the House and the Senate.

The China Gambit: From Nixon to Trump

President Trump’s visit to Beijing comes as relations with China have become more combative.

China rolls out red carpet for Trump as Xi meeting tests trade, Taiwan tensions

President Donald Trump was greeted with an elaborate welcome ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People before beginning high-stakes bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

International Courts of Injustice

The politics of corruption at the ICC and ICJ.

Democrats’ midterm push clouded by infighting over party keeping 2024 autopsy under wraps

Democrats keep winning elections but the DNC is under fire for refusing to release its internal review of the party's sweeping 2024 key losses.

Trump Administration Announces Crackdown on Fraud

Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Canadian

Trump shares post calling for Obama’s arrest

The repost on social media was among a flurry of late-night posts in which President Donald Trump railed against his political opponents.

The War on Billionaires Is Dangerous Nonsense

Consider Mamdani’s ludicrous implication that hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin is not pulling his weight in New York City.

Takeaways from Nebraska Democratic primaries filled with plot twists

Democrats knew they couldn’t unseat a GOP senator, so they backed an independent and fielded a candidate who promised to drop out if she won. Then it got complicated.

Brief Stay (So Far) of Trade Court’s Ruling against Trump’s Section 122 Tariffs

Expect the Federal Circuit to grant an injunction suspending the court’s invalidation of the 10 percent tariffs while the appeal proceeds.

Is God Using Communism to Punish Us?

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…

Mamdani Announces Balanced Budget Without Cuts

Buoyed by billions in assistance from the state, real talk about what it takes to run New York City, and some taxes on the rich, the mayor closed a historic leftover budget deficit.

Trump’s upbeat China message collides with deepening Beijing rivalry

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping strike a warm tone in Beijing, emphasizing cooperation as trade and investment talks get underway.

New 9/11 Museum exhibit aims to connect younger Americans to the attacks through powerful artifacts

A new 9/11 Memorial Museum exhibit showcases flags and artifacts tied to the 2001 terrorist attacks, aiming to educate a generation born after that day.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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.

Democrats Doomed to Cling to Their Poisonous Policies, Says ... The Atlantic?

The Fall of China

China’s authoritarianism is working against growth.

The Case for Late-Night TV

The ‘leaders of the free world are watching’? Well, because it’s just another version of Morning Joe, served late at night.

Intifadas Bring Neither Justice Nor Peace

Calls to “globalise the intifada” have produced a wave of antisemitic terror and encourage an unending cycle of violence.

'The Hantas Are Coming! The Hantas Are Coming!'

The Latest Bluesky Meltdown is Pretty Entertaining

Arrest of gang member convicted of murder puts Dem state's sanctuary policies on blast

CBP partnered with local law enforcement recently to detain a gang-affiliated Mexican national with a violent criminal history, including second-degree murder.

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.

Progressives Propelling El-Sayed Forward in Michigan

Activists are building a political home for the Michigan Senate candidate's anti-corruption, anti-war populist message.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Democrats caught on camera coaching candidate on how to be 'authentic' in 2026 messaging

Democrats accidentally revealed behind-the-scenes campaign coaching in an unclipped promo featuring Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania's Bob Brooks.

Conservative Influencers Tap a Nonprofit to Pay for Their Security

A charity is raising money to provide security, arguing that protecting some of right-wing media’s biggest stars is a public good.

The Democratic Socialists Need a New Model

With even the Scandinavians running away from their reputation as collectivists, it’s not clear where America’s democratic socialists will turn for guidance.

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.

Justice Dept. charges shipping company in deadly Key Bridge collapse

Prosecutors accused the Singapore-based company and subsidiaries of fostering unsafe conditions that caused the Dali cargo ship to crash into the Baltimore bridge in 2024.

Trump Administration Will Withhold $1.3 Billion in Medicaid Payments to California

Vice President JD Vance said the state had not done enough to fight fraud in the public health insurance program.

Why the Iran war is hurting the economy

There isn’t much Congress or Trump can do about it, experts warn

The Media Remain Blind to Democratic Radicalism

Politico’s Josh Gerstein cannot see anything other than Donald Trump.

At Princeton, the Honor Code Didn't Survive ChatGPT

Hegseth, Caine encounter intense bipartisan frustration with Iran war

As a ceasefire with Tehran falters, Republicans joined Democrats in pressing for details on the conflict’s costs and the administration’s plan to end it.

Trump gets red-carpet welcome in China, but past Beijing trip shows pageantry only goes so far

Trump arrived in Beijing with a red carpet ceremony ahead of talks with Xi Jinping focused on trade tensions and the ongoing war with Iran.

This Is So On-Brand for Gavin Newsom

White House to host 9-hour prayer festival focused on Christian roots of U.S.

Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio and Mike Johnson will speak at the event, which centers on the idea that the founders wanted the U.S. to be explicitly Christian.

CIA Whistleblower Testifies That Agency Covered Up Lab Leak at Behest of Fauci

Lawmakers clash over Trump gas tax holiday as Iran war drives prices higher

Capitol Hill lawmakers clash over Trump's proposed federal gas tax suspension as gas prices hit $4.51 a gallon amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The gerrymandering wars are here to stay

What happens next

New Mexico Diocese Tries to Block Government From Seizing Land for Border Wall

The diocese’s lawyers argued that the land, which is below a 29-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ on a mountain peak, is a holy site protected under religious freedom.

Trump Can Stare Down a Weak Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping's inward-facing actions, however, betray a deep sense of insecurity. Trump can take advantage of it. China's people - to the regime

Xi warns Trump that mishandling Taiwan could spark ‘conflicts’

China’s leader made clear his top priority is the fate of the contested island and its U.S. military support, a striking move given President Donald Trump’s effort to mend ties and deliver trade deals.

Denise Powell Wins Democratic Primary in Key Nebraska House Race

Denise Powell prevailed in a close primary race for an Omaha-based seat, currently held by a retiring Republican, that could help determine control of the House.

Los Angeles Has Been Neglected for Far Too Long

It's a Bird, it's a Plane, no it's Pratt Summer

Staring at the Sea

It would be very difficult to make a great film from a source as flawed as Camus’s novel, but Ozon has managed to make a very good one.

The Last Straight Woman

Senior Writer and Podcast Producer Iona Italia talks to writer Phoebe Maltz Bovy about her latest book: 'The Last Straight Woman: On Desiring Men.'

The Thirty Years’ Warning

Kevin Warsh, confirmed today in the Senate as the new Fed chairman, is in for a torrid time.

Does Western Civilisation Exist? James Kierstead on Ancient Greece, Christianity, and the West | Quillette Cetera Ep. 63

Does “the West” actually exist — or is it merely a modern political myth?

What's at Stake in China?

Wednesday, May 13th on RealClearPolitics: 00:00 What's at Stake in China? 13:13 Game-Changing Poll for Rubio?20:17 Rand Paul's COVID Hearings 31:32 New Repor...

Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump's economic vision comes into focus

Kevin Warsh was confirmed as the new Federal Reserve chairman by the Senate to replace Jerome Powell, ushering in a new era at the central bank.

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.

AOC Comes for the Billionaires

‘I can’t see anything other than ignorance about how the economy works in this assessment.’

Why Do Big Universities Spend So Much?

College leaders love spending money.

House Approves Year-Round Sale of Higher-Ethanol Gas

In a rare bipartisan vote, the House passed a bill allowing for the sale of an ethanol blend known as E15, over the objections of Republican hard-liners and some oil refiners.

The Science Misinformation Gap

The transatlantic battle over social media and censorship.

Crypto Industry Pushes a Bill to Tilt Regulation in Its Favor

After a series of political victories under President Trump, firms are lobbying Congress for a sweeping framework they helped shape.

The Death of the Dating App

Evolutionary psychology suggests an explanation for why so many people have found dating apps a frustrating experience.

Jamelle Bouie: Democrats Must Save Democracy with One-Party Rule

Israel’s Creation: The Ultimate ‘Decolonisation’ Project

Jews have had a continuous indigenous presence in the Levant for more than 3,000 years—despite enduring settler-colonial occupations by Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, and Turks.

Facing headwinds at home, Trump signals eagerness to make deals at China summit

Under pressure from Beijing, the president has indicated an openness to rethinking U.S. support for Taiwan, alarming its backers.

Vance confronted about 2028 ambitions after Trump teases 'dream team' Rubio ticket

Vice President JD Vance responded to Trump's 2028 split ticket tease with Rubio, saying he dislikes discussing future political ambitions.

Kash Patel lashes out as lawmakers question ‘excessive drinking’

The FBI director offered a brash defense to questions centering on a recent news report alleging that his “excessive drinking” impaired his ability to do the job.

Vance turns up heat on states with federal cash threat over Medicaid fraud crackdown

Vice President JD Vance threatens to cut anti-fraud funding to states that don't prosecute Medicaid fraud, singling out California, New York and Hawaii.

Homeland Security Dept. Escalates Its Dispute With Federal Judge

In a column, the top lawyer for D.H.S. claimed that the judge, Melissa DuBose, was engaging in an “intimidation campaign” by referring a government lawyer for a misconduct investigation.

Unusual flood of money from a veterans group roils Iowa Senate primary

VoteVets is spending millions to boost a Paralympic gold medalist over a state senator who's seen as more liberal in a race that Democrats say they have a shot to win.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

The Game in Spain

Spain’s hard left prime minister has been busy of late, throwing open Spain’s doors to (resident) illegal aliens and calling for a European army.

The Promise and Peril of U.S.-China Summitry

What Xi wants from Trump-and Trump might get from Xi.

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…

Dems Get What They Want for NE Senate: No Candidate

The party's candidate plans to drop out to make way for independent Dan Osborn.

On ‘Gender-Affirming Care,’ Canada’s Medical Establishment Refuses to Follow the Evidence

While the British Medical Association now acknowledges that the Cass Review has been ‘vindicated,’ its Canadian counterparts still remain beholden to debunked activist slogans.

What Straight Women Want

A new book by Phoebe Maltz Bovy argues that most accounts of female heterosexuality minimise and even theorise away its central feature: women’s sexual desire for men.

How an Image of Washington at Prayer Became a Touchstone for the Right

A scene inspired by the winter at Valley Forge has become more prominent in the Trump era, along with claims that the United States was founded as a Christian nation.

Claire's Weekly Letter: No Place for Children

It never ends: GOP moves to fund border; Democrats blast Trump spending

Congressional Republicans moved to fund border security while Democrats objected to added Trump security funds to extend DHS funding in Congress.