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

Dan Schueftan on Gaza, Iran & the Future of Israel

Israel faces not a solvable conflict but a permanent condition—one requiring deterrence, “violent maintenance,” and historic patience—while confronting both regional enemies and a cultural battle in the West.

I Recognize the Look on Liam Ramos’s Face

The 5-year-old was briefly held at Dilley, where families are sent after ICE roundups.

Schumer silent on ending DHS shutdown after deadly shootings hit Michigan, Virginia

The political standoff over DHS funding intensified after recent shootings, with GOP leaders accusing Democrats of endangering American public safety.

Joaquin Castro Is on a Quest to Get Detained Immigrants Released

The Texas Democrat has used his perch in Congress to highlight sympathetic cases in his push to free detainees and call attention to the consequences of President Trump’s immigration agenda.

Why Europe Still Misreads America

Why Germans fear American religion, and what this reveals about Europe.

Hegseth’s Boasts of ‘Maximum’ Engagement Authorities Face Scrutiny After School Is Hit

The defense secretary has disparaged restrictive rules for opening fire that are aimed at reducing the risk of mistakes and civilian casualties.

Trump touts economic agenda on tour as Iran war stirs prices, GOP dissent

The Ohio and Kentucky stops were meant to promote economic gains, but rising oil prices and Republican dissent over Iran threaten to complicate the message.

Trump is counting on his ‘favorite Mormon’ to deliver health care wins

Chris Klomp, a political unknown a year ago, is now steering the $2.6 trillion health department. Several controversial appointees have since left.

Helping Families Locked Out of Homeownership

Congress has a chance to stop Wall Street from locking young families out of homeownership.

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…

AI money is already influencing the midterms. And more is coming.

Candidates backed by AI companies have found early success — of the 20 candidates in the Texas and North Carolina primaries who received AI funds, only one lost her race.

Israelis Are a Different Breed

The Pete Hegseth Exception

Nearly a year after a national-security scandal erupted on my iPhone, no one in the Trump administration has faced consequences.

The United Nations Is Going Broke

Too often, the UN’s valuable field work is overshadowed by cynical political posturing. As a result, collecting annual dues from member states has become more difficult.

DHS pick Markwayne Mullin once hired felon who illegally stored guns at work

Sen. Markwayne Mullin denied knowing about the employee’s criminal record, but the employee says he did. A “cache” of weapons was found at Mullin’s business.

The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own

What one lawmaker’s defection from the GOP says about the state of politics

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…

Airport Security Workers to Miss Paycheck as Shutdown Drags On

Union officials warned that airport delays could worsen just as spring break season kicks in. Workers are taking on other jobs and canceling child care to make ends meet.

Cuba's Will Is Crumbling; Negotiations With Trump Have Begun

‘We Need to Do McCarthyism to the Tenth Power’

Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions.

Political Strategist James Carville to Newsmax: Not Sure TDS Helps Dems Win

Longtime Democrat strategist James Carville told Newsmax he doesn't know whether "Trump Derangement Syndrome" will help his party win elections. Appearing Thursday night on "Finnerty," the veteran political operative acknowledged that his intense …

Remember North Carolina Virologist Ralph Baric?

The North Carolina virologist who is the world's foremost expert on coronaviruses has been almost silent since Covid erupted in 2020. Gee, I wonder why? And why can't anyone do anything about it?

Florida Republicans send SAVE Act–style proof-of-citizenship voting bill to DeSantis’ desk

Florida lawmakers pass strict elections bill requiring voter citizenship verification, sending measure to Gov. DeSantis who's expected to sign it.

What Does It Mean to Have Air Superiority Over Iran?

The American and Israeli air forces have a dominant advantage in the skies, but Iran can still muster some resistance.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 27 February – Friday 6 March

Hegseth cranks up pressure on US war colleges

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that a task force will scrutinize senior service colleges to ensure they provide quality education without wokeness.

Iran’s Risky Gamble

The war with Iran is reshaping the entire Middle East from the Gulf States to Lebanon with surprising speed.

Thursday's Final Word

Wall Street Bankers Offered Lucrative Access to Join the Pentagon

A presentation from a headhunting firm aimed to recruit Wall Street investors to the Pentagon by offering “unmatched access” to government officials and fund-raising opportunities among foreign sovereigns.

In anti-Muslim post, Tuberville suggests New York’s Mamdani is ‘the enemy’

The senator from Alabama, who is running for governor, has previously called for the mass expulsion of Muslims from the United States.

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.

We asked 1,000 Americans if U.S. strikes on Iran should continue. Here’s what they said.

Resistance to the U.S. military campaign in Iran is easing overall, though a plurality of Americans still favor ending the strikes.

A Strike Against Beijing

Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.

Rep. Clyburn, 85, to seek reelection amid Democrats’ generational debate

The announcement from Clyburn, who turns 86 in July, comes as younger Democrats are challenging the old guard in primaries throughout the country.

A Police Report About a House Candidate Surprised the White House

A woman’s allegations of rape against a Republican House candidate have put Trump in a bind.

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.

Trump Nominates Sarah Rogers to Lead US Agency for Global Media

President Donald Trump has nominated State Department official Sarah B. Rogers as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media as the administration seeks to stabilize the broadcaster after a court ruling upended its leadership.

Trump says US 'totally destroying' Iran: 'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today'

President Trump asserted that the U.S. is "totally destroying" Iran, declaring, in a Friday Truth Social post, "Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today."

CNN Political Briefing

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

GOP senator earns Dem backlash for 'enemy is inside the gates' comment about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville faced criticism after writing "The enemy is inside the gates" in response to a post from an account that juxtaposed photos of 9/11 and Big Apple Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Out on the Wily, Windy Moors...

Emerald Fennell’s misbegotten adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ destroys the very structure of Emily Brontë’s classic story.

A New World Order in the Making

An interview with Dr Shmuel Bar.

Can Florida save Trump’s plan to keep GOP in power?

Republicans in Florida say they may not be able to deliver the type of redistricting bonanza that would give the party breathing room in the midterms.

Arizona Is Now at the Center of Election Investigations

Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are probing the results of the 2020 election in Arizona.

Hegseth Orders War College 'Woke' Review

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Thursday night the creation of a new task force to review America's senior military colleges, saying the institutions must focus on preparing officers to win wars and not promote "toxic ideology."

Hegseth’s Claim About Killing a Would-Be Assassin Creates a Mystery

The defense secretary said the leader of an Iranian unit that had planned to assassinate President Trump had been killed. But U.S. officials privately acknowledge the story is not that simple.

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…

Man Who Shoved Two People Onto Subway Tracks Had Been Deported Four Times

The Republican Who Wants to Banish His Own Constituents

Representative Andy Ogles wrote on Monday that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” He represents thousands of them in Congress.

Rep. Steube to Newsmax: Senate GOP Should 'Nuke the Filibuster'

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Friday that Senate Republicans should eliminate the filibuster to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, saying it is the only way to end the nearly month-long shutdown...

On Truth and Beauty

Why art and science serve different ends.

The Irrepressible Nigel Farage

Ten years after they first had lunch together, ‘the Brexit guy' tells Henry Mance why the country needs his help once again

U.S. sailors injured in fire aboard aircraft carrier supporting Iran war

The incident, in a laundry room on the USS Gerald R. Ford, is another setback during the ship’s extended deployment.

Rep. Austin Scott to Newsmax: Trump Won't Stop Iran War Over Oil Politics

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., said Friday he expects the Trump administration to press ahead with its military campaign against Iran and argued President Donald Trump will not back away from the conflict over energy market pressure as the Pentagon pre…

6 US service members aboard refueling aircraft after mid-air collision causes crash in Iraq

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members aboard. Officials say the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

Rep. Scott Perry to Newsmax: Not Surprised at US Terror Events After Biden Years

Americans should not be surprised by domestic terrorist attacks following four years of open borders under then-President Joe Biden, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., told Newsmax on Friday.

Partisanship on Iran Is Dangerous for America

Trump is doing the right thing for the U.S., and we Democrats should judge the war on the merits.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Pete Hegseth’s Moral Unseriousness

The defense secretary appears unable to approach matters of life and death with even the slightest bit of reverence or humility.

Why it’s easier and cheaper for you to buy GLP-1s

Consumers are paying in cash in a hotly competitive marketplace, creating a rare phenomenon for a relatively new class of prescription drugs: falling prices.

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.

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.

Democrat Rep Josh Riley blasted as 'hypocrite' over ties to energy firm he criticizes on campaign trail

A competitive House race in upstate New York heats up as Republican Peter Oberacker attacks Democrat Josh Riley over his ties to a utility company.

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.

NEWSFLASH: Eric Swalwell Is Lying Scum

Why an unverified Iran drone tip prompted FBI alerts to California law enforcement

FBI advisory about unverified Iranian drone tip off California coast sparks White House pushback, with officials calling intelligence aspirational.

The Enduring Media Myth Of a 'MAGA Split'

AI Has Learned to Code and Is Taking Over

Why Populism is Rising in Australia: Immigration and One Nation Surge

Australia has long been considered politically stable compared with Europe and the United States. But according to political scientist Eric Kaufmann, that period of “Australian exceptionalism” may be coming to an end.

House conservative unveils bill to end chain migration, scrap diversity visa in sweeping immigration overhaul

Rep. Andy Ogles introduced a sweeping bill to end chain migration and the diversity lottery, shifting the U.S. to a merit-based immigration system focused on national interest.

‘A Lot of Life Years Lost’: How NAFTA Shortened American Life Spans

A study tracks how the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade competition with Mexico led to earlier deaths for American factory workers.

All This Terrorism Is Caused By White Supremacy, You Know

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

Republican strategists hope the endorsement will make the Texas Senate race less expensive and less competitive.

Zeldin to Newsmax: US Should Rely Less on Foreign Oil

Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said turmoil in global oil markets should reinforce the case for expanding U.S. energy and mineral production, arguing that the United States has ample domestic resources and should depend l…

The Hormuz Minefield

In the strait, Iran holds the advantage-and America has no good options.

Trump Isn’t Even Trying to Sell This War

Has the salesman in chief gotten rusty?

War Stirs Mixed Feelings for the Only Iranian American Democrat in Congress

The daughter of Iranians who fled the country, Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona wants a democratic and secular government for Iran, but is wary of President Trump’s war.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Housing Bill to Improve Access, Affordability

The Senate passed a broad bill on Thursday to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable, a rare bipartisan effort in Congress to address a growing national problem.

Old Dominion University Shooting Being Investigated as Terrorism

Former NFL players decry White House video mixing big hits, airstrikes

The Trump administration released a video on X using footage of Ray Lewis, Chad Ochocinco and other former NFL players juxtaposed with war footage.

Hegseth: RIP Iran's Ballistic Missile Production, Hormuz Open, Where's Mojtaba? UPDATE: Marines Coming

Things Are About to Get Ugly in Texas

A runoff, resentments, and the question of whether a Democrat can win statewide

Trump Tells G7 You're Welcome, and Someone's Missing While Tehran Rocks

6 dead after U.S. Air Force refueler crashes in Iraq while supporting Iran war

The KC-135 tanker was involved in an apparent accident with another KC-135. The other aircraft landed safely, officials said.

US Officials: Iran Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Persian Gulf channel that carries about 20% of the world's oil, according to U.S. officials, raising concerns about global shipping and energy supplies.

Hegseth Vows Lethal Day in Iran as Air War Intensifies

At a news conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave no indication of how long it would take before the Navy could escort civilian cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

His Harvard Lab Was Thriving. Then Came the Cuts.

Will Mair, who studies aging, lost almost all his research funds when the White House cracked down on Harvard. He was wholly unprepared for the upheaval that followed.

Hegseth: Iran's New Supreme Leader Wounded, Disfigured

War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday confirmed reports Iran's new supreme leader was wounded during the U.S.-Israeli military action, adding that Mojtaba Khamenei likely has been "disfigured."

Trump-Iran Timeline: Key Moments Leading Up to War

President Trump’s aggressive stance toward Iran, during his first term and since returning to office last year, is key to understanding the conflict.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Aiemann Zahabi to Newsmax: Hope to Spoil Trump's Party at UFC Freedom 250

Canadian MMA fighter Aiemann Zahabi told Newsmax on Thursday he is looking forward to spoiling President Donald Trump's birthday when he fights at UFC Freedom 250.

A Shocking 'News' Story...But It's Not--Not Even Remotely

Two recent viral stories - one of steak and lobster dinners, and the other on the secretary of war saluting - show how little much of America knows about our military.

Podcast #328: The Extraordinary Exploits of Agent Zo

Iona Italia talks to historian Clare Mulley about her biography of Polish war heroine Elżbieta Zawacka, aka Agent Zo.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Kristi Noem

Congressional questions about contracts, ads, and extramarital sex ended her tenure.

Bessent: US Navy Will Provide Tanker Escorts in Persian Gulf ASAP

Israel, Iran Fracturing GOP's Governing Coalition

The war in Iran has emerged as a proxy battle over a broader, long-simmering conflict within the right about Israel

The State That Says Yes

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves on technological competition, the politics of AI, and how a poor state became a model for American growth

Alysa Liu's Homecoming Celebration Was Hella Oakland

More than 4,000 fans showed up downtown for the Olympic ice skating champion, including Oakland athletes and musicians.

Walz in the hot seat as critics' predictions on his controversial new law come true: 'Concerning trends'

Critics say Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's paid leave program is already causing problems in the state as concerns about the massive fraud problem continue to mount.

The Soft Disinformation Contagion

How we learned to reason poorly with accurate data.

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.

Iran War Exposes America's Unfixed Supply Chains

We have a trillion-dollar military without enough bombs to fight for more than a week, and none of the critical components needed to make more.

Pete Hegseth Says ‘the Sooner David Ellison’ Buys CNN, ‘the Better’

The remarks fueled concerns that CNN’s prospective new owner may shift its coverage in a Trump-friendly direction.

Comer Requests Interview With Guard on Duty During Epstein's Death

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has requested that a former Metropolitan Correctional Center guard who was on duty the night Jeffrey Epstein died appear for a transcribed interview later this month...

New Iranian supreme leader 'likely disfigured,' Hegseth says

War Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Friday morning press briefing that Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “likely disfigured."

Iran conflict could be push GOP needs for 2nd 'big, beautiful bill'

Senior GOP lawmakers tell Fox News Digital that a reconciliation bill may be the only way to bolster defense spending and modernize the military amid rising threats from Iran.

Senate Passes Housing Bill With Bipartisan Support

The Senate passed a marquee bipartisan housing reform bill, sending it to the House of Representatives.