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

Down in the Polls, Republicans Embrace a Familiar Tool: Fear

At an unusual midterm gathering, President Trump and his allies painted Democrats as dangerously un-American.

How Woke Is the National Museum of American History?

Scholars and activists on the left are usually the ones to complain of cultural erasure.

The Sick Celebrations of Charlie Kirk Assassination Anniversary

Fetterman appears by video at GOP convention and says he will work with Trump

The U.S. senator from Pennsylvania described himself during his remarks as a “common-sense Democrat” who rejected socialism.

Power Without Principle

The Trump administration does not know how to use American power to expand American influence, and its officials do not care to learn.

Trump’s Promise of $5,000 Dividend Checks Follows Past Cash Pledges That Never Materialized

President Trump is again talking up the possibility that the federal government will send Americans thousands of dollars in cash.

Fetterman teases where his true loyalty lies after surprise appearance at GOP convention

Senate Democrat John Fetterman drew a hard line after introducing Dave McCormick at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention.

Measuring the Economic Cost of Affirmative Action in Academia

A new report on the Canada Research Chairs program analyses the reduced standards applied to scholars belonging to ‘equity groups.’

Trump accuses Iran of meddling in midterms as wave of missiles targets U.S. base in Jordan

Under economic pressure from the U.S., Iranian leaders have signaled they will not capitulate amid stunted diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Illegal alien ordered removed years ago charged in crash that killed newly engaged 23-year-old teacher

Cameron Lyon, a newly engaged Ohio teacher, was killed when a previously deported illegal immigrant allegedly flipped his SUV into oncoming traffic.

CNN Political Briefing

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

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.

What Republicans are campaigning on for the midterms

They’d rather not talk about Trump and gas prices.

The $64 Question, Again

Anna D. Shapiro’s recent revival of Eric Bentley’s 1972 play about the HUAC hearings offered entertainment along with the pleasures of moral certainty and ideological reinforcement.

Sympathy for the Devil: New Film Attacks Predator-Buster?

Potential Dem presidential contender crashes GOP convention, tries to snatch spotlight from Trump

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker claims Republicans are trying to "rig" the 2026 midterm elections as the GOP kicks off its first-ever convention in Dallas.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Antizionist City

A community that embraces a set of shared beliefs is not necessarily a bad thing, but the value of solidarity depends entirely on the merits of the cause in question.

This Is the Way the World Ends

Sex is declining because the options seem endless. This is counter-intuitive, but biologically it makes sense.

“He described himself as a person who hates Christianity.”

“I’m giving you the largest prescription drug price cuts in history, with differences of 400 — 400, 500 and even 600 percent.”

Newsom’s defamation lawsuit against Fox News is set for March 2028 trial

A Delaware judge has set a March 2028 trial date for California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

The Case for Elites with Richard Hanania | Quillette Cetera Episode 71

Political scientist Richard Hanania discusses why populism usually fails, why Western elites matter, immigration, MAGA, H-1B visas, housing and declining fertility.

Fraudulent Cancer Research Papers Increased 10x in Recent Years

Man Oh Man

Trump, religion, sex, and perhaps the worst commentary on 9/11 so far this year.

‘Pretend That I Am Running’: 7 Takeaways From the G.O.P. Midterm Convention

At a first-of-its-kind midterm convention, President Trump mostly offered retreads and self-congratulation. Then, he offered to pay Americans $5,000 apiece if Republicans kept power.

Are Midterm Results Already Baked in the Cake?

There is the always vexing question of which voters will actually bother to show up. The Republican convention is designed to move the needle on that. Maybe it will succeed.

“100 percent — think of it — of the Democrats voted against voter ID.”

Does Largest Teachers' Union Deserve Its Charter?

The National Education Association (NEA) holds a rare congressional charter granted to select private nonprofit organizations "deemed to serve important public purposes." But a damning new Senate report suggests the massive teachers' union is oper…

Dem incumbent becomes first sitting governor to lose primary since 2018

Costco board member, former CVS exec avenges narrow 2022 loss to Gov. Dan McKee in high-stakes Rhode Island rematch. McKee is the first sitting governor to lose aparty primary in years.

Can U.S. Avoid Financial Crises? Clock Is Ticking

As U.S. kicks the fiscal can down the road and debt soars by trillions, can it finally cut spending?

Suicide Rates Among Girls Increase

We must put the welfare of children ahead of adult desires.

Tucker Carlson: Is Algebra a Jewish Plot?

This Is Going to Make China Very Unhappy

Left Can Win in Small Cities. David Morales Shows How

David Morales's campaign for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, is providing a model for how a progressive candidate can oust an incumbent.

Meet the lawmaker who’s worried about Christian nationalism

Rep. Jared Huffman is concerned about religious freedom.

Talarico says he 'missed the mark' as he backtracks on controversial woke statements

James Talarico now backs banning transgender surgeries for minors and opposing trans athletes in girls' sports as the Texas Senate race heats up.

Dem senator delivers surprise video at Republican convention backing McCormick

John Fetterman's surprise video at the GOP convention praised Trump and Dave McCormick while rejecting what he called Democratic "extremes and socialism."

The Sangfroid of Cal

There is no AI robot conspiracy, no sandbagging, no deception happening, unless it is self-deception.

Charlie Kirk Had a 'Very Rare Type of Influence'

His death left a kind of diplomatic vacuum and some nasty politicos - neocons and other grifters - stepped in to fill the breach.

Literary Studies Without the Literature

English departments are increasingly ignoring the great works of the past, in favour of popular literary works that reflect activist themes and nonliterary works of political and social theory.

“We gave you no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on Social Security for our great seniors.”

There's a new Elon Musk 'Documentary' Coming Soon

Why So Many Young Men Are Giving Up on Work

Sydney psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed on why men who quit work aren't depressed but demoralised, and how mental health labels became a rival source of status and dignity.

George W Bush recalls moment with Derek Jeter before nerve-wracking pitch at Yankee Stadium after 9/11

Former President George W. Bush recalls throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Terms on Offer

Russia’s latest offer to Ukraine includes a demand for a Ukrainian constitutional commitment regarding territorial concessions.

Why Tuskegee University's New Dress Code Matters

President Trump's war in Iran has no end in sight. Bond markets are flashing ominous signs. And the midterm elections are less than 60 days away.

More Reading on the Gipper

Jonah tries to give more political coherence and consistency to Reagan’s overall record than I think is really there.

Trump's Emotional Support Convention

The RNC embarrasses itself with a shindig no one else wanted

Oil’s rise past $100 per barrel deepens GOP’s midterm challenge

The high gas prices are likely to haunt Republican candidates through Election Day.

Supreme Court is asked to settle Missouri dispute causing electoral chaos

The appeal comes after conflicting rulings on whether the state can use a new congressional map that favors Republicans for November’s midterm elections.

Republican Senate Candidates Avoid Tariffs and Iran War at Trump’s Convention

Four battleground Senate nominees who spoke sidestepped a pair of issues that have posed political challenges, focusing instead on Mr. Trump’s tax law and other topics.

When Labor Is Dear

Much of the fear of imminent recession over the past year was driven by the lower numbers of jobs created.

The Learning Crisis Begins Before the Classroom

Differences in height between men and women—a biomarker of stressor exposure in childhood—suggest that poor early health and nutrition constrain what children are achieving at school.

Last Man Standing

Francis Fukuyama’s new memoir assesses an intellectual life devoted to the health of the liberal-democratic idea.

Trump administration proposes changes to census that could exclude millions

If adopted, the changes could exclude millions of residents from the decennial tally, reshaping congressional representation in the country.

‘Socialist’ Childcare?

‘Is it socialism, or is it tweaking an existing government program?’

What Social Security Promises

Senator Bernie Moreno attempts to convert his perverse decision into an inarguable moral obligation.

Five takeaways from the New Hampshire primaries and an under-the-radar Senate race

Former Republican senator John E. Sununu and Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas easily won their primaries for an open U.S. Senate seat.

“The lowest murder rate since the year 1900. That’s big stuff.”

“But trillions of dollars in tariff revenue have come in.”

Wednesday's Final Word

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…

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

EXCLUSIVE: 25 years after 9/11, ICE says more than 2K known or suspected terrorists have been deported

ICE arrested over 2,150 known or suspected terrorists and deported more than 2,000 since Trump took office, DHS says ahead of the 9/11 anniversary.

No Mission Creep for Women’s Employment

Gender parity in employment is here. Now what?

Merkel’s Heart

Germany’s second-most-regrettable chancellor is devastated by the electoral success of the Alternative for Germany party. She’s also responsible for it.

Trump makes stunning first-of-its-kind cash promise in bid to rally GOP voters at Dallas midterm convention

President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 "Trump dividend" to every adult citizen if Republicans keep Congress at the GOP midterm convention.

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.

Veteran Dem senator cruises past far-left primary challengers in bid for sixth term

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., defeated two far-left challengers in the Rhode Island U.S. Senate primary Wednesday, advancing to the November general election in his bid for a sixth term.

For many attending the GOP’s midterm convention, the main draw is Trump

Control of Congress next year seems at best a secondary concern for some at the event that has been dubbed ‘Trumpapalooza.’

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…

D.O.J. Escalates Threats to States in Battle for Election Records

The department sent letters to at least 30 states demanding they retain election records, an outgrowth of President Trump’s baseless claims of widespread election fraud.

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.

Far Right's Shocking Victory Is a Warning for Germany

The Alternative for Germany just shattered the political firewall meant to keep the party out. Now the country's establishment is scrambling to stop the rise of the far right.

Pro-Life Groups Want the Trump Administration to Defund Planned Parenthood

Socialism in Space: The Fascinating, Forgotten History of Soviet Cosmic Utopianism

They Say the Best Things in Life Are Free, but They Need to Get Money to the DNC

An Abject Policy Failure

An unorthodox survey suggests it’s time for the Australian government to concede defeat in the tobacco wars. Will it have the guts to do so?

The Sickness and Silliness of Modern 'Socialism'

The privileged, pampered left now rails against a non-existent 'genocide' of fat people and celebrates ill health.

Trump Floats $5,000 ‘Trump Dividend’ Checks if Republicans Win the Midterms

In his convention speech, the president floated a $5,000 “Trump Dividend” for every adult American if Republicans keep control of Congress. The idea, like many others, may not come to pass.

Trump officials target November for final approval of massive arch

A top National Park Service official, meeting with preservationists, rejected suggestions to change the planned 250-foot-tall arch’s size, design or location.

[Thursday 5am] Trump puts himself back on the ballot: 5 takeaways from GOP midterm convention Night 1

President Donald Trump unveiled a $5,000 dividend for every American adult at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, with one major spending caveat.

No Alternatives for Merkel

To be clear, Merkel was the second-worst chancellor in German history.

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.

'America Is Going Down': El-Sayed's ISNA Convention Exactly What You'd Expect

LIVE BLOG: GOP 2026 Midterm Convention, Night One

Trump makes case for Iran war, promises $5,000 payouts if GOP wins midterms

The president accused Iran of trying to influence the midterm elections as escalating violence in the Middle East loomed over his convention.

Ex-NFL cheerleader battles former gubernatorial aide in tight GOP primary race

Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian are locked in a Rhode Island Republican primary too close to call as the GOP eyes a historically blue state.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Naked in America

Can Sen. Ossoff Hold Onto His Seat?

He's the most vulnerable incumbent in the Senate race, and his state is ground zero for the new Jim Crow attacks on voting rights.

Ongoing Ideological Battle Is a Problem for Democrats

If Republicans wanted to set a political trap for Democrats by forcing a vote on a bill condemning socialism, they dropped the ball. Last Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House voted to approve a resolution condemning socialism, with eight Democ…

Not Just Another Editorial Tuesday

We go on. We have work to do.