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

Communism’s Obsolescence

The structural case for why collectivist systems fail.

J. D. Vance Is Definitely Against Foreign Election Interference

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

Teetering Ceasefire Bodes Ill for Treacherous Talks Ahead

The sad truth is that Middle East ceasefires don't always stop the shooting.

Digital Asset Rules Need Clarity

U.S. financial regulation sets the standard for the world. Congress needs to act to keep it that way.

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.

Tako? Takou? TACO-ru? Decoding the Trump TACO meme around the world.

A Washington Post reporter’s doctor in Seoul had a question — how to translate “chicken out,” as in “Trump always chickens out,” into Korean?

This Is What a World Superpower Looks Like

America is living through a moment difficult to describe without sounding a little unhinged.

Trump trashes MTG after Republican wins contest to fill her old seat 'despite the stench left by Greene'

President Trump blasts former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after Clay Fuller wins the special election runoff to fill her old congressional seat in Georgia.

The Humiliation of Great Britain Is Complete

Rohmer at Camelot

Éric Rohmer’s Perceval le Gallois (1978) vividly recreates the imaginative world in which the people of the Middle Ages lived inside their heads.

Multiple Felon Who Slaughtered Iryna Zarutska Found Incompetent to Stand State Trial

A Costly Misconception

Now that glyphosate has become a national-security issue, it’s time to revisit the source of misinformation about this controversial herbicide.

A Ceasefire Is Welcome But Fragile

The ceasefire is welcome but fragile. Friday's talks in Islamabad must address Iran's nuclear programme and avoid sidelining the rest of the region

Canada Wins the Woke Olympics

Climate Change Denial Sees a Resurgence in Trump’s Washington

A conference near the White House drew hundreds of people who reject the scientific consensus on climate change. The mood was triumphant.

The MAGA Intellectual Who Prophesied a Queen Melania

An ally of J. D. Vance who has dabbled in monarchism is now working for Viktor Orbán.

Times of London: Nepo Babytollah Is Basically Beef Supreme

CNN Political Briefing

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

White House struggles to prop up truce marked by confusion, contradictions

As the Trump administration claimed success, Tehran disputed the terms, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained stalled, and new questions emerged.

Trump to Iran: Comply Or Else 'Shootin' Starts, Bigger And Better'

Mullin Eyes Sanctuary Cities, Restores TSA Pay

New Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has wasted little time making at the agency. Mullin has moved quickly in little more than two weeks on the job to reshape the department after replacing former Secretary Kristi Noem, s…

Vulnerable Dem incumbent caught calling home state ‘stolen land’ in resurfaced video

A resurfaced video showed battleground Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez claiming his home state was "stolen land" and saying racism was embedded into nearly every part of life.

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.

Are You Ready to Be Lectured at the Movies?

Pentagon, Survivors Offer Differing Views of Deadly Kuwait Attack

Survivors of the deadliest attack on U.S. forces since the war with Iran began are disputing the Pentagon's characterization of a March 1 drone strike in Kuwait, offering new firsthand accounts that reflect the uncertainty and competing narratives…

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.

I.M.F. Says Iran War Will Drag Global Growth Lower

Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund, said the war in the Middle East could lead to another bout of inflation and higher interest rates.

A Ceasefire or a Strategic Pause?

On April 17 over Kharg Island there will be a new moon, perfect conditions for Navy SEALs to do their work.

Too Fun to Check: China Suffers Massive Cyberwar Defeat?

Minnesota fraud scandal: Sixth family member who met with AG Ellison set to plead guilty

A sixth family member is expected to plead guilty in a massive Minnesota fraud scheme that allegedly stole $14 million from a federal meal program.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Federal judge blocks Trump admin effort to end temporary protected status for Ethiopia

A Biden-nominated federal judge postponed the termination of Ethiopia's temporary protected status, pushing back against the Trump administration's TPS decision.

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…

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.

No Charges for Wisconsin Mayor Who Removed Ballot Drop Box in 2024

A special prosecutor said a review of the incident found there was not sufficient evidence to charge Doug Diny, the mayor of Wausau.

GOP lawmaker introduces bill to strip asylum from fraudsters who vacation in countries they 'fled'

Rep. Tom Tiffany introduces the SAFER Act after Soleimani's niece was arrested over an allegedly fraudulent asylum claim filed in Los Angeles.

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.

Ex-JAG: Iran Oil Toll 'Illegal' as Trump Weighs Role

A former U.S. military lawyer warned that Iran's plan to charge oil tankers for passing through the Strait of Hormuz is "illegal," raising fresh concerns as President Donald Trump considers a potential U.S. role in the proposal.

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.

1979 Is the Year That Explains Donald Trump

And pretty much all of the 1980s do too.

As Republicans Embrace AI, Democrats Bet on a Backlash

Republicans are very comfortable using AI for almost anything in politics, and they'll say so.

Bondi won’t testify before House about Epstein files, DOJ says

Some House members say they still intend to pursue their subpoena of former attorney general Pam Bondi, despite her firing last week.

A New Theory of Trump: The 'Soft TACO'

President Donald Trump's decision Tuesday to accept a ceasefire in Iran - rather than following through on his threats to escalate the war further with massively destructive attacks harming Iranian civilians - is being greeted with what's become a…

How Democrats Can Win on Education Again

Democrats can rebuild trust on education by combining the best of centrist and progressive ideas to improve K-12 outcomes.

Close Encounters of the Totalitarian Kind

Jacob Siegel's The Information State means no one will ever forget what happened to our country at the hands of the Democrats and the Ruling Class.

Public Anger Is Rising

Even TMZ is channeling the national discontent.

The Intellectual Right Is Mad at the Mess It’s Made

Conservatives are criticizing influencers for going too far.

Trump’s Cozy Transportation Secretary

Sean Duffy is partnering with the industries he regulates in new ways.

White House Confident Warsh Will Lead Fed in May

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Thursday that he was confident Kevin Warsh would start as Federal Reserve chairman in May and that he did not expect current Fed chairman Jerome Powell to remain on the board. "I'm highly confiden…

DC's bid to block Trump’s National Guard deployment hits basic legal snag: Can’t sue itself

A conservative watchdog argues Washington, D.C., cannot sue the federal government because the district is part of it, filing a brief in a high-stakes National Guard case.

Dem governor says 'something genuinely wrong with' Trump, urges removal from office for 'national security'

Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who called to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Trump last year, did so again this week.

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

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

Homan warns Spanberger blocking access to Virginia jails could force more ICE street operations: 'Do the job'

Border czar Tom Homan blasts Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger over sanctuary policies, threatens to send more ICE teams into streets to enforce the law if necessary.

Iran Folly Blasting GOP Coalition to Smithereens

Megyn Kelly on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" discussed the damage sustained by the Trump political coalition, the global economy, and U.S. allies, after 40 days at war with Iran.

Climate Skeptics Urge Trump to Keep Zeldin at EPA

A gathering of the Heartland Institute's climate contrarians near the White House on Wednesday delivered a clear message to President Donald Trump: Keep Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin in his current role.

Trump Finds Himself With Fragile Iran Cease-Fire After the Scramble to Make a Deal

After careening from one diplomatic extreme to another, President Trump finds himself with a fragile deal that is already showing signs of fraying.

New Deadline Looms for U.S. and Iran as Truce Wavers

Fractures were already emerging in the limited cease-fire. Vice President JD Vance will lead a U.S. delegation in talks this weekend.

Strange Bedfellows

The hard Left has once again allied itself with Islamists in the belief that they will help achieve its goals, hence repeating the mistake the communists made in 1979, in revolutionary Iran.

NY Times: New Anthropic AI Model Sparks National Security Concerns

Leading tech companies have been in conversations with the Trump administration about Anthropic's newest artificial intelligence model and its implications for the security of the United States and other countries, according to The New York Times.…

USDA secretary’s ‘He is Risen’ Easter email unnerves some staff members

The email was the latest in a string of unprecedented expressions of Christian proselytizing by administration leaders.

Unity tested: Democrats face off over Israel and AIPAC dark money during DNC meeting

Democrats gather in New Orleans for the DNC spring meeting as internal divisions over Israel policy and AIPAC's role in primaries take center stage.

Spanberger ripped after taking credit for billions in investments secured under GOP predecessor: 'Pathetic'

Virginia Dem Governor Abigail Spanberger touted $7.1 billion in investment and 3,250 new jobs this week, but the investments were actually announced under her GOP predecessor.

Letters to the Editor

27 March – 3 April 2026

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

'What a Surprise' File: Latest Classified Leaker to Get Busted Is Just AWFL

Lt. Gov. Patrick Warns Texas GOP Faces 'Tough Time' Holding House

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned that Republicans could face a difficult path to maintaining their dominance in the traditionally red state, citing both internal party divisions and broader political headwinds ahead of the midterm elections.

Kristi Noem’s luxury DHS jet to be used by other administration officials

The former homeland security secretary said the $70 million plane, which included a bedroom, was intended to carry out the president’s mass deportation agenda.

Rep. Miller-Meeks to Newsmax: Dems Out to 'Get Trump' With War Powers Move

Democrats' efforts to limit President Donald Trump's war powers in Iran reflect a broader political effort targeting the president rather than a consistent national security stance, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks told Newsmax on Thursday.

On Social Media, Democratic Politicians Are Letting the F-Word Fly

Democratic politicians are swearing with glee. It is usually aimed at President Trump.

Maybe Trump Should Not Have Given This Speech

His address raised more questions than it answered about the war in Iran.

The State That Could Decide Trump’s Gerrymandering War

Democrats want Virginians to aggressively gerrymander the state.

California’s top court halts sheriff’s seizure of half a million ballots

The court accepted a case challenging an unusual investigation by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for California governor as a Republican.

Trump: NY Times, CNN Reported 'Fake' 10-Point Plan

President Donald Trump called out The New York Times and CNN for reporting a "fake" and "made-up" 10-point plan allegedly involved in peace talks with Iran.

Crime in DC is Down But Problems Persist

Trump Pressures Netanyahu Toward Lebanon Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving toward direct negotiations with Lebanon after pressure from the Trump administration to "calm down" escalating strikes that threatened to derail broader Middle East diplomacy, according to multip…

As Hegseth proclaims victory in Iran war, Caine takes cautious tone

The defense secretary described the state of hostilities mostly in past tense. The Joint Chiefs chairman noted that the “ceasefire is a pause” in combat operations.

Addressing the Academic Skew

Higher education needs intellectual—not political—conservatives.

Tulsi Gabbard and the Deep State's Dirty Secrets

Anonymously sourced hit pieces have hammered Tulsi Gabbard the past few months in The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the New Republic, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, you name it.

Rep. Malliotakis to Newsmax: Mamdani Plan Is 'Socialist Agenda'

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., warned Thursday on Newsmax that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan is unconstitutional, divisive and certain to face strong opposition. In an appearance on "Wake Up America…

Hegseth’s War on America’s Military

Someone needs to explain the Pentagon purges to the American people.

CDC delays publishing report showing covid vaccine benefits

The acting CDC director cited concerns with the methodology, but the design has long been used to test vaccine effectiveness.

Podcast #332: The Historical Case for Israel

In a new book, US District Court Judge Roy Altman traces Jews’ indigenous presence in the holy land over the last 3,231 years.

Rogue Dem bucks party on Trump war powers, calls Iran ‘47-year-old war crime’

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., breaks with Democrats on Iran, rejecting war crime claims against President Donald Trump and vowing to block their next war powers vote in the Senate.

Lebanon to Iran and Europeans: Butt Out

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…

These Homesteaders Prep for the End of the World at Oklahoma Expo

Homesteading, for all its bucolic imagery, taps into the desire to escape from the disquiet of modern America, where anything can happen.

The IOC Is Protecting Female Athletics. Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport Isn’t Happy About It

On his Facebook page, Adam van Koeverden accused the IOC’s defenders of channelling ‘stupid conservative pseudo fantasies.’

The Axis of Renewal

Israel and the United States have already done much to dismantle the Axis of Resistance, but the broader network supported by Iran remains most active in Western Europe.

Trump vents at NATO but avoids rupture after meeting with alliance’s leader

The president, long a NATO skeptic, has been especially angry at alliance members in recent weeks for declining to take part in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Supreme Court remade by Trump ushers in historic defeats for civil rights

The court is the first since at least the ’50s to reject claims in a majority of cases involving women and minorities, an analysis conducted for The Post shows.

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 has battled the drug industry. Now its top lobbyist is leaving.

Steve Ubl built PhRMA into a more aggressive operation, one that has tangled with President Donald Trump as he seeks to curb drug prices.

Republicans block Jeffries' gambit to curb Trump's Iran war powers

House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to curb Trump's war powers in Iran during a pro forma session amid a two-week ceasefire agreement.

US Envoy to EU: Trump, Vance Not 'Meddling' in Hungary Vote

President Donald Trump's ambassador to the EU denied in an AFP interview Thursday that the U.S. leader or his vice president were "meddling" in Hungary's election by endorsing nationalist incumbent Viktor Orban.

Wednesday’s Final Word

How Trump Purged Immigration Judges to Speed Up Deportations

Judges are ordering an unprecedented number of people deported after coming under significant pressure from the administration to do so or risk losing their jobs.

She Testified About Being Raped. Then ICE Showed Up.

Immigration officers are making arrests in sensitive locations, including family court.

5 Takeaways From the U.S. Push Against the Far Left

The Trump administration has made countering antifa and other far-left groups a counterterrorism priority, despite increasing threats from the Middle East.

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.

Searching for Structure

An autistic writer tries to make sense of his passion for trains, maps, and timetables.

Trump to Host MAHA Leaders in Bid to Shore Up a Fragile Alliance

President Trump will meet privately at the White House on Thursday with disenchanted leaders of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement.

Trump’s Purge May Be Just Beginning

After Pam Bondi’s ouster, other top administration officials could be in jeopardy.

Many Americans Voting With Their Feet. GOP Is Winning

Progressive states like New York and California keep losing residents to lower-tax, higher-freedom states like Texas and Florida.

Europeans Have an Opinion. So What?

To Meet a Chatbot

An English professor burns the midnight oil talking to Microsoft Copilot about Shakespeare, Dickinson, Hawthorne, and a play he’s been working on—and comes away deeply impressed by its literary insights.

David B. Cornstein, Envoy Who Built U.S. Ties to Orban, Dies at 87

A former jewelry-counter magnate, he served in Hungary under his friend President Trump, strengthening relations between the two countries as Orban tilted rightward.

A GOP-aligned group is using Klan imagery to target Black voters

Civil rights rhetoric and images of Barack Obama are also being employed to persuade Virginians during the nationwide battle for U.S. House control.

Trump Officials Push Allies to Pursue Antifa and Far Left as Terrorist Threats

The Trump administration aims to deploy counterterrorism tools against far-left groups, even as it has offered little evidence they present a dire threat.