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

Republicans Barely Mention Trump in Political Ads Ahead of the Midterms

Only a small fraction of recent G.O.P. broadcast and streaming ads mention the president, according to a Times analysis of ad data.

Our Medical Schools Aren’t Serving the Public Interest

The big problem is that we are not graduating enough doctors.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Walz-era fraud scandal takes center stage as Klobuchar, GOP rival clash in debate: 'Why didn't you do more?'

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed over Minnesota's massive fraud scandal in their first gubernatorial debate to replace Tim Walz.

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.

The Senate Must Censure Sen. Slotkin Immediately

If Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune doesn't at least censure Sen. Elissa Slotkin, he supports abuse of power. It's that simple.

Colleges Are Still Discriminating by Race

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.

France: Debt and Disorder

The scale of the disturbances are, to say the least, evidence of profound dysfunction.

Can Republicans Hold On in Ohio?

The state's working class is preparing to send a midterms message.

Anti-Catholic Social Panics, Then and Now

Two centuries before the claimed discovery of non-existent ‘unmarked graves’ in British Columbia, a wave of bestselling ‘convent exposés’ purported to detail mass rape and child murder among priests and nuns.

Smithsonian screening dispute puts museum's commitment to diverse views on trial: 'Right kind of Black?'

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History declined a public screening of "White Guilt," a documentary by filmmaker Eli Steele.

How a foreign government helped accused Saudi spy's family flee US after OpenAI bug scandal

A former OpenAI engineer was in frequent contact with Saudi royalty and searching company records on the Kingdom before his arrest, prosecutors say.

Medical Journal Promotes Ideological Redefinition of ‘Infertility’

Infertility is a biological condition.

It took 3 months to get inside this massive Texas data center — here’s what we saw

Compass Datacenters CEO Chris Crosby says the data center boom is fueling blue-collar jobs for electricians, mechanics and technicians in Red Oak, Texas.

Riots and Looting Spread to Italy

Republicans Don't Know How To Handle El-Sayed

Republicans don't know how to handle this Michigan Democrat

If SCOTUS Wants To Protect Free Press, Here Is a Chance

Below is my column in The Hill on an important case currently before the Supreme Court on the free press and the ability to protect confidential sources. The underlying facts may seem like something out of The Onion: an accused Chinese operative a…

Why These High-School Girls Walked Off Cross-Country Meet

At a Camas HS cross country team race Tuesday in Washington state, a group of girls walked off the course.

Abdul El-Sayed Is Straight Up Lying About the Origin of His Own Name

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…

The Rise and Fall of Katie Zacharia

CNN Political Briefing

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

As Scrutiny of His Aid to Putin Intensifies, Trump Waives More Russia Sanctions

As Trump cancels sanctions from Graham bill he just signed, new report claims Elon Musk suggested, and Trump agreed, on restricting Ukraine’s defenses.

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.

A Pop Fiction Master and Monster

Rest in Peace, Jeffrey Archer—politician, novelist, and reviled human being.

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…

Serial Liar And Russia Hoaxer Ken Dilanian Should Not Be Allowed Within 500 Feet Of A Newsroom

2026 - The Year When Boiling Oil From the Parapets Became Hot Water From the Window

Ro Khanna Endorses European Riots

Make the GOP Intellectually Incoherent . . . and Stronger

Trump has smashed the old images of the GOP and the grip of any one faction over it.

Anatomy of a Book Promotion

How a LinkedIn spat over the “glass cliff” cost McKinsey partner Chris Bradley his leadership role, and became the centrepiece of a book launch.

Vital Early Voting Period Begins in Texas

Early voting in Texas, where the outcome of the Senate race could determine which party controls the chamber, will run through Oct. 30.

Fire at Starlink Center in Lithuania Was Sabotage, Officials Say

The fire, which did not seriously damage the network, came after similar incidents in Bulgaria and Poland involving the satellite internet provider, a key defense tool for Ukraine’s armed forces.

The Insight Trap

Self-knowledge is cheap and satisfying, but changing what we do takes years of tedious practice.

Ro Khanna sparks backlash over France riot comments as critic says he wants to ‘ride the rage wave’

Ro Khanna argued France riots show a need to "listen to our young," drawing sharp backlash from critics who accused him of excusing political violence.

They Walked in Line

A look back at the heyday of cinema’s lurid Nazisploitation subgenre, from ‘Ilsa’ to ‘The Night Porter.’

Marxist-Islamist Alliance in Europe Is a Warning for U.S.

A violent weekend of Marxist-Islamist protests rocked Europe, from Portugal to Italy. The worst carnage erupted across France, where rioters torched the revered, architecturally stunning town hall of Limoges. The 143-year-old landmark is a protect…

Troy Jackson’s Petulant Debate Haunts His Campaign

Despite the tailwinds at the party’s back, the pride evinced by candidates like Jackson may still rob the Democrats of a historic night on November 3.

Big Labor Flexes Its Muscles in a Small State

On the question of public-sector collective bargaining, FDR has been proven right.

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.

Australia’s Coming Censorship Machine

The Albanese government's proposed Digital Duty of Care laws would give regulators sweeping powers over online content, threatening free speech in Australia and setting a dangerous precedent for internet regulation worldwide.

Trump Betrays Lindsey Graham; Will Rally with Darline Wednesday

Trump waived implementation of a sanctions bill named after the late Lindsey Graham. What is Senator Darline Graham supposed to say about this?

Christiane Amanpour Says She Is Leaving CNN After 43 Years

The chief international anchor, one of the most famous names in broadcast news, started as an assistant at the network in 1983.

Manchin bucks Schumer, throws support behind Republican Democrats want to oust

Joe Manchin is campaigning for Senate Republican Susan Collins in Maine, calling her bipartisan and declaring she is "not a Trump senator."

DOJ Charges 28 California Residents With Voting-Related Crimes Amid Trump’s Voter Fraud Push

The effort by the Trump administration comes as it wages a broader fight with California officials over voter rolls.

Supreme Court Will Not Revive Plea Deal for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and 9/11 Defendants

The justices rejected a request from Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and two others accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks, clearing the way for a potential death penalty trial.

Reporter’s Notebook: Senate sneaks in one last political play before voters have their say

Senate Republicans forced a vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act to curb data center utility costs, but Democrats call it a toothless political ploy.

Violent far-left riots in France are 'chilling warning' for Americans at home, Mike Johnson says

Mike Johnson warns the United States could face France-style riots if socialist Democrats win midterms and push open borders immigration policies.

Josh Frydenberg on Bondi, Antisemitism and A Grateful Son

Former Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg tells Claire Lehmann why he believes Bondi was preventable, and what Australia needs on antisemitism, tax and economic reform

Midterm Elections: Who Is Winning the Race for Congress?

It’s Oct. 19 — 15 days from the midterms. Here’s the state of play.

Please Don't Overinterpret Early Voting Numbers

Early returns are the Elvis-in-a-potato-chip of election analysis.

Don't Just Follow the Polls. Follow the Money

We have no idea how accurate the midterm polls will be this year. But Republicans' recent campaign decisions are telling.

Trump takes border crackdown to deep-red state as shock Senate battle threatens GOP stronghold

Donald Trump heads to Kansas to rally near Wichita, touting his immigration agenda as ICE arrests and deportation efforts ramp up across the state.

A 1st Amendment Award for a 1st Amendment Opponent

"The number one challenge that we see is the First Amendment in the United States," said Katherine Maher, now CEO of formerly government subsidized National Public Radio in a 2021 video interview with the once prestigious Atlantic Council. Maher, …

Cornell and Consent

An open letter to young men and women from an exasperated mother.

New Hotness: Mamdani Is Really a Moderate, You Know

Trump Rallies Red States Amid Fears About G.O.P. Voter Enthusiasm as Midterms Near

The president’s swing is taking him to states including South Carolina and Kansas that were not seen as competitive just a few months ago.

Watching a Cancelled Novelist Confront His False Accusers

Podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Amy Hamm about Steven Galloway’s legal campaign against the University of British Columbia scholars who promoted baseless allegations that he was a rapist.

Ethanol Mandates Are Driving Up Fuel Prices

On the Origin of Straw Men

Tariffs don’t eliminate competition, and markets don’t stop adapting when governments intervene.

Next Big Healthcare Reform Might Already Be Underway

If you live in Colorado and buy your own health insurance, there's a good chance you're one of the 139,000 people enrolled in a public plan crafted by your state leaders. You're paying $0 for primary care visits and certain mental health visits, $…

Great News, America! The President Is Redeveloping East Potomac Golf Links!

Ah yes, just what America was clamoring for, redesigning the East Potomac Golf Links.

Trump renews push to rename New Mexico ‘New America,’ touts higher home values and incomes

President Trump urged New Mexico to rename itself "New America," claiming the change would boost home values and incomes, while taking a swipe at state elections.

Supreme Court to Hear New Case on Race and School Admissions

The court’s decision to review an admissions policy for selective middle school programs in Maryland follows its rejection of affirmative action in higher education.

Mahmoud Khalil Appeals to Supreme Court to Halt Deportation

Mr. Khalil had recently graduated from Columbia when he was arrested by ICE agents and became the face of the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Omens from the Thirty Years War

Claire’s Weekly Letter: Bad History, Bad Law, Buried Truths

France's massive intel failure sparks resignation offers amid days of rioting

Emmanuel Macron ordered a security review after France's intelligence services badly underestimated protests that overwhelmed 60,000 police officers.

Jason Miller and the Modern Purveyors of Fake News

Three days after hiring Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary, President Trump lashed out at the "fake news" media for its critical coverage of the beleaguered California mother of four - even while signaling that her brief stint in the ad…

The Radicalisation of Tucker Carlson

The most parsimonious explanation for Carlson’s political project in recent years is that he has developed a hatred of Western liberal democracy.

Republicans Are Vastly Outspending Democrats on Senate Races

With Republicans seen as less likely to hold their majority in the House, the party is focusing more on the battle for the Senate, where it is vastly outspending Democrats on ads.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

‘It Was Epic’: Kid Rock Discusses Trump Dinner With Stephen A. Smith, Bill Maher

Paris Is Burning: The Marxist Network Behind France’s Chaos and Why America Could Be Next

On this full episode of LARRY with Larry O'Connor, Larry exposes the radical left-wing network fueling the chaos in France. A bombshell Fox News investigation identifies 54 organizations involved in the nationwide unrest, including communist group…

If Only Tariffs Made Industries More Dynamic

We cannot expect markets to bail us out when we are damping the very forces that make them work.

Fixing a Broken Workplace Bargain With the Young

Britain is weighing a problem the U.S. must address: The gap between school and work. Apprenticeship degrees are one solution.

Obama's lengthy reaction to Omar investigation triggers instant backlash: 'Spare me'

Barack Obama's vocal defense of Ilhan Omar drew fierce conservative backlash citing his own administration's IRS targeting of Tea Party groups.

Robert Lynch on Status, Humour and the Apes We Pretend Not to Be | Quillette Cetera Episode 74

Anthropologist Robert Lynch on going from Wall Street to addiction to substitute teaching, why apes laugh, and why comedy needs risk.

Trump Golf Course Dispute Sparks Clash Between Judge and DOJ

The Justice Department clashed with Judge Ana C. Reyes over testimony by several government witnesses about the chain of decisions surrounding East Potomac Golf Links.

England and Wales to Ban Porn with Choking, Incest, and Role-Playing as a Minor

I suppose this is yet another instance where the United Kingdom prioritizes the wrong thing.