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

An Oligarchy of Old People

How elderly Americans amassed disproportionate wealth and power

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.

The Battle for the Strait

After the failure of ceasefire talks in Islamabad, the United States remains at war with Iran and Trump’s priority is to liberate the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.

Obama's Top Iran Negotiator on Trump's Screwups

President Donald Trump, in between blockading the Strait of Hormuz and posting blasphemous AI images of himself as Jesus, claims he still wants to strike a deal with Iran's government to end the current conflict, reopen the Strait, and curtail the…

Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka seeks top counterterrorism job

The maneuvering comes a month after Joe Kent, the National Counterterrorism Center’s previous director, resigned in protest over the Iran war.

Trump Threatens to Fire Fed Chair Powell Amid Escalating Standoff

President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from his separate seat as a member of the ‌U.S. central bank's Board of Governors if Powell does not vacate ​that post as well when his term as Fed chief en…

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio Governor Bid: Can He Win Over Voters?

Vivek Ramaswamy has all but cleared the field ahead of the May primary for Ohio governor, but whether a finance and pharma billionaire is the man for the moment is another question.

ICEy Relations: A Tale of Two Cities

Addressing the Academic Skew

Higher education needs intellectual—not political—conservatives.

Over a dozen state officials rally behind game-changing Trump admin rule cracking down on fraud: 'Essential'

Financial officers from 12 states rally behind a Trump administration rule targeting healthcare middlemen to lower costs and root out fraud and waste.

Dems Post Massive Fundraising Hauls in Key Senate Races

Democratic Senate candidates across several key states posted strong fundraising numbers in recent filings, signaling early financial strength ahead of competitive 2026 races, according to figures reported by Politico. In Texas, state Rep. James T…

AI and the Wiki Wars

The Wikipedia knowledge monopoly is not ready for the Grokipedia threat.

She Testified About Being Raped. Then ICE Showed Up.

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

Letters to the Editor

27 March – 3 April 2026

Predictable: Everybody Underestimated Trump Again

How a Times Reporter Has Covered a Turbulent Period in Latin America

Frances Robles, an international correspondent for The New York Times, has reported on the region for more than 25 years.

Trump’s reversal on day care upends a bipartisan push to lower costs

Lawmakers and advocates were gaining momentum until the president backtracked on his campaign promise.

Viktor Orbán Could Actually Lose

The Hungarian leader faces an energized opposition—and questions about whether he would accept defeat.

Noncitizen charged with voting in Minnesota 2024 election after admitting ‘mistake’ to investigators

A noncitizen in Minnesota is accused of voting in the 2024 election and faces felony charges as Republicans push for stronger voter ID legislation.

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

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

A Progressive Group Rolls Out a Campus Competitor to Turning Point

More Perfect Union, a left-wing media organization, hopes to win back young voters and build a new generation of college influencers with its More Perfect University program.

Spain Just Opened Every Country in Europe to Islamist Migrants

Prosecutors Make Surprise Visit to Fed as Pirro Defends Investigation

The Justice Department’s criminal inquiry into the Federal Reserve threatens to delay the confirmation of the next chair.

Rubio Hosts Israel and Lebanon for Rare Meeting Shadowed by U.S.-Iran War

The gathering ended with encouraging words, even as Israel continued to refuse to halt its military campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Kelly Loeffler to Newsmax: Tax Returns Prove 'Promises Made, Promises Kept' From Trump

Small Business Administration Administrator Kelley Loeffler told Newsmax that Americans' income tax returns demonstrate the "promises made, promises kept" leadership approach of President Donald Trump.

Hegseth’s War on America’s Military

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

Happy Tax Day, America. You're (Still) Being Robbed

Americans feel squeezed on Tax Day. And it's not just about tax rates, but how Washington spends the money.

Trump’s Go-To Justification for Contentious Decisions: National Security

The administration has invoked national security in a variety of matters, including the White House ballroom and offshore wind farms, drawing rebukes from some judges.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

House Passes Air Safety Bill, Setting Up Clash with Senate

Senate leaders say key provisions fall short of what is necessary to prevent aircraft from midair collisions.

Calif. Gov. Candidate: Dems Covered for Swalwell

California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton blamed the state's "Democratic machine" for ignoring an "open secret" about former Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell.

Media Coverage of the Iran War Has One Target: Trump

The fourth estate is rooting against the president.

How Eric Swalwell rose to the top of Democratic politics as rumors followed him

Allies such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Ruben Gallego say they knew nothing about the misconduct allegations, with Gallego saying the congressman led a “double life.”

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.

Foreign Power, Local Politics

Where local collaboration is absent, foreign intervention imposes enormous costs or simply stalls. Where it exists, intervention can succeed with surprising velocity.

US Faces Demand to Restore $350 Million in Federal Funding to Help Power Puerto Rico

Nearly 200 organizations are urging the Trump administration and Puerto Rico's governor to restore $350 million in federal funding that was meant to finance the installation of rooftop solar and battery systems for 12,000 lowincome families across…

Iran: A Longer View on Shifting Balance of Power

America's leverage in the Strait exposes Iran's weakness-turning its greatest asset into a liability and reshaping the balance of power without a ground war.

Erika Kirk Misses Event in Georgia After Threats

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.

War powers vote will test Senate’s support for Trump’s war with Iran

Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the war as it approaches the two-month mark, saying the administration must make the case for continuing it.

Trump-Tillis tiff deepens as president says he ‘quit,’ concedes Fed fight could doom new chair confirmation

Kevin Warsh's Federal Reserve confirmation hearing heads to the Senate next week, but Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., plans to block President Donald Trump's pick over DOJ probe.

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…

Top CDC director pick Erica Schwartz tests White House political balancing act

Schwartz would be Trump’s third nominee to lead the agency. The administration is also said to be looking at three other people to serve in senior roles supporting her.

The Conciliator

Why did Gretchen Whitmer go soft on Trump?

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.

U.S. sends thousands more troops to Mideast as Trump seeks to squeeze Iran

The deployment includes sailors and Marines due to arrive as the administration attempts to enforce a maritime blockade against the regime in Tehran.

Melania Adviser Beckman to Newsmax: First Lady Pushing Foster Bill in Congress

First Lady Melania Trump is set to press lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advance what senior adviser Marc Beckman told Newsmax Wednesday is landmark foster care legislation, as part of a broader push to translate her "Fostering the Future" initiative…

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.

Rep. Jamie Raskin: Impeaching Trump Must Be an Option

Metabolizing and normalizing Donald Trump's serial unhinged actions has become America's least favorite pastime, and these past few weeks alone have featured threats to end an entire civilization, claims that the Pope is "weak on crime," and a fli…

Democrats State a Show of Respect for Al Sharpton. Really?

He once had the power to break politicians, but now he's completely out of step with black voters.

Millions tap Trump tax cuts this filing season as refunds top $3,400

Over 53 million tax filers claimed Trump's signature tax cuts this season, with the average refund climbing above $3,400, Treasury Department data shows.

Trump Administration Boosts Push for Crypto Bill

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Congress to pass cryptocurrency market structure legislation as lawmakers return from recess with a narrowing window for action.

White House Favors Former Deputy Surgeon General to Lead CDC

The White House is ‌considering Erica Schwartz as the new leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Washington Post said on Tuesday, citing three sources who sought anonymity to speak about ‌the plan.

Does Iran Fit Catholic Definition of a 'Just War?'

Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director for EWTN and the author of the book Leo the Fourteenth: Portrait of the First American Pope joins Andre...

Starry, Starry Flight: Iran Threatens Ceasefire As Blockade Bites

Podcast #333: The Search for Truth

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Michael Shermer, the author of a number of works on critical thinking, epistemology, and ethics, about his new book, 'Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters.'

1979 Is the Year That Explains Donald Trump

And pretty much all of the 1980s do too.

Steyer: I'm Running On the Insurrection Party Ticket!

Trump says he’s willing to ‘risk’ giving up rights as he pushes to extend a surveillance law.

JD Vance Heckled In Antiwar Protest at Turning Point USA Event

Vice President JD Vance appeared to express sympathy with critics of the war with Iran: “I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK. I understand.”

‘Privileged’ Hunter Biden, spared by dad’s pardon, blasts Trump’s clemency power

Hunter Biden admits his own bias regarding the presidential pardon from his father, claiming the founders never imagined Donald Trump or his family.

Treasury: 53 Million Filers Used New Trump Tax Exemptions

It's Tax Day today, the deadline for most Americans to file taxes, and the Trump administration says millions of people have already used new breaks such as no tax on tips and overtime, interest exemptions on certain car loans, deductions for some…

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…

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…

Germany’s Cozy Catastrophe

The German state has been generous to its beneficiaries—but that largesse is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Hungary Just Ousted the Unoustable

Viktor Orbán had support from Moscow and Washington, but not from his own people.

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.

Stolen IDs sold for ‘Happy Meal’ prices fuel billions in US benefit fraud

Criminals can buy stolen identities for the price of a fast-food meal and use AI to file fake benefit claims, a former inspector general told Congress.

J. D. Vance Is Definitely Against Foreign Election Interference

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

White House touts refunds, as most Americans say taxes are too high

The president hopes voters will focus on the benefit of “No Tax on Tips” and other breaks, but economists say higher gas prices will negate most of those benefits.

Tuesday’s Final Word

Priorities, Priorities...

SAVE Act: Election Control for Me, Not for Thee

Amid the conflict with Iran and the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, leaders in Washington haven't set aside their fight over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act).

Irish Government Survives to Ignore Its Citizens Another Day

Biden border officials released alleged killer of Chicago student 'due to lack of space,' documents show

Biden-era border officials released alleged killer Jose Medina-Medina despite noting he had no asylum claim, House Judiciary Republicans reveal.

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.

Move 37 and the Coming Mindhack

What happens when human manipulation arrives at its Claude Mythos moment?

CNN Political Briefing

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

Dems ripped for 'Stop Nick Shirley Act' that could 'shield' fraud and abuse in California

California Democrats face backlash over a bill critics say would criminalize investigative journalism and shield immigration service providers.

Vance praises Trump, while subtly differentiating himself at Georgia event

At a gathering of conservative college students, the vice president expressed respect for Pope Leo XIV and empathized with concerns about high costs of living

The Tragedy of Murdered Indigenous Women is Real. So How Did Activists Turn It Into a Punch Line?

Leah Gazan’s use of the absurd term ‘MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+’ to describe female Indigenous homicide victims is a case study in progressive linguistic self-sabotage.

Trump Renews Criticism of Pope Leo Over Iran

President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, urging the pontiff via social media to recognize that Iran has killed at least 42,000 unarmed protesters in recent months and that Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.

Rumors: Ceasefire Coming in Lebanon – Matched to Iran Pause?

US Allies Won't Join Trump's War - But Can't Escape Fallout

It's not their war. But it's becoming their political and economic nightmare.

How to force the House to do what you want

The Washington Post’s essential guide to power and influence in D.C.

Border czar Homan fires back at Pope Leo, explains what Vatican leaders ‘don't know’ about immigration

Trump border czar Tom Homan says he is open to talks with Pope Leo XIV amid the administration's feud with the Vatican over immigration.

Woman accuses Eric Swalwell of rape in 2018, reports it to authorities

Her attorney said at a news conference that she will not present evidence to the media.

Trump falsely claimed Spanberger added taxes. Here are the facts.

Republicans keep criticizing Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger over proposed tax increases by Democratic legislators that never passed and that she never endorsed.

Jared Kushner’s Mysterious Role in the Trump Administration

Is the president’s son-in-law carrying out the public’s business or pursuing his own private interests?

DHS shutdown enters Day 60 with all eyes on House Republicans to end it

Congress returned with no end in sight for the 60-day DHS shutdown as Republicans eye a "skinny" reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement.

Republicans Divided on Iran as War Powers Vote Looms

The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a resolution to block President Donald Trump from ordering further strikes on Iran, as Republicans grow increasingly divided over the future of the conflict and how to fund it.

David Axelrod trying to tamp down speculation after meeting the pope

David Axelrod denies his Pope Leo XIV meeting was a precursor to a potential summit with former President Barack Obama amid accusations of politically motivated Trump criticism.

On filing deadline, GOP blasts Democrats for opposing Trump tax cuts, ‘making life more expensive’

On Tax Day 2026, Senate GOP launches ads in seven key races targeting Democrats who voted against working families tax cuts signed by President Trump.

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.

Chuck Schumer: 'We're Going To Take Back the Senate'

In an exclusive interview with NOTUS, the Senate minority leader defended the primary candidates he's endorsed and argued that as many as eight seats are in play in 2026.

The State That Could Decide Trump’s Gerrymandering War

Democrats want Virginians to aggressively gerrymander the state.

Trump’s Blockade Risks Upending an Emerging Détente With China

In a thinly veiled critique of the war in Iran, China’s leader said the world could not risk reverting “to the law of the jungle.”

In this U.S. hot spot for data centers, voters have turned against them

Findings from a new Washington Post-Schar School poll come as Prince William County on Tuesday abandoned plans for one of the country’s biggest and most controversial data center projects.

The Final Frontier

Like the old Wild West, the Moon offers the prospect of resources to exploit and land to settle. Artemis II's successful mission is just the beginning.

Pope Needs To Brush Up on Bible's Lessons on War & Peace

The Bible is not an injunction for pacifism, and it doesn't entail a condemnation of the Iran war.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

How Americans Feel About Tax Day

Today is April 15, the day of reckoning between the Internal Revenue Service and millions of (procrastinating) taxpayers. Two recent surveys give us a sense of how Americans view their annual obligation to pay Uncle Sam.

Trump Breaks With Meloni, Italy’s Leader, Amid Dispute Over Pope and Iran

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was once considered one of President Trump’s closest European allies. Their friendship now appears in danger.

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.

Shaun King Stokes anti-Semitism on X

Vance Says Pope Leo Should Be More Careful When Talking About Theology

The vice president, who is Catholic, took issue with Pope Leo XIV’s statement that disciples of Christ are “never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”

Hegseth, 'Gang of Eight' to Discuss Defense Budget

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will meet Monday with the "Gang of Eight," the top Republicans and Democrats on the Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees, to discuss the Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion budget, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Was…

Why Does the Media Keep Missing These Huge, Career-Ending Stories?