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

Anna Kelly to Newsmax: White House Working to Prevent DHS Shutdown

As a midnight deadline approaches, President Donald Trump is pushing Congress to keep the government open to avoid potential disruptions affecting key Department of Homeland Security agencies, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said Fri…

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…

White House fires U.S. attorney in N.Y. hours after judges appointed him

Donald T. Kinsella was chosen by judges to lead the federal prosecutors’ office in Albany, then fired hours later via an email from the White House.

When Compensated College Athletes Get a State Tax Bill Next Year, They Can Blame California

The Ravenous Media Diet of President Trump

President Trump has a frequent, if slightly out-of-date, complaint in the era of the online press: The stories he prefers always seem to get buried in the print edition.

Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty in Minn. ICE Protest Case

Former CNN host Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges Friday, following a protest at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor.

U.S. Standing Tall in Munich, Europe Crying

The administration’s delegation to the conference is advancing sound policy.

As Democrats Keep Dropping Like Flies From Epstein Ties, They Keep Calling Trump a 'Pedophile'

A D.H.S. Shutdown Looms. Bruised Minnesotans Urge Their Parties to Dig In.

Congressional Democrats say they will approve no money for the Department of Homeland Security without guardrails on immigration agents. Their voters in Minnesota are demanding no less.

How Not to Develop a Country

The idea that we should redistribute wealth by fiat from prosperous to low-income and stagnating countries remains popular even though it is profoundly misguided. 

ICE After Minneapolis

Trump’s team wants a reset on its mass-deportation goals, not a retreat.

Catholics, conservatives cheer ouster of ex-Miss California from WH religious panel after hijacking hearing

Former Miss California Carrie Prejean Boller ousted from Trump's Religious Liberty Commission amid controversy over her remarks at a hearing on antisemitism.

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…

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…

Boasberg Wants Illegal Venezuelans Back in U.S., on Our Dime

In a full circle moment, and nearly one year after his infamous demand to return illegal Venezuelans already on plane out of U.S. airspace last year, Judge Boasberg again orders their return.

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.

Transfer of ISIS suspects concludes as Trump pursues Syria exit

President Trump aims to end the military mission there despite concerns about Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s ability to prevent a resurgence of the group.

A Line We Shouldn’t Cross

We don’t like foreign meddling in our elections, and rightly so; we should remember that other countries’ people don’t like it, either.

Trump’s Minnesota Retreat Points to the Power of Public Anger

The withdrawal came as polls show Americans opposing the president’s immigration tactics, and as some Republican lawmakers began to find ways to distance themselves.

CNN Pollster: Dems Truly Are Going Socialist – And Voters Are Noticing

Podcast #324: Guests of the Nation

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to writer Lionel Shriver about her new novel, A Better Life, which tackles the theme of immigration.

Texas University Closes Exhibition With Anti-ICE Artwork

The exhibition at the University of North Texas by a Mexican-born artist included the language “Immigration and Cruelty Enforcement.”

U.S. orders second aircraft carrier to Middle East as Trump pressures Iran

The USS Gerald R. Ford, deployed since June, will cross the Atlantic for a second time despite a Navy warning that the warship needs maintenance.

Billions in foreign cash tied to US climate network draws scrutiny from Republican AGs

Nineteen Republican attorneys general asked the DOJ to investigate U.S. nonprofits that received nearly $2 billion in foreign climate funding for potential violations.

Strange Delight

Radley Metzger’s 1975 hardcore adaptation of a celebrated literary hoax is a vast improvement on the cynical source material.

Don't Tell Me Pizzagate Is Real...

How Jeff Bezos Broke The Washington Post

The paper of record for the nation’s capital cut a third of its staff this week. It didn’t have to be like this.

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 Is Doubling Down on All the Wrong Things

Republicans are worried about the midterm elections, but the president doesn’t seem to be.

The AI Trilemma

How to regulate a revolutionary technology.

Justice Department Sues Harvard for Admissions Records

The Trump administration appears to have renewed its pressure campaign against Harvard since President Trump backtracked this month on a possible settlement with the Ivy League school.

No Bodies, No Accountability

A new book catalogues the damage to Canadian society caused by a 2021 social panic over non-existent ‘unmarked graves.’

Patient Cop vs. Emo Karen

The Murder of The Washington Post

Today’s layoffs are the latest attempt to kill what makes the paper special.

Hmmm. As Welfare Money Dries Up, Luxury Goods Prices Suddenly Drop

Washington Already Tried This Rail Safety Playbook. It Failed

Reanimating the same framework through executive maneuver would not make the rail system safer.

Affordability: Inflation 'Unexpectedly' Keeps Dropping in January

Is Illegal Immigration the Left's Hill To Die On?

If you think way back to 2023 you may remember that this city was suffering a crisis of illegal immigration.

What Mamdani Doesn’t Know About Tenants

Fixing New York’s affordable housing isn’t as simple as going after bad landlords.

2nd US Aircraft Carrier Being Sent to Middle East

The world's largest aircraft carrier has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East as President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran.

More on the President’s Net Worth

Because of the volatile nature of his three main businesses, there are stark surges and plunges.

Thursday's Final Word

Is Teaching Standard English ‘Oppressive’?

The attack on English standards goes back to the 1970s.

Trump Pardons 5 Former NFL Players in Major Clemency Move

President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players convicted of various offenses ranging from counterfeiting to drug trafficking, according to an announcement posted online by Alice Marie Johnson, White House clemency adviser.

Divisions Mamdani Commands Are About To Be Tested

The New York mayor draws flack from the Catholic press, holds his own for now with the NYPD, and will have to twist arms in Albany.

The Part of the Breakdown We're Not Supposed to Mention

Virginia’s Top Court Clears Path for Democratic Push to Redraw House Map

The State Supreme Court allowed a spring statewide referendum that is necessary for Democrats to redraw Virginia’s congressional map before the midterm elections.

Judge rejects Hegseth bid to punish Sen. Kelly for video message to troops

The Trump administration intends to appeal the ruling, which says the retired Navy officer’s right to free speech was under attack.

Department of Homeland Security Faces Impending Shutdown

Though funding for the department is set to run out early Saturday, officials said its essential functions would continue.

Dem Report: Trump Spending Millions on Deportation Deals

Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee allege in a report released Friday that President Donald Trump's administration spent more than $40 million in 2025 to send hundreds of migrants to at least two dozen countries that were not thei…

Justice Dept.’s head of antitrust departs amid tensions on enforcement

Gail Slater — an antitrust attorney who vowed to resist political interference at her confirmation hearing — announced her departure on social media.

Trump's Operation Metro Surge located 3,000 missing migrant children in Minneapolis, Emmer says

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer says Trump’s Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis led to the recovery of 3,000 migrant children and the arrest of thousands of illegal immigrants.

Va. Supreme Court paves way for Democrats to add four seats in Congress

The Supreme Court of Virginia has said the April 21 redistricting referendum can go forward even as it hears the appeal of a lower court’s ruling against it.

‘The Trust Has Been Absolutely Destroyed’

Some state election officials say they no longer trust their federal partners.

AI Optimism?

‘I think right now is the time it’s to be bullish on this technology, not to be terrified of it.’

Battle for the House runs through Virginia as court OKs high-stakes redistricting vote

Virginia Supreme Court greenlights April 21 referendum on redistricting, allowing Democrats to potentially create four more left-leaning House districts.

Democrat claims SAVE Act would block married women from voting; Republicans say that's wrong

Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten is opposing Republican SAVE America Act voter ID legislation, arguing it creates obstacles for married women voters due to birth certificate requirements.

Tracking who Trump is appointing to fill key administration roles

Follow President Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

Dem Senators Urge Trump to Scrap Social Media Vetting for Foreign Tourists

Two Democrat senators on Friday urged the Trump administration to abandon a proposal to require millions of foreign visitors to provide social media handles used over the past five years.

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.

Texas Dem Fantasizes About Race Revolution as GOP Grovels

If Democrats are this bold when their anti-white zeal can still jeopardize campaigns, what happens when they no longer fear losing elections?

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Renewable Blackouts?

Macron’s overall message was clear. Any system that relies too heavily on renewables is inherently fragile.

How Trump’s order to have the military buy coal would actually work

President Donald Trump says the military will start "buying a lot of coal," but his executive order faces Pentagon procurement rules and congressional funding limits.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Fmr Sen. Coleman to Newsmax: Ending Filibuster Would Trigger One-Party Rule

Former Sen. Norm Coleman is warning that eliminating the Senate filibuster would dramatically reshape the nation's political landscape, arguing the procedural rule is a safeguard against one-party rule and sweeping policy changes. In comments focu…

The Democrats Aren’t Built for This

They say they want to save democracy. First they’ll need to get out of their own way.

Giuliani to Newsmax: Mamdani 'Lying' About NYC Deficit

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Thursday sharply criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the city budget, accusing him of misrepresenting the size of the deficit and lacking the experience to manage municipal finances.

Debunking Al Gore Has Made the World a Better Place

As we keep sailing past the various doomsday deadlines set by climate shucksters from Al Gore to Greta Thunberg, the public has been waking up to the hoax.

‘They were spying’: Sullivan sounds alarm on joint Russia-China moves in US Arctic zone

Russian and Chinese military incursions near Alaska prompt major U.S. defense investments, including reopening Adak base and new Arctic infrastructure.

The Sob Stories Always Fall Apart

Female Wrestler, 16, Alleges Assault by Trans Opponent, DOE Investigating

The Trump administration has launched a federal investigation after a 16-year-old wrestler in Washington state alleged she was sexually assaulted during a girls' match by an opponent who was biologically born a man and identifies as a woman.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Friday 30 January — February 6, 2026

Why This Shutdown Is Different

Now come negotiations over the administration’s immigration crackdown.

Eruzione to Newsmax: Olympic Pride Means Putting Country First, Not Politics

Mike Eruzione told Newsmax viewers Friday that there is "no greater feeling" for an athlete than wearing a USA jersey, and he argued the Olympic Games shouldn't be used to air political grievances.

The Epstein Emails Show How the Powerful Talk About Race

The files reveal the disgraced financier’s interest in “race science.”

As Diplomats Talk, Pentagon Prepares for Possible War With Iran

President Trump threatened to strike Iran, but the military has needed time to build up its forces in the region.

Dems Score Another Epstein Scalp: Obama's White House Counsel

Justice Jackson’s Tariff Tea Leaves

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was asked about the timetable for the tariff case before the Supreme Court.

Bessent Pushes Senate on Fed Confirmation Amid Backlash Over Criminal Inquiry

President Trump’s effort to get Kevin M. Warsh confirmed as the next Federal Reserve chair has been complicated by a criminal investigation into Jerome H. Powell.

Capitalism’s Paradox

Why prosperity breeds guilt, how status incentives reward critique, and what happens when function is replaced by moral performance.

U.S. Transfers Thousands of ISIS Prisoners to Iraq From Syria

The moves appear to highlight lingering doubts in Washington about the new Syrian government’s ability to ensure security.

White House, RFK Jr. shake up health leadership after controversies

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health department is undergoing a major leadership overhaul. 

ICE director stands his ground after Swalwell blowup, says Democrats are ‘misleading their constituents’

ICE Director Todd Lyons refuses to resign despite mounting Democratic pressure, telling Fox News he stands firmly by immigration enforcement mission.

Why Is the Washington Post Cratering?

Not so long ago - it's been less than a decade - the New York Times and the Washington Post were almost neck and neck in the race for readers, reputation and scoops. The Times was always bigger, but the two were somewhat comparable.

Ocasio-Cortez, Rubio to offer dueling visions of world order in Munich

German Chancellor Frederich Merz kicked off the conference on Friday saying the rules-based international order “no longer exists,” in a new era of “big power politics.”

Self-Defeating “Sustainability”

The sustainable agriculture movement’s ideological opposition to biotechnology undermines genuine environmental progress and food security.

Trump admin rips Mamdani, local Dems as activists override gov't move at NYC monument: 'Focused on theatrics'

Trump administration removes Pride flag from historic Stonewall monument, sparking outrage from NYC officials who defiantly re-raised the rainbow flag.

Conservative Women Find a New Way to Talk About ICE

When can an influencer opt out of the news cycle?

Activist Judge Releases 4 Convicted of Murder, Sex Crimes

Middle District Court of Louisiana Judge John deGravelles, an Obama appointee, released four criminal illegal aliens convicted of murder and child sex crimes from ICE custody.

GOP Arizona governor candidate drops out but doesn't endorse

Karrin Taylor Robson dropped her Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary run, but did not issue an endorsement for another Republican candidate.

Trump: $1T Spent on Military This Year

President Donald Trump on Friday told troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, that $1 trillion is being spent on the military this year and that amount will increase next year.

The Thornhill and Palmer Affair: When Evolutionary Biology Challenged Rape Orthodoxy

For their research showing that rape is generally motivated by sexual desire, Randy Thornhill and Craig Palmer were subjected to death threats and hounded in their personal and professional lives. And yet, they were right.

‘Not American Enough’

Trump’s immigration crackdown has Latinos wondering if they belong in his America.

The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate Is Love

This is the sort of thing that may give Democrats pause at rushing to enact Puerto Rican statehood.

Bill Richardson’s Name Removed from University of New Mexico Hospital

The hospital claimed it has nothing to do with the onetime governor’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

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.

DOJ’s targeting of Trump critics ramps up with attempt to indict lawmakers

The effort to indict six Democratic lawmakers marks the first time DOJ has attempted to classify critical speech from prominent Trump detractors as a crime.

Do Democrats Know How To Win?

It's likely Democrats will flip the House this fall. They need to gain only three seats, and the president's party generally loses ground in midterm elections.

Shakespeare in Love and Grief

It appears that people now find comfort in the idea that the life of even the greatest of writers is no more satisfying than their own.

American Liberalism and Illiberalism

Americans who may have ferocious disagreements about the size of government, foreign policy, and a wide range of other issues must find a way to unite around their shared commitment to the liberal idea.

Podcast #323: British Columbia’s Radical Political Landscape

Politician Dallas Brodie explains why her province continues to promote dubious social-justice policies and myths—including the false claim that 215 dead Indigenous children were discovered four years ago in ‘unmarked graves.’

Trump Administration Revokes Deportation Protections for Yemenis

It is the latest restriction of the Temporary Protected Status program, which has allowed people fleeing unrest in their home countries to live and work in the United States.

Trump honors special forces behind Maduro capture at Fort Bragg as global tensions escalate

Trump visits Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to honor special operations forces who allegedly captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Operation Absolute Resolve earlier in 2026.

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.

The Second Death of Charlie Kirk

The activist’s assassination unleashed anti-Semitism that is pulling the Trump coalition apart.

The U.S. Secretly Sent Starlink Terminals to Iran in January

In January, the U.S. smuggled roughly 6,000 Starlink satellite internet kits into Iran.

Another Government Shutdown? Here’s What Travelers Should Know.

It was not immediately clear whether passengers would face delays at airport security checkpoints in the coming days if a government shutdown does occur.

Instead of Pandering, Dems Should Try Changing Minds

Early last year, polls and media commentary suggested that crime would be the defining issue of the New York City mayoral race. Then, Zohran Mamdani's campaign started to take off.

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.

Against the AI Doomerism Consensus

I see overhyping everywhere in the AI debate.

Partial government shutdown looms as Congress leaves town without a deal

Large swaths of the Department of Homeland Security are set to shut down Saturday unless lawmakers and the White House strike a last-minute deal.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Congress Leaves DC as DHS Shuts Down

Despite a deadlock over funding for the agency, lawmakers left town and left Democratic and White House negotiators to try to work out a deal in their absence.

Much of DHS set to shut down as Democrats demand new restraints on ICE

Democrats are pushing for new policies requiring agents to wear body cameras and get judicial warrants for raids.

Helen Lewis: The Tide Is Going Out on Gender Affirming Care

The Canadian Paediatric Society Is Trapped in a Pre-Cass Time Warp

While other jurisdictions adopt balanced, evidence-based protocols for treating gender dysphoria, the CPS has doubled down on an obsolete policy instructing doctors to reflexively ‘affirm’ trans-identified youth.

Trump: US 'Negotiating Right Now for Greenland'

President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States is "negotiating right now for Greenland," underscoring his continued willingness to pursue bold foreign policy moves.

Perhaps Golden Age Is Here. Just Not the One Trump Thinks

Under Donald Trump's leadership, Americans are more pessimistic than ever. But there's reason for hope

Tom Cotton demands FDA probe into illegal Chinese ingredients in US weight loss drugs

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., warned that up to 1.5 million Americans may be using weight loss medications with potentially dangerous Chinese ingredients.