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

Saturday's Final Word

The JD Vance Experience

‘I don’t comprehend what his strategy is here.’

More Than a Machine: Big Boy No. 4014 Sparks a Nationwide Reunion

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…

Zohran Mamdani Knows He Has Political Capital. And He Intends to Spend It.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro sits down for an interview with the mayor of New York City.

Friday's Final Word

Has Donald Trump Finally Jumped the Shark?

As multiple US TV channels refused to run the president's ramble about Chinese election interference, more Americans are learning that he cries wolf too easily, says Sean O'Grady

I Chaired Canada's Human Rights Tribunal. Here's What I Saw.

During my time chairing the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, I sometimes felt like the agent of a state-funded extortion ring.

The Mercy of the Gardener: Sunday Reflection

The Rise and Fall of Graham Platner

Is this the far left's #MeToo moment?

CNN Political Briefing

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

Mamdani doubles down on democratic socialism while insisting Wall Street, business leaders can work with him

Zohran Mamdani argues democratic socialism reflects the New Deal era while insisting Wall Street and corporate leaders have nothing to fear.

ICE Has Only Seemed To Be Quieter

The agency's subtler tactics in recent months aimed to lull citizens into complacency. Arrests, detentions, and deportations have all increased under new DHS Director Markwayne Mullin.

Sunday Smiles

Dems Still Searching for Identity 2 Yrs After Biden's Exit

Two years after Biden left office, Democrats still have not answered the questions that emerged after their 2024 defeat.

These AIPAC-Backed Democrats Voted to Nix Israel Aid. AIPAC Punished Them.

Of the 103 Democrats who voted to eliminate aid to Israel, more than a dozen had been endorsed by the pro-Israel lobbying group. AIPAC quickly closed off online donations for them.

WATCH: Josh Hawley issues blistering rebuke of McConnell over ‘obligation’ to country

Sen. Josh Hawley says Mitch McConnell's team has an obligation to constituents amid persistent questions about the senator's health condition.

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.

Generation Trapped: Why Young Australians Have Given Up Hope

Parnell Palme McGuinness on the six distinct "tribes" of young Australians she uncovered—and why personal agency, not income, is the strongest predictor of happiness.

Marco Rubio Goes to War Against Global Justice

The secretary of state is using the right's long-standing hatred of the ICC to bolster his MAGA bona fides for 2028

That Thing That Never Happens Seems to Be Happening Again MORE

Trump DOJ Makes First Ever Application to Alien Terrorist Removal Court

The court has existed for 30 years. There have been no cases because prosecution or ordinary immigration proceedings have been preferred.

How Donald Trump Won the World Cup

The World Cup overcame early criticism, delivering record crowds and ratings while handing Trump a political victory.

Iran Places Billboard in Tehran Showing Trump in a Coffin

Let the Flyboys Fly

The Blue Angels did everything right.

Dems, Stop Vying for GOP Voters. It's a Lost Cause

Democrats would be wise to remember that Republicans expressing any frustration with Donald Trump would likely vote for him again if it were possible.

'Let's brew it in the United States': Teamsters target Modelo and Corona in push for Mexican beer tariffs

The Teamsters are pushing Trump to impose tariffs as high as 75% on Mexican beer imports like Modelo and Corona to protect U.S. brewery jobs.

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.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

On the Iran War, NATO Chief Agrees With Trump -- The Media Buried the Lede

Voters are struggling to keep up with Iran war’s twists and turns

Americans have grown frustrated with President Donald Trump over his handling of the war. Here’s what several said about how they’re processing the constant changes.

Federal Agents Were Told FBI Will No Longer Investigate ICE Confrontations

Senior officials deny such a change is in the works, despite guidance shared with agents around the country in recent days.

Trump Gutted Civil Rights Agency, Stifling U.S. Scrutiny of Workplace Bias

A little-known federal office spent decades investigating potential discrimination by government contractors — until it was stopped by the Trump administration.

The Evolution of Presidential Travel: Horse Carriages to Air Force One

From horse-drawn presidential coaches to Air Force One, presidents have used various modes of transportation to project an image of America for nearly 250 years.

A Very British CPAC: Few, if Any, Costumes and Not Much Trump

London hosted an understated version of the Conservative Political Action Conference, known in the United States for its over-the-top celebration of MAGA causes.

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…

Stephen Miller says Trump administration is pursuing policy to debank illegal immigrants

Stephen Miller says the Trump administration is debanking illegal immigrants to shut down their financial access and drive self-deportation.

Nolan Honors the Gods

The tagline promised defiance. Christopher Nolan delivered a film that kneels. Its loudest critics haven’t noticed.

Trump Blasts ‘Sanctuary’ States, but Many Still Aid Deportations

A New York Times review of 18 states targeted by the Trump administration for their “sanctuary” policies found that all cooperate significantly with immigration authorities in cases involving violent crimes.

In Maine Senate Race, Jackson Sprints Ahead of Pack, as Bellows Drops Out

Troy Jackson, a progressive, solidified his edge over his rivals in an abbreviated nominating contest to replace Graham Platner. Shenna Bellows, another candidate, bowed out.

Johnson warns America is in 'battle' against Marxism, calls for renewed focus on nation's founding principles

Mike Johnson warned at the Alliance Defending Freedom Summit that Marxism is gaining traction as Democratic Socialist-backed candidates win primaries.

Trump Hates War But Loves Winning. Iran Is Learning

Trump hates endless wars but has the iron will to stop a nuclear Iran. Peace requires strength, and America must finish the job against the regime.

Tulsi Gabbard's brother charged after allegedly trying to lure children to Waikīkī hotel room: police

Tulsi Gabbard's older brother Batarti Gabbard was charged with custodial interference after allegedly luring children at a Waikīkī hotel pool.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Nuclear Power

The Odyssey Is Perfectly Tolerable Entertainment

The movie is enchanting despite its frustrating qualities.

Reshaping the Middle East

Reconsidering Israel’s wars in 1956, 1982, and 2026.

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.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Wars of Choice

Liberal state Supreme Court justice blasts SCOTUS conservatives, says Hawaii will defy high court

Justice Todd Eddins accused Roberts' Supreme Court of reviving discredited 1857 and 1896 rulings while dismantling constitutional rights and democracy.

Without Platner, Maine Democrats Scramble to Keep Grassroots Energy Alive

Graham Platner’s campaign for Senate imploded last week. The activists who backed him are seeking a candidate to carry his populist message in the race against Republican Susan Collins.

Dear Bernie: Socialism Has a Long History of Failure

@BernieSanders Bernie. Bernie, Bernie, Bernie.Let me get this straight, because I want to make sure I am reading your economics homework correctly, and I did not eat a bowl of alphabet soup this morning so bear with me. You just listed UnitedHealt…

Running the Border: The New Issue of NR Is Out

How to make our humanitarian immigration policies serve our interests; a gathering geopolitical crisis; why reading will survive; a new Whizzbang adventure, & more.

The Pacific's True Rogue State

Beijing just launched a nuclear-capable missile into the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone and called it routine. It was not.

Andrew Ross Sorkin Thinks You’re Stupid

The New York Times writer seems to believe that advocates of the Second Amendment cannot read.

Controversial program paying drug users for used syringes becomes permanent in NYC

New York City's $3 million syringe redemption program pays up to $10 daily for used needles, but critics say opioid funds should go to addiction treatment.

The Modern Mythology of AI

LLMs are incredibly useful, even astonishing. But they aren’t “thinking” about anything.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Soccer, Sartre, and the Sixties

Gary Stevenson Is Wrong About Wealth Inequality

Gary Stevenson says Britain's wealth inequality is spiralling out of control. The data says otherwise—and Channel 4 never thought to check.

The Fight over Fedorov

Protests are continuing in Ukraine over the decision by President Zelensky to fire Mykhailo Federov, his popular and effective defense minister.

Trump wants to impose tariffs on Canada in retaliation for wildfire smoke

The White House did not respond to questions about what legal mechanism he would use to impose the tariffs or how the administration would calculate the rate of the levies.

Yes, Tim Walz, Deporting Child Rapists ‘Makes Us Safer’

What are we doing here?

Politicians Are Trying to Change What Chatbots Say About Them

Political campaigns have something new to worry about these days: unflattering or incomplete information produced by A.I. programs when voters ask questions about candidates.

The Patriarchal Mind Virus

By dismissing the importance of biological sex, Robin Dembroff earned predictable acclaim from fellow scholars. But as a work of philosophy, ’Real Men on Top’ is unconvincing and deeply flawed.

The Anti-Communist Film Festival - Official Dates Announced!

Bernie Sanders dismisses Haley Stevens, says Michigan race is against the 'billionaire class'

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vt.-I, says Michigan's Democratic Senate primary isn't about Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., but whether the billionaire class can stop progressive candidate El-Sayed.

Cindy Burbank, Nebraska’s Democratic Senate Nominee, Files to Withdraw From Race

The move by Cindy Burbank could clear a path for Dan Osborn, an independent candidate backed by her party’s leadership. But Republicans have cried foul, and her effort could face obstacles.

Attacking Starlink

Starlink’s success has made it a target for China and Russia.

'Keep a low profile': State Department warns Americans overseas they could be targeted

A deadly Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan killed two American service members as the State Department issued a worldwide travel warning.

Platner ally Troy Jackson closing in on Democratic Senate nod in key race to face Collins

Troy Jackson's delegates won over 90% of slots Saturday as the progressive logger races to secure Maine's Democratic Senate nomination vs. Susan Collins.

Mamdani says NYC is exploring whether it can arrest Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits for UN General Assembly

Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his administration is exploring whether New York City can arrest Benjamin Netanyahu over the ICC warrant during United Nations General Assembly.

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister (Very Soon)

This won’t end well.

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.

In Maine, Troy Jackson Gains Momentum in Bid to Replace Platner

Troy Jackson, a progressive former State Senate president, showed signs of significant strength, as half the state’s counties picked delegates to a convention where they will choose Graham Platner’s replacement.

Strong Opinions

When critics start issuing dictates, they end up excluding broad swathes of art and culture as well as whole areas of human experience.

SAVE Act Is Solution to Shocking Election Integrity Disclosures

Trump released declassified documents on election integrity, highlighting alleged voting system vulnerabilities and calling for stronger election safeguards.

A Crisis in the Humanities

The norms governing scholarship now often serve to protect a rigid orthodoxy on certain politically charged issues—with ideological tests substituted for proper academic standards.

The Democratic Clown Car Arrives in Maine

Regardless of who wins the nomination, Collins will not be facing a juggernaut in the fall.

Move Over, Wall Street -- Here Come the Texas Longhorns

Socialism, El-Sayed Face Reality in Blue-Collar Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate primary campaign faces trouble as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders rally draws a surprisingly narrow base.

Tolerating Homeless Encampments Violates the Rights of Everyone Else