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

Why Democrats and Republicans Are Backing Rivals in Alaska’s Senate Primary

A burst of ad spending is part of a campaign tactic in which the major parties try to boost fringe hopefuls on the other side.

Woman who planned to kill Treasury Secretary Bessent gets six years in prison

Riley English of Massachusetts turned herself in after arriving at the Capitol with miniature molotov cocktails just before Scott Bessent’s Senate confirmation.

Trump admin sued over visa time restrictions for foreign students, journalists

A coalition sued to block a DHS visa rule changes that would cap international students at four years in the U.S. and limit foreign journalists to 240 days.

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…

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.

What Is Canada For?

Might Canada’s fate foreshadow that of other advanced but dependent democracies, clinging to old ideals of cooperation and diplomacy as they’re rolled under the treads of China’s or America’s naked self-interest?

In Common Sense vs. Crazy, Dems Lose Every Time

The midterm elections present a stark choice for voters: common-sense Republican leadership versus radical Democratic extremism.

Illegal Immigrant Murderer Fled the Country With Help From a Prosecutor

What Americans Do and Don't Like About Democrats

Hakeem Jeffries is betting that moderates can unite the party around progressive policies while keeping their distance from socialism.

Trump revives unverified claims of noncitizen voting in 2020

President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his long-standing falsehoods about a rigged 2020 election.

8 takeaways and surprises from Florida, Wyoming and Alaska primaries

Embattled Rep. Cory Mills (R-Florida) lost his re-election bid, another Trump gubernatorial pick fell, and another democratic socialist won a primary.

LIVE PRIMARY RESULTS: Debbie Downer Rides Again in FL, Plus Alaska & Wyoming!

‘Economic Vandalism’: Geoff Wilson on Labor’s War on Australian Aspiration

Fund manager Geoff Wilson tells Claire Lehmann that Labor’s new capital gains tax will drive Australian capital out of growth companies and into franked dividends—and push a generation of founders offshore.

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…

Voice From Past Says Don't Panic Over Data Centers

"The real price of energy is assumed to rise more than 150 percent" over the next 25 years.

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.

Jill Stein, repeat Green Party candidate, faces assault charges in Missouri

Stein is facing misdemeanor charges of trespassing and assault over her role in a campus demonstration against the war in Gaza in 2024.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Cambridge and the Stigmatisation of Intelligence Research

Nathan Cofnas joins a historical line of academics demonised for delivering unwelcome or upsetting news about group differences.

Coolidge on the Christian Roots of American Liberty

Calvin Coolidge's speech in honor of the declaration's 150th anniversary is a permanent contribution to America's self-understanding.

America’s reddest state crowns GOP governor nominee

Wyoming Republicans chose their governor nominee from a four-way primary featuring Trump-endorsed Megan Degenfelder and three other candidates.

The divide between Trump and Vance on Iran

Trump and Vance had differing answers about why the United States is waging war with Iran.

Psyche! Pollster Claims Socialist-Promoting Results Were a ‘Social Experiment'

U.S. Cuts Back Military Drills With South Korea, as Trump Woos Kim Jong-un

President Trump had ordered the Defense Department to reduce joint exercises with the key U.S. ally, declaring the drills “hostile” toward North Korea.

Michelle Goldberg: UK Progressives Should Stop Defending Jason Arday

When They Send the Very Best, They're Still the Worst - 'Outstanding Refugee' Fraudster

Have Tariffs on China Really Worked?

China has learned to reroute its exports to America through third-party countries.

Tucker Carlson's Take on the Atom Bomb Is Wild

Tuesday's Final Word

Backlash in Michigan complicates Democrats’ road to retaking the Senate

The party’s chances may depend on Abdul El-Sayed, who beat Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s preferred candidate and has criticized his support for Israel.

Creeping Annexation

Israeli governments have never decided what to do with the West Bank—so the settlers have begun deciding for them.

Former state rep tops ranked-choice slugfest as Alaska advances nominees for governor

Seventeen tickets competed in Alaska's nonpartisan primary to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Michael Dunleavy in the November general election.

Like Odysseus. But Real

Twenty-four centuries ago, Xenophon and his 10,000-man Greek army found themselves trapped at the heart of the Persian Empire. Their amazing escape, described in a new book by Robert L. O’Connell, is a tale for the ages.

Rep. Cory Mills loses GOP primary after allegations of sexual misconduct

The Florida Republican lost to Ryan Elijah after facing allegations of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, on top of campaign finance violations.

Socialists capture major Florida victory on hit-or-miss night for Trump-endorsed primary candidates

Trump endorsements delivered mixed results across Florida and Wyoming primary elections, as some backed candidates lost key congressional races.

The President Is an Idiot

That can be the only explanation for this treatment of North Korea at South Korea’s expense.

‘I’m Not That Informed on National Security,’ Graham Says in South Carolina Debate

Senator Darline Graham made the remark in a debate against Representative Ralph Norman, her opponent in the runoff election to succeed her brother, Lindsey Graham. Here are five takeaways from the debate.

Goodbye, M.O.U., We Hardly Knew You

Burnham Rapidly Burning Bridges With Housing Issues

Politics drove antisemitism probes against Ivy League schools, DOJ whistleblower says

A Trump administration task force on antisemitism pressured universities into punitive settlements despite turning up little to no evidence of systemic abuses, according to a former Justice Department attorney.

No, the Media Isn’t Responsible for Jason Arday’s Suicide

The disgraced academic was a pathological liar and lifelong con artist whose misdeeds were covered up for years by self-serving academic administrators. Exposing this kind of rot in elite institutions is our job.

Together Alone

American individualism and the western, from Fred Zinnemann and John Ford to Larry McMurtry and Taylor Sheridan.

Republican who kicked Liz Cheney out of Congress seeks higher office in reddest state

Wyoming Republicans chose their U.S. Senate nominee from a five-way primary featuring Trump-endorsed Harriet Hageman, who unseated Liz Cheney in 2022.

Eric Barlow Wins Wyoming’s Republican Governor Primary Over Trump-Backed Candidate

Eric Barlow’s defeat of Megan Degenfelder, the state superintendent of education, again showed the limits of the president’s favor.

J.K. Rowling vs. Amnesty

Is this the reckoning that human-rights NGOs have long avoided?

Alaskan political scion hopes to hold onto state's single House seat

Nicholas Begich III faces a major insurgency from independent candidate Bill Hill in Alaska's ranked choice voting congressional primary race.

Ballroom opponents ask Supreme Court to keep Trump project on hold

The National Trust for Historic Preservation urged the high court to let a pause take effect. An appeals court ordered that the administration halt construction by Friday.

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 Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

What to know about Natalie Harp, the Trump aide whom Ossoff put in the spotlight

The president’s executive assistant was among a small group of people who secretly switched planes with Trump over a potential Iranian threat, as noted by Sen. Jon Ossoff.

What Happens When Teens Stop Working, but Keep Spending

Higher productivity has enabled more kids to live off their parents’ income rather than work.

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.

CA Admits It Doesn't Track Noncitizens on Voter Rolls

California has now told the country that it doesn't know how many noncitizens have been removed from its voter rolls.

Workers start latest repairs to Reflecting Pool liner, months after rehab began

The power washers, leaf blowers and brooms are back in use within the drained basin.

Trump-aligned conservative emerges from crowded primary to decide who fills Wyoming’s lone House seat

Wyoming Republican Secretary of State Chuck Gray faced Steve Friess and Reid Rasner in a crowded GOP primary to replace Rep. Harriet Hageman.

A Republican Opportunity on Health Care

This year, Democrats are running three Senate nominees who have endorsed the idea of Medicare for All.

Supremes Decline to Revisit Refusal to Examine Trump’s E. Jean Carroll Appeal

The Court’s rebuff was expected.

The Left Notches Another Win With This Secret Weapon: Old-Fashioned Organizing

State Representative Angie Nixon scored a stunning upset on Tuesday in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary. Now comes the hard part: running as a progressive firebrand in a red state.

DNC Did Something Right? Actually, It Was 3 Things

Recent news about Democratic National Committee has all been terrible.

The Case for College Choice

One of the better public policy moves in recent decades has been Education Savings Accounts.

Never Forget, Never Forgive Those Who Will Not Sincerely Apologize

Your favorite cocktail could be an unexpected casualty of Trump's looming trade fight

President Donald Trump's 50% tariff threat on Canadian spirits could devastate U.S. bars and restaurants while pressuring Canada to restock bourbon.

State of play: What to know about California showdown to replace Swalwell after massive scandal

Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernandez battle for Eric Swalwell's California 14th Congressional District seat, as early results remain undecided.

Institutional Failures in the Garden of Great Intellects

The Cofnas and Arday controversies show that on matters of race, administrators at Cambridge have failed to conduct deliberate checks, failed in probity, and failed in their tolerance for unsettled science.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Millions of Ukrainian Men Flee Cruel Conscription System

They are being written out of the narrative.

Show Us the Prompts

How AI prose exploits the charity that makes reading possible.

Hating Israel Fatigue

The West's selective hatred of Israel says less about Israel than it does about the values-and prejudices-of those who condemn it.

Donalds To Face Jolly for Florida Governor

The two leading candidates are running to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), whose second term expires next year.

A Stunning Win for the Left in Florida: 6 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primaries

State Representative Angie Nixon, a progressive firebrand, defeated a moderate who dramatically out-raised her with grass-roots enthusiasm. Can it carry her to victory in November?

Only Trump Gets to Do the Insult Comic Act

The lesson here is that no one else gets the license that voters give Trump to be his worst self.

5 Things to Know About Dan Sullivan, the Alaska Senator Seeking Re-election

The incumbent Republican has been a reliable supporter of President Trump, giving Democrats a pickup opportunity in a state where most are politically unaffiliated.

The China Shock Narrative Is a Myth, Not a Fact

Few narratives in the public square are uncontested — but this one comes close.

Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Key Alaska Senate Contest

The Democratic former congresswoman and the incumbent Republican senator will face off in November. Whether a potential spoiler candidate with the same name as the senator qualifies alongside them has not been determined.

5 Things to Know About Mary Peltola, Democratic Senate Candidate in Alaska

The Alaska Native, who grew up along the Kuskokwim River near the Bering Sea and fished for salmon, is the leading Democrat in the nonpartisan primary race.

Why Australia Gave Up on Getting Richer

McKinsey's Chris Bradley on why Australia stopped investing—and why he believes the poorest country in the world could live as well as Switzerland does today by 2100.

British Medical Association Requires Doctors to Help Patients Commit Suicide by Self-Starvation

Suicide nihilism is exerting an ever-stronger gravitational pull in the West.

Former Fauci aide admits hiding emails to thwart pandemic inquiry

David M. Morens, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, said he was trying to protect his boss. Fauci was not accused of wrongdoing in the case.

The New Hotness for Women: Embracing Murderers

Hissy Fit Alert: Trump Admin Reopening Logging in National Forests

The Samurai and the Prisoner: Who Decides Who Lives?

Kiyoshi Kurosawa channels the samurai masters in his latest film.

Hey, Lefties: Shoplifting Isn't Need, It's Just Plain Greed

The criminals responsible for a disproportionate percentage of New York City retail theft aren't driven by hunger (or by a desire for clean teeth). They are repeat actors.

Colleges Against Books

The Trump administration ought to get rid of Rule 164. At the very least, it ought to change the opt-out provision to an opt-in.

Progressive Democrat Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state legislator from Sitka, Alaska, will be one of four candidates on the ranked-choice voting ballot in November.

GOP senator, ex-House Dem emerge from Alaska’s ‘jungle primary’ despite far-left meddling

Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola advance from Alaska's jungle primary, but a second Dan Sullivan on the ballot raises election confusion claims.

3 Vaccines Are Better Than 1

In the early days of the Trump administration, I was asked whether I wanted to be part of its health team. I worried there might be pressure to be antivaccine, so I sent my contact my 2019 Journal op-ed, "The Complicated Truth About Vaccines," sup…

Trump Doubles Down on Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Territory

If you voted for the Republican ticket because it promised a restrained foreign policy, I have some bad news for you.

The Democratic Socialists Take the Senate Nomination — in Florida, of All Places

Democratic base voters are no longer moved by tales of a ‘Resistance’ that only brought Trump back to the presidency.

Claire's Weekly Letter: What We Take on Trust

Trump to Nominate Heidi Overton, a Top Domestic Policy Aide, for F.D.A. Commissioner

Dr. Overton is a fierce opponent of abortion rights and a supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Scion of Democratic Politics Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor

Tom Begich, a former Democratic legislator and singer-songwriter, will be one of four candidates on the ranked-choice ballot for governor in November.

Democrats pick their fighter for uphill bid to flip deep-red Senate seat

James Byrd defeated Billy Benavidez in Wyoming's Democratic primary for the open Senate seat after Cynthia Lummis announced she won't seek reelection.

Inside the tension that drove Trump’s South Korea alliance from ‘historic new era’ to military pullback

Trump scales back Ulchi Freedom Shield drills to pressure Seoul on investment delays while dangling an incentive for Kim Jong Un to reopen diplomacy.