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

The Great Canadian Unmarked-Graves Social Panic (2021–2026)

Mia Hughes and Stella O’Malley of the ‘Beyond Gender’ podcast interview Quillette’s Jonathan Kay about the progressive ideological manias spawned during the Justin Trudeau years.

Sauer Grapes

The fat will melt away if you go for long periods without eating and you stick to meat and fermented cabbage or carrots when you do eat.

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…

Soundin' Like Acting DNI Bill Pulte Swept In With a Broom to Sweep Out

Darializa Chevalier and the Left’s Tea Party Moment

I can’t wait for every Democrat in the 120th Congress to be asked to answer for Chevalier’s many outrageous and bigoted statements over the years.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

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.

As Blockbusters Loom, Monkey Business at the Supreme Court

An unlikely trio of justices issued a slashing critique of plea bargains that included several references to orangutans.

The Party of the Worker Is Now the Party of the Bureaucrat

The old fight was labour versus capital. The real fight now is between those who create value and those who administer it, and Australia's new budget has picked the wrong side.

Tuesday’s Final Word

Perceptions of Weakness

In his panic-stricken effort to disentangle America from the Middle Eastern mess, Trump now appears to be falling into line with Tehran’s wishes.

Trump admin unveils 11-foot-tall, AI-designed nuclear test flight vehicle at the Great American State Fair

NNSA to unveil an AI-designed nuclear test flight vehicle on the National Mall, touting a faster, cheaper path to advancing U.S. deterrence capabilities amid Chinese competition.

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.

Commanding general of the US Army in European and African theater is unexpectedly stepping down

Gen. Christopher Donahue, who leads the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, is retiring from his command by early next month. He was the last soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021.

Socialists Just Dominated NY. Now They're Eyeing 2028

Democratic socialists just caused a political earthquake. Now they're coming for 2028.

Fauci, the CIA, & the Unanswered Questions of COVID

Did Anthony Fauci manipulate the intelligence community (IC) investigation of the origin of COVID as outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claims?

Vladimir Putin Is a Very Unhappy Man Right Now

The 4 GOP senators who broke ranks and voted to block Trump from resuming Iran war

The president seethed at Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul after the war powers resolution passed, saying: "I will get it done, one way or the other."

Your Home Could Help Solve AI’s Growing Power Demand

Tesla, Sunrun and Renew Home plan to tap solar panels, batteries, thermostats and other devices installed in millions of homes to meet the energy demands of artificial intelligence.

Moderate Democrat Wins Primary in Utah for Newly Blue Salt Lake City Seat

Ben McAdams, a former representative who had to distance himself from more conservative positions he once held, will be favored to win a blue seat created by court-ordered redistricting.

Trump supporter’s company pledges $1 million to fix White House lawn after UFC event

Ohio-based ScottsMiracle-Gro said it is donating “a combination of monetary and product support.” A government watchdog said the arrangement raises ethics questions.

Four Inconvenient Truths About the Conflict in Lebanon

Western political will and good intentions are no match for a complex reality rife with conflicting interests and ideologies.

Usha Vance and the Power of the Pregnant Image

Usha Vance, along with Katie Miller and Karoline Leavitt, shows how much is said by an expectant silhouette, without anyone saying a word.

Trump Refuses to Sign Housing Bill Until Unpopular ‘SAVE’ Voting Act Passes Congress

The president’s announcement declared the bill to be “of minor importance” at the same time that House Republican leaders were heralding it as a major accomplishment.

Hamilton Inspires Trump's Economic Statecraft

Every nation ‘ought to endeavor to possess within itself all the essentials of national supply.'

Victories by Pro-Palestinian Democrats Show the Party’s Shift on Israel

Three Democrats who have been outspoken in their criticism of Israel won primaries in New York on Tuesday, signaling their party’s new skepticism of the country and its actions.

Neither Genius Nor Villain, Greenspan Was Merely Human

Alan Greenspan was out of government, and worried his employees weren't being thorough enough in their analysis. One "had been telling clients that a hot housing market" was "turbocharging the economy."

How Europe Became the World Champion of Heat Deaths

The continent with the lowest number of hot days leads the world in heat mortality. Europe’s self-inflicted aversion to air conditioning betrays a deeper hostility to energy and to progress itself.

New York’s Democratic Socialists Seize the Means of Election

All three of Mayor Mamdani’s endorsed House candidates won their races tonight — two of them ousting longtime incumbents to win.

Democratic socialists are winning key races in cities. What that label means.

Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayor contest last year, and two candidates he and the Democratic Socialists of America backed have now won U.S. House primaries.

The Left’s Specialty: Argument by Smear

Historian Quinn Slobodian misrepresents the views of Ludwig von Mises.

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…

Parents and the State

The Western tradition has also allowed for a limited but real governmental role in helping parents form the moral character of their children.

Fired Navy Admiral Wins Democratic Runoff in South Carolina’s 1st District

Democrats expect Nancy Lacore to run a competitive general election despite the district’s Republican leaning.

How About We Just Play Baseball?

Athletes have every right to reject Pride symbols that—as activists themselves loudly insist—signify an increasingly radicalised set of ‘queer’ political demands.

Why Have 40 People Drowned in France in the Past Week?

Gay Marriage Is Dividing Republicans, Again

A look at the backlash to same-sex marriage — its strength, seriousness and the reasons behind it.

Supreme Court says Rastafarian can’t sue prison officials over shorn dreadlocks

The ruling dealt with legal technicalities but is a departure from a series of decisions by the justices expanding religious freedoms in recent terms.

Keir Starmer’s Political Demise

‘One in a long line of prime ministers who, while inadequate in their own right, didn’t really have a chance.’

Trump heads to Capitol Hill for pivotal meeting as Senate GOP divisions deepen

Trump visits Senate GOP to push the SAVE America Act as Republicans struggle with unity ahead of the midterm elections.

Pulte Trims Spy Agency, but Spares Bulk of Staff for Now

Six intelligence officials were fired and nearly four dozen others were sent back to their home agencies elsewhere, former officials said.

Increasing HALE

There may be some positive news on the dementia research front.

Mamdani emerges as kingmaker, and other takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries

Democratic socialist candidates won key races in New York, while more establishment candidates prevailed in other contests.

Trump warns 'downtrodden' blue states after socialist candidates sweep NYC congressional primaries

Trump blasts socialist sweep of three NYC congressional districts, warning 'downtrodden' blue states will 'only get worse' as DSA-backed candidates win.

And Now, the Good News From Last Night... UPDATE: NYT Hardest Hit?

If The Texas Senate Race Isn't Safe, Then We Might as Well Pack It in and Move to Canada for MAiD

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.

New York Primary Results Show Democrats' Far-Left Pivot

It remains to be seen whether such far-Left candidates could appeal to more moderate voters outside the major cities.

The Reflecting Pool Has Been a Problem For Decades

Let's talk reflecting pool. Warren G. Harding built it on swampland and the structure beneath it would have been fine - if it had been built on stable ground. The whole thing started sinking slowly.Presidents all the way up through Carter kept t…

US forces kill senior ISIS leader in Syria: CENTCOM

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed on Wednesday that an airstrike America conducted in Syria last week killed a senior ISIS figure.

Keir Starmer is out. Other establishment politicians are in trouble.

Across the West’s advanced democracies, conventional political parties are being gutted by stagnant wages and fraying social contracts that have left voters fed up with the status quo.

Everyone Is Complicit

The Trump administration is essentially rebuilding the tariff regime it erected under IEEPA, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Perceptions of Weakness

Talarico in 2022: Let's Defund the Prisons!

CNN Political Briefing

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

The Art of Looking

A tribute to David Hockney (1937–2026).

Democrats Struggling With a Growing Mess in Maine

House Democrats' campaign arm and main super PAC are stopping short of saying they will pull out all the stops to hold onto Maine's lone swing district after failing to get their preferred nominee.

Zohran Mamdani Just Became a Congressional Kingmaker

Brad Lander, the former city comptroller who made an alliance with Mamdani when they were both running for mayor, took down two-term Rep. Dan Goldman in a landslide victory.

Tlaib defends antifa members convicted in shooting of Texas cop, calls sentences a 'travesty'

Rep. Rashida Tlaib sparked backlash after calling sentences for alleged antifa cell members a "travesty," following a violent Texas facility attack.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

The Miseducation of American Journalists

Understanding what has gone wrong with journalism in the US requires an understanding of what has gone wrong with the country’s journalism schools.

Representative Kat Cammack and Her Baby: (Social) Media Cruelty Toward a Mourning Mother  

When she tells the story of her ectopic pregnancy, she courageously gives it as an example of how abortion politics hurts women.

Iran Shows Trump Just How Hard Making Peace Will Be

Making peace with Iran is going to be just as painful as waging war.

China’s Last Moonshot

China’s ghost cities are like a mocking glimpse of the Chinese century we were told to expect, and for which we are still waiting.

McClain Delaney Wins Democratic House Primary in Maryland Against Trone

Representative April McClain Delaney defeated David Trone, who lent himself $25 million in his unsuccessful bid to oust the woman who had succeeded him in the House.

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.

Trump to kick off Great American State Fair as 250th anniversary celebrations take over National Mall

President Trump kicked off the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, celebrating America's 250th birthday with all 50 states and territories.

Hillary Clinton still fuming over Electoral College, calls it an 'abomination' in new Netflix series

Hillary Clinton calls the Electoral College an "abomination" in a new Netflix docuseries executive-produced by Tom Hanks examining American democracy.

State of Failure

Trump ignored Clausewitz, and disaster ensued.

AOC’s primary win reignites speculation over 2028 White House bid, Schumer challenge

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez eyes potential 2028 White House bid or Senate challenge to Chuck Schumer as far-left victories boost her political clout.

Solar Power Hit by Heat

Big Climate’s British division seems to have missed a memo.

Time for Congressional Dem Leadership To Step Up & Step Aside

Despite President Trump's low job approval ratings and well-documented (and in my view well-deserved) problems, the Democratic Party hasn't closed the deal with voters. Democrats have a negative brand, according to all the polls. But we don't need…

Trump abruptly cancels signing of bipartisan bill on affordable housing

The president posted on social media that the signing was off until the Senate passes his election integrity bill. It is unclear whether he intends to kill the housing bill.

A Nuclear Renaissance?

ICE opens up new front in war on fraud with new first-of-its-kind policy: 'On notice'

DHS fines attorney Vinod Doddamani over $255,000 for allegedly filing 64 fraudulent asylum documents on behalf of primarily Indian nationals.

Benedict Beckeld on Oikophobia, Islam, and the Crisis of Western Identity | Quillette Cetera Episode 66

Philosopher Benedict Beckeld speaks with Zoe Sankey about oikophobia, the decline of the West, Islam's incompatibility with Western values, and why civilisations at the height of their power sow the seeds of their own undoing.

Europe's in a Heatwave at the Moment

Mamdani-backed candidates sweep House primaries in NYC. See live results.

Three left-wing hopefuls backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their races, including two who unseated incumbents.

The Founders Warned Americans About Men Like Trump

As our 80-year-old Mad King goes on midnight social media revenge benders from the White House, attacking the pope after attacking Iran, enriching his family by billions and comparing himself to Jesus, some of his supporters are now panicking and …

A ‘Spartan’ Strategy for Defending Higher Education

Americans who want to preserve what’s good in our higher education system must think like the Spartans defending Greece against the invading Persians.

Blue state shield laws allowed 330K abortion pills to be sent to abortion ban states, pro-life group finds

A pro-life group released a report saying nearly 330,000 abortion pills were shipped to states with restrictions since 2023 under blue state shield laws.

The Latest on the Reflecting Pool

Trump Meeting With G.O.P. Senators Puts Rifts on Display as He Upends Housing Bill

Hours before visiting the Capitol, the president scrapped plans to sign a bipartisan housing bill, railing against “bad Republicans” for resisting his demands to ram through new voting restrictions.

With a Proposed $250 Bill, Trump Reimagines America by Putting Himself on Its Money

Cash might be a relic, but — like royalty and emperors — President Trump still wants his face on American currency.

SAVE Your Leverage? Trump Cancels Bill Signing Until ...

Mamdani Is Now King of New York After Sweep in Congressional Primary Contests; DSA Rising Fast

Trump declares ‘national emergency,’ demands housing overhaul bill be scrapped in SAVE Act push

President Donald Trump canceled a housing bill signing and declared a "national emergency" as he ramps up pressure on Congress to pass election legislation.

Reluctant Reflections on a Reflecting Pool

This is all so pathetic — both the media’s obsession with the Reflecting Pool and Trump’s bleatingly pathetic inability to admit that he blew it.

Greenspan Was the Creator of His Own Disaster

The former Fed chair, who died at the age of 100 this week, deliberately engineered financial markets to be faster and looser. Then they blew up.