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

Colorado Governor Signals He’ll Commute Sentence of Election Denier

Pressured by President Trump, Gov. Jared Polis said he is considering the release of Tina Peters, the last high-profile 2020 election meddler still imprisoned. His fellow Democrats are outraged.

Trump’s Favorite Voter-ID Bill Would Probably Backfire

Congressional Republicans are trying to pass a strict “election integrity” law that seems almost custom-designed to disenfranchise their own supporters.

What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?

Our reporter Elaine Godfrey on getting kicked out of a Jasmine Crockett rally

Erasing the Word “Woman”

The desexing of language in women’s health research and care is a story of the marginalisation of science, cultural imperialism, and abuse of power.

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…

Rep. Gonzales faces ethics investigation over allegations of affair with aide

The announcement ensures the controversy will continue to dog the Republican congressman as he heads into a primary runoff.

Toppling a Tyrant

The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei has opened a narrow window for regime change in Tehran.

Trump Officially Nominates Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair

President Donald Trump has officially nominated Kevin Warsh to serve as the next Federal Reserve chairman. If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would replace current Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and serve a four-year term leading the nation's central b…

My Criticism of the Ivy League Isn't Hypocrisy

When politicians who graduated from Ivy League schools speak out against them, they're often called hypocrites. Think of Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, JD Vance, Ron DeSantis and Elise Stefanik. In 2024, Rob McCarron, who heads the Association of Independ…

Liquid Natural Gas Exporters Like Shell and ExxonMobil Could See Big Profits From War

Prices for liquefied natural gas have shot up in recent days, which could bring bigger paydays for European and U.S. energy companies.

Power Beyond Realpolitik

In geopolitics, moral culture shapes whether influence is experienced as leadership or domination, cooperation or coercion.

On Iran, Vance Balances Between Trump and the Anti-Intervention Right

JD Vance long championed opposition to conflicts abroad. With President Trump all-in on war with Iran, the vice president is staying loyal even as allies make his qualms known.

Islamism: Shooting the Messenger

The British establishment tends to deflect attention from the dangers of Islamism by attempting to silence those who point them out.

Cornyn Spends $70M To Get to Runoff vs. Paxton's $4M

The longtime senator and scandal-plagued attorney general will face each other once again in a May runoff election.

Arrest and Moral Pageantry

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Mick Jagger, and the theatre of degradation.

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 Eileen Gu Stole From America

Eileen Gu is a photogenic wasian ski prodigy who could have been an american hero but instead chose to represent our adversary (for money) - and now she's indignant at the way we've responded

Why I Got Thrown Out of a Jasmine Crockett Rally

The crowd was fired up. The candidate was on her game. And I was escorted out by armed guards.

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…

Trump Justice Dept. Seeks to Stall State Bar Discipline of Its Lawyers

The administration has no control over the disciplinary authorities of state bar associations, but a new proposal would let the attorney general ask them to suspend proceedings involving department lawyers.

Oil slick, life rafts, dozens of bodies: What Sri Lankan navy found after US sank Iranian warship

Sri Lanka said its navy rescued 32 survivors after a U.S. torpedo sank Iranian warship IRIS Dena with 180 aboard. Crews recover 87 bodies from the wreckage.

The End of Australian Exceptionalism

The surge in support for Australia’s populist right-wing party One Nation suggests that immigration restrictionism has become increasingly popular with voters: a political trajectory that echoes that of many other Western nations. 

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.

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

Republican strategists hope the endorsement will make the Texas Senate race less expensive and less competitive.

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.

Spanish prime minister slams Trump’s war in Iran, escalating feud

By criticizing the U.S.-led attack and refusing to bow to Trump’s threat of trade retaliation, Pedro Sánchez set himself apart from other European leaders.

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.

Husband of a Labour MP Arrested for Spying for China

CNN Political Briefing

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

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

My aunt couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. She ended up there anyway.

Minnesota Leaders Defend Fraud Efforts to Congress

Minnesota's governor and attorney general on Wednesday defended their attempts to combat fraud and told a U.S. House committee that their efforts have been hampered by President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the state.

Podcast #326: Catching a Serial Killer

Managing Editor Iona Italia speaks with Maureen Callahan about her book "American Predator", which chronicles the crimes of serial killer Israel Keyes.

The Democrats Who Got Weird During the State of the Union

They found a bizarre, crass way to push back against Trump.

Iran News Services: Mojtaba As Nepo Babytollah? Not So Fast.

Trump could blunt Democrats’ momentum in Texas with key endorsement

The GOP Senate candidates will spend two more months attacking each other, while Democrat James Talarico must shore up the base.

Juan Jose Valdez, Last Marine Out of Saigon, Dies at 88

During the 1975 fall of the South Vietnamese capital, he helped evacuate thousands, and was nearly left behind.

Leavitt says ground troops in Iran not currently being considered, doesn't rule it out

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt won't rule out sending ground troops to Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury but says they are "not part of the plan" yet.

Are We Going To Care for Abused Kids, or Just Keep Talking?

Retired NFL quarterback and Tim Tebow Foundation founder Tim Tebow emphasizes the need for increased resources to combat child abuse and exploitation on "The Ingraham Angle." The former Heisman Trophy winner testified at a House Judiciary Subcommi…

High Turnout, Unusual Coalitions: Lessons From the Texas Primary

Talarico’s victory got a lot of attention, but Cornyn’s showing may be the most consequential result.

Rep Tony Gonzales hit with House ethics probe after aide's suicide

House Ethics investigators are probing Rep. Tony Gonzales over sexual harassment and misconduct claims involving a late staffer, as some GOP colleagues call for his resignation.

Texas Senate Race Is Gonna Be Lit!

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Rep. Self to Newsmax: Our Troops Deserve 'Full-Throated Support'

Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Newsmax following his primary win that lawmakers should focus on "full-throated support for our young men and women who are in harm's way" as the Senate prepared to vote on whether to limit President Donald Trump's a…

State Dept. scrambles to aid stranded Americans amid attacks, airport closures

The Trump administration said it is looking to use a mix of military and chartered flights to help U.S. citizens leave the Middle East as Iran steps up retaliatory strikes.

Speaker: No Word on $50 Billion Iran War Funding

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he has not heard yet about a funding level of up to $50 billion for emergency cash to support the war effort in Iran, but said lawmakers will "pass a supplemental when it's appropriate and get it right."

Confusion at Dallas polls causes Democratic voters to be turned away

A Dallas judge initially ordered polls to be kept open for two extra hours, but the Texas Supreme Court blocked that order. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) urged voters to stay in line.

Trump voucher offers new money for public school students, and pressure for Democrats

Democratic governors, under pressure, must decide whether to participate in the new federal voucher program, which offers dollars for public and private school students.

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.

Feds say Pakistani national backed by Iran plotted to assassinate Trump, others in murder-for-hire scheme

Pakistani national Asif Merchant allegedly plotted with Iran to kill U.S. politicians, including President Donald Trump, in 2024, but was caught by FBI agents posing as assassins.

House Republican faces ethics investigation over affair allegations

The House ethics committee opened an investigation into Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales over allegations of an affair with a female staffer on Wednesday.

Pete Buttigieg in the Wilderness

He has a beard, a splitting maul, and a house in Michigan. Is that enough to convince America that he’s a man of the people?

US Govt Shed 386,826 Workers in Trump's First Year Back

The U.S. government shed 386,826 employees in the first year of President Donald Trump's second term, according to government data published on Wednesday.

Hegseth: We've Only Just Begun to Win

Iran Tests Its Pain Threshold in Survival Battle

Iran is no stranger to survival battles. The brutality of the eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s; two decades of sanctions that upended the economy and countless bouts of street protests that have challenged its rule. It has always found a way …

‘STRAIGHT OUTTA CONGRESS’: Top progressive concedes race after viral mockery for ‘embarrassing’ defeat

Progressive star Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, conceded her race for U.S. Senate after suffering an “embarrassing" defeat to a much lesser-known Democrat, state Rep. James Talarico.

Trump teases kingmaker endorsement in Texas ‘soon’ to force other candidate out of runoff

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed for a bloody runoff, but President Donald Trump wants to end things quickly, promising an endorsement "soon."

An Hour of Reckoning

Iran has never been weaker and America has never been more poorly led.

Burchett: Voters Should Keep Us Honest to Ensure Iran Isn't a Forever War

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., warned Tuesday that U.S. military action in Iran could slide into "another forever war," urging "MAGA voters" to stay "concerned," press the Trump administration for answers and "keep us honest."

‘Open borders, Trump-hating radical’: GOP unleashes early blitz on Texas Democrat Talarico

Republicans waste no time in labeling Democratic Senate nominee in Texas James Talarico as a "far-left radical" in a top tier midterm race that may decide the majority in the chamber.

The First Couple of a Dysfunctional DHS

A forthcoming book reveals new details about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.

The Trump-Netanyahu Call That Changed the Middle East

Last Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Trump with a stunning tip: Iran's supreme leader and his top advisers were all set to meet at one location in Tehran on Saturday morning. They could all be killed in a single …

Tuesday’s Final Word

DOJ Still Reviewing Epstein Files for Potential Release

The Justice Department is reviewing tens of thousands of documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case before posting them, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. A department spokeswoman said 47,635 files...

After Trump’s Iran Decision

The real dilemma is not between war and negotiation. It is between episodic action and sustained architecture.

Gonzales heads to runoff amid allegations of affair with aide

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R) is in a tight primary race with conservative challenger Brandon Herrera.

A Justified Assassination

In this week’s column, I reflect on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei—and why it may be a moment for cautious celebration.

Iran, America and the Wrong-Headed 'Pottery Barn' Rule

Will President Trump fall prey to the "Pottery Barn Doctrine"?

Rubio says in ‘simple English’ Iran run by ‘lunatics,’ defends Trump strike as ‘right decision’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends Trump's Iran strikes, calling regime "lunatics" as administration targets military sites to prevent nuclear weapons.

The Trump Doctrine Is Here, and it is Awesome

Cornyn, Paxton reach runoff; other takeaways from big election night

New congressional maps debuted in Texas and North Carolina, as Republicans defend their majorities and Democrats look to flip both chambers.

FAA Closures Spur Briefing on Texas Drone Incidents

U.S. officials were set to give key senators a classified briefing on Wednesday after two incidents in Texas involving government drones that prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to close airspace to airplanes, senators told Reuters.

Crenshaw Gone After Foolishly Allying With Cheney, Kinzinger

Dan Crenshaw failed to see where the Republican Party was going. Post-2020, he foolishly allied with Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and the rest of the RINO establishment in a desperate bid to crush the MAGA movement.

Trump: Texas Senate Endorsement Near; Other Should Go

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he’ll soon choose whether to endorse Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — who are headed to a runoff election after the Texas GOP primary — and plans to ask the candidate he doe…

The End of Strategic Ambiguity

The Islamic Republic’s assault on the Gulf will forge the new Middle East.

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.

Talarico wins Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas

Talarico, a state lawmaker, positioned himself as an effective messenger to moderates and disaffected Republicans in his win over Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Talarico’s Win in Texas Shows That Nice Guys Can Finish First

At a moment when many Democrats are campaigning on rage and resistance, James Talarico took a different tack in his campaign in the Texas Senate primary.

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…

Justice Dept., Under Pressure From Trump, Fails to Build Autopen Case Against Biden

Prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington were unable to build a case, underscoring the department’s increasing inability to follow through on the president’s desire to indict his rivals.

I Used to Beat Up Sex Offenders. Now I Question the Mob.

An ex-prisoner reflects on Jeffrey Epstein, the Epstein files, Prince Andrew, and the rise of online conspiracy theories.

The ‘Crazy’ Plot to Release the Epstein Files

How an unlikely duo of lawmakers partnered with victims to try to hold the powerful accountable

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

U.S. Campaign in Iran Is ‘Far From Over,’ Joint Chiefs Chairman Says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said responsibility for a strike on an Iranian girls’ school was under investigation.

‘America Doesn’t Want My Children or Grandchildren’

The Cruz family spent years building a life in New York. Then the risks of staying became too great.

NY GOP candidate torches Columbia group over ‘Death to America’ post, tells them to ‘get the f--- out’

GOP candidate Bruce Blakeman blasts Columbia students who posted "Death to America" after Iran leader's reported death, targeting Hochul's leadership.

A New Middle East Alliance Is Suddenly Feasible

Tehran's attacks on its Arab neighbors make Netanyahu's dream suddenly feasible.

Tim Walz Getting Gutted and Filleted on Capitol Hill Today

‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’

Representative Jasmine Crockett claimed I wasn’t kicked out of her rally. Here’s the audio.

Talarico Triumphs, Providing Some Relief for Dem Leaders

The victory could lead to a competitive election in the Lone Star State this November.

Senate will vote on forcing Trump to end Iran strikes

Congress has voted on seven other war powers resolutions since June, all of which failed.

From ‘America First’ to ‘Always America Last’

Trump promised to stop wars. His grip on his base is being questioned now that he’s started one.

Suspected Drone Attack on Sanctioned Russian LNG Tanker Sparks Serious Concern UPDATE

Analysts to Newsmax: Hormuz Disruption Likely Short Term

Rising tensions in the Middle East and threats by Iran to target ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz could cause short-term economic disruptions but may not lead to a prolonged global energy crisis, Tomas Philipson and Mike Lee told Newsmax…

TV Host Gayle King Signs New Contract With CBS News

Television host Gayle King has signed a new contract to remain at CBS News, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, ending months of speculation about her future at the network.

Reversing Biden-era cost-of-living setbacks will take time, Vance says in interview

Vice President JD Vance argues voters should have patience with the pace of economic improvements, saying there was “no way” to fix the economy overnight.

WSJ: US, Israel Demolishing Iran’s Police State to Free Its People

Interior Secretary Burgum Goes to Venezuela

The trip is part of the Trump administration’s push to build production in the South American nation.

Best Bet Is That a Business Deal Is Reached With Iran

With this US administration, the best bet is that a business deal is to be reached with Iran

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.

Walz accused by Jordan of trying to ‘hide behind’ court order in Feeding Our Future payments

Rep. Jim Jordan accused Gov. Tim Walz of misrepresenting a court’s role in restarting payments to Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit tied to a $250 million COVID-era child nutrition fraud case.

Talarico Beats Crockett as G.O.P. Heads to Runoff: Texas Primary Election Takeaways

James Talarico won the state’s Democratic primary for Senate, while Senator John Cornyn faces a runoff against Ken Paxton, his right-wing challenger.

Number of Iranian ballistic missiles fired plunges since start of Operation Epic Fury

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine said Iranian missile and drone launches have sharply declined since Operation Epic Fury began.

SCOTUS: Hey, Newsom, Leave Them Kids (And Parents) Alone!

AI Industry's Civil War: What Anthropic and OpenAI Really Believe

In Silicon Valley, opinion about how artificial intelligence should be developed and used - and regulated - runs the gamut between two poles. At one end lie "accelerationists," who believe that humanity should expand AI's capabilities as quickly a…

Postal Service Turns to Advisers Over Financial Strain

The U.S. Postal Service has hired restructuring advisers as the agency warns it could run out of money within about a year if financial pressures are not addressed. Postmaster General David Steiner said the Postal Service has brought in...

Will Epic Fury Bring Regime Change to Great Britain?

California's Cost of Living is Out of Control

Iran Made Secret Outreach After Strikes, Highlighting Trump’s Challenge

President Trump is beginning to consider what sort of Iranian government might come next, as the U.S.-Israeli assault continues.