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

Nancy Pelosi doubles down on defending Obama's strikes on Libya while attacking Trump: 'Read the law'

Nancy Pelosi defended her contrasting positions on military strikes, supporting Barack Obama's Libya attacks while condemning Donald Trump's Operation Epic Fury.

Republicans hope Mullin brings steady hand amid Trump’s shakeup at DHS

If confirmed, Sen. Markwayne Mullin would oversee the sprawling agency amid falling public support for the administration’s mass deportation program.

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 says 'hatred' between Putin, Zelenskyy blocking Ukraine peace deal

President Donald Trump said Saturday that "the hatred is so great" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Lawmakers Debate Bill To Blackmail Sanctuary Cities

HR 7640 would require state and local police departments to help federal agents carry out their mass deportation drive. Democrats used a states' rights argument to say why that's bogus.

A Washington Museum Zeros In on the Watergate Scandal

The Watergate museum, now in a pop-up phase, focuses on the political crime that brought down Nixon.

N.M. Rep. Warns Evidence at Epstein Ranch May Be at Risk as Probe Reopens

Concerns are growing that potential evidence tied to Jeffrey Epstein's former New Mexico estate could be compromised as construction begins on the property while state authorities reopen a criminal investigation into alleged activity there.

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.

Clyburn isn’t sure if he’ll run again, but knows whom he’d like to succeed him

As a debate about generational change rages in his party, the 85-year-old lawmaker weighs another run.

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.

Tech company at odds with Pentagon warns its AI possibly gained consciousness, Elon Musk gives 2-word response

Elon Musk accused Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei of "projecting" after Amodei said in an interview that, "We don’t know if the models are conscious."

Trump administration asks court to restore punishments for law firms

The Justice Department told a federal appeals court that judges who blocked executive orders sanctioning several law firms had infringed on the president’s authority.

Jim Jordan to Newsmax: Minnesota Fraud Could Total Billions in Stolen Money

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Newsmax Saturday that Minnesota looked the other way as billions of dollars in fraud was committed. "Nine billion alone in just one state," Jordan said on "America Right Now," after he grilled Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz …

Ga. Senate Defeats Paper Ballot Voting Bill

Georgia state senators on Friday narrowly rejected a bill that would have required voters to use hand-marked paper ballots beginning before the November elections, WABE out of Atlanta first reported.

Trump Arrives to Witness Return of Bodies of U.S. Service Members

President Trump traveled on Saturday to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware in the wake of the deaths of six service members.

Melania at the Mic

The first lady’s surreal act of geopolitical theatre did little to explain how the ongoing US–Israeli military campaign against Iran’s brutal theocrats will make the world safer.

Darrell Issa won’t seek reelection after more than two decades in House

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) said he will not seek reelection, joining a wave of departures from Congress.

Pete Hegseth’s Moral Unseriousness

The defense secretary appears unable to approach matters of life and death with even the slightest bit of reverence or humility.

Planned Parenthood Now Offering Botox

Podcast #327: Will Post-Islamist Iran Get a Royal Restoration?

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Iranian-Canadian human-rights activist Kaveh Shahrooz about whether Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, might rise to power as a new Prince of Persia.

‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’

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

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.

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…

Long-delayed Jan. 6 plaque honoring police installed in Capitol at 4 a.m.

The memorial honoring officers who defended the Capitol was required by law to be installed by March 2023.

Rebecca Solnit Says the Left’s Next Hero Is Already Here

The writer and activist on how political change happens and taking the long view.

Trump Maintains That U.S. Has Ample Weapons as Iran War Depletes Stocks

After meeting with defense contractors at the White House, President Trump said the companies were all committed to increasing production.

A Tale of Two Senate Seats

GOP turmoil in Texas is in contrast with Steve Daines's cool exit in Montana.

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

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

Intel report warns large-scale war ‘unlikely’ to oust Iran’s regime

A classified U.S. report doubts that Iran’s opposition would take power following either a short or extended U.S. military campaign.

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.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Kristi Noem

Congressional questions about contracts, ads, and extramarital sex ended her tenure.

Justice Dept. Denounces Federal Judges in Fight Against Law Firms

The Trump administration had signaled earlier this week that it was ready to abandon four executive orders seeking to punish law firms, but abruptly reversed course the next day.

Aharoni to Newsmax: US, Israel Working 'in Harmony' on Iran Operations

Israel and the United States are operating with an unprecedented level of military coordination in confronting Iran, and their cooperation is a "division of labor" between two highly capable forces, says former Israeli Consul General in New York I…

Trump Urges Latin American Leaders to Use Military Against Cartels

President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States and Latin American countries are working together to combat violent cartels as his administration emphasizes renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Justice Department targets Cuban officials, aims for indictments

The Justice Department has formed a working group to examine bringing federal charges against officials or entities within Cuba’s government.

How Candidates Are Using Winks and Posts to Seek Crypto and A.I. Cash

All across America, congressional candidates are finding creative — and critics say cynical — ways to signal support for two deep-pocketed industries, A.I. and crypto.

One hidden impact of redistricting? A more polarized Congress.

New maps are forcing incumbents into early retirement or ideologically driven primaries, creating a more partisan House.

Is Tariffs Ruling the Proper Domain of Supreme Court?

If history is any guide, this conservative moment will not last. The mood and ideology of the court shift slowly, but they do shift.

Iran's Got a 'Who's Zoomin' Who' Problem

‘We Need to Do McCarthyism to the Tenth Power’

Conservative influencers are pushing for a return to the dark days of 1950s inquisitions.

Gonzales Ouster Has Dems Optimistic About Flipping TX Seat

With scandal plagued Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, dropping his re-election bid, Democrats are hoping the new controversial Republican nominee could help them flip the seat.

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?

The FBI's 'Prohibited Access' Files

In an echo of Seymour Hersh's famed 'Family Jewels' story, the FBI has been caught hiding a generation of secrets.

The ‘Crazy’ Plot to Release the Epstein Files

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

Dire Strait: Sure Looks Like China Is Writing Off the Ayatollahs

CNN Political Briefing

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

Collision with Reality

The Supreme Court has just invalidated Trump’s tariff agenda. But the economics were already doing that.

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.

What Kennedy Actually Said About Dunkin' and Starbucks

By Adam Garrie, Breaking News Reporter, The MAHA Report

'The Football Town' Captures the Exceptionalism of a Region and a Nation

Vocal anti-Trump Dem reveals which industry is trying to oust him from House seat: 'I was a target'

After a razor-thin primary, Rep. Al Green will face Rep. Christian Menefee in a runoff. Green blasted his younger rival's missed votes and dared him to debate right away.

Ahead of Midterms, Economic Warning Signs Pile Up for Republicans

With employers cutting jobs and gas prices rising amid the war in Iran, Democrats see an opportunity to press their advantage.

California's Inferno of Regulations

Fred Fleitz to Newsmax: Iran Attacks on Gulf States a Disaster for Tehran

Fred Fleitz, vice chair of the America First Policy Institute Center for American Security, told Newsmax on Saturday that Iran's decision to launch attacks on its neighbors in the Persian Gulf is already backfiring on the Arab state.

What’s next for Kristi Noem? 2026 Senate chatter grows after DHS exit

Rumors swirl that fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem may challenge Sen. Mike Rounds in 2026 South Dakota primary after Trump dismissal.

On Iran, Democrats Thread the Needle With a Single Word

Support for disrupting Iran's regime, opposition to skirting Congress: Democrats are relying on a conjunction to navigate the political minefield.

Trump Calls On Private Companies to Take On a Bigger Role in Cyber

In his National Cybersecurity Strategy, President Trump sought an expanded role for private firms in cyberwarfare. He did not take on China or Russia in the document.

Friday's Final Word

Calif. GOP Rep. Kiley Running as Independent After Gerrymandering

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., will be running as an independent in his bid to keep his job.Kiley, first elected in 2022, made the announcement Friday, months after California redistricting would have forced him to run in a redrawn district that now …

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 Final Voyage of the Iranian Warship Sunk by the U.S.

The sinking of an Iranian ship by the US near Sri Lanka brings the conflict uncomfortably close to India.

Good Sign: Debate Among Conservatives on Iran

Conservatives are asking whether this conflict could become a long, expensive war that costs American lives.

How Talarico Won Texas Democrats With Love, Luck and a Little Restraint

A carefully disciplined campaign that capitalized on viral media, months of organizing and strong outreach to Latino voters helped propel James Talarico to the center of Texas politics.

The End of Strategic Ambiguity

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

Farage slams British prime minister for ‘extraordinary’ lack of support for Trump's Iran strikes

Nigel Farage slams UK PM Starmer for blocking US use of Diego Garcia military base during Iran strikes, warning Trump administration about Chagos deal.

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.

Iranian President: No More Missile or Drone Attacks on Neighbors; Apologizes

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.

Things Are About to Get Ugly in Texas

A runoff, resentments, and the question of whether a Democrat can win statewide

Don't Let Congress Ruin College Sports

GOP Unease Grows Over Risk of 'Forever War' With Iran

Some Republican lawmakers are warning that the Trump administration's military operation against Iran could spiral into a prolonged "forever war," raising concerns it could clash with the GOP's "America First" message and hurt the party politicall…

Trump touts US has 'tremendous' amount of Venezuelan oil, vows to 'take care' of Cuba after Iran focus

President Donald Trump declared Saturday that the U.S. is extracting "tremendous amounts of oil" from Venezuela and vowed to "take care" of Cuba's regime.

'Utterly unaffordable': Study reveals how deep blue city's minimum wage law is ravaging key industry

Los Angeles hotels reportedly cut 650 jobs as new minimum wage law takes effect, with more layoffs expected as wages rise to $30 per hour by 2028.

Phares to Newsmax: Interim Iran Govt Needed Now

Former foreign policy adviser and author Walid Phares said Saturday on Newsmax that Washington should move quickly to work with a transitional Iranian authority, arguing that any effort to secure defections from Iran's military and militia forces …

Controversial top vaccine regulator to depart FDA

Vinay Prasad, the top regulator overseeing vaccines and complex treatments for difficult diseases, had previously lost his job in July before getting it back less than two weeks later.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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…

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

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

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…

Humiliating: HMS Dragon Delayed Because Shipyard Works Only 9-5

WATCH: Capitol Hill debate erupts over whether Trump’s Iran strikes amount to ‘war’

Debate erupted on Capitol Hill over Trump's Iran strikes as lawmakers in Congress debate whether they amount to a war that should require congressional say-so.

Cornyn's Anti-Trump Record May Be His Undoing

John Cornyn's record is receiving increased scrutiny as the Washington establishment spends tens of millions to save the embattled incumbent.

Noem reveals Trump will have 'big agreement' to announce at major summit with world leaders

Kristi Noem will join President Donald Trump and 12 Latin American leaders at his Doral resort for Saturday’s "Shield of the Americas" summit on regional security partnerships.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Trump vows to write executive order to reshape college sports

The president blamed payments to players and said he would focus on “common sense” ideas to fix college football, basketball and other sports.

FDA's Controversial Vaccines Chief Will Leave Agency

Dr. Vinay Prasad will depart in April, after a year leading the division that approves vaccines and biotech drugs

‘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.

Musk Is Enticed by the Lunar Siren

Elon Musk should remain focused on Mars; diverting to the Moon would be a mistake.

Florida Bar reverses itself, says it is not investigating Lindsey Halligan

A spokesperson said the bar’s counsel “erroneously” stated there was a “pending investigation”; instead, a complaint against Halligan remains at a preliminary stage.

GOP senators say Trump's strikes 'significantly degraded' Iran but emphasize attacks not 'forever wars'

Republican senators say U.S. and Israeli strikes have reportedly degraded Iran's military capabilities but won't lead to "forever wars" in the Middle East.

State Department Bypasses Congress to Send Israel More Than 20,000 Bombs

The sale had been under informal review in Congress, but the State Department declared an emergency because of the war in Iran.

Toppling a Tyrant

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

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.

Newsom rips Noem as ‘Kosplay Barbie’ over $220M ad campaign, demands DHS release $500M for LA wildfires

California Gov. Gavin Newsom rips outgoing DHS chief Kristi Noem over stalled $500M in LA wildfire recovery funds, accusing her of prioritizing a $220M ad.

Trump to Rupturing Iran: Here It Comes! UPDATE: IRGC Sidelines Pezeshkian

Shaffer to Newsmax: Major Iran Combat Operations Could End Next Week

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer said Saturday on Newsmax that major combat operations against Iran could be completed by next week, arguing that U.S. forces had already destroyed or degraded most of the initial targets identified by CENTCOM.

United CEO: Airfares Likely to Rise as Fuel Costs Climb

Average U.S. fuel prices are expected to rise further as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran drags on, raising the likelihood that higher fuel costs could soon push up airline ticket prices, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said Thursday."It will pr…

Arrest and Moral Pageantry

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

Democrats, Divided on Past Middle East Wars, Unite Against This One

Democrats were torn over military action in Iraq in 2002 and 1991 but are strongly united in opposition to President Trump’s foray against Iran without congressional approval.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 27 February – Friday 6 March

Power Beyond Realpolitik

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

Another Sign the Cuban Regime's Days Are Numbered

What the Hell Is Wrong With Charlotte?

What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?

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

A Strike Against Beijing

Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.

How D.H.S. Retreated on Immigration Tactics After Minneapolis

Agents have conducted more targeted operations, rather than street sweeps, leading to a dip in arrests — at least for now.