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

Rep. Clyburn, former No. 3 House Democrat, will seek reelection

The announcement from Clyburn, who turns 86 in July, comes as younger Democrats are challenging the old guard in primaries throughout the country.

Trump Endorses Jake Paul, Who Isn't Running for Office

The president called Mr. Paul, a boxer and provocative influencer, a “great guy” and predicted that he would run for an elected position.

Yet Another CNN Reporter Steps on the Rake

US Applications for Unemployment Benefits Inch Down to 213K Amid Stable Layoffs

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits inched down modestly last week as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels despite a weakening job market.

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.

Clyburn, 85, bucks Democrat generational revolt with bid for 18th term in Congress

Jim Clyburn announces bid for 18th term in Congress at age 85, defying calls for generational change as other Democratic leaders choose to retire

Why it’s easier and cheaper for you to buy GLP-1s

Consumers are paying in cash in a hotly competitive marketplace, creating a rare phenomenon for a relatively new class of prescription drugs: falling prices.

Denial of Executive Privilege Latest Karmic Episode for Dems

Joe Biden became the first president in history to deny executive privilege assertions for his predecessor. Now, President Trump is returning the favor.

How Trump Officials Embraced an Animal Rights Campaign

The Trump administration is curbing animal experiments in response to shifts in public opinion, technological advances, years of animal rights advocacy and the work of a conservative activist.

Confessions of a GLP-1 User

I'd rather get a ‘fat jab' than go to boot camp classes with an empty stomach.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Kristi Noem

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

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…

Dems in Tax Fight That's Really About Copying Republicans

As populism gains steam among Democrats, exempting large numbers of people from taxes strikes many on the left as slopulism.

Wealth Migration from California is Changing the Landscape in Florida

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…

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.

The Anti-Communist Film Festival: James Ellroy’s 'Red Sheet'

How Hegseth Came to See Moral Purpose in War as Weakness

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s bellicose and vengeful rhetoric describing the military’s war in Iran grew out of his experience in Iraq.

Trump Administration Seems Likely to Win Lawsuit Against University of Pennsylvania

Senate Resoundingly Passes Housing Bill, but Challenges Lie Ahead

The lopsided vote to approve the measure was a rare bit of election-year bipartisanship on a major affordability issue, but G.O.P. disputes and President Trump’s disinterest have left its fate uncertain.

Follow the Money: US, Israel Hits IRGC In Its Wallet

ICE busts human smuggling ring that kidnapped family, sexually assaulted pregnant woman

ICE agents busted a South Texas human smuggling ring, resulting in the arrests and sentencing of gang bangers who kidnapped a family and sexually assaulted a pregnant mother.

A Police Report About a House Candidate Surprised the White House

A woman’s allegations of rape against a Republican House candidate have put Trump in a bind.

Powell's behind-the-scenes move after Trump's DOJ opened its criminal probe

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made 13 calls to lawmakers after the Justice Department opened a criminal probe into his congressional testimony about the Fed's renovations.

Senators seek review of Justice Department’s handling of Epstein files

A bipartisan group of senators raised concerns in a letter to the Government Accountability Office that the department failed to redact names and photos of victims.

Why Europe Still Misreads America

Why Germans fear American religion, and what this reveals about Europe.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Trump Admin Targets China in New Trade Probe Ahead of Xi Summit

The Trump administration has launched sweeping new trade investigations aimed at China's manufacturing dominance and other countries' industrial overproduction, a move officials say is designed to protect American workers and rebuild the nation's …

Wednesday's Final Word

Nepo Babytollah (Maybe) Speaks: Shutter All US Bases or Strait of Hormuz Stays Closed

Energy Sec.: US Military 'Not Ready' to Escort Tankers in Hormuz Strait

The U.S. military is currently "not ready" to escort tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz because all its assets are focused on striking Iran, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday.

Dan Schueftan on Gaza, Iran & the Future of Israel

Israel faces not a solvable conflict but a permanent condition—one requiring deterrence, “violent maintenance,” and historic patience—while confronting both regional enemies and a cultural battle in the West.

We asked 1,000 Americans if U.S. strikes on Iran should continue. Here’s what they said.

Resistance to the U.S. military campaign in Iran is easing overall, though a plurality of Americans still favor ending the strikes.

James Clyburn to Run for House Again, Defying Push for Generational Change

The Democratic power broker had kept his plans under wraps but signaled he wanted to be around to see the first Black speaker elected, a milestone the party is well positioned to reach next year.

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.

Trump says 'we've got our eyes on' Iranian sleeper cells in US

Trump warns of terror "sleeper cells" in U.S., blames Biden's border policies for security threats as U.S., Israel continue military campaign against Iran.

Why Populism is Rising in Australia: Immigration and One Nation Surge

Australia has long been considered politically stable compared with Europe and the United States. But according to political scientist Eric Kaufmann, that period of “Australian exceptionalism” may be coming to an end.

AI money is already influencing the midterms. And more is coming.

Candidates backed by AI companies have found early success — of the 20 candidates in the Texas and North Carolina primaries who received AI funds, only one lost her race.

On Iran, Take the Money and Run (Again)

The war looks like a case of diminishing returns, but ending it now allows the president to claim tangible victories.

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

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

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.

South Carolina’s 2028 Primary Is Already on Some Democrats’ Minds

The state’s 2028 primary is likely to be important, and is already on the minds of some Democrats.

Colleges Finally Confronting Outcomes Data

Hesitancy to use college outcomes data, like post-graduation earnings, is giving way to acceptance and even enthusiasm.

Things Are About to Get Ugly in Texas

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

Newsom: No Imminent Threat Despite Iran Drone Warning

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said there was no imminent threat to the state, despite a warning from the FBI that Iran could send drones to the West Coast in retaliation for war. Newsom said drone issues "have always been top of mind.""We've been a…

I Recognize the Look on Liam Ramos’s Face

The 5-year-old was briefly held at Dilley, where families are sent after ICE roundups.

Rep. Mary Miller to Newsmax: SAVE Act Is 'Ground Zero to Save Our Country'

Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., said Thursday on Newsmax's "National Report" that passing the SAVE Act is "ground zero to save our country," urging the Senate to bring the election integrity legislation to the floor and put lawmakers on record.

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.

DHS pick Markwayne Mullin once hired felon who illegally stored guns at work

Sen. Markwayne Mullin denied knowing about the employee’s criminal record, but the employee says he did. A “cache” of weapons was found at Mullin’s business.

The Pete Hegseth Exception

Nearly a year after a national-security scandal erupted on my iPhone, no one in the Trump administration has faced consequences.

Four-time deported Honduran arrested after allegedly shoving elderly Air Force vet onto NYC subway tracks

The Trump admin is calling on NYC officials to honor a detainer against a four-time deported illegal alien with at least 15 prior charges, after he allegedly pushed two men onto the NYC subway tracks.

Trump Dismisses Nobel Prize Talk During Iran War

President Donald Trump said Thursday he is not focused on winning the Nobel Peace Prize despite renewed discussion of the award during his administration's military campaign against Iran.

Trump Administration Suggests Tariff Refunds May Take Significant Time

The government must update a federal court on Thursday about its timeline for returning roughly $166 billion in illegal duties.

What to Know About Airport Security Lines During the Partial Government Shutdown

Images of seemingly endless waits at security checkpoints have spread online, but the reality of the partial government shutdown is less straightforward.

'Big Trouble' If Senate GOP Can't Pass Popular SAVE Act

The SAVE Act is an overwhelmingly popular bill because voters are rightly concerned about election integrity

Police say Jan. 6 plaque is unlawfully hidden from public at U.S. Capitol

Two police officers argue in a court filing that their lawsuit should continue because a law required a prominent display for the plaque.

House Republicans struggle to craft legislative agenda ahead of midterms

At a retreat in Florida, the House GOP plotted its next steps — but the path ahead is murky, and elections are looming.

The Republican Who Wants to Banish His Own Constituents

Representative Andy Ogles wrote on Monday that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” He represents thousands of them in 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.

Ga. GOP's Fuller to Newsmax: I'll Fight for Trump in Congress

Georgia Republican congressional candidate Clayton Fuller told Newsmax on Thursday he is ready to be a "fighter on Capitol Hill for President [Donald] Trump" as he campaigns for the House seat previously held by former Republican Rep. Marjorie Tay…

Israeli Drones Striking IRGC Goons in the Streets

U.S. sailors injured in fire aboard aircraft carrier supporting Iran war

The incident, in a laundry room on the USS Gerald R. Ford, is another setback during the ship’s extended deployment.

A Statue of Trump and Epstein Re-enacting ‘Titanic’ Pose Appears on National Mall

The installation is the latest in a series of satirical statues created by an anonymous group of artists called the Secret Handshake.

Now You Tell Us...

From Camelot to ‘outsider’: JFK’s grandson shakes up NYC House race taking aim at gatekeeping Dem 'machine'

JFK's only grandson Jack Schlossberg runs outsider Congress campaign in NYC, challenging establishment despite Kennedy family ties in Democratic primary.

The United Nations Is Going Broke

Too often, the UN’s valuable field work is overshadowed by cynical political posturing. As a result, collecting annual dues from member states has become more difficult.

Former NFL players decry White House video mixing big hits, airstrikes

The Trump administration released a video on X using footage of Ray Lewis, Chad Ochocinco and other former NFL players juxtaposed with war footage.

‘We Need to Do McCarthyism to the Tenth Power’

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

WTH, CNN? Yet More Massive Lies From the Network

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.

Long-Serving Democrat Jim Clyburn of South Carolina Will Run for 18th Term in Congress

Rep. Jim Clyburn, the dean of South Carolina's Democrats, said Thursday that he will run for an 18th House term, a move that could position him as an influential elder statesman in Congress if his party regains the majority in November.

SCOOP: Democratic Virginia Gov Spanberger's Republican cousin aims to flip key House seat red

Republican Jenny Rae Le Roux, cousin of Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, launches congressional campaign in competitive Orange County, California, U.S. House district, in bid to flip blue seat.

UT Austin Strikes a Blow to Critical Theory

President Jim Davis's decision to consolidate four

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.

Musk Is Enticed by the Lunar Siren

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

SEE IT: Nancy Mace says she 'jumped in to assist' as Americans airlifted from war zone amid Iran conflict

The South Carolina congresswoman says she assisted a rescue mission in Israel, working with the State Department to charter an evacuation flight for stranded Americans.

The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own

What one lawmaker’s defection from the GOP says about the state of politics

CNN Political Briefing

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

Trump’s Tour of States Is About More Than the Midterms

Beyond talking about the economy and voters’ hardships, the president is showing that he still has control over the Republican Party.

A Strike Against Beijing

Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.

The Soft Disinformation Contagion

How we learned to reason poorly with accurate data.

A Third of Americans Have Cut Spending or Borrowed Money for Health Care

As medical costs rise, more than 80 million people have made sacrifices like skipping meals and driving less, a new survey finds.

US destroys aging Iranian warplanes, video shows

During the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, U.S. Central Command released video footage of strikes against aircraft that were sitting on the ground.

Trump touts economic agenda on tour as Iran war stirs prices, GOP dissent

The Ohio and Kentucky stops were meant to promote economic gains, but rising oil prices and Republican dissent over Iran threaten to complicate the message.

Trump Isn’t Even Trying to Sell This War

Has the salesman in chief gotten rusty?

Arizona Is Now at the Center of Election Investigations

Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are probing the results of the 2020 election in Arizona.

How Israel and Iran Are Fracturing MAGA Media

President Trump's war in Iran has sparked a heated fight in conservative circles, pitting some of Trump's most ardent supporters in the media against GOP lawmakers who are backing what critics argue is a conflict pushed by Israel but unpopular wit…

BBC Beatdown: The Shocking Shaming of Iran's Ambassador

Trump-backed affordable housing overhaul clears Senate, while House GOP raises red flags

Major affordable housing legislation advanced through the Senate with measures to help first-time buyers, while critics raised build-to-rent supply concerns.

Rep. Van Epps to Newsmax: Gold Star Families Deserve Larger Death Benefit

Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Thursday that Gold Star families should receive a larger immediate death benefit when a service member is killed, calling it "the right thing to do" as he rolled out what he described as his first bill …

Out on the Wily, Windy Moors...

Emerald Fennell’s misbegotten adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ destroys the very structure of Emily Brontë’s classic story.

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.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 27 February – Friday 6 March

Nancy Pelosi endorses former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn in second congressional bid

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, a candidate running in the Democratic primary in Maryland's 5th Congressional District.

US Sues California Over Zero Emission Vehicle, Greenhouse Gas Rules

The Trump administration on Thursday sued the state of California, claiming the state's zero-emission vehicle and tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions rules are illegal and preempted by federal law. The U.S. Transportation Department sued the Califor…

CNN Anchor: On Fifth Thought, Our Teleprompter May Have Gotten That Terror Attack A Skosh Wrong

Iran's Dynastic Power Shift Strikes at Pillar of Regime

When Mojtaba Khamenei truly becomes Iran's next supreme leader, the Islamic Republic will have crossed a line it once claimed defined the very purpose of the revolution.

GOP billionaire trying to woo Trump's support in key Georgia race bankrolled his 2024 presidential rivals

In Georgia's race for governor two top Republicans are claiming they are more aligned with Trump than the other, but one of them has donated to Trump's rivals for at least a decade.

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…

Impatience

Does Trump Walk Away and Declare Victory in Cuba?

On Truth and Beauty

Why art and science serve different ends.

Iran’s Risky Gamble

The war with Iran is reshaping the entire Middle East from the Gulf States to Lebanon with surprising speed.

Pentagon CTO: 'No Chance' of Renewed Anthropic Negotiations

Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael on Thursday ruled out negotiations with Anthropic after the agency labeled the AI lab a supply-chain risk in a dispute over restrictions on how the U.S. military can use its technology.

Strong or Weak? How Trump Picks His Battles.

Despite his tough talk, President Trump has consistently made allowances for countries he sees as powerful or dominant.

UC Berkeley Citrin Poll: Newsom Leads Kamala Harris by 14 Points in 2028 Primary Poll

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a strong lead over former Vice President Kamala Harris in their state's 2028 Democratic Party presidential primary, as well as coming in well ahead of other potential candidates like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, …