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

Cuba Is Crumbling

Consumer advocates, Democrats denounce Live Nation deal as inadequate

Officials have alleged that Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment held an illegal monopoly over concerts and other live events.

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.

Democrats argue Trump’s China policy risks ‘strategic failure’

A new report, issued ahead of the president’s summit with Xi Jinping, takes aim at the administration’s record on trade, diplomacy and other aspects of American power.

FBI subpoenas 2020 Arizona voting docs as federal push into election administration widens

The FBI subpoenaed an Arizona state lawmaker for records related to the 2020 election, marking the second known investigation into the matter.

The California Wealth Tax Could Wind Up Costing the State Money

Virginia Dems send Spanberger bill that could let some repeat offenders out without secured bond, expert warns

Bail industry leader warns Virginia's HB 357 threatens public safety by removing bond requirements for repeat felons. Critics say bill eases jail release.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Talarico's Challenging Road in Texas

Texas Democrats' promising Senate candidate must deliver on his theory of change.

The Bride! Sounds Pretty Awful

Crabs, a Helicopter and One Town's Fight vs. ICE

Newport, on the quirky, impossibly beautiful Oregon coast finds itself a battleground in Trump's war on immigrants.

Trump Presses Republicans for Voting Limits Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump, addressing Republican lawmakers directly on Monday, pressed them to enact sweeping new voting restrictions as a way to "guarantee" victory in November's midterm elections, saying he would refuse to sign new bills into law u…

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…

Katie Britt blasts Democrats for playing 'political games' with shutdown amid airport chaos

Senate Democrats threatened to freeze legislative business over Trump's Iran war powers as the partial DHS shutdown entered its fourth week.

Sen. Paul Schedules Mullin Hearing for Next Week

The first confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who was named by President Donald Trump to run the Department of Homeland Security, is set for Wednesday, March 18.

Two Supreme Court Justices Debate Handling of Trump Emergency Cases

In a rare joint appearance, Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Brett M. Kavanaugh offered sharply different views on how the court should handle emergency requests.

Trump’s War in Iran, and Rising Gas Prices, Collide With Midterm Agenda

The attack on Iran has led to a surge in energy prices at a moment when the cost of living is a major issue heading into the fall elections.

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?

Chaotic Calif. Gov Race Has No Frontrunner

The California governor's race is as muddled as can be, with Democrats starting to panic.

Appointing a New Leader Is the Least of Iran's Troubles

Regime hands Khamenei's son the top job in a country reeling from the US-Israeli onslaught and virtually at war with its Gulf neighbours

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.

CNN Political Briefing

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

2 Teen Mariachi Musicians Released From ICE Detention

Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas led a delegation of Democrats to a South Texas detention center to press for the release of the brothers and their family.

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.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Slams Ex-Presidents Not Knowing Dad

Jesse Jackson Jr. rips former presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton at his father's funeral saying

What Does 'Regime Change' Look Like?

Trump's aim to eradicate the Iranian regime seems for now an unlikely scenario.

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.

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.

Unlike in Past Conflicts, Most Americans Oppose Iran Attacks

While the public has historically backed military intervention initially in international conflicts, deep polarization has left the latest strikes against Iran with record-low support.

Habba to Newsmax: Trump Opposes War, Will Fight Terror

Alina Habba, senior adviser to the attorney general, told Newsmax on Monday that President Donald Trump does not want war but absolutely will fight terrorism.

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.

Problem(s) With Demanding Iran's Unconditional Surrender

Asked about the White House's strategy, one Democratic senator said, They are making it up as they go along. It's an assessment with broad applicability.

Iran’s Women’s Soccer Team Offered Asylum by President Trump

The dissonance between the president’s hard-line immigration policies and his offer of asylum to the athletes was striking. Australia took in five players.

Iran’s Risky Gamble

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

Iran Regime's Longstanding Plot To Kill Trump Confirmed

The reality of the Iran war was brought home on Friday in a Brooklyn courtroom when a jury convicted Asif Merchant for plotting with the Iranian government to assassinate President Trump and other ...

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.

Report: Trump Would Back Killing Mojtaba Khamenei If US Demands Refused

President Donald Trump said he would support the killing of Iran's new supreme leader if he won't agree to U.S. demands, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Out on the Wily, Windy Moors...

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

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.

Trio named to replace Alina Habba as U.S. attorney is also serving illegally, judge says

The decision comes amid a growing standoff over U.S. attorney appointments among all three branches of government.

It's Defend Talarico Day at the NY Times

Noem's Ouster Could End Deadlock Over DHS Shutdown

Kristi Noem's ouster as head of the Department of Homeland Security could clear a path to reopen the agency, according to Senate sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke with The Hill.

Pollster Allocco to Newsmax: Economy Still Trump's Big Midterm Challenge

A new NBC News poll showing weaker approval for President Donald Trump on inflation than his overall job performance highlights the central political challenge facing Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, polling analyst Patrick Allocco told…

‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’

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

Australia grants asylum to 5 Iranian women’s soccer players after Trump pressure

Trump had said that if Australia didn’t take the players, criticized by Iranian hard-liners for their behavior during the Asian Cup, the U.S. would.

The Impossible Predicament of the Uninsured

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

Things Are About to Get Ugly in Texas

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

Trump reveals top issues GOP should focus on to secure midterms victory: 'I've never been more confident'

Trump outlined a five-point legislative bucket list he says will secure GOP midterm victories, including voter ID and transgender policy restrictions at Republican conference.

Biden-appointed judge in the hot seat after DHS fires back at 'false' claims about ICE facility

The Biden-tapped federal judge ruled that detainees were 'stuffed into unclean cells’ at an ICE holding center in Baltimore, and ordered substantive changes, prompting backlash from DHS.

Oil Prices and Stocks Swing Wildly as Iran and Israel Launch New Strikes

Oil prices and stocks initially swung wildly, and Iran’s foreign minister promised “surprises,” calling the strikes against his country “Operation Epic Mistake.”

Here Are the Key Races to Watch in Mississippi and Georgia Elections

It’s primary day in Mississippi, where a younger Democrat is trying to oust a House veteran, and in Georgia, where Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat is up for grabs.

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…

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.

U.S. Solar Installations Fell in 2025 as Trump Attacked Clean Energy

More solar energy was added to U.S. grids than any other technology, but the amount installed fell by 14 percent, according to a new report.

‘We Need to Do McCarthyism to the Tenth Power’

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

Early Iran strikes cost $5.6 billion in munitions, Pentagon estimates

The figure, accounting for the war’s first two days, is likely to intensify concerns in Congress that U.S. forces are churning through a scarce supply of advanced weaponry.

All eyes on Georgia as Trump-backed candidate battles in high-stakes congressional showdown

Georgia special election draws national attention as Trump-backed candidate Clay Fuller competes to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacant House seat.

40+ House Republicans rally behind Markwayne Mullin for DHS, call it a ‘critical moment’ for border security

In a letter to President Trump, members of the Republican Main Street Caucus back Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security after Kristi Noem's ouster.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticizes Supreme Court emergency rulings

During a public forum, Jackson and conservative Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh offered differing views of President Trump’s wins before the high court.

What Can the Texas Primary Tell Us About Democrats?

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

2/3 Back 'SAVE Act' To Require Voter ID, and It's Bipartisan

The bitter debate between Democrats and Republicans over the SAVE Act - which would require voters to provide a valid ID to cast a ballot - has roiled political waters as both major parties gird themselves for the 2026 midterms. But do voters care…

How Sanctuary Policies Led to Murder of Innocent Woman

Fairfax County's lenient policy for prosecuting illegal immigrants led to a suspect allegedly stabbing a woman to death after multiple releases from jail.

Why Trump Changed His Mind on Kristi Noem

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

House GOP fears primary losers could jeopardize razor-thin majority

House Republicans say colleagues who lose primaries could start missing votes — and with just two votes to spare after this week, the margin is tight.

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.

Trump Again Suggests Without Evidence That Iran Struck Elementary School

After a video showed a Tomahawk missile hitting a naval base next to the school, President Trump claimed Iran possesses such weapons. But the U.S. developed the missile and has sold it only to a few close allies.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

The Moment Mass Migration Started

Before dawn on March 10, 2014, a group of roughly thirty migrants awoke in Tijuana, Mexico, packed their belongings, and ate one final meal before attempting to cross into the United States.

U.S. orders more diplomats to leave Middle East

The State Department’s most recent directives apply to personnel in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Iranian counterattacks.

Republican says ‘Muslims don’t belong in American society,’ draws fierce Democratic backlash

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee sparked a wave of criticism from Democrats after declaring that "Muslims don't belong in American society."

Double Deutsch Down on Dummkopf

Iran war’s oil shock fuels GOP political anxiety

Oil prices Monday spiked to levels not seen since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 before falling, while prices at the pump jumped nearly 50 cents higher than a week ago.

San Francisco's Public Defenders Refuse to Take on New Cases, Could Face Contempt

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.

FBI obtains voting data from Arizona GOP’s 2020 review that confirmed Trump’s loss

A federal grand jury in Arizona has subpoenaed records from a review Republican lawmakers conducted of the 2020 presidential results that confirmed Trump lost.

How's That Green Net Zero Grift Working Out for You, England?

In Trump’s Washington, Congress matters less than ever

Trump’s second presidency has accelerated the growth of executive power at the expense of the legislative branch, raising concerns about the balance of powers.

Trump Seeks to Calm Oil and Gas Markets but Says Iran War Will Go On

The president said the U.S. could accompany tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary to keep oil flowing. “We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough,” he said.

Collision with Reality

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

Iran Deeply Divided Over Khamenei's Son as Successor

While pro-establishment crowds celebrate Khamenei's appointment as his father's successor, others believe it signals no change to how Iran is ruled.

The Soft Disinformation Contagion

How we learned to reason poorly with accurate data.

Israeli Amb. Leiter to Newsmax: Younger Khamenei Is No Different than Father

Yechiel "Michael" Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, told Newsmax on Monday that Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader of Iran, will just be like his father.

Iran War Overshadows Midterms as Democrats Focus on Economy

Democrats are focused on the economy, while Republicans wish they were focused on the economy.

Rep. Kevin Kiley leaves GOP, further shrinking Speaker Johnson’s majority

During a news conference, Kiley said he will continue to caucus with House Republicans “for the remainder of this term” but pledged to be “an independent voice.”

Trump Administration Plans New Approach to Ending DEI

Jihadis Literally at the Door and All Progs Can Worry About Is the White Guy on the Sidewalk

‘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.

Wyoming Gov Signs Ban on Abortions After About 6 Weeks, Cites Misgivings

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday signed a ban on abortions after embryotic cardiac activity can be detected, generally at about six weeks' gestation and often before women know they are pregnant.

Trump Is Expected to Endorse Cornyn

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

Trump’s wearing of baseball cap during dignified transfer draws criticism

President Trump faced continued blowback for wearing a USA-emblazoned cap during a dignified transfer ceremony for soldiers killed in the war with Iran.

Dumbest Story of the Day

Revolutionary Guard Agent Convicted in Plot to Kill Trump

An Iranian intelligence operative from Pakistan has been convicted by a federal jury of trying to recruit people in the United States in a plot to kill President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials.

U.S. Reaches Tentative Deal Ending Prosecution of Turkish Bank

Court papers submitted as part of the agreement with Halkbank, which was accused of doing business with Iranian entities, said Turkey’s assistance “was instrumental” in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire.

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.

Can College Sports Be Saved?

James Piereson on the politicization of college sports.

FBI Subpoenas Arizona Records in 2020 Voting Inquiry

The Trump administration has expanded its investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2020 election, with a federal grand jury subpoena seeking records related to Arizona's largest county.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 27 February – Friday 6 March

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.

Blue-state governors move to keep heat on Noem as DHS fires back

Democratic governors vow to pursue accountability for Kristi Noem despite her departure from office, promising investigations into immigration enforcement.

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.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the 'talking filibuster' and the SAVE Act

Republicans push to alter Senate filibuster rules to pass Trump's SAVE Act requiring citizenship proof for voting, despite significant procedural hurdles.

Trump, Thune clash on voter ID ultimatum as GOP remains divided on path forward

Senate Republicans are still divided on using the talking filibuster for voter ID legislation as Senate Democrats vow to block the bill.

First Nations to BC Landowners: Nice Little Piece of Heaven Y'Got There, Don't Mind If We Do

Dems Vow to Stall Senate Until Rubio, Hegseth Testify

A group of Senate Democrats is threatening to hold up business on the Senate floor unless Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and others testify about the conflict in Iran, The Hill reported.

A Strike Against Beijing

Operation Epic Fury is not just about Iran.

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…

Musk Is Enticed by the Lunar Siren

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

Is Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Actually Alive?