Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

more info

Today's Headlines

Sen. Johnson to Newsmax: Dems 'Want to Make It Easy to Cheat' at Polls

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told Newsmax Wednesday that Democrats are trying to block election-integrity legislation because they "want to make it easy to cheat" when voting.

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.

Israel Is Hunting Down Iranian Officials One by One

The killings of top officials mark milestones in a fierce campaign to bring down the Tehran government

Trump continues to push for release of Tina Peters as Colorado governor weighs clemency

President Donald Trump continues to pressure Colorado's governor to free Tina Peters, who is serving a nine-year sentence for a security breach of voting systems.

House Narrowly Rejects Balanced Budget Amendment

The House on Wednesday failed to pass legislation that would require the federal government to operate under a balanced budget, Politico reports.

Alvin Greene, a No-Show Senate Nominee Who Won Primary, Dies at 48

He made no effort to campaign but won the South Carolina Democratic primary in 2010, becoming the state’s first Black major-party nominee for Senate.

James O'Keefe: Bribing the Homeless to Sign Petitions

White House details offer to end partial government shutdown

Administration officials argue they are working to compromise with Democrats to unlock DHS funding and end the partial shutdown.

Senate G.O.P. Again Blocks Bid to Stop Iran War Until Trump Wins Authorization

For the second time since the war began, Senate Democrats tried and failed to win passage of a resolution that would have halted the offensive until President Trump went to Congress for approval.

Britain’s Half-Measures on Iran

As Iranian agents surveil London’s Jewish communities and IRGC-backed plots multiply, Britain’s failure to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps endangers UK citizens.

Wednesday's Final Word

Axios: The 'Squad Left' Just Got Clobbered – In Illinois

State Department to ask for bonds of up to $15,000 for visa applications from a dozen more countries

The State Department expanded visa bond requirements to 12 more countries, whose citizens must post up to $15,000 bonds before traveling to the U.S.

U.S. Intelligence Saw No Change in Iran’s Missile Capabilities Before War

On Wednesday, the director of national intelligence and C.I.A. director contradicted one of the justifications the Trump administration had given for its attacks on Iran.

How This Ends in Iran

President Trump views the threat of future Iranian attacks as existential, and believes that further delay is no longer acceptable.

Strikes may set Iran back but likely won't end nuclear program, UN watchdog chief warns

A U.N. nuclear chief says Iran's nuclear program cannot be eliminated by airstrikes alone, with uranium stockpiles and underground sites remaining intact.

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…

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…

Did Powell Try to 'Strongarm' His Way Out of Investigation?

Powell's attorney warned his client would remain on the Federal Reserve Board after his term as chairman ends in May...unless, of course, Jeanine Pirro made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Cuba's President Vows Resistance But Anti-Communist Graffiti Appears in Havana

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.

Trump’s Planning for America’s 250th Emphasizes Religion’s Role in the Nation’s Founding

A closed-door White House event included news about the National Garden of American Heroes and an emphasis on the role of religion in the founding.

The voting bill Trump says will secure victory could backfire

Requiring Americans to prove they are citizens when they register would create obstacles for millions of eligible voters and in some cases could hurt Republicans more than Democrats.

‘How do you sleep at night?' Moreno slams ‘disgraceful’ shutdown leaving 260,000 workers without pay

Sen. Bernie Moreno slams Democrats as 'disgusting' over government shutdown blame, highlighting 260,000 DHS employees working without paychecks during crisis.

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.

Kristi Noem Bought 11 Warehouses to Use as ICE Jails. Now What?

DHS’s next leader will inherit a fast-moving $38 billion plan for industrial-scale immigrant detention.

The Many Faces of Tucker Carlson

Jason Zengerle’s new book about the degradation of a once-gifted writer and broadcaster also illustrates the downward trajectory of the entire news industry during the same period.

GOP gubernatorial hopeful hails legendary golfer for hefty campaign donation: 'Incredibly honored'

Phil Mickelson made a rare $39,200 donation to Republican Steve Hilton's California gubernatorial campaign, backing candidate's opposition to climate mandates.

U.S. tells all its embassies to ‘immediately’ review security after strikes

The State Department order to review security at “ALL posts worldwide” follows persistent attacks on U.S. embassies, with almost 300 reported in Iraq alone.

Sen. Paul to Newsmax: No on Mullin, Who Has Anger Issues

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Newsmax on Wednesday he will not vote to confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to lead the Department of Homeland Security because of Mullin's anger issues.

Former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged classified leaks

FBI investigating former counterterror chief Joe Kent over alleged classified leak, sources tell Fox News Digital, with probe predating his abrupt resignation.

Judge questions Trump aides’ ‘brazen’ claims on White House ballroom

The planned $400 million project has been a top priority for the president. Judge Richard Leon said he hopes to rule this month on whether to halt construction.

The Most Gavin Newsom Thing Ever

GOP blocks Booker-led push to curb Trump's military authority in Iran

Senate Democrats plan multiple war powers resolutions to challenge President Trump's Iran military operations in a bid to force public testimony from top administration officials.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 6 March – Friday 13 March

Too Fun to Check: Iran 'President' Tells Counterparts, Don't Target Me, Bro!!

Carol Kitman, 96, Dies; Photographer Documented the Vindman Twins

A chance encounter in Brooklyn led to a decades-long project following the boys’ lives, from childhood to national prominence as critics of President Trump.

Made in Moscow

The foreign origins of Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson’s antisemitism.

How To Make It Easier for Iranians To Revolt

America can make it easier for Iranians to revolt.

James Cameron Goes Native

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is a Rousseau-esque oikophobic fantasy of evil humans and noble savage aliens.

Almost 200 House Dems vote against deporting people who commit welfare fraud

House Republicans approved a bill targeting noncitizens who commit fraud despite Democratic opposition. The measure faces an uphill battle in the Senate.

NY Times: Cesar Chavez Accused of Sexually Abusing Young Girls

Podcast #329: Has the Gay Rights Revolution Gone Too Far for the Gay Community’s Own Good?

Jonathan Kay speaks with Ronan McCrea about his new book, ‘The End of the Gay Rights Revolution: How Hubris and Overreach Threaten Gay Freedom.’

Mullin Faces Questions About War Zone Observations

The nominee for homeland security secretary suggested that he had observed war firsthand but declined to provide details, which he said were “classified.”

Democrats Grapple With Cesar Chavez Allegations

Labor leaders and Democrats are reeling over allegations that Cesar Chavez sexually abused multiple people, including labor activist Dolores Huerta.

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.

F.B.I. Investigates Joe Kent, Whose Resignation Over Iran War Angered Trump

Mr. Kent is under investigation for a possible intelligence leak, according to people familiar with the situation. The inquiry is said to predate his resignation this week as the top U.S. counterterrorism official.

Trump Isn’t Even Trying to Sell This War

Has the salesman in chief gotten rusty?

MSNBC Cuts Hour From 'Morning Joe' in Major Network Shakeup

MSNBC is slashing an hour from its flagship "Morning Joe" program as part of a sweeping overhaul at the beleaguered liberal network, The New York Post reported Wednesday.The show, hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, will be cut from fou…

A Paradoxical War

The American debate about the campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

A New World Order in the Making

An interview with Dr Shmuel Bar.

US National Debt Tops $39 Trillion Amid Iran War

The national debt surpassed a record $39 trillion on Wednesday, a milestone that comes just weeks into the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

A 79-Year-Old Freshman Senator?

Janet Mills does not have a dicey Reddit history or a recently covered-over Nazi tattoo. But her candidacy is haunted by Joe Biden’s 2024 debacle.

U.S. Needs Election Reform That Can Actually Pass

Ever since his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, President Trump has railed against voter fraud and the need for countermeasures to prevent it. The SAVE America Act is the embodiment of these efforts. The Senate is already considering the bill; however, …

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.

Senate Rejects Bid to Curb Trump Powers on Iran Strikes

The Senate on Wednesday night defeated a measure to advance a War Powers resolution curtailing President Donald Trump’s authority to launch military strikes against Iran.

An Ambivalent Relationship

Southeast Asia in World War II, Part Three: Independence Movements under Japanese Occupation

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.

A Rigged Election by Any Other Name in Virginia

Virginia redistricting amendment sparks debate over fairness, legality, and voter confusion ahead of the April referendum.

How AIPAC, crypto and a billionaire governor shaped the Illinois primaries

The win capped a mixed night for AIPAC and crypto, which spent heavily in Illinois’ primary elections.

Fed Chair Says He Won't Step Down Amid DOJ Inquiry

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday he would remain in his role beyond the May 15 expiration of his term if a successor has not yet been confirmed, signaling continuity at the central bank amid political and legal tensions.

Afroman prevails in defamation trial over songs about police raid on his home

The case, which explored questions about free speech and the limits of artistic criticism, has also catapulted the rapper back into pop culture’s lexicon.

High Stakes, and a Low Bar, For Markwayne Mullin at DHS

Trump’s nominee has one big thing going for him: He’s not Kristi Noem.

War in Straitened Circumstances

After nineteen days of war, Israel and America face a grinding conflict with Iran and Hezbollah, and there is no clear end in sight.

Illinois Had Some Surprises in Last Night's Primary Elections

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.

Big Money Hits a Wall in Illinois Democratic Primaries

And three other takeways from primary night.

What to know about Trump’s Homeland Security pick

Sen. Markwayne Mullin isn’t backing down from mass deportations.

Drones over base where Rubio, Hegseth live raise security concerns

Lockdowns at U.S. bases and a global security alert underscore concerns that Iranian retaliation could extend to officials on American soil.

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.

Hearts of Darkness

Laura K. Field’s smart new book takes a critical look at MAGA’s Ivy League intellectuals.

Why NATO Is Refusing To Join U.S. and Israel

Trump didn't plan for this crisis. Now he wants other countries to pay the price.

A withheld endorsement leaves both Cornyn and Paxton courting Trump in Texas primary

Sen. John Cornyn and his rival Ken Paxton are still vying for the president’s backing, overshadowing one of the year’s most expensive and closely watched Senate races.

There Is No MAGA Split: Trump Has 100% Approval With MAGA Base

Death of Larijani Deepens Crisis at Heart of Iran's Leadership

Larijani has long been seen as one of the Islamic Republic's most experienced and influential policy makers.

Gabbard sidesteps Iran ‘imminent threat’ claim under Senate grilling

Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard refuses to confirm Trump's Iran threat claims during tense Senate hearing, sparking heated debate over assessment.

Everyone Has Trump’s Phone Number Now

The president’s personal iPhone has been lighting up.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Gabbard tells senators Iranian regime is degraded but still intact

The director of national intelligence provided the Senate Intelligence Committee with mixed messages about the state of Iran’s nuclear program before the war began.

Immigration judge orders deportation of NYC Council employee after ICE arrest; city leaders push back

An NYC Council employee is facing deportation despite officials claiming legal work authorization. An Immigration judge ordered the employee's removal amid the controversy.

Following Trump, Republicans in Congress Propose to Ban Most Voting by Mail

A restrictive voter I.D. bill under consideration in the Senate could severely limit mail-in voting. Conservatives are pressing to end the practice outright, taking aim at an option that is widely used by voters.

The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own

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

Subtle Shift in the European Parliament Has Some Wondering About a Breach in the Firewall

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.

The Original Ladies of Letters

A new book by Elizabeth Scott-Baumann examines the female poets and literary critics who challenged seventeenth-century England’s male literary establishment.

Rep. Fine to Newsmax: Shariah Push 'Clashes' With Constitution

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Wednesday he believes Sharia is already being practiced in the United States and warned there is a growing push to expand it in ways that conflict with the Constitution.

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…

What’s a Threat? Gabbard Says It’s Up to Trump, on Iran and Elsewhere.

Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, was left to square the president’s comments about an imminent nuclear threat from Iran with a letter from one of her trusted aides.

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.

European leaders rebuff Trump’s call to open the Strait of Hormuz

Trump has expressed frustration over a lack of military assistance from allies, but European leaders are reluctant to join a conflict he started without consulting them.

Sen. Ernst to Newsmax: Mullin Is a Leader Willing to Work With Anyone

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told Newsmax Wednesday she is thankful President Donald Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

GOP overperforms in Virginia special election, fueling early momentum talk in blue-trending state

Republican Andrew Rice won a special election in Virginia Tuesday night, sparking talk about Gov. Abigail Spanberger's policies driving Republicans to the polls.

Vance Says He Welcomes Disagreement, but Supports Joe Kent’s Resignation

In Michigan, Vice President JD Vance said that “when the president of the United States makes a decision, it’s your job to help make that decision as effective and successful as possible.”

Bondi Doesn’t Commit to Deposition With House Panel Over Epstein Files

Under the rules of the oversight committee, Attorney General Pam Bondi received a subpoena requiring her to appear. The panel’s Republican chairman said he sent the summons reluctantly.

GOP governors, AGs back Trump SAVE Act push, warn system gives ‘undue influence’ to states with illegal aliens

Republican governors and attorneys general back citizenship verification through the SAVE America Act for federal elections, arguing gaps in voter registration create unfair influence.

Poll Shows Two Republicans Leading CA Governor's Race

Kari Lake to Newsmax: Americans 'Don't Have Faith in the Elections'

Kari Lake, who had been President Donald Trump's choice to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, told Newsmax Wednesday that Americans "don't have faith in the elections," arguing that concerns over election integrity are widespread and demand ac…

The ‘Big Black Scar’

Trump is blowing up national-park land in Arizona to wall off one of the border’s last wild places.

‘I’m Far Angrier’

Can Cory Booker, once the candidate of love, run for president and stay true to who he is?

US Weighs Reinforcements as Iran War Shifts

Pres. Trump's administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official and three people…

How To Save Americans $70 Billion

With five minor tweaks to existing utility law-and a whole lot of elbow grease-policymakers could save American households $500 per year on electricity.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

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.

When Teenagers in the Netherlands Ask To Be Put to Death

A Dutch psychiatrist gave lethal injections to patients with mental suffering, some of them teenagers. Does that make him a hero-or something else?

Minnesota Rises With Civil Disobedience and Protest

Minnesota rises with civil disobedience and mass protest.

Newsmax Executive Named as Voice of America’s Deputy

The appointment raised concerns that the Trump administration would try to erode the news group’s independence after picking a deputy who had been at conservative news channels for around 20 years.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Russia is Sending Oil to Cuba, Providing Intel to Iran