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

Melania Trump advisor reveals what first lady was thinking as Secret Service rushed WHCA Dinner

Melania Trump was "in full control" during the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, her senior advisor tells reporters.

Axios: Trump Leaning Toward a Blockade-Plus-Limited(?)-Booms Strategy

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.

G.O.P. Congress Struggles to Do the Basics Amid Party Infighting

House Republicans toiled to pass major measures as lawmakers tried to fund homeland security, extend spy powers and deliver a farm bill.

Why Ending the Iran War May Be a Never-Ending Story

As Trump's excursion veers into quagmire territory, he may just try to walk away amid a host of new distractions.

Trump Urges Israel to Limit Attacks on Lebanon

President Donald Trump has urged Israel to limit its military operations in Lebanon to "surgical" strikes, warning against a broader escalation that could derail ceasefire efforts, Axios reported Wednesday.

Trump’s Enormous Gerrymandering Blunder

The Republican redistricting effort backfires.

Putin Scales Back Military Parade, Seems Agreeable to a Ceasefire with Ukraine

Adam Carolla to Newsmax: Kimmel Joke Taken out of Context

Adam Carolla continued to defend his longtime friend and former co-host Jimmy Kimmel in an appearance Wednesday on Newsmax.

SCOTUS Strikes Down Congressional Map in Louisiana

The Supreme Court's ruling on the legality of Louisiana's second black-majority Congressional district will have impacts throughout the south.

U.S. aircraft carrier to leave Mideast, reducing military might amid Iran war

The USS Gerald R. Ford, at sea for 10 months, is in need of repair. Its exit, though, reduces the firepower on hand as Trump presses Tehran to make peace.

Zeldin to Newsmax: Iran Conflict Boosts US Oil

Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, told Newsmax on Wednesday that the conflict with Iran is accelerating a global shift toward U.S. energy, as countries seek more stable and accessible oil supplies amid uncertainty i…

The Surprising Heart of the Data-Center Boom

Loudoun County, Virginia, has embraced digital infrastructure-and its economic benefits.

A Lesson for Guarding the Presidential Line of Succession

This weekend’s failed attack highlighted a risk that often goes unspoken.

Trump Voters Like Marco Rubio More and More

And J. D. Vance less and less

Newsom mocks Trump's limited-edition passport with fake California driver's license featuring gov's portrait

California Gov. Gavin Newsom mocks President Trump's limited-edition U.S. passport by jokingly unveiling a driver's license featuring his own potrait.

From Zionist to Hamas Apologist

The extraordinary career of Oxford historian Avi Shlaim.

Ford Reports Higher Profit Thanks Partly to Tariff Refund

Ford Motor said it expected the federal government to refund $1.3 billion the company paid in tariffs that the Supreme Court later struck down.

The King’s Admirer in Chief

Trump’s fondness for Charles at times appeared to tip over into envy.

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…

Chernobyl Forty Years On

How fear, misinformation, and myth came to define the world’s worst nuclear accident. 

Trump Threatens to Pull Troops From Germany as He Lashes Out at Chancellor

The comments came after the German chancellor said that Iran has “humiliated” the United States.

House Republicans unlock reconciliation process to fund ICE and Border Patrol without Democrats

The House approved a budget blueprint funding immigration enforcement for the rest of Trump's term, a key step to ending the DHS funding lapse.

Girls in an Online World

Iona Italia talks to writer Freya India about her book 'Girls: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything.'

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.

New Jersey Pregnancy Center Wins at the Supreme Court

Louisiana governor prepares to suspend House primaries after court ruling

Gov. Jeff Landry (R) told Republican House candidates he plans to suspend the May 16 primary elections so lawmakers can redraw the congressional map.

Jury convicts Afghan man of terrorism, doesn’t link him to deaths at Kabul airport

Jurors convict the man on a charge of conspiring to provide material support to an ISIS group, but it’s a rare setback in a high-profile terrorism case.

Norah O'Donnell's Failure of Editorial Judgment

After the White House Correspondents' Association attack, questions mount about what violent individuals share and whether pattern recognition can prevent future harm.

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.

'We in Germany Are Suffering Considerably From the Consequences' of...What?

Why Israel Can’t Live With a Nuclear Iran: Gadi Taub

Gadi Taub discusses Israel’s war aims, Iran’s nuclear threat, the legacy of Oslo, and how postmodern ideas have shaped Western foreign policy.

The Roots of Recession

As an energy shock looms, a new book reframes recession as the product of historical circumstance, not cyclical inevitability.

This Is Not the 1970s

Amid the great uncertainties produced by the Iran War, some likelihoods have begun to emerge.

The YOLO Presidency

Trump is focused on becoming one of history’s “great men.”

‘A Lot of Rocket’: Trump Celebrates Artemis II Astronauts at the White House

President Trump wants Americans going into space to be a part of his legacy, even as he has proposed cutting NASA’s education, research and diversity programs.

More Globaloney: The Ice Age Is on the Way

Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Case of Afghan Charged in 2021 Kabul Attack

Jurors found the man guilty of conspiracy to support the terrorist group that took credit for a horrific bombing, but deadlocked on whether he was responsible for the attack itself.

Calling Trump a Tyrant Is Not a Call to Violence

Conservatives want to police how we talk about Trump—while excusing how the president talks about everyone else.

Surveillance Law Is in Limbo After House Approval

Republicans put down a right-wing revolt to push a three-year renewal through the House, but the Senate appeared likely to opt for a 45-day punt ahead of a Friday expiration.

U.S. Finally Has a Strategy in the Americas

The Trump Administration is taking the United States and its armed forces places it has never been before.

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.

What We Learn About Trump in His Rare Moments of Self-Reflection

For a brief moment this weekend, the president appeared introspective.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

GOP gubernatorial hopeful blasted by critics for 'lying' on stage about illegal immigrant hires

Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson was called a "fraud" and a liar by critics who say his debate claims about vetting immigrant workers contradict his sworn testimony.

The Left Is in Thrall to Political Violence

Left-wing political violence won't end unless it's actively stopped. We are not going to argue our way to peace.

Labor's Sonderling to Newsmax: Apprenticeships Fill Jobs

Acting Labor Sec. Keith Sonderling told Newsmax on Wednesday the Trump administration is ramping up its national apprenticeship program as a central strategy to fill jobs, calling it "the fastest way to get skilled Americans in the workforce."

Pam Bondi agrees to testify before Congress on Epstein files, committee says

The former attorney general had been subpoenaed to appear at a closed-door session. When she was fired by Trump, her appearance was thrown into limbo.

Spencer Pratt Is Tearing Up Airwaves and Karen Bass a New One in Los Angeles Mayor Race

Wednesday's Final Word

The Posting Will Continue Until Morale Improves

Trump’s Iran messaging seems desperate.

Katie Porter's 'F*** Trump' email day after assassination attempt draws sharp rebuke: 'Degenerate loser'

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter faces criticism for a donor email containing "F*** Trump" sent a day after a Trump assassination attempt.

Nixon Was Right

After all these years, the Communist Party is still handcuffed to its American rival, and it is unable to break free.

Trump Administration Sues New Jersey Governor Over ICE Mask Ban

New Jersey, where Mikie Sherrill is governor, is one of only a few states to try to bar federal immigration agents from wearing masks.

Landmark SCOTUS Redistricting Decision

For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial 279-266-0516 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/ - *Paid partnership__Wedne...

Cultural groups ask federal judge to halt Trump's renovations of Kennedy Center

Cultural preservation groups urged a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction blocking major renovations to the Kennedy Center ahead of the scheduled project.

Claire’s Weekly Letter: Naming the Enemy

The Republican Who Outsmarted Trump

Thomas Massie is one of the few Republicans who is unafraid of President Trump.

Florida lawmakers approve redistricting plan intended to give GOP four more seats

Republican state legislators drew new districts that are expected to be challenged in court.

Sources Say Suspect's Gunfire Hit Secret Service Agent

Investigators have determined the Secret Service agent wounded during an alleged assassination attempt against President Donald Trump on Saturday was hit by the suspect, not by friendly fire, according to three law enforcement officials.

Former Fauci Aide Charged w/Conspiracy To Hide Covid Origin

The Justice Department on Tuesday announced charges against a former top adviser to Anthony S. Fauci who officials say skirted public records laws and hid his communications to thwart inquiries into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump Mulls Reducing Troop Presence in Germany After Iran Feud

President Donald Trump on Wednesday leveled a new threat against NATO ally Germany, suggesting he could soon reduce the U.S. military presence there as he continues to feud with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S-Israel war against Iran.Trump …

I Love a Theatrical Production - FL Passes DeSantis Redistricting Map

Trump weighs pulling US troops from Germany amid clash with chancellor over Iran war

President Donald Trump said the U.S. is reviewing a possible troop reduction in Germany amid his ongoing criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran.

Terror Attack: Two Jewish Men Stabbed in London

Progressive Caucus Unveils Contract With America

Reminiscent of the Gingrich Revolution, a multi-bill package would attack higher costs, raise wages, and get big money out of politics. Its architect sees it as a battle plan for the midterms.

A Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The president is safe after chaos at the Washington Hilton, and a suspect is reportedly in custody.

Trump Appeals Judge's Order Upending Kennedy's Vaccine Policies

The Trump administration on Wednesday appealed a federal judge's ruling blocking key elements of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to reshape U.S. vaccine policy, including reducing the number of routinely recommended childhood vaccina…

Hegseth slams ‘defeatist’ lawmakers in fiery House hearing on military budget

The defense secretary sought to rebut lawmakers’ criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict, which has cost about $25 billion so far.

Trump EPA chief vows he won’t take ‘morality lessons’ from Dem senator after heated clash

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse traded barbs over coal plant consumer costs Wednesday amid Trump's proposed 52% cut to EPA funding for 2027.

Higher Minimum Wage Wouldn't Hurt the Economy

A new book reframes the affordability debate: the problem isn't just prices alone, but persistently low wages.

Vance pushes back on report of stockpile concerns as US races to boost missile production

JD Vance disputed a report on U.S. missile stockpile concerns as the Pentagon races to ramp up production after years of lagging output strained supplies.

Sen. Johnson to Newsmax: FDA 'Lied' About COVID Vaccine Safety

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told Newsmax Wednesday the Food and Drug Administration misled the public in 2021 about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, alleging it concealed risks and ignored internal warnings.

Letters to the Editor

10 April – 17 April 2026

British Columbia’s UNDRIP Fiasco

By enacting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into provincial law, B.C. effectively handed veto power over policy-making to First Nations lobbyists.

No One's Responsible Other Than WHCD Shooter Himself

In the American tradition - legal and cultural - only those who commit violence are culpable, not those who express views that align with its perpetrators.

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…

Supreme Court wrestles with Trump effort to end temporary protections for migrants

The conservative justices appeared sympathetic to the administration’s contention that it can cancel humanitarian protections for Haitian and Syrian nationals.

WH Sues N.J. Over Law Enforcement Mask Ban

The Justice Department on Wednesday filed a lawsuit seeking to block a New Jersey law that bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requires them to provide identification before ​arrests and detentions.The suit, filed in a Newark fed…

The Fight-Club Rule on Gerrymandering

Florida’s state constitution prohibits redrawing maps for political advantage.

On chaotic day, Johnson navigates multiple internal revolts in House

Over hours on and around the chamber’s floor, the speaker and fellow Republican leaders cajoled holdouts on a surveillance bill, a farm policy bill and funding for DHS.

Melania Trump embraces AI education initiative in White House tech push: 'She's been a champion'

Melania Trump hosted an immersive AI and VR event at the White House, where students explored British landmarks alongside Queen Camilla's visit.

Trump Administration Announces Moves to Sharply Curtail Gun Regulations

The changes are in keeping with the administration’s pledge to cut back on gun restrictions.

Off the Rails: Price of CA High Speed Rail Soars to Over $230B

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.

California Is an Unfunny Joke

'America First' immigration overhaul bill would codify Trump's campaign promises once and for all

A new House Republican bill seeks to narrow legal immigration by ending the diversity visa lottery and shifting to a merit-based points system.

Radical Lessons in Solidarity and Resistance

The son of Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers has written a perceptive, fascinating, and rather sad book about his lonely life as the child of violent revolutionaries.

A Dark New Litmus Test for Power in Washington

The shooting at the Correspondents’ Dinner made clear who gets saved first.

Mich. Dems Push New Licensing, Rules for Gun Dealers

Michigan Senate Democrats are pursuing legislation that would create a new state licensing system for firearm dealers and expand regulatory oversight.

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…

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Communists on Film: Amy Goodman and 'Ashes and Diamonds'

What the Supreme Court just did

With the Voting Rights Act

Hegseth Cites Falsehood to Defend His Firing of Senior Officers

The defense secretary said at a House hearing that President Barack Obama had fired 197 generals, a figure that the Pentagon previously acknowledged was false.

Statecraft and Seduction

In an excellent new biography of Rasputin, British military historian Antony Beevor argues that perception can be a more powerful shaper of world events than reality.

Comey’s lawyers say they will challenge threat charges as vindictive

The former FBI director made his first court apperance after being indicted over a 2025 social media post that prosecutors say was a threat to the life of the president.

What the Royal State Dinner Guest List Says About Trump’s America

There were at least 10 American billionaires, six Fox News hosts, assorted presidential pals, no Democratic politicians and not so many British.

Fraud Is Now a Feature of California as Billions Vanish

California was once a beacon of opportunity. Today, our great state maintains its natural blessings and abundance of potential, but both are being smothered by government inefficiency and fraud on a€¦

Pentagon: Iran Conflict Price Reaches $25 Billion

The United States' war in Iran has ‌cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military's price tag for the conflict.

Supreme Court Ruling Reshapes Voting Rights

The Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is being hailed by some as a return to a "colorblind Constitution," while critics warn it could significantly weaken one of the last major tools for protecting minority voting power.

House Adopts Budget to Unlock $70 Billion for Immigration Enforcement

The measure will allow the G.O.P. to begin working on a filibuster-proof bill to fund ICE and C.B.P., part of their plan to reopen the long-shuttered Department of Homeland Security.

Trump’s $1 million ‘gold card’ visa has not been as popular as advertised

Just 165 people have paid the application fee so far, the government said in a new legal filing.

Supreme Court Shakes Up U.S. Political Maps With Voting Rights Act Decision

Both parties are now scrambling to adjust to a new voting rights landscape.

House passes FISA renewal in bipartisan vote, putting pressure on Senate before looming deadline

The House voted to extend the FISA 702 surveillance program, sending it to the Senate with little time before the Friday midnight expiration deadline.

Supreme Court limits key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act

The decision could touch off a scramble by Republicans to redraw majority-minority congressional districts, especially in the South, that could cost many Black Democrats their seats.