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

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.

RNC Turns to Courts to Enforce Voter ID, Citizenship Rules

With the SAVE America Act stalled in the U.S. Senate, the Republican National Committee is turning to the courts to ensure only American citizens vote in U.S. elections.

How the G.O.P. and Democrats Are Talking About the Surge in Gas Prices

Republicans have largely been on defense against Democratic criticism. Here are five arguments advanced by figures in both parties.

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.

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.

Brian Doherty, 57, Dies; Chronicled Libertarians and Other Outsiders

Fascinated by the fringes, he wrote a definitive history of libertarianism and books about underground comics and the Burning Man festival.

Me Too Too Far? With Nancy Rommelmann

On this week's episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, RCI Editor J. Peder Zane and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney speak with Nancy Rommelmann abou...

Dem Senate candidate in the hot seat after anti-meat comment resurfaces: 'This will haunt him'

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico faced fierce backlash after a resurfaced video showed him urging Texans to go meat-free to fight climate change.

Bipartisan Bill Targets Sports Betting on Prediction Markets

A bipartisan Senate bill reportedly seeks to prevent prediction markets from accepting or listing transactions related to sporting events and casino-style games. The legislation, introduced by Sens. John Curtis, R-Utah, and Adam Schiff, D-Calif...

Born Abroad and Fearful of ICE, Adoptees Try to Prove They Belong

Up to 200,000 people adopted as children from abroad are vulnerable to deportation by an administration searching for problems with their citizenship.

The ‘Big Black Scar’

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

Trump installs Christopher Columbus statue on White House grounds

The president has condemned efforts to take down statues of Columbus and other historical figures, saying the removals are an “assault on our collective national memory.”

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…

Schumer Claims It Would Be Harder to Vote Than to Purchase an AR-15, So I Checked

MAHA’s political power tested as surgeon general pick stalls

Casey Means faces pushback from some Republicans over her refusal to forcefully recommend vaccines.

The Border Wall is Being Built

Trump Is Digging Up Washington. Can Lawsuits Stop the Bulldozers?

As the president develops plans to fundamentally alter the White House, the Kennedy Center and other sites, federal lawsuits are beginning to catch up.

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…

Voice of America Journalists Sue, Saying Trump Officials Interfered in Coverage

The journalists said in the complaint that the administration was trying to force them to be a “mouthpiece” and that one official demanded “loyalty” if reporters wanted to “keep their jobs.”

The CDC’s next chief will face thorny vaccine politics. Here are 3 potential picks.

The Trump administration faces complicated political dynamics as it seeks someone to helm the key public health agency suffering a prolonged leadership vacuum.

The Australian Way of Life

Politicians reach for "our way of life" to justify immigration restrictions — but the phrase may be too vague to bear that weight.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Make Families, Not War

The administration has betrayed its promise of domestic renewal for American families.

Iran’s Revolutionary Regime and the Long War Against the West: Behnam Ben Taleblu

Behnam Ben Taleblu discusses the history of Iran’s Islamic Republic, the evolution of protest movements, and the geopolitical stakes of the current conflict.

Outrage Hypocrisy: America's Accidental Tragedy vs. Iran's Deliberate Atrocities

An Ambivalent Relationship

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

Where Left and Right Both Go Wrong on Crime

Jennifer Doleac's new book, The Science of Second Chances, offers a roadmap for criminal justice reform that's sure to unsettle both camps.

For Western Oil Companies, War in Iran Means Bigger Profits, and Risks

American and European oil and gas companies are expected to earn a lot more as prices surge but are worried about the future.

What Makes the West Western?

Naoíse Mac Sweeney’s new book tries to convince readers that Western civilisation doesn’t exist.   

Shaking Off the Shrouds: Sunday Reflection

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.

Mamdani's estate tax plan could drive wealth out of state, critics warn

NYC Mayor Mamdani's estate tax plan would cut the exemption to $750K and raise rates to 50%, a move critics say could burden middle-class families.

Illegal Charged With Killing Student Released Under Biden

DHS confirmed Venezuelan national Jose Medina-Medina, charged wit killing Loyola student Sheridan Gorman, entered the U.S. under the Biden administration and was caught and released.

Code Pink Organizes a Most Excellent Revolutionary Zoo Tour

Supreme Court Sounds Skeptical of Late-Arriving Ballots

The Supreme Court 's conservative majority on Monday sounded skeptical of state laws that allow the counting of late-arriving mail ballots, a persistent target of President Donald Trump.

As cattle herds shrink and beef prices rise, investors back AI cow collars

A New Zealand agtech startup's AI-powered cattle collars are drawing major investor interest as beef prices climb 18% and labor shortages hit farms.

Trump says he will deploy ICE to airports as TSA shortages drive delays

Border czar Tom Homan said ICE agents will be at airports to help TSA agents, but he does not expect they will do specialized tasks, such as X-ray screening.

A Serious Senate Debate About an Unserious Bill

The most pressing question about the SAVE America Act is not whether it’s going to pass, but why President Trump and his allies are so determined to see the Senate put up a bill that’s doomed to fail.

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.

Israel Thought It Could Spur Rebellion Inside Iran. That Hasn’t Happened.

President Trump’s hopes that an Israeli plan to ignite an internal uprising against Iran’s theocratic government could bring the war to a swift end have so far been dashed.

Judge blocks Trump from deporting Abrego Garcia to Liberia, extending legal standoff

The judge's order order halts Trump officials from deporting Abrego Garcia to Liberia — extending a high-stakes, 12-month court fight over the status of one migrant.

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.

Podcast Episode #330: When Everyone Knows Everyone Knows ...

Iona Italia talks to cognitive psychologist and linguist Steven Pinker about his new book on Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life.

Trump Isn’t Even Trying to Sell This War

Has the salesman in chief gotten rusty?

When Voters Worry About ‘Affordability,’ Many Point to Health Care

Democrats have had limited political success running on the Affordable Care Act, even with its relative popularity. Now President Trump’s health care cuts may have given the issue new resonance.

Trump: Hold the Ultimatum – Iran Wants a Deal; UPDATE: Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan Intervened? UPDATED

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.

Poll: Most Americans Say Iran War Going Badly for US

Most Americans say the Iran war is going badly for the U.S., according to a CBS News poll released Monday. The survey, taken March 17-20 among 3,335 U.S. adults, found 57% saying the war was going "very or somewhat badly" compared with 43% who sai…

Trump says U.S. is postponing some strikes as it negotiates end to war with Iran

The president’s announcement sent markets soaring and energy prices diving, as investors bet Iran’s blockade of a key shipping chokepoint could soon end.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Trump orders War Dept to postpone strikes on Iranian energy sites, citing 'productive' talks to end war

President Donald Trump, in an all-caps post Monday morning, declared progress toward a "resolution" of the war on Iran in two days of talks.

'Productive' Talks With Iran, Strikes Postponed for 5 Days

Iran warned that it would completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz and strike energy and water infrastructure across the Gulf.

Fetterman: Sheridan Gorman Would Still Be Alive Had We Enforced Immigration Law

Group Rebuilding Dem Bench Is Targeting 3 New States

The Pipeline Fund will recruit and train candidates in Minnesota following ICE's invasion of the state.

In California, a Republican Sheriff Seizes Ballots, Prompting Concerns

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a candidate for governor, recently took possession of more than 650,000 ballots as part of a fraud probe. Election officials say his investigation is baseless.

BREAKING: Trump Outlines Demands for Iran Deal – 'We Want the Nuclear Dust'; Updated

Trump: US 'Very Intent' on Making a Deal With Iran

President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is "very intent on making a deal with Iran," emphasizing renewed diplomacy as he ordered a five-day pause on planned military strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.

Republicans privately fear this swing state Democrat

Behind closed doors, Republicans have tamped down their hopes of unseating Jon Ossoff, a 39-year-old powerhouse fundraiser, as he seeks another term.

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.

James Cameron Goes Native

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

Meanwhile, in Sudan

While Iran, Israel, and Gaza have dominated headlines, a bloody power struggle among Sudanese warlords grinds on.

Trump mocks 'discombobulated' Schumer over Democrats' near gaffe on funding ICE

President Donald Trump mocked Chuck Schumer after the Senate minority leader accidentally said "We must fund ICE" on the Senate floor amid the DHS funding shutdown fight.

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.

Schumer knocks Trump on Iran, plan to send ICE to airports: 'Asking for trouble'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called President Donald Trump's plan to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports "impulsive" on Sunday.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Iran's the One Without an Endgame

Much has been written about President Donald Trump's alleged lack of clearly defined goals and strategic objectives in the war with Iran. But the more

US, TotalEnergies Reach $1 Billion Deal to End Offshore Wind Projects

The U.S. and TotalEnergies on Monday signed an agreement to end the French company's offshore U.S. wind farm projects and redirect those funds toward fossil fuel production, with the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum saying the deal was worth "nearly…

Sunday Smiles

Iranian Strikes Are Costing Big Oil Billions in Lost Revenue

Damaged infrastructure likely to take years to come back online, but price surge helps offset some of the lost production for now

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.

Newsom's claim Texas and Florida are the 'real high tax states' picked apart by expert: 'Fatally flawed'

Just Facts President James Agresti told Fox News Digital that Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that California is more tax-friendly than Texas and Florida simply don't add up.

Trump delays Xi meeting as Iran conflict lets US strong-arm China’s oil supply

The Iran conflict is disrupting oil flows China relies on as Trump delays a planned Xi meeting, raising new questions about leverage and the broader U.S.–China relationship.

Former DHS Chief: Govt Funding Fights Have 'Got to Stop'

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson urged lawmakers to "stop the madness" and end the partial government shutdown.

ICE Agents Fan Out at Airports Across the U.S. Amid TSA Staffing Issues

The agents were sent to help understaffed T.S.A. teams manage long security lines. But early on Monday, it was unclear what impact they were having.

Not So Fast, Bill Maher

The comedian was set to receive the Twain Prize before a sudden reversal of course.

Robert Mueller, ex-FBI director at center of political tempest, dies at 81

After building a reputation for quiet rectitude, he became a political target as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The State of Grace

When an anti-Zionist worldview collides with the principle of “believe all women,” it is the principle that gives way.

Trump: Iran Wants to Make Deal to End War

President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. was talking with a "respected" Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. Trump told reporters that Iran wants "to make a deal," and claimed envoy Steve Witko…

‘I’m Far Angrier’

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

Donald Trump Is Nothing Like Robert Mueller

The absurdity of a man who avoided Vietnam due to “bone spurs” dancing on the grave of a decorated combat veteran

Trump: 'Free Tina!' as Colorado Case Draws Renewed Focus

President Donald Trump on Monday renewed his defense of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, calling her a "Patriot" who is "sitting in a Colorado prison for the 'crime' of demanding Honest Elections" and urging, "FREE TINA!"

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…

Mask-free ICE agents begin patrolling US airports; Trump floats National Guard

President Donald Trump said ICE agents helping at airports with TSA lines should not wear masks, adding he may call in the National Guard if airport chaos continues.

The Buenos Aires Bombings

How Argentina became a front in Iran’s war against the Jews.

Oliner: Tucker Carlson a Danger to U.S., Israel

The Republican Party must shun Carlson. His level of antisemitism, heard by his many followers, given the current climate in which we live, presents an extremely high level of danger.

Letters to the Editor

Friday 13 March – Friday 20 March

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.

Supreme Court appears ready to limit mail-in balloting ahead of midterms

The high court appeared poised to embrace a challenge to the tallying of late-arriving mail-in ballots, which could upend procedures in a number of states.

Trump continues to target Robert Mueller after his death

Mueller, who led the Russia investigation and the bureau after 9/11, remained a target of Trump years after his probe of possible election interference.

A Window Into the Lives of New York City Renters

For Sunday’s issue of The New York Times Magazine, Gail Albert Halaban photographed city dwellers inside their apartments from across the street — with their permission, of course.

The Shadow War Against President Trump

The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own

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

Everyone Has Trump’s Phone Number Now

The president’s personal iPhone has been lighting up.

Biden Officials Tied to Microsoft Cloud Adoption Now at Firm

Two former senior Biden administration officials who played roles in the Justice Department's approval and use of a Microsoft government cloud product now hold top jobs at the tech giant, raising new questions after Chinese hackers breached the sy…

Woke Right: US Should Embrace Decline

How Obama’s Strategist Discouraged Biden From Running in 2016

In a new set of oral histories, David Plouffe, President Barack Obama’s political adviser, described how he urged Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. not to challenge Hillary Clinton for the nomination.

Joe Kent says he wants Trump to hear MAGA opposition to Iran war

In an interview with The Post after resigning from the administration in protest, the veteran said he is taking his message to the president’s supporters.

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.

Senate rejects Trump-backed measure to ban trans athletes in female sports

The chamber considered adding the measure to a far-reaching voting bill supported by the Republican president.

Supreme Court reverses lower court on qualified immunity for Vermont police sergeant who arrested protester

A Vermont police sergeant who used a wristlock to remove a protester from a 2015 sit-in is entitled to qualified immunity, the Supreme Court ruled.

Democrat Lies About Homeland Security Shutdown Get More Insane Every Day

Mullin's confirmation survives key test vote as DHS remains shut down

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., is on track for Senate confirmation as DHS secretary after Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., cast the key vote to advance his nomination out of committee.

CIA, Mossad Search for Signs of Iran's Supreme Leader

U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies are increasing efforts to determine who is directing Iran's government after the country's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, failed to appear publicly for Nowruz, raising new scrutiny of a potential leade…