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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Men Without Meaning

Men are quietly leaving the workforce—not for lack of jobs, but for lack of purpose.

Sen. McConnell Released From Rehab

U.S.-Canada relations go up in smoke

There’s been something in the air in D.C. this summer — namely wildfire smoke and frustration over Canada’s inability to keep it on its side of the border.

Obviously, DOGE Did Not Save Money

Reining in federal spending was never going to be so easy.

Trump-linked law firm to get $150 million no-bid contract to represent migrant children

The Trump administration announced the award after allowing the previous contract with a longtime legal provider to expire.

Biting the Hand

Artists increasingly insist that their work and their politics are indivisible. They should not be surprised when the institutions that fund them agree.

The FDA Does a Very Good Thing

Nobody tell the boss.

Now Comes the Hard Part for El-Sayed

Abdul El-Sayed, a public-health official who lost in a primary landslide when he ran for governor of Michigan eight years ago, eked out a victory over Representative Haley Stevens on Tuesday night in one of the most closely watched, bitterly conte…

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.

Capturing the ‘Odyssey’

Homer’s epic provides a window on to a strange, paradoxical, fascinating, beautiful, and terrifying world that is at once familiar and unfamiliar. 

AIPAC–and Jews–Are Becoming Unwelcome Among Democrats

The Rise of Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

In the 30th instalment of ‘Nations of Canada,’ Greg Koabel describes the expanding Jesuit presence of the late 1630s—and the increasingly bitter opposition it provoked among France’s local Indigenous allies.

Ohio’s other GOP senator calls on Rep. Max Miller to resign

Sen. Jon Husted joined Sen. Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, in calling for the embattled congressman to step aside.

Minnesota prosecutor asks Texas to extradite ICE agent to face charges in shooting case

The county attorney asked Gov. Greg Abbott to authorize the extradition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro on charges of assault.

Why you shouldn’t be surprised if Democrats don’t flip the House

Democrats are ahead in polls, and voters typically punish the party that controls the White House during midterms. But Republicans have several paths to maintaining power.

Senate Holds Fauci in Contempt; Obtains His Phone

After Dr. Anthony Fauci pleaded the Fifth, a Senate committee takes action, after obtaining a copy of his phone

EXCLUSIVE: Michigan House speaker calls for answers over $300M taxpayer-funded Rx Kids program

Michigan House Republicans cut future funding for Rx Kids after questioning its voter registration ties and payments to undocumented recipients.

El-Sayed win kicks Democrats’ Midwest ideological battle into high gear — and some Dems fear November fallout

Progressive Democrats scored key wins in Michigan's primary, and now Wisconsin's governor race and Minnesota's senate primary are the next battlegrounds.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Paxton Is Suddenly Campaigning Like a Democrat

The longtime culture warrior is now talking about affordability and complaining about the economy.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Thursday's Final Word

Francesca Hong scrutinized over ‘cancel Thanksgiving’ post in Wisconsin governor race

Hong, a democratic socialist running for Wisconsin governor, is getting attention for social media posts calling for canceling Thanksgiving and abolishing police.

Hemp Fight Snarls Speedy Passage of Government Funding Bill

A White House effort to delay a ban on intoxicating hemp was holding up a final agreement on a bipartisan spending bill ahead of a monthlong Senate recess.

Sex Differences Above the Neck

The evidence for innate sex differences has been accumulating for decades. Steve Stewart-Williams's new book is a welcome inventory.

In Upset, Andy Ogles Loses to a Republican Challenger in Tennessee

Mr. Ogles, a two-term congressman, had held off primary threats before, despite controversy. But on Thursday, Charlie Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner, delivered an upset.

The Passion of Bess McNeill

Lars von Trier’s harrowing but resplendent story of suffering and grace turns thirty this year.

What’s up with all these scandals in Congress?

One lawmaker faces domestic abuse allegations; another, allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female staffers.

Trump Administration to Deregulate Head Start, Antipoverty Program Created Under R.F.K. Jr.’s Uncle

While administration officials say the changes will save money by lifting onerous requirements, advocates fear the anti-poverty program will be gutted.

Is the Pro-Palestine Movement Israel’s Unlikely Ally?

By framing terrorism and armed struggle as legitimate resistance, the pro-Palestine movement has unwittingly strengthened Israel’s case that withdrawal and concessions carry unacceptable risks.

LIVE PRIMARY RESULTS: Tennessee Waltzes Into New Congressional Map

Some House Republicans Are Backing a Challenger in Cory Mills’s Re-election Bid

Two Republican lawmakers have endorsed a primary opponent of Representative Cory Mills, who has been accused of assault and is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

Edgy Vanity Plates Test Limits of Free Speech

Virginia will ask the Supreme Court to hear a dispute over a seven-character license plate message.

In the Battleground States, Voters Like Their Economy More Than ‘the Economy’

63 percent say their personal finances are either good or excellent. 34 percent say that the economy is good or excellent. What gives?

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 Issues Tariffs on Key Ingredient for Electronics and Solar Panels

The administration will impose a minimum import price for polysilicon, a key component for semiconductors and solar panels, as well as tariffs for products made with the material.

False Unanimity at the National Academies

When the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine speak, Americans assume they are hearing from thousands of the country's most accomplished researchers. That isn't always true.

Mitch McConnell Discharged From Rehabilitation Facility

The Kentucky Republican has been absent from Congress for nearly two months after a health episode. He said he would continue recovering from home.

Regarding Those Claims of $20 Burritos . . .

As usual, the sneering back-and-forth on X about the cost of a Mexican-food lunch is conflating multiple issues.

Dodgeball! Kickball! Trump’s Patriot Games will look a lot like gym class.

The Patriot Games now have an official schedule, with events Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Primary showdown: Polls close in Tennessee as conservative firebrand eyes governor's office

Marsha Blackburn leads Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial primary despite Trump staying neutral, while key congressional races reshape the state's map.

Is Schumer on the Ropes Amid Democrat Divisions?

Far-left candidates are toppling Schumer's establishment picks in key primaries. Could the Senate Minority Leader be facing a challenge to his own leadership? Here's what's happening.

Trump Signs Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship and ‘Birth Tourism’

The orders come after the Supreme Court ruled June 30 that President Trump’s previous efforts to end birthright citizenship were unconstitutional.

What Is the Point of Anthropology?

How a discipline lost interest in the people it was founded to understand.

Senate panel votes to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress

The longtime infectious-disease scientist refused to answer questions from committee members at a hearing last week.

Foreign drunk drivers could face swift boot out of country under Trump's 'America first' crackdown

State Department spokesperson says DUI arrests are driving many visa revocations as the Trump administration enforces an America first visa policy.

Senate Democrats probe Korean firm’s $2 million payment to Trump company

Base Co. LTD was fighting a trade case before the Commerce Department at the time of the payment.

Conservative firebrand who went viral with anti-CCP ad survives key primary

Marsha Blackburn defeated John Rose and Monty Fritts in the Tennessee GOP primary, positioning her as the likely next governor of the state.

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.

Telling the Truth About Todd Blanche and Abortion 

Kids, this administration can’t even roll back a Biden Covid decision to let abortion pills go through the mail without an in-person doctor visit.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Truths About Men and Women

Michigan Dems Push for Unity After Bruising Primary

With the Senate majority in play, the party is racing to reunite a coalition left fractured by the primary fight between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens.

Francesca Hong Is in the Driver’s Seat — but Can She Cross the Finish Line?

In the chaotic Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, Hong has had the ‘Mao was too moderate’ lane all to herself.

Neocons Losing the Great Burrito Debate

Over the past 24 hours, America's hawkish pundits have got deep into the business of how best to cook burritos, how to keep burrito budgets down, and whether kids these days are too profligate with their burrito spending. No, really: this is what …

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…

Trump-backed incumbent loses primary after super PAC bankrolled by Dems meddled in race

A super PAC bankrolled by a California billionaire and frequent Democratic donor spent $2 million to unseat Andy Ogles over renewable energy policy.

Mamdani repeatedly sidesteps questions on reported plan to revive tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani repeatedly declined to address reports of a fall campaign to build support for higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations.

Hasan Piker Is a Symptom, Not the Cause

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed can no more renounce his association with his Bolshevist booster than he can shed his own views.

SEE IT: Mamdani booed off stage at New York City pro-police celebration: ‘Walked off in shame’

Video shows Zohran Mamdani booed off stage in under a minute at the NYPD National Night Out event on Staten Island as crowds chanted against him.

This Is the Real AI Divide

Whether a model is open or closed, the more important distinction is whether it was built through innovation or through theft.

On Michigan, Keep Big Picture in Mind

The first thing to say about Abdul el Sayed's victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary is that it's not a story about polls.

The Highly Credentialed Are All Jason Ardays

Washington Post: Don't Assume Democrats Will Flip the House

To Fix Higher Education, Fund Heterodox Research

Restoring the academy requires more than budget cuts-it needs grant funding for the research that the Left has ignored.

‘Why Is Food More Expensive?’ There’s a Simpler Answer

It’s the money supply. It’s always been the money supply.

The Attack on Kyiv

A brutal reminder of the consequences of Ukraine’s lack of anti-ballistic interceptors.

A Beautiful Odyssey, Made Dreary By Remorse

Christopher Nolan’s creation is a big movie in every technical sense. But inside, it is diminished and faded: heroes who aren’t allowed to be heroes and gods who aren’t allowed to be gods.

Dark Artist

Frank Miller’s valuable new memoir explores the creative life of one of America’s most gifted writers and artists.

Student Writing Skills and the Best Uses of AI

Students need to learn how to think and write independently while also developing the judgment to use artificial intelligence effectively.

Trump tries new tack against birthright citizenship after Supreme Court snub

The president signed executive orders that target children born to “alien enemies,” foreign lobbyists or tourists. The orders are certain to face legal challenges.

Fauci Is Far From the First Person to Plead the Fifth Before Congress

The constitutional right against self-incrimination has been invoked on several occasions during high-profile — and contentious — hearings.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Republicans Are Cooling on the Supreme Court

Public confidence in the Supreme Court has reached a record low.

Swedish Leftist Apologizes for Supporting Palestinian Terrorist

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.

Fled to America at 11. Stole at 18. Deported to Vietnam at 44.

The Trump administration is sending back record numbers of Vietnamese, Laotians and Hmong. Many came to the United States as young war refugees and later committed crimes.

EXCLUSIVE: Oversight Project sues to block Maryland Democrats’ redistricting measure backed by Gov Moore

A redistricting lawsuit alleges Maryland officials missed mandatory deadlines for HB 2100 and used a last-minute clause to bypass certification rules.

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…

Women’s Share of Top Military Promotions Falls as Hegseth Blocks Nominees

The percentage of high-ranking officer nominations going to women is currently at its lowest level in over two decades.

McConnell is out of rehab, but his absence has stunted a key Republican priority

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been discharged from a rehabilitation facility and will continue recovering at home after a June fall in Kentucky.

Trump signs executive orders targeting birthright citizenship, birth tourism after Supreme Court setback

The orders deny visas to those entering the country to give birth, and Trump promised "very big crackdowns" on organized birth tourism operations.

I Think Axios Wanted Me to Be Mad About This - Each Deportation Costs $2358

The Sisters of Life: The Pro-Life Nuns with the Stairway to Heaven  

Being at a Final Profession Mass for the Sisters of Life is like entering into heaven for just a moment.

Politicising the Humanities: Sociology as Case Study

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with University of Hawaii professor Ashley Rubin, co-author of the recently published ‘Special Commission Report on the State of Scholarship in the Humanities and the Humanistic Social Sciences’

Squad-backed ‘Tennessee Three’ lawmaker wins House primary in newly redrawn district

Squad-backed 'Tennessee Three' lawmaker Justin Pearson won the Democrat primary in Tennessee's redrawn 9th Congressional District after redistricting split the Memphis-area district.

Judge Dismisses Former Olympian’s Felony Charge in Reflecting Pool Case

The move ends the criminal case for David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, after prosecutors acknowledged that the Trump administration’s claims of vandalism were false.

Is a Deal With Iran Close?

Birth Tourism's Next Evolution

It's time to extend the 14th Amendment's protections to children born via international commercial surrogacy schemes.

Lawsuit Settlement: Texas Children's Hospital Will Create Nation's First 'Detransition Clinic'

That Polling Miss in Michigan Reveals a Huge Problem

Is It 'Too Late' for the SAVE Act?

Thursday, August 6th on RealClearPolitics - Joined by RCP White House Reporter Carolina Lumetta and Washington Post Columnist Henry Olsen, along with John Te...

The Back and Forth Continues on the Wind Front

McConnell discharged from rehab center, will continue recovery at home

The Kentucky Republican has been absent from the Senate since he was hospitalized June 14 following a fall at home.