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

The Autism Epidemic That Wasn’t

The Trump administration’s scientific illiteracy about rates of autism is going to have catastrophic results.

On Trump’s Ballroom, Chief Justice Finds Himself in an Unusual Spot: In Dissent

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has been in the majority in divided cases more times than any other chief since 1953. But not this time.

Claire's Weekly Letter: The autism epidemic that wasn't

The September 11 Whataboutism of El-Sayed and Mamdani

When people tell you who they are, believe them.

Democrats, the Postal Service and Stopping Mail Vote Fraud

"Article III Project" founder Mike Davis explained the Supreme Court decision on President Trump's executive order directing the Postal Service to make sure they are not sending mail-in ballots to non-citizens, with Steve Bannon on his "War Room" …

Graduate Degrees Can Be a Waste of Time and Money

Many American students are lured into graduate degree programs with the notion that more education always pays off.

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.

‘The Battle of Algiers’ at Sixty

Watching Gillo Pontecorvo’s film six decades after its release permits a nuanced understanding of the events that it portrays, which was unavailable when it first came out.

Former Biden White House Aide Wins Massachusetts Democratic House Primary

Dan Koh, who ran with the endorsement of former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., topped a crowded field to secure the nomination in the safely Democratic Sixth Congressional District.

Former President Joe Biden Will Attend Sept. 11 Ceremony in New York

Mr. Biden will join three other living presidents at the event. President Trump has decided to skip the ceremony and is expected to appear at the Pentagon on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Trump's Risky 'Economic D-Day' Against Iran

As with its approach to Hormuz, the US has mistaken applying pressure for an actual strategy. But Tehran has chips of its own to play

Russians in the Blue Ridge

If this was an intentional maneuver, then it was a satisfyingly catty one with a nice bit of historical symmetry.

Murderers, Rapists, & Traffickers, Oh My: DHS' Operation Rotten Apple Nets 2,200 Illegals in 30 Days

Trump to Nominate Hung Cao as Navy Secretary

The announcement came amid a purge of leadership at the Pentagon and a stalling war effort against Iran.

Covering the Culture Wars

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Benjamin Ryan about his journalistic adventures reporting on AIDS, monkeypox, gender activism, and the Jason Arday saga.

What to Know About Venezuelan Energy Following Trump’s Oil Deal

The Trump administration’s deal with a private oil company to increase oil production in the South American country could take many years to come to fruition.

Biden-Harris favorite gets second shot at Congress, beats Squad-backed candidate

Dan Koh, backed by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, won a crowded Democratic primary for the House seat Seth Moulton is vacating in Massachusetts.

Red Reign

A thrash-metal classic turns forty.

The U.S.’s many foreign entanglements under Trump

Iran, Ukraine and Venezuela top the list.

Judge Graf Will Decide Today If Tyler Robinson's Case Goes to Trial (Update: Decision)

Tuesday's Final Word

Chicago Violence Is . . . Actually Much Better Than Four Years Ago

Despite what President Trump said, violent crime rates in Chicago are down considerably from their post-Covid peak.

Scandal-plagued 'Squad' rep cruises to Democratic nomination with no GOP roadblocks in view

Ayanna Pressley faces no challengers in the Massachusetts 7th district, but controversies over her husband's federal contract and finances loom large.

House Democrat survives left-flank challenge as Bernie volunteer mounts insurgent bid

Jake Auchincloss advanced against progressive challenger Jason Poulos, who campaigned on Medicare-for-all and ending U.S. military aid to Israel.

The Censors of Brussels Come Back for More

Those worried about the quality of an AI chatbot’s answers should avoid a Brussels-approved ChatGPT, as should those concerned about privacy.

Talarico in 2020: Capitalism Is White Supremacy and Texas Oil Is Kinda Racist

US Launches New Attacks on Iran

Ed Markey Wins Massachusetts Democratic Senate Primary, Defeating Younger Challenger

The oldest senator in Massachusetts history used a progressive message to beat Representative Seth Moulton, 47, defying calls for generational change.

DOJ lawsuit targets alleged school ‘secret gender transitions’ policies that keep parents in the dark

The DOJ lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools alleges "secret" gender transition plans locked parents out, violating FERPA and PPRA.

China Is Building AI Models of American Voters. Why?

From 171 million X posts to simulated swing-state voters, Chinese institutions are mapping the American electorate in startling detail.

Harvard Law Provides ‘Low Sensory Rooms’ with ‘Fidget Toys’ for Freshmen

The people being trained to work 80 hours a week at a Big Law Firm cannot be expected to manage a couple hours of orientation events without palliative care.

Poll: Majority Says Student Loans Are Too Risky

(The Center Square) - A majority of American voters agree that student loan debt is too risky, with many graduates struggling to find good-paying jobs, according to a new poll.

AI and the Bioweapon Threat

The knowledge and infrastructure needed to engineer a pandemic pathogen, once confined to a handful of elite military and civilian research institutions, are quietly becoming more accessible.

U.S. carries out new military strikes in Iran

The American strikes were in response to attempted attacks by Iran on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. service members in the Middle East, military officials at Central Command said.

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.

A Father Named Marcus Coleman Just Took Congressional Democrats to the Woodshed

80-year-old Dem beats back generational challenge after going all-in on trans athletes

Ed Markey defeated Seth Moulton's generational change campaign by leaning into progressive credentials and taking a bold stance on transgender rights in sports.

Following the Data on Data Centers

The president is right about their economic and national security importance.

Vance wades into caustic Michigan Senate race, calling candidate ‘evil’

The vice president called Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed “very, very evil” and told him to stop talking about Vance’s wife.

Republicans turn on House GOP lawmaker accused of late-night texts, lavish gifts to female staffers

Several House Republicans joined Democrats to censure Chuck Edwards after an ethics probe found he created a hostile work environment for staffers.

The 'Gaza Genocide' Is a Hoax

There was no 'genocide' in Gaza. In fact, Israel went out of its way to deliver aid and to ensure the safety of Gazans.

A Death on Another's Head

We should worry about the perverse incentives created by elevating a self-killer and punishing his enemies.

The Terrorization of the Democrats

There is no civilizational imperative that is advanced by the oppression (or worse) of its Jewish people.

Yes, Democrats Have a Real Shot at the Senate This Time

The historic political failures of the GOP have even created openings in reliably red states.

Bari Weiss Is a Terrible Jewish Person, Ad Nauseam Edition

Trump urges Congress to pass tax incentives to restore Hollywood’s luster

The loss of film and TV production to other countries ‘is hurting California very badly,’ the president said.

Jury in Lindsay Clancy trial is deadlocked, will continue deliberations

The jurors have spent four days discussing the mental state of Clancy, who has admitted killing her children. The judge told them to keep working to reach a verdict.

Trump taps ‘true warrior’ Hung Cao as Navy secretary after 4 months as acting leader

Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain and special operations veteran, has led the Department of the Navy for four months as President Trump now seeks Senate confirmation.

We Don’t Need a Strategic Petroleum Reserve

In a globalized energy market, it functions mostly as a political gimmick.

Schumer Takes Aim at Trump's Tariffs With New Bill

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is trying to call attention to Trump's latest tariffs on Canada.

House Votes to Avert Government Shutdown Before Midterm Elections

Lawmakers sent the legislation to President Trump in an overwhelming vote, reflecting bipartisan enthusiasm around punting a messy spending fight until after the midterms.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

It’s Here! Officially Announcing the 2026 Anti-Communist Film Festival

A Great Rebalancing Is Coming

Who will bear the costs of a global trade adjustment?

AI Buildout Is Bruised but Far From Broken

In the United States, building a data center now polls roughly as well as abolishing the police. If current trends continue, server warehouses may soon be less popular with Americans than pizza topped with pineapple and shattered glass.

Smiles in Ayn Rand: Von der Leyen Tells EU Citizens 'All Your Monies Are Belong to Us'

Naked in America

To be naked is to give up obsessive self-presentation and take off the mask.

‘We flat have to win there’: Thune urges Trump to help in Texas Senate race

Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is locked in a tight race with the Republican nominee.

Former Florida governor hopeful hauled out of county meeting after protesting Israel investments

James Fischback was forcibly removed from a Miami-Dade commissioners meeting after protesting the county's raised investment limit in Israel bonds.

AI Is Creating a 'Society of Cheats'

Net Zero Won't Fix Climate Change. Technology Will

Treat a warming planet as an engineering problem rather than a moral failing, and it starts to look solvable.

House GOP censures one of its own over conduct with female staffers

Rep. Chuck Edwards was censured by his colleagues in the House over his conduct with female staffers.

Self-funded CEO claims GOP nomination to challenge Massachusetts Democrat’s second-term bid

Mike Minogue won 70% at the Massachusetts GOP convention and defeated former MBTA executive Brian Shortsleeve to take on Gov. Maura Healey.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Progressive push hits wall against conservative Democrat in deep-blue district

Stephen Lynch defeated progressive challenger Patrick Roath in the Massachusetts 8th Congressional District Democratic primary despite clashes over ICE.

Supreme Court Refuses to Let ‘Aesthetic’ Objections Stop Trump’s Ballroom

National Trust for Historic Preservation member Alison K. Hoagland hasn’t been personally harmed in any way; she just doesn’t like the way the place looks.

Ed Markey Defeats Seth Moulton in Massachusetts' Primary

Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.

Top Democrat survives double-barreled challenge as party’s Israel divide hits home

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark advanced past two left-wing challengers who made Gaza and AIPAC money central issues in the Democratic primary.

Stories You Don’t Want to Be Told

A new exhibition curated by Lars von Trier provides a fascinating look at who and what has influenced one of the world’s most prodigiously gifted and provocative filmmakers.

Thanks to Lake Ontario, MapQuest is popular all over again

As of Tuesday, the 30-year-old navigation tool was Apple’s No. 1 free app after the company rebuffed an executive order renaming the Great Lake.

Reasons to Leave China

The Chinese Communist Party cannot and will not accept that its time in the sun has passed. But the public knows.

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.

Longtime Democratic Congressman Defeats Progressive Rival in Massachusetts

Representative Stephen Lynch, 71, a centrist, beat Patrick Roath, 39, in a primary that reflected the party’s generational and ideological divides.

A Guide to the 2026 Supreme Court Term

Here is a breakdown of the biggest legal battles set to be argued before the Supreme Court during its 2026-2027 term.

Deranged Woman With Knives Kills One Person in Times Square

House Censures Republican Accused of Sexually Harassing Two Aides

Representative Chuck Edwards received a formal rebuke on the floor after a speech in which he apologized for his conduct but said it did not constitute harassment.

Postal Service plans may keep voters from getting ballots, whistleblower says

An anonymous federal official warns that a rushed USPS portal tied to Trump’s mail-voting order could reject large batches of ballots before the midterms.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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…

One of Congress' most powerful Democrats just survived a progressive primary revolt

Richard Neal defeated progressive challenger Jeromie Whalen in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional District primary, but the seniority debate rages on.

Man accused of killing Charlie Kirk will stand trial, face potential death penalty

Tyler James Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

American sentenced to 2 years for working as Chinese intelligence asset

Thomas W. Pauken II developed sources with access to sensitive information in the U.S. and was told his reports were being sent directly to China’s president, according to court records.

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.

Women’s Sport or ‘Transformational’ Activism: It Can’t Be Both

A U.S.-based Australian Rules Football league allows trans-identified men to play on women’s teams. When one turned out to be a convicted sex criminal, no one wanted to talk about it.

Trump says he’ll nominate Hung Cao as Navy secretary

The Vietnamese refugee, Navy veteran and former Virginia political candidate has been leading the service on an acting basis.

Six Takeaways From the Massachusetts Primaries

Senator Ed Markey, 80, trounced a younger challenger who had made an argument for generational change. Two other longtime Democratic lawmakers hung on, too.

Justice Department Sues Kansas City Schools Over Gender Policy

In the first such lawsuit, the Trump administration accused the district of hiding students’ gender transition from their parents against federal law.

More Bioethical Advocacy to Compel Medical Help in Self-Starvation Suicides

Where next with this darkness?

Joint Chiefs Chairman Says Military Has ‘No Plans’ to Send Troops to the Polls

Gen. Dan Caine, President Trump’s top military adviser, appeared to renounce the possibility of the military interfering in the 2026 midterms.

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…

Keir Starmer Just Quit Parliament, Too

The Socialist Rich Kids

‘It’s always the case, isn’t it, that the people who cannot see the link between virtue and hard work and success were not the ones that were virtuous or did the hard work.’

Everyone Is Edging Away from Ken Paxton

Paxton’s vulnerabilities, particularly in a year of epic backlash, were simply too risky to cashier a respected incumbent.