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 Truth About the Gender Pay Gap with David Maywald | Quillette Cetera Episode 70

David Maywald on the female wage premium, the rites of passage boys no longer have, and why the science on sex differences keeps losing to ideology.

Tuesday’s Final Word

The Troubled State of Sociology

Increasingly, sociologists are expected to avoid research questions and theories that involve the role of culture in shaping societal inequalities.

Sofia Coppola Wasn’t What Killed The Godfather Part III

The upcoming Dune installment got me thinking about the burden of following two great films.

Economic 'End Game' for Iran?

The basic issue is not whether the Iranian economy is sinking into the abyss - it certainly is - but whether the regime will collapse

Red Scare! How the Media Will Cover the Anti-Communist Film Festival

Trump Administration Sends Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress for Review

The prospect that the kingdom could enrich uranium has drawn opposition from Democrats and revived concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Newsom promises new legal fight after Trump gets Supreme Court victory on mail-in voting

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will sue again after the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling allowed Trump's mail-in voting restrictions.

Iranian TV Airs Video on Targeting Barron Trump

Darline Graham, Backed By Trump, Wins Primary for Senate in South Carolina

Ms. Graham, who is temporarily filling the seat long held by her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, prevailed in a runoff and will be heavily favored in November.

Log Cabin Republicans remove reference to trans people on website

The Republican gay rights group has decided to no longer focus on transgender issues.

Will Republicans Work to Expose Democrats’ Abortion Extremism?

The GOP needs to show that the party hasn’t lost its conscience. Candidates need to educate America about the realities of blue-state abortion policy.

Graham, and Trump, Triumph: Six Takeaways From South Carolina’s Senate Runoff

President Trump went all in for Senator Darline Graham in a primary runoff on Tuesday. It worked, preserving his undefeated streak in Republican Senate primaries this year.

Gary, Indiana Blackout Exposes Left's Race Hustle

Gary, Indiana went dark for two weeks after a storm. Activists blamed

5 Things to Know About Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma G.O.P. Candidate for Governor

Mr. Drummond, the state attorney general, faces an opponent backed by President Trump and Gov. Kevin Stitt. The campaign has highlighted his independent streak.

The Beautiful and Banned

There is a rather large difference between the banned books promoted by celebrities and genuinely transgressive and provocative writing.

Trump mourns Dolly Parton, orders US flags lowered nationwide after country music icon dies

Trump ordered American flags lowered nationwide for one week in honor of Dolly Parton, calling her death "a true loss for millions of people."

Clinton-appointed judge triggers appeal after blocking key voter citizenship law

Frank LaRose vows to appeal after a Clinton-appointed judge blocked Ohio's voter registration citizenship proof law, citing federal conflicts.

Claire's Weekly Letter: Punished for Truth-Seeking

Keith Ellison Tries His Hand at Diplomacy by Negotiating With Somali Gangs

Iran in Terminal Decline, Economy Is in Free Fall

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the Trump administration's planned "economic D-Day" for Iran: a patient campaign to financially strangle the regime in Tehran.

Trump says U.S. could rename Lake Ontario as Lake America amid Canada trade war

The president cited his tariff fight in a social media post, saying the United States doesn’t expect to be “doing much business with Ontario any longer.”

Democrats' Golden Opportunity on Data Centers

During a meeting with tech leaders at the White House last week, President Donald Trump championed the rapid construction of artificial intelligence data centers across the U.S. as political common sense.

No, the Media Isn’t Responsible for Jason Arday’s Suicide

The disgraced academic was a pathological liar and lifelong con artist whose misdeeds were covered up for years by self-serving academic administrators. Exposing this kind of rot in elite institutions is our job.

CIA director makes rare, unannounced visit to Moscow

The trip came as Ukrainian forces have stepped up attacks deep inside Russia, including in the capital.

Judge issues setback to Trump administration plans to restrict mail-in ballots

The ruling is not the final word in a fast-moving legal fight over the administration’s efforts to change voting rules before the midterms.

LIVE PRIMARY RESULTS: Runoff Madness, and Will Voter ID Get OK’d? UPDATE: Graham Wins

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.

Georgia redistricting battle revived after appeals court overturns federal court decision

The 11th Circuit said Georgia’s 2021 redistricting maps must be reevaluated under the Supreme Court’s newly clarified racial-discrimination standard.

No One Who Bought the Gaza Starvation Narrative Deserves to Be Taken Seriously

UNICEF’s recent findings show that the famine allegation was a flimsy lie.

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.

More Reasons Why Democrats Can’t Moderate on Abortion

In many Democratic-controlled states, officials have weakened or repealed commonsense pro-life laws.

When You Hear 'Normalize X," Run the Other Direction

Dolly Parton refused to pick political sides for decades: ‘I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer’

Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at 80, built a career on refusing to take political sides despite repeated pressure involving Trump and Clinton.

Democrats Score Victory in Campaign Finance Court Case

Republicans had hoped that a Supreme Court decision allowing party committees to coordinate with candidates would also entitle them to lower ad rates. On Tuesday, an appeals court said otherwise.

5 Things to Know About Darline Graham, Trump-Backed South Carolina Senate Candidate

Ms. Graham is currently serving out the term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham. She has argued that her lack of political experience is a strength.

House GOP faces complaint for using floor footage in campaign materials

The action targets Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of House Republicans’ campaign arm. Rules bar lawmakers from using recordings of official proceedings for campaigns.

Trump is having trouble changing how Americans vote

Election experts say confusion, rather than actual changes to law, will be the main hindrance to voter participation in November.

Dolly, We Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton was one of those rare celebrities who are truly worthy of admiration.

Hochul remains defiant after sheriffs sue over law banning cooperation with ICE: 'Bring it on'

More than a dozen New York sheriffs are suing state officials over a new state law that prohibits law enforcement from cooperating with ICE.

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.

Left Should Take Up the Quest for Russia-Ukraine Peace

Why the new American left should take up the quest for peace if the Democratic Party wins control of Congress this November, and of the presidency in 2028.

Dethroning King Dollar

The vice president thinks the dollar’s global status is a curse.

Drink More Ovaltine

The jokes we told in a Venezuelan prison.

How does The Times get live election results?

Everton Blair Jr. Wins Race to Fill David Scott’s House Seat in Georgia

Everton Blair Jr. will serve until January in the seat long held by Mr. Scott, who died in April. Mr. Blair is not competing in the general election for the next full term in the deep-blue district.

Trump-endorsed candidate clears key hurdle in red state gubernatorial race

Mike Mazzei secured Trump's endorsement and defeated Gentner Drummond in Oklahoma's GOP governor runoff, promising to eliminate the state's income tax.

Secret Service aware of Iranian video threat targeting Barron Trump, agency says

A video aired on Iranian state media depicts locations tied to Barron Trump and offers a suggested $10 million reward for his exact location.

Daughter of late House Dem loses runoff bid to finish father's term

Marcye Scott fell short against former Gwinnett County school board chairman Everton Blair in her bid to finish the final months of her late father’s House term after leading the first round of voting.

Lessons About the Bond Market From Bill Clinton

Trump's deficits and ballooning U.S. debt are rattling the bond market. Clinton's approach to budget surpluses offer a blueprint.

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…

Tucker Carlson Ready To Destroy Republican Party?

Tucker Carlson, the one-time king of American cable news-turned-conspiracist podcaster, made waves this month by releasing a 10-point vision for America that bears suspicious resemblance to a presidential campaign platform.

The Latest Empty Threat Against Iran

The Trump administration gave its own explanation for why sanctions against Tehran won't work.

Trump moves to reshape White House’s South Lawn

The president's latest construction project involves changing the lawn's slope to bring it flush with his new helipad.

Democratic newcomer scores runoff upset in Oklahoma, vows to impeach Trump if elected

N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas defeated Jim Priest in the runoff race for the Democratic Senate nomination in Oklahoma.

Seattle man allegedly targeted governor after telling hospital of murderous plan: docs

A Seattle man allegedly told authorities he planned to surveil Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson's mansion and harm anyone standing in his way inside.

5 Things to Know About Ralph Norman, South Carolina Senate Candidate

Mr. Norman, a five-term congressman, is a hard-line conservative running against the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

The CIA Director’s Surprise Visit to Moscow Comes at an Ominous Moment

The White House took unusual steps to conceal John Ratcliffe’s itinerary, and no one in the administration is commenting on the trip for the record.

Hillary Clinton: The Rise of Socialism Is Healthy

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…

People Are Not Victims or Puppets: The Anti-Liberal Critique Lets People off the Hook for Their Choices

Critics argue that liberalism has not delivered broad-based prosperity.

At Trump’s IndyCar Race, a V.I.P. Invitation Became a Diplomatic Snub

Foreign ambassadors were promised free food and drinks, misting fans and shaded seats during the event. Then some of them were uninvited.

‘Economic Vandalism’: Geoff Wilson on Labor’s War on Australian Aspiration

Fund manager Geoff Wilson tells Claire Lehmann that Labor’s new capital gains tax will drive Australian capital out of growth companies and into franked dividends—and push a generation of founders offshore.

Court halts Ohio proof-of-citizenship requirement at motor vehicle offices

Ohio’s law requiring proof of citizenship at Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ offices conflicts with the federal National Voter Registration Act, the court said.

Recent Figures on Migrant Crime in Some European Countries Just Now Being Released

Like Odysseus. But Real

Twenty-four centuries ago, Xenophon and his 10,000-man Greek army found themselves trapped at the heart of the Persian Empire. Their amazing escape, described in a new book by Robert L. O’Connell, is a tale for the ages.

L’Affaire Shirer Revisited

The rise, fall, and rise again of one of the 20th century’s most important journalists.

In the Event of a PA Outbreak, Josh Shapiro Will Be a Like COVID-Era Contagion King

Wisconsin prosecutor declines to charge Musk in election bribery investigation

The tech titan last year had offered voters a chance at a $1 million prize.

The Fight Over California's Billionaire Tax Continues

Sticks and Karats

‘Managing’ prices, to use a euphemism, is to suppress valuable information — and it is all too likely to end in a shambles.

The Moms of TikTok Have Gone Insane

We've been telling women for decades that motherhood is one of the worst things that can happen to them. So is it any surprise that so many moms now see child-killing mom Lindsay Clancy as a martyr?

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Secret Service says it is aware of Iranian state media video threatening Barron Trump

The footage, reportedly released by media linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed a $10 million bounty had been placed on the president’s youngest son.

Trump endorsement boosts sister of late Lindsey Graham to historic runoff victory

President Donald Trump's endorsement and an $800,000 MAGA Inc. blitz helped Darline Graham defeat Ralph Norman in the South Carolina Senate runoff.

Why Is the CIA Director in Moscow?

CNN Political Briefing

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

Will Darline Graham Be Anointed Tonight?

It will be interesting to see whether the residents of S.C. decide to look past Trump’s endorsement in this race.

Trump’s Efforts to Sow Election Doubts Get Boost from Initial Court Order

A preliminary Supreme Court ruling could leave voters confused about casting ballots by mail, even as President Trump’s executive order is being litigated in the lower courts, experts said.

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.

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.

5 Things to Know About Mike Mazzei, Oklahoma G.O.P. Candidate for Governor

The former state senator, who was endorsed by President Trump, spent millions of dollars of his own money on the race.

As U.S.-Canada tensions escalate, Republicans could face political consequences

The threat of higher prices for gas, cars, hockey sticks and more gave fresh life to Democratic arguments that the president is destabilizing the economy.

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.

Dolly Parton's Catalog Is More Than Just Catchy Tunes

The great and iconic Dolly Parton passed away Tuesday at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of music that feels impossible to summarize.

What to know about the court fights over voting by mail

After the Supreme Court's ruling on Monday, where do things stand in the lawsuits over President Donald Trump's attempt to limit who can cast ballots by mail?

Darline Graham Projected To Win Runoff in South Carolina

Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot.

The Meaning of Air-Conditioning in France

The vision of a France that isn’t afraid of AC, where people don’t fear a social penalty for installing it, is a healthy development.

Summer Forecast Turns ICEy in Virginia

Creeping Annexation

Israeli governments have never decided what to do with the West Bank—so the settlers have begun deciding for them.

Thank You, Lord, for Dolly Parton

On behalf of a grateful nation.

Vance's Rousing Populist Manifesto in Middletown, Ohio

It's striking that a Republican vice president would invoke Long when discussing the Trump administration's efforts to help working-class Americans.