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

Democrats who ‘never voted Republican’ back Rogers over El-Sayed in razor-close race

Mike Rogers unveils his "Democrats for Mike Rogers" coalition in Detroit, courting voters unhappy with Abdul El-Sayed's far-left policy positions.

Trump Threatens Economic Pain for Countries That Help Iran

The president did not specify what actions he would take, and he has on other occasions abandoned threats to dramatically escalate the war with Iran.

He Blew the Whistle on Jason Arday and Was Just Suspended for Doing So

New aircraft carrier arrives in Arabian Sea to replace long-stationed USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS George Washington is relieving a vessel that has gone months without a port stop.

Good Riddance to Sen. Cornyn and His Democrat Staffers

For any Texans wondering if, in retrospect, they should've given Ken Paxton a shot instead of sticking with the incumbent, you've got your answer.

Democrats’ view of Trump’s first term improves in retrospect, poll finds

Recent ratings of the state of American democracy in 2020 rose by eight points compared with surveys of Democrats that year.

A Few Expert Lawyers Dominate Supreme Court Arguments, a New Study Finds

Chief Justice Roberts, once such a lawyer, has said he has mixed feelings about the trend.

Bass and Raman Both Lose LA Mayor Debate

LA Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman faced off in the first mayoral debate of the general election, and both managed to earn terrible grades. For 90 minutes at the Sherman Oaks Homeow...

Cook Political Report shifts Senate races in Texas, Iowa leftward to ‘Toss Up’

The nonpartisan publication moved its ratings in four contests to the left.

Ties to data centers could cost Ohio Sen. Jon Husted his seat, memo warns

A GOP memo obtained by The Post urges the tech industry to take action to improve the image of the controversial facilities.

It's Awfully Good to Be the Bass Master

NYTimes: US Navy Is Getting Oil Through the Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s Economic Threat Puts Focus on Iran’s Trading Partners

President Trump appeared to suggest that the United States would impose economic penalties on countries that do business with Iran, though he did not specify what actions he would take.

Claire's Weekly Letter: What We Take on Trust

Surrogate Pregnancies Are Getting Weird

There has been a steady stream of surrogacy stories in recent months that can be best described as extremely weird. Upsetting at times, yes, but more than anything, just strange-residing in an uncanny valley between science fiction and bureaucrati…

Feds seize Eric Swalwell’s devices, search home as part of sexual assault inquiry

The former congressman, once considered a leading candidate in the California governor’s race, resigned after allegations surfaced in the spring.

Creeping Annexation

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

FBI Agents Search Eric Swalwell’s Home as Part of Federal Sexual Assault Inquiry

Most sex crimes are prosecuted by state and local authorities. The federal agents appeared to be using civil rights statutes to scrutinize Mr. Swalwell’s conduct, a person familiar with the case said.

Institutional Failures in the Garden of Great Intellects

The Cofnas and Arday controversies show that on matters of race, administrators at Cambridge have failed to conduct deliberate checks, failed in probity, and failed in their tolerance for unsettled science.

Rubio designates US citizen held in China as wrongfully detained as Trump prepares to host Xi at White House

The Trump administration designated Min Zin as wrongfully detained in China weeks before President Donald Trump is set to host Xi Jinping at the White House.

Why Australia Gave Up on Getting Richer

McKinsey's Chris Bradley on why Australia stopped investing—and why he believes the poorest country in the world could live as well as Switzerland does today by 2100.

A fake poll tested media and poll trackers. Here’s who passed and failed.

Median Strategies, a fake polling firm, claimed it was a “social experiment.” The fraudulent poll received some attention but was shunned by mainstream poll aggregators and exposed by a reporter.

Wednesday's Final Word

Trump: North Korea ‘Has 57 Very Powerful Nuclear Weapons’

President Trump said North Korea has ’57 very powerful nuclear weapons’ — the first time a U.S. official had given such a specific number.

Trump Officials Move to Fund Gaza Peacekeepers Even as Peace Plan Falters

The State Department informed Congress of its intent to fund the stabilization force on the same day the president’s Board of Peace announced a plan to disarm Hamas.

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.

Propriety Politics

‘I think this is a totally disgusting tactic by Ossoff, but most Republicans don’t have a lot of credibility to complain about propriety anymore.’

FBI seizes Swalwell’s devices at airport as sexual misconduct investigation escalates: sources

Eric Swalwell's cell phone was seized at San Francisco International Airport as part of an FBI probe into sexual misconduct, a source confirms.

Oh, Goody! FBI Stops Swalwell at Airport, Seizes His Electronics

Trump joins leaders of crypto companies in push for industry-backed bill

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for Congress to pass legislation that could lend greater legitimacy to the fast-growing industry — which includes the Trump family business.

Darline Graham’s Debate Misstep Tests South Carolina’s Appetite for a Political Newcomer

Senator Darline Graham has argued that her lack of political experience is a strength as she runs to succeed her brother, Lindsey Graham. But a debate misstep has rattled some of her supporters.

Ronald Reagan's Greatest Speech

Fifty years ago today, Ronald Reagan lost the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford by 117 votes. With nothing prepared, he gave a speech that launched his political legacy.

What it means that Democrats are winning special elections in Trump country

The latest victory came in a state House race near Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an attempt on his life in 2024 and won big.

Are You Ready for ... Megxit 2: Back to Britain Boogaloo?

Mamdani’s Bodega Bailout

The New York City mayor’s push to get his city-run grocery stores up and running is fueled by delusions.

Show Us the Prompts

How AI prose exploits the charity that makes reading possible.

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…

Cambridge and the Stigmatisation of Intelligence Research

Nathan Cofnas joins a historical line of academics demonised for delivering unwelcome or upsetting news about group differences.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Dem mayor torches DNC in scathing letter for 'abandoning' Black voters after convention snub

Atlanta Mayor accused DNC of “abandoning" the South and Black voters in scathing letter to national party leadership after Atlanta got cut from hosting the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

Republicans notch win in Missouri congressional redistricting fight

A judge allowed Republicans to use their new congressional map this fall, but the state Supreme Court may weigh in.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Tulsi Gabbard gives promising, emotional update on husband's successful bone cancer surgery

Tulsi Gabbard's emotional video reveals Abraham Williams is cancer free after sacral chordoma surgery, but frequent MRIs will monitor his recovery.

Democrats are moving past the resistance. They want a new kind of fighter.

Prominent Democrats from President Donald Trump’s first-term battles are losing in primaries, a signal their party wants something else as it looks to 2028.

Trump's Iran Struggle Comes Through on Campaign Stump

One interesting thing about listening to President Donald Trump's speeches, as opposed to just reading about them later, is that the listener not only gets to hear what Trump said but also gets to hear Trump commenting in real time on what the spe…

New Yorker Gives Mahmoud Khalil the Rolling Stone Tongue Bath

Highlights From the Candace Owens vs Andrew Wilson Debate

U.S. debt hits $40 trillion faster than forecasters expected

The landmark number was reached in part because of lost revenue from invalidated tariffs.

Florida Leads the Way on Higher Ed and Workforce Development

Let’s stop luring young people into dubious college degrees. Use community colleges to offer them needed skills.

U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Leaves Middle East After Months at Sea in Operation Against Iran

The aircraft carrier has been deployed for nine months, largely in support of U.S. operations against Iran, and is now heading home to San Diego.

The Lapsed Atheist: Charles Murray Makes the Case for God

‘Casual agnostic’ Charles Murray discusses the evidence that forced him to reconsider God, the soul, and Christianity.

Can Michigan Democrats Find Peace Over the Middle East?

It's not easy, but it is critical if Democrats are going to hold a Senate seat.

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’s Order to Cut Military Exercises With South Korea Carries Risks, Experts Say

President Trump’s decision to curtail the military exercises came as allies question the U.S. commitment to longstanding alliances.

El-Sayed makes Jesus comparison when pressed on socialist views: 'Radical in his time, too'

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed compared his progressive policies to Jesus Christ's teachings on a podcast earlier this year.

Don’t Fall for Fake Polls

We are swimming in a sea of lies now — more than ever before.

Sen. Ossoff Knows What He's Doing

The Georgia senator's Trump jabs reveal a deliberate strategy and a leading 2028 contender

College Entrance Exams Shouldn’t Be a Political Issue

The people who run the SAT and ACT are flexing their political muscles in an effort to protect their duopoly against an interloper, the Classic Learning Test.

Sherrill escalates Trump fight over voter fiasco day after Mullin praises NJ cooperation

Mikie Sherrill released findings showing about 5,100 noncitizen voter registrations deleted due to a motor voter software error in New Jersey.

Iran Hates That Trump's Diplomacy Is Working

Crude threats break diplomatic stalemates. Trump's unpredictable pressure on Iran gets results where quiet negotiations failed.

China’s Industrial Food Revolution

Calling meat murder only makes sense in a world where you’d call quietly dwelling in a room a ‘hostile occupation.’

Darline Graham’s ‘embarrassing and inexcusable’ national security stumble spotlights break from late brother

Trump is set to rally in Myrtle Beach for Graham days before her GOP runoff, but her Taiwan debate stumble drew rebukes from Nikki Haley and others.

Is Google Gemini Racist, Anti-Racist or Just Dumb?

What Is Canada For?

Might Canada’s fate foreshadow that of other advanced but dependent democracies, clinging to old ideals of cooperation and diplomacy as they’re rolled under the treads of China’s or America’s naked self-interest?

Zelensky’s First Serious Political Challenger

Ukraine’s very dependence on its Western sponsors likely means elections won’t happen without some foreign support for them.

Blue-city drug gear exposes hypocrisy as cleanup group faces probe, leader cries foul

We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez says the state is investigating her volunteer needle cleanup group while the government hands out drug supplies.

Darline Graham’s ‘oops’ moment and the pitfalls of acknowledging ignorance

Like the senator from South Carolina, candidates have admitted to not knowing things before. Doing so rarely ends well for them.

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.

El-Sayed: I'm Kinda Like Jesus, Only More Black

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.

Trump Boasts of Declassifying Secrets, but Withholds Key Election Files From Public

Even as the White House claims to be focused on transparency, it has ignored a congressional requirement to disclose a report on foreign meddling in the 2024 election.

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.

‘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.

Convicted Killer Karmelo Anthony Demands a New Trial (Plus a New Bombshell)

Lessons From Vindman's Humiliating Primary Defeat

Alex Vindman, the anti-Trump impeachment star, just lost his Florida Senate primary despite raising $16 million. What does this stunning defeat mean for the Democrats'

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.

‘The Necessary Conversation’ Puts Family Political Arguments On Full Display

“The Necessary Conversation,” a podcast and YouTube show, is a very public example of the political disputes families are having all across the country.

The Beautiful and Banned

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

ActBlue co-founder pleads Fifth Amendment in closed-door House GOP grilling

Matt DeBergalis pleaded the Fifth Amendment during his deposition before three House committees investigating ActBlue's fraud prevention standards.

Trump’s Iran Strategy May Actually Be Working

Trump’s inconstancy may yet steal defeat from the jaws of victory. But for the first time in months, something like victory for the U.S. is again within sight.

In a Big Year for Progressives, Here’s Why These Moderates Won Their Primaries

At times this year, the Democratic Party’s centrist wing has felt under siege from the left. But it has won several tough primaries recently.

What Americans Do and Don't Like About Democrats

Hakeem Jeffries is betting that moderates can unite the party around progressive policies while keeping their distance from socialism.

Angel dad takes major new role after daughter’s killing sparks sweeping illegal alien crackdown

Angel Dad Joe Abraham, whose daughter Katie Abraham was killed in an illegal alien hit-and-run, will lead ICE's VOICE office as executive director.

Sailing Away from Deterring China

There will be no U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific theater right now, at a time when China is showing its arm to the Philippines and Taiwan.

Dubai Step: Trump Declares 'Economic D-Day' on Iran

CNN Political Briefing

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

Iran Has Lost Significant Control of the Strait of Hormuz

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz has become the focal point of the Iran war. Over the past several months, both Iran and the United States have claimed the upper hand - and the competing rhetoric has caused considerable confusion and…

The Origins of Our $40 Trillion National Debt

If not for largely bipartisan tax cuts, recession responses, and spending increases over the past 25 years, the debt would be paid off by now.

Has Trump Lost His Fear of Markets?

Since January 2025, a reigning principle of global markets has been something called TACO. TACO stands for Trump Always Chickens Out, meaning whenever Trump does something stupid that creates financial instability, an adverse market reaction can b…

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…

Together Alone

American individualism and the western, from Fred Zinnemann and John Ford to Larry McMurtry and Taylor Sheridan.

Trump could face impeachment if Democrats seize House majority, GOP leader warns

House Republican Steve Scalise warns Democrats will impeach Trump on day one if they win the majority, as socialist insurgents reshape the party.

State Dept. Declares U.S. Citizen in China Wrongfully Detained

U Min Zin, a scholar who studied Myanmar, is one of two U.S. citizens the department has designated as wrongfully detained in China.