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

Trump Isn’t Even Trying to Sell This War

Has the salesman in chief gotten rusty?

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.

Can Rep. Thomas Massie, Leading Trump Critic, Hang On in Kentucky Primary?

Can any Republican disagree with Trump and get away with it? Thomas Massie’s primary race in Kentucky is a key test.

The Republican Party Continues Eating Its Own

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

Avoiding the Slippery Slope to Endless War

In 2016, Donald Trump grabbed headlines by declaring the war in Iraq "a big fat mistake," accusing George W. Bush of starting a foolish war and wasting billions of dollars. His remarks were shocking to Republican elites, but remarkably popular amo…

Justice Department secures denaturalization of convicted gun trafficker and health care fraudster

The DOJ announced it secured the denaturalization of two criminals “who obtained U.S. citizenship through fraud" and sued to revoke the citizenship of a third.

Schumer, Democrats say they support voter ID — then block GOP amendment to require it

Senate Democrats blocked a photo voter ID amendment to the SAVE America Act, despite Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., saying Democrats support voter ID.

SCHUMER SHUTDOWN SALE: 60% Off VIP Memberships!

The Alternative Reality of Homelessness Policy

A recent New York Times article peddles all the fictions that keep the game going.

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…

U.S.P.S. Plans to Impose 8% Surcharge to Offset Rising Transportation Costs Amid Iran War

The temporary price increase, which would take effect on April 26, comes amid a spike in fuel prices tied to the war in Iran.

WATCH: Dems go silent, pull Women's Month resolution after GOP asks for simple definition

Pennsylvania House Democrats pulled a Women's History Month resolution after a GOP amendment sought to define 'woman,' sparking laughter on the floor.

As Talks With Iran Begin, Arab Countries Vocal About Wanting Regime Change

Parallel Kingdom

Nick Cave’s beautiful and tragic music brings redemptive catharsis to a grief-stricken city.

24 states back challenge to transgender inmate surgery ruling with nationwide stakes

Idaho and Indiana AGs argue the Eighth Amendment doesn't require states to fund gender reassignment surgery for prison inmates in a Ninth Circuit brief.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, in Sudan

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

Trump’s move to send ICE to airports fails to break impasse or end long lines

Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.

Weaponized Federal Law Enforcement Must Never Happen Again

Today, after ten years of fighting, I have reached a settlement agreement with the United States Government in my case regarding the Russian Hoax FBI lawfare against me.

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.

Maduro Case to Test Semi-Successful Narcoterror Law

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro returns to court on Thursday on criminal charges including narcoterrorism, a statute that has rarely been tested at trial and has a limited record of success.

Joe Kent to Newsmax: Israel Provoked Iran Conflict

Joe Kent, who resigned last week as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told Newsmax on Wednesday that Israel "precipitated this conflict."

Letters to the Editor

Friday 13 March – Friday 20 March

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.

Supreme Court finds internet service providers not liable for users’ pirated music

The unanimous decision means Cox Communications will probably not have to pay a huge judgment in a case brought by dozens of music companies, including Sony.

What Makes the West Western?

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

Bondi: DOJ Revoking Citizenship for Migrants Hiding Crimes

The Justice Department has escalated efforts this week to strip U.S. citizenship from individuals who obtained it through fraud, securing two denaturalizations and filing a third case tied to alleged marriage fraud. Attorney General Pam Bondi said…

Mueller Was a Dirty Cop, Period

That's why he got the assignment of trying to frame Trump - because he knew how to railroad men who had committed no crimes.

Wisconsin elections chair reminds voters they can’t bet on state races

Experts say that laws in Wisconsin and a few other states that ban wagering on election results are difficult to enforce.

Trump Suggests Iran Let 10 Oil Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let ten oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistan-flagged vessels.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Intel Report Alleges Ukraine Plot to Aid Biden Campaign

U.S. intelligence intercepted communications in late 2022 in which Ukrainian officials allegedly discussed diverting hundreds of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars meant for clean energy and infrastructure projects to benefit then-President Joe Bid…

The Path to a U.S.-Iran Deal

Both sides will have to scale back demands, but their history points to a way to get it done

Trump lashes out at 'sick' Iranian leaders, confirms estimated timeline for ending war

NATO failed a test by not joining the U.S. military operation against Iran, President Donald Trump said during a Thursday Cabinet meeting.

Wednesday’s Final Word

Trump Task Force Targets Massive Federal Fraud

President Donald Trump's newly launched anti-fraud task force is moving aggressively to combat what officials say is a $250 billion annual drain on taxpayers, with Vice President JD Vance outlining a sweeping plan to crack down on abuse across fed…

An Outrageous Financial Settlement With Michael Flynn

The financial settlement with Ashli Babbitt's family was indefensible. The payout to Trump's former national security adviser is worse.

Sen. Blackburn to Newsmax: Left Blames Trump for Loyola Student's Murder

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., pushed back Thursday on Newsmax against efforts by Democrats to blame President Donald Trump for the murder of a Chicago college student allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant.

US Envoy Witkoff Says Iran Is Seeking Off-Ramp

The United States has sent Iran a "15-point action list" as a basis for negotiations to end the current conflict, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday, adding that there are signs that Tehran was interested in making a deal.

‘I’m Far Angrier’

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

Iran’s Hidden War Against the West: Emily Schrader

Emily Schrader joins Pamela Paresky to explain how Iran’s regime works, why reform has failed, and what may come next.

Conservative activist convicted in voter-fraud case

In Wisconsin, Harry Wait said he set out to expose the potential for voter fraud. He ordered mail ballots in the names of others — and got charged with felonies.

Criminal Research

European jurists should not seek to arbitrate controversial matters best settled by science.

The Many Roots of Our Suffering: Reflections on Robert Trivers (1943–2026)

The contributions of Robert Trivers belong in the special category of ideas that are obvious once they are explained, yet eluded great minds for ages; simple enough to be stated in a few words, yet with implications that have busied scientists for…

Trump Urges Iran to Strike Deal or US Will 'Keep Blowing Them Away'

President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Iran to make a deal to end U.S. and Israeli bombing or face more strikes on their country. "They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forw…

Fla. Lawmaker Faces Expulsion Over FEMA Funds Probe

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., could face expulsion from the House if found guilty on charges that she misused taxpayer funds.

Everyone Has Trump’s Phone Number Now

The president’s personal iPhone has been lighting up.

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…

House Panel OKs Bill Imposing Military Crash Defense Tech

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee voted 53-0 to pass sweeping aviation safety reform legislation to address dozens of recommendations issued after a January 2025 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk heli…

Lawmakers Press to Limit Prediction Bets by Policymakers

New bills aim to crack down on prediction-market bets by the president and members of Congress.

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.

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.

What a GOP loss in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago district says about the midterms

Including off-year elections last year, Democrats have flipped 30 Republican seats since the start of 2025.

Finland Convicted MP of 'Crimes Against Humanity' for Publishing Religious Pamphlet

Trump pressures GOP to scrap filibuster, says 'desperate' Schumer 'will make a deal'

President Donald Trump is pressuring the Senate GOP to scrap the filibuster in order to ram their priorities through the legislative chamber.

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.

Dems' Scary Response to Sheridan Gorman's Murder

They've boxed themselves into this corner. And because of their unwillingness to reflect on this and reexamine their policies and talk about it in a normal way, they lash out at the victims. It is unsustainable.

Krasner Begs Trump: Please Make Me a Political Martyr!

After the DHS Shutdown

After the DHS shutdown, TSA will get paid, but the bigger problem remains: The need for more Congressional resources and authority.

The State of Grace

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

GOP disruptor counters Biden's student loan bailouts with plan to shift costs away from taxpayers

Michael Carbonara, a Republican congressional candidate in Florida, is pitching an idea to reduce the student loan debt crisis without passing the buck to American taxpayers.

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.

DOJ agrees to pay ex-Trump adviser Michael Flynn to settle malicious prosecution suit

The amount of the settlement was not disclosed in court papers.

State Department Providing $25 Million to Support Return of Ukrainian Children

The U.S. State Department said on Thursday it is providing $25 million in new assistance to support the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children.

Trump showed classified map to passengers on his plane in 2022, memo says

The document offers a snapshot of an early moment in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation and adds new shading to the public understanding of Smith’s probes.

In California’s Central Valley, Latino Voters are Up for Grabs in 2026’s Elections

As in other Hispanic areas of the country, voters shifted toward Republicans in 2024. But there are increasing signs that this was a blip more than a durable trend.

Musk attorney demands probe into jury bias after panel allegedly ‘mocked’ process

The filing says jurors used damages figure to "send a message" in the trial, and details broader claims that Musk, in their view, was denied a fair trial.

Lefties Meltdown in the EU Parliament Today After Vote Greenlights 'Remigration Hubs' MORE

Trump to Iran: Better Get Serious Soon; Israel Takes Out IRGC Naval Command

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Partisan brawl in Virginia taints Spanberger’s moderate image

Said one Democrat: “This should be a flashing red light for Democrats everywhere.”

Trump, Tehran, and the China Calculus

The CCP will certainly take advantage should Iran turn into a major distraction for the US.

Justice Dept. Settles Flynn’s Wrongful Prosecution Suit for $1.25 Million

The agreement was an extraordinary example of how the Trump administration has offered legal relief to those aligned with the president.

Reporter's Notebook: GOP's 'favorite bill' faces reality check as Senate stalls on SAVE America Act

Senate Republicans are using the SAVE America Act as a messaging tool, but the voter ID bill lacks the votes to pass and faces a likely punt.

Then They Came for the Immigrant Truckers

Trump strips commercial driver's licenses from 200,000 legal immigrants who bring your goods to market.

Bigotry among young conservatives has Republicans on edge

Many Republicans dismiss such party members even as white supremacists like Nick Fuentes gain popularity, but there’s growing unease at their presence in the rank and file.

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.

Trump Calls for Law Cracking Down on Crime and ‘Rogue Judges’

Ahead of the midterms, President Trump told a Republican gathering that he wants to go after repeat offenders and “rogue judges that are criminals.”

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

College student's alleged murder by illegal went exactly as Dems ‘intended,’ House speaker says

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., decried Democratic sanctuary policies, saying they “worked exactly as the Democrats intended," allowing the murder of Chicago student Sheridan Gorman.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Delaware Judge Gets Caught Cheering Elon Musk's Defeat in Court

Trump reveals ‘present’ from Iran as tankers move through Hormuz

Trump claims oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz signal real talks, as Steve Witkoff reports positive signs in U.S.-Iran backchannel negotiations.

After Wooing Trump With Deals, Pakistan Gets a Seat at the Table

Steve Witkoff, a diplomatic envoy, used the Board of Peace to announce an agreement that could raze a Pakistan-owned Manhattan hotel. Now the country is involved in negotiating peace talks with Iran.

Islands In The Stream: Pentagon Ramping Up 'Final Blow'?

Finally, Good News: Free Speech Wins Big in Court

Four years after the Twitter Files, the Missouri v. Biden case ends in a consent decree barring government from threatening protected speech - a belated but important victory

D.C. Media Blob Beclowned by SAVE Act Debate

They might salvage some of their profession's evaporating credibility if they spent more time challenging the establishment's spin.

If Diplomacy Fails, the Iran War Could Get Much Worse

Iran doesn't seem to be susceptible to the art of the deal.

Olympic Committee Bans Trans Women from Competition

Why a quieter Supreme Court contest in Wisconsin matters

The Washington Post’s essential guide to power and influence in D.C.

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…

U.S. Military Kills 4 People in Boat Strike in Caribbean

At least 163 people have been killed in the Trump administration’s campaign against suspected drug smuggling.

Tracking who Trump is appointing to fill key administration roles

Follow President Trump’s progress filling over 800 positions, among about 1,300 that require Senate confirmation, in this tracker from The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service.

Not So Fast, Bill Maher

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

Feeding the World: It's Not Only Fossil Fuels Hung Up in Hormuz

The First Post-Ideological Bedouin State

Why the misunderstood sovereign UAE thrives, and why ideologues—from the Islamic Republic to the Muslim Brotherhood—are invested in its demise.

‘Public Charge’ Review: The World Is Messy. Being a Force for Good Is, Too.

A new play at the Public Theater written by Michael J. Chepiga and the former ambassador Julissa Reynoso is a diplomatic memoir of sorts, and a meditation on loving one’s country.

House Democrat accused of misspending covid-19 money could be expelled

The family health care company Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick worked for was sent FEMA money it shouldn’t have received. She’s accused of using the money on a run for office.

Immigration Slowdown Hits Every Metro Area in the U.S., Census Shows

Large urban counties and the border were the most affected. And in three-quarters of U.S. counties, population growth either slowed or turned negative.

Trump Draws Bipartisan Backlash for Easing Oil Sanctions on Russia and Iran

Republicans and Democrats alike have criticized the Trump administration’s moves, taken to stabilize oil markets rocked by the war with Iran, warning that it is benefiting two U.S. adversaries.

Getting Away With It

The case of Bao Phuc Cao—released without a conviction after secretly filming over 100 women in public toilets—reveals that Melbourne’s judiciary is drastically out of step with the public understanding of the purpose of criminal justice.

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.

Trump Administration Begins Investigations Into Three Medical Schools

The Justice Department’s demands for admissions-related data from Stanford, Ohio State and the University of California, San Diego, represent a flex of federal power.

Watchdog warns legal powerhouse has made far-left advocacy their 'dominant focus' over the last decade

Trump-aligned watchdog group, America First Legal, says a decade of American Bar Association amicus briefs shows the powerful legal group pushed liberal outcomes 80% of the time it weighed in.

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.

Newsom Trots Out the 'You're Gay' Slur Against Benny Johnson

The ‘Big Black Scar’

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