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 Wrong Man

In Iran, Donald Trump is showing us what a populist war looks like.

Iran 'Fully Prepared' to Participate in World Cup

Despite the ongoing conflict at home, the Iran men's national soccer team is "fully prepared" to participate in the World Cup this summer, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported.The team's involvement was c…

Eric Trump to Newsmax: Democrats Cheat Like Hell

Eric Trump told Newsmax Wed. that since Democrats can’t run on policy, they must resort to cheating. "They've cheated the entire time. They started by making up the Russia hoax," Trump, the son of President Donald Trump, said on "Carl Higbie: Fron…

Not a Deal-Breaker: White House Downplays Iranian Action Near the Strait

President Trump’s threats have given way (for the moment, at least) to a more conciliatory tone about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

John Phelan forced out as Navy secretary after 13 months

The billionaire was a significant contributor to President Donald Trump’s campaign, but officials said he clashed repeatedly with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Iran, California and the Idiocy of Climate Policies

California is a beacon for smart people. Yet we seem to excel in producing policies that hurt ourselves.

GOP Blocks Yet Another Bid to Rein In Trump as Iran War Rolls On

Senate Republicans voted largely in unison Wednesday to defeat yet another Democrat-sponsored war powers resolution that would have prohibited President Trump from continuing military operations against Iran, according to The Hill.The vote marked …

An Extra-Embarrassing White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Why is Donald Trump breaking bread with the “enemy of the people”?

Trump Voters Are Over It

A shocking number of the president’s supporters have turned against him.

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.

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.

The UN’s Historically Selective Denunciation of Human Bondage

The transatlantic slave trade was a monstrous crime against humanity. Yet it represented just one example of an ancient evil that spanned many civilisations.

Hardest Part Still To Come for Democrats After Virginia Win

Democrats have promised the changes will be temporary. But if Republicans simply refuse to stop gerrymandering, what then?

Virginia Hands Democrats Another Win in Redistricting Wars

Voters have once again handed President Donald Trump a loss in one of the defining fights of his second administration: the national congressional redistricting race.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Senate GOP rams through blueprint to bankroll ICE, Border Patrol through end of Trump era

Senate Republicans adopted a budget resolution funding ICE and Border Patrol for President Donald Trump's full term, advancing the reconciliation process to fund immigration enforcement.

Virginia Judge Rules VA Gerrymandering Vote Unconstitutional

GOP's Sign To Wake Up and Play Hardball

The Virginia redistricting amendment reshapes congressional maps, raising concerns about fairness, gerrymandering, and the broader political impact nationwide.

Chicago Transit 'Holistic Approach' Attitude Adjustment - Unarmed Security Guards Off, Cops On

Combative, Defensive and Occasionally Contrite, Kennedy Walks a Fine Line

In four days of congressional testimony, the health secretary sought to please the White House and his MAHA base at the same time.

Hasan Piker Is the Enemy

If liberals wish to forge an alliance of convenience with a socialist and apologist for jihadist violence, they will be betraying the very values they profess to uphold.

Senate Adopts G.O.P. Budget, Defeating Democrats’ Affordability Proposals

Republicans pushed through a budget plan with a $70 billion increase for immigration enforcement after an overnight session in which they beat back Democratic proposals aimed at lowering costs.

Why Diesel Has Become a Much Bigger Economic Problem Than Gasoline

The war in Iran has disrupted supplies of diesel, used to power trucks and heavy equipment, much more than gasoline, which is primarily used in passenger cars.

White House pushes imminent easing of controls on marijuana

The Trump administration is planning to move marijuana to Schedule III, similar to some painkillers. It now has the same Schedule I classification as heroin.

Newsom Hedges on California Governor's Race

Term-limited California Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to weigh in on the Democrats seeking to replace him, saying only that he will support whoever advances from the June 2 primary.

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…

Navy Secretary John Phelan Is Leaving the Pentagon and the Trump Administration

John Phelan is leaving the Pentagon after months of tension with Pete Hegseth and other Pentagon leaders. The tumult comes as the Navy has been engaged in war with Iran.

What I Learned About Billionaires at Jeff Bezos’s Private Retreat

For the richest men on Earth, everything is free and nothing matters.

Documenting a Decade of Academic Meltdowns

Podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with filmmaker Ric Esther Bienstock about her new CBC/BBC documentary, ‘Speechless’—which explores the rise of censorship and mobbings on campus.

Canada’s 215 Imaginary Martyrs

How will Canadian journalists cover the five-year anniversary of the 2021 ‘unmarked-graves’ social panic without admitting their complicity in promoting a fake story?

What Did You Think Decolonisation Meant?

Decolonisation theory operates as a rigid, Manichaean ideology that neatly divides the world into evil perpetrators and innocent victims.

The Atlantic's Kash Patel Hit Job Was a Setup to Discredit SPLC Indictment

The FBI Director Is MIA

Kash Patel has alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.

Two Days Into the New FL SNAP Benefits Rules and It's Been Horrible

Senate Poised to Fund ICE, CBP After Marathon Votes

Senate Republicans were poised on Wednesday to advance their $70 billion plan to fund the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agencies for the next three years.

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.

Trump eyes Iran deal with many of the trade-offs he blasted Obama for accepting

As U.S. envoys pursue peace talks, the president confronts persistent sticking points: sanctions relief, enrichment limits and the risk of empowering Tehran.

NY Times: Let's Pillage Grandma For the Greater Good!

Why President Trump Extended Ceasefire With Iran

President Donald Trump huddled with his national security team Tuesday afternoon at the White House facing a major decision: what to do next with Iran.

SPLC saw revenue surge after Charlottesville rally as DOJ alleges informant ties

The DOJ alleges the SPLC funded an organizer of the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right rally, sparking renewed scrutiny of the nonprofit group.

Wednesday's Final Word

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…

Trump team defends redistricting push as GOP faces limited gains

After a Virginia vote pushes seats toward Democrats, Republicans turn to Florida and the courts to claw back an edge.

The Parallel Universe Where a Nonpartisan Alito Is Under Assault

At first glance, Federalist Editor-in-Chief Mollie Hemingway's Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution is certainly delusional, but not in a way that's particularly interesting or insightful for a MAGA movem…

Fla. AG Uthmeier to Newsmax: Republicans Must 'Stand Up'

With voters in Virginia approving a constitutional amendment allowing new congressional maps that could give Democrats an additional four seats in Congress, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier told Newsmax Wednesday that Republicans have to fi…

DeSantis says he's taking up Jeffries' invitation to 'F around and find out' on Florida redistricting effort

Gov. Ron DeSantis fires back at Hakeem Jeffries over Florida redistricting, inviting the Democratic leader to campaign in the state ahead of 2026 midterms.

DOJ Reaches $1.25 Million Settlement With Trump Aide Over Russia Probe

The Justice Department has settled for $1.25 million a lawsuit from an aide to President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign who was the target of secret surveillance during the FBI's Russia investigation.Carter Page asserted in a 2020 lawsuit that he wa…

Infinite Ingenuity: Andy Weir’s Optimistic Vision in ‘Project Hail Mary’

The new film 'Project Hail Mary' based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel, celebrates scientific problem-solving on a cosmic scale. There are striking parallels with David Deutsch's radical optimism.

Nice Try, Greasy Gavin: Ninth Circuit Blocks CA Law Regulating ICE

The Problem With Hasan Piker’s Einstein Story

People scrutinizing influencers for their views should also hold them to account for their facts.

History Is Running Backwards

Why reactionaries are taking over the world

Iran Military and Police Going Unpaid

Can Blackface Be Anti-Racist?

In her early comedy career, Sarah Silverman mocked bigots by impersonating them. What could possibly go wrong?

U.S. Settles Carter Page Wiretap Lawsuit for $1.25 Million

F.B.I. applications to surveil Mr. Page, a 2016 Trump campaign adviser, during the investigation into Russia’s interference in the election had myriad errors and omissions, an inspector general found.

EXCLUSIVE: Eric Swalwell hit with fresh complaint over alleged use of House office to boost his business

The Justice Department was asked to investigate allegations former Rep. Eric Swalwell and his chief of staff used their positions on Capitol Hill to promote their business.

Six takeaways from Virginia’s vote to boost Democrats in national redistricting war

The measure puts Democrats ahead in the battle for the House, but attention now shifts to Florida, where Republicans could regain the gerrymandering advantage.

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.

It’s Not Just Iran. Trump Is Flailing on Multiple Fronts.

The president is on a losing streak, and even some of his aides are dismayed by his choices.

Kalshi Suspends 3 Political Candidates for Trades

Kalshi has suspended and fined three political candidates who made trades on the regulated prediction market service: an independent running for U.S. Senate in Va., a congressional candidate in Texas, and a state senator from Minnesota running for…

King Charles Will Not Meet Epstein Victims During U.S. State Visit

Representative Ro Khanna had asked Buckingham Palace for a private meeting between the victims and King Charles during his planned visit to the U.S. next week.

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…

Judge Halts Certification of Virginia Map Referendum

A Virginia judge on Wednesday voided a closely watched congressional redistricting referendum and permanently blocked the state from certifying the results, ruling the entire process unconstitutional.

An Independent Senate Hopeful Tries to Scare Off Montana Democrats

Seth Bodnar, an independent, could have the best chance of breaking the Republican stranglehold in Montana, but the state’s Democrats are choosing to fight.

Hospice CEO asks Congress how a provider can operate 'out of a burrito stand in California' with no oversight

California hospice advocacy CEO Sheila Clark told Congress that fraudulent hospice providers are flourishing in the state despite regulatory oversight.

'GULP' Time in Germany

Sean Plankey, Trump’s Pick to Lead Cybersecurity Agency, Withdraws His Nomination

Confirmation for the nominee, Sean Plankey, had been pending in the Senate for over a year.

Trump To Iran: Get Your S*** Together – Or Else

Downfall of the Southern Poverty Law Center

If ever there were a sign that America's woke era is coming to a close, the downfall of the Southern Poverty Law Center would be it. Though the SPLC long predates contemporary politics, it spent the last 20 years grossly inflating the definition o…

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.

Unite the Right Was a 'False Flag'?

Wednesday, April 22nd on RealClearPolitics, joined by Dr. Cory Franklin: 00:00 SPLC Under Indictment 11:47 Virginia Votes Yes on Redistricting21:46 It's not ...

Apocalypse Soon?

Earth Day once helped focus public attention on real environmental problems. Today it is a festival of alarmism, misanthropy, technophobia, and moral theatrics.

The U.S.-Europe Rift Is Getting Worse

The Iran war is straining ties between Europe and the U.S., as NATO allies clash over strategy and American global leadership weakens.

Former congressman Devin Nunes departs as CEO of Trump media company

The onetime lawmaker is leaving Trump Media & Technology, which operates the social media platform Truth Social.

Virginia court declares state's redistricting vote was unconstitutional in legal win for Republicans

A Virginia circuit court judge ruled that Democrats' redistricting referendum was unconstitutional one day after voters approved the Democrat-drawn map Tuesday.

Sen. Graham: S.C. Should Consider Redistricting After Va. Map Vote

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Wednesday that South Carolina should consider launching its own redistricting effort after Virginia voters approved a Democratic-backed congressional map, according to The Hill.Graham wrote on X that following "th…

Mexican national convicted of illegally voting in US after false citizenship claims faces removal: DHS

Jose Ceballos-Armendariz, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to illegally voting and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, DHS confirmed to Fox News Digital.

RFK Jr. Defends Trump’s Mathematically Impossible Drug Discount Claims

President Trump has claimed that he has secured discounts of 400 to 1,500 percent on prescription drugs. A price discount cannot be more than 100 percent because that would lower the price to zero.

Trump's Frustration and Iran's Delaying Tactics

The president's frequently expressed sense of frustration appears to have inspired Iran to drag things out for as long as possible.

More Schizophrenia as Iran Loses $500 Million a Day

President ultimately seems to believe the blockade can be just as effective as more military action and is acting accordingly.

Mapping where the redistricting fight stands and where it’s headed

As Trump pushes for a more Republican-friendly House map, more than half a dozen states are potential targets for mid-decade tweaks to congressional boundaries.

Congress is supposed to police its own ethics. Here’s why it falls short.

A spate of recent ethics cases illustrates the limits of a process that is slow and prone to political calculation.

Why Virginia’s New Map Matters for Democrats in the Midterms, and What’s Next

Attention now turns to Florida, and the Supreme Court.

Senate GOP launches all-night vote-a-rama to fund ICE, Border Patrol through end of Trump's term

Senate Republicans launched a vote-a-rama to advance their budget resolution funding ICE and Border Patrol while facing a wave of Democratic amendments.

In the Air Tonight

How Phil Collins created the pop sound that defined the 1980s.

Lindsey Graham says blockade against Iran 'could become global soon'

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says the United States blockade against the Islamic Republic of Iran "could become global soon."

Big Sky Crack-Up

Montana Democrats thought they found a novel way to win control of the U.S. Senate—until the party faithful started fighting back.

CNN Political Briefing

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

Trump’s Enormous Gerrymandering Blunder

The Republican redistricting effort backfires.

Candidates for California Governor Debate: 5 Takeaways

The nonpartisan primary remains volatile after the departure of Eric Swalwell. A televised debate featured six leading candidates, but produced few fireworks.

Is This a Joke? Canada's 'Spaceport' Is as Impressive as it Military Might

Hungary Backs EU Loan to Ukraine After Oil Deal

Hungary has dropped its opposition to a roughly 90 billion euro (about $100 billion) European Union loan to Ukraine after Kyiv resumed oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, with first deliveries expected by Thursday.

What Abdul El-Sayed Doesn’t Get About Trump

How Democrats can lose Michigan, again

Clearing Strait of Hormuz of mines could take 6 months, Pentagon tells Congress

The Pentagon assessment, shared in a classified briefing for lawmakers, suggests gasoline and oil prices could remain elevated through the midterm elections.

Video exposes disrepair lurking beneath Trump Kennedy Center as $257M renovation looms

Photos reveal hidden damage at the Trump Kennedy Center, including rusted infrastructure and failing systems, as a $257 million renovation moves forward.

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.

Supreme Court allows soldier to sue contractor over suicide bombing

The ruling will make it easier for troops hurt in combat zones to win damages as contractors become a larger part of military operations around the world.

Manhattan DA's office employee charged with sexual abuse after alleged incident on Queens subway

Tauhid Dewan, 28, was arrested on charges including forcible touching and sexual abuse after allegedly groping a woman on a Queens subway, reports say.

California’s Blue Armageddon

One of the most liberal states in the country can’t find a Democrat to lead it.

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.

The Professor and the Pariah

How a brilliant mind fell for bad history and worse people.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Karen Bass meets with Trump at White House to push for LA wildfire relief after months of clashes

LA Mayor Karen Bass met with President Trump at the White House to advocate for FEMA wildfire funding amid ongoing LA recovery and rebuilding challenges.

Jared Kushner’s Mysterious Role in the Trump Administration

Is the president’s son-in-law carrying out the public’s business or pursuing his own private interests?

How Newsom Subsidized Illegal Immigrant Invasion

The California governor has spent nearly $1 billion on nonprofits that want, among other things, to dismantle the border,

Surprise! En-Banc Appellate Court Restores 'Ten Commandments' Law in Texas

Matt Schlapp to Newsmax: Judge Rightly Halts New Va. Map

Matt Schlapp and Hogan Gidley told Newsmax on Wednesday that a Virginia judge's decision to block certification of a Democrat-backed redistricting referendum could derail what they described as an unfair congressional map.

The Iran War: An Explainer

A selection of essays and interviews in Quillette examining how and why Iran and the West are at war, and what is likely to happen next.

Democratic Rep. David Scott of Georgia dies at 80

The lawmaker, who had served in the chamber since 2003, was seeking a 13th term in his safely Democratic district.