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

A Costly Misconception

Now that glyphosate has become a national-security issue, it’s time to revisit the source of misinformation about this controversial herbicide.

The State That Could Decide Trump’s Gerrymandering War

Democrats want Virginians to aggressively gerrymander the state.

Closing the Strait

Monday, April 13th on RealClearPolitics - Joined by James S. Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics, and RCP National Correspondent Susan Crabtree

Appeals Court Orders Judge to End Investigation of Trump Deportation Flights

A federal judge must end his "intrusive" contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador last year, a divided appeals court panel ruled Tuesda…

Viktor Orbán Could Actually Lose

The Hungarian leader faces an energized opposition—and questions about whether he would accept defeat.

At a House Republican’s New York Event, Flashes of an Iran Backlash

Representative Mike Lawler, who is seeking re-election in a swing district in the Hudson Valley, faced tough questions from constituents about his stance on the war in Iran.

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…

Trump says Iran talks may resume this week, but opposes enrichment compromise

The lead U.S. negotiator, Vice President JD Vance, has sought a moratorium on uranium enrichment of at least 20 years. Tehran’s offer would last up to five.

Swalwell out amid sexual assault allegations after 13 years in Congress

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned Tuesday as sexual misconduct allegations mounted and calls for his removal intensified.

The Conciliator

Why did Gretchen Whitmer go soft on Trump?

CA Dems Were Already Scrambling Before Swalwell Quit

Democrats already had a lot to worry about in the 2026 California governor's race, an election they would typically expect to win easily: Too many candidates. Low name recognition. Voter apathy.

Fmr Biden Official: Trump Blockade 'Helpful' on Iran

A former Biden administration official on Tuesday said that President Donald Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "might be helpful" in forcing Iran to negotiate.

Illegal Immigrant Bludgeons Victim--Media Balks

For the mainstream media, a horrific murder in Florida is horrific only because the president called attention to it.

How Stephen Miller Is Adjusting Trump’s Immigration Agenda

After the chaos and death that ensued during the deportation raids in Minneapolis, Stephen Miller, the architect of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign, is changing course on immigration. Our White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs ex…

Trump-backed mega event to bring all 50 states to DC in world’s fair-style bash

Washington, D.C., will host the Great American State Fair, a 16-day celebration on the National Mall marking the nation's 250th anniversary this summer.

The Quiet Carnage of California's Minimum Wage Hikes Obsession Continues

Are You Ready For Islamabad II: Blockade Boogaloo?

Diplomacy Is the Only Solution With Iran

The military approach has backfired, with Iran's position only strengthened. But the door is still open to a deal

Eric Trump to Join Father's State Visit to China

President Donald Trump's son Eric Trump and his wife, Lara, will accompany the president on his trip next month to China, a spokeswoman for the family organization told Reuters on Tuesday.

She Testified About Being Raped. Then ICE Showed Up.

Immigration officers are making arrests in sensitive locations, including family court.

The Tragedy of Murdered Indigenous Women is Real. So How Did Activists Turn It Into a Punch Line?

Leah Gazan’s use of the absurd term ‘MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+’ to describe female Indigenous homicide victims is a case study in progressive linguistic self-sabotage.

Trump's Pivot to Blasphemy

To celebrate the second Sunday of Easter, President Donald Trump appears to have decided that blasphemy might be the best option.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Why have so few people been kicked out of Congress?

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

Christian Nurse Who Called Trans Prisoner 'Mr.' Reaches Settlement with Hospital

Reps. Swalwell, Gonzales say they’ll leave Congress ahead of possible expulsion votes

The departures of a Democrat and Republican would not immediately alter the balance of power in the House, where the GOP holds a razor-thin majority.

Gonzales hit with expulsion vote threat ahead of expected resignation

After Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, missed a deadline to step down, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., moved Tuesday to introduce a resolution seeking his expulsion.

Unlike Bush/Obama in Mideast, Trump Channeling JFK Towards Iran

He chose the method of JFK and created a blockade that would not abandon the goal and minimize putting US soldiers in harm's way. This is war and anything can and will happen but it was a careful choice.

Kevin Warsh, Trump’s Pick for Fed Chair, Discloses Vast Wealth Ahead of Confirmation Hearing

Kevin M. Warsh vowed to divest a substantial amount of his more than $100 million in assets as he faces a complicated path to becoming the next chair of the Federal Reserve.

ICE lodges detainer for illegal migrant charged with strangling wife and dumping body near Oklahoma highway

An illegal migrant in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, is charged with murder for allegedly strangling his wife. DHS and ICE have lodged a detainer request.

Sen. Cornyn to Newsmax: Nation Held Hostage by 'Handful of Democrats'

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Tuesday that the U.S. "shouldn't be held hostage to a handful of Democrats," saying their refusal to cooperate has forced Republicans to consider moving forward alone on funding legislation.

Lambasting Pope Leo, Trump risks alienating conservative Catholics

Veteran church observers say an open war of words between a pope and a U.S. president is unprecedented.

5th Woman Alleges Sexual Misconduct by Rep. Swalwell

A fifth woman accused Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., of sexual misconduct on Tuesday, after the embattled congressman announced his resignation from the House of Representatives and said he was suspending his campaign for governor of California.

Germany’s Cozy Catastrophe

The German state has been generous to its beneficiaries—but that largesse is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Maryland Governor and State Democrats Fail in Redistricting Effort

State Democrats butted heads over a gerrymandering plan that could have eliminated the state’s lone Republican seat in the U.S. House.

DC appeals court orders Judge Boasberg to halt Trump contempt probe over deportation flights

The appeals court ruled that a criminal contempt inquiry into actions of Trump officials amounted to a 'clear abuse' of discretion by a federal judge.

The Final Frontier

Like the old Wild West, the Moon offers the prospect of resources to exploit and land to settle. Artemis II's successful mission is just the beginning.

U.S. blockade has turned back six ships leaving Strait of Hormuz

More than a dozen American warships positioned in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea are acting as a “net,” officials said. None of the encounters has required escalation.

Ex-Pence aide Olivia Troye plans to run for Congress in Virginia as a Democrat

She joins other former Republicans and Trump administration officials running for office as critics of the president. The district would open up if voters approve a new map.

Trump Rips Italy's Meloni: 'I'm Shocked By Her'

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an interview Tuesday, escalating tensions between the two leaders over remarks about Pope Leo XIV and Europe's role in the ongoing Iran conflict, The Hill reported.

Monday's Final Word

AI and the Wiki Wars

The Wikipedia knowledge monopoly is not ready for the Grokipedia threat.

Republicans Demand Documents in Expanding ActBlue Probe

House Republicans are intensifying their probe into Democrat fundraising powerhouse ActBlue, demanding key documents they say the organization failed to hand over - and warning of consequences if it continues to resist.

Trump’s Latest Oil Blockade Brings Bigger Economic Risks

Oil markets shrugged it off, but the effort to hurt Iran could provoke retaliation that inflicts more damage on energy assets and the global economy.

Trump Ensuring All the Strategic Sea Lines of Communications Are Controlled by United States

Foreign Power, Local Politics

Where local collaboration is absent, foreign intervention imposes enormous costs or simply stalls. Where it exists, intervention can succeed with surprising velocity.

Ex-Pence Aide Olivia Troye Enters Va. House Race

Olivia Troye, a former top aide to Vice President Mike Pence who broke with President Donald Trump during his first administration over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Tuesday she is launching a bid as a Democrat for Virginia's 7t…

Bernie Sanders aims to block sale of bombs and bulldozers to Israel, accusing US ally of 'genocide'

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is seeking to block the sale of bombs and bulldozers to the foreign nation of Israel, which recently worked with the U.S. to bombard Iran.

Middle East War Will Slow Global Economic Growth, I.M.F. Warns

The conflict could also fuel another bout of inflation, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Martians: Ukraine's Drones Are Giving It a Battlefield Advantage

House Republicans Step Up Scrutiny of Democratic Fund-Raising Giant

Three Republican-led committees, responding to a New York Times report this month, accused the Democratic fund-raising organization of withholding documents from a subpoena request.

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.

The $97 Million Utah Warehouse ICE Bought for $145 Million

Trump wants industrial-size immigration jails, and money is no obstacle.

André Gide versus George Orwell: Two Paths to Truth

More than a century after it was first published, ‘If It Die’—Gide’s shockingly candid account of his childhood and sexual awakening—remains a gripping read.

Podcast #333: The Search for Truth

Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Michael Shermer, the author of a number of works on critical thinking, epistemology, and ethics, about his new book, 'Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters.'

Swalwell resignation collides with China-linked scandal as critics demand file release

Misconduct allegations against Rep. Swalwell collide with renewed calls for Congress and the FBI to release investigative files on the Fang case.

Podcast #332: The Historical Case for Israel

In a new book, US District Court Judge Roy Altman traces Jews’ indigenous presence in the holy land over the last 3,231 years.

CNN Political Briefing

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

House eyes possible expulsion of multiple members as it returns to Washington

Both parties appear to be factoring in the razor-thin majority that Republicans hold in the chamber as they weigh whether to oust members.

House Dems unveil bill to examine removing Trump using 25th Amendment

House Democrats led by Jamie Raskin introduce a bill to create a commission evaluating whether the 25th Amendment could be used to remove Trump.

Orban’s defeat offers warning signs for Trump allies

Some factors that harmed Orban may also apply to Republicans in this year’s midterm elections, say American conservatives who backed the Hungarian leader.

Harris 2028? Democrat Operatives and Donors Hope Not

Why would we do the same thing all over again? says one.

You May Not Have Noticed, But Tulsi Is Doing a Great Job

Jiu-Jitsu Puts U.S. in Control of Persian Gulf Oil Flow

So the Iranians wouldn't give up their uranium enrichment or dismantle their enrichment facilities. Or hand over their already enriched uranium.

What happened when Trump told a city to forget DEI or lose federal money

The debate in Fort Worth echoes a dilemma that local leaders are grappling with around the country: End diversity programs or risk losing all federal funding.

The Battle for the Strait

After the failure of ceasefire talks in Islamabad, the United States remains at war with Iran and Trump’s priority is to liberate the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.

Hegseth’s War on America’s Military

Someone needs to explain the Pentagon purges to the American people.

Trump Out-Gangstered the Islamic Republic of Iran

Big Energy Shift From Enemies' Pockets and Into Ours

NRCC Launches Ad Campaign Targeting Vulnerable Dems

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched a paid advertisement campaign ahead of Tax Day targeting 28 vulnerable House Democrats for voting for the largest tax hike since World War II and making the lives of working families harder,…

1979 Is the Year That Explains Donald Trump

And pretty much all of the 1980s do too.

Trump’s Purge May Be Just Beginning

After Pam Bondi’s ouster, other top administration officials could be in jeopardy.

Olivia Troye, Ex-Pence Aide, Runs for the House as a Democrat

After spending most of her Washington career as a Republican, she joins a crowded field of Democrats running in a Virginia district that doesn’t exist yet.

Rep. Swalwell Resigning

Tuesday, April 14th on RealClearPolitics - Joined by Matthew E. Bunson, Editorial Director of EWTN News:00:00 Swalwell Resigns 15:40 Kamala for Governor?18:0...

Secretary Mullin Orders Furloughed DHS Staff Back to Work

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered thousands of furloughed employees back to work amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, according to internal emails obtained by CBS News, underscoring mounting pressure on federal operations as…

Satellite images may have tipped off Iran before US base attack, top Republican warns

House China Committee chairman says commercial satellite imagery may have been used as targeting data ahead of an Iranian strike on a U.S. air base.

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.

Socialist Mamdani touts government-run grocery plan as ‘grand experiment’' at grocery new site

Socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces government-run grocery stores aimed at lowering prices on everyday staples like bread and eggs by 2027.

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.

Runaway Brazilian ex-spy chief convicted in coup reportedly detained by ICE at Florida traffic stop

Former Brazilian intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem, convicted in an alleged coup plot under Bolsonaro, was detained by ICE in Florida on Monday.

Appeals court again blocks contempt inquiry into deportation flights

Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of D.C. has clashed with the Trump administration over dozens of Venezuelan migrants’ removals to a prison in El Salvador.

Florida Shows How To Confront Out-of-Control Judiciary

"Until you start holding these judges accountable, they are going to continue to find ways to benefit the criminal element," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said last week at a press conference in Tampa, addressing his "friends" in his state's House…

NEW: Report Proves Biden's War on Pro-Life Activists Was Real, and Spectacular; UPDATED

Hungary Just Ousted the Unoustable

Viktor Orbán had support from Moscow and Washington, but not from his own people.

Is Gallego Next? UPDATE: Swalwell Accused Of Drugging, Raping 'Friend'

Trump’s Attacks on Pope Leo Create Fresh Midterm Headaches for G.O.P.

Republicans are counting on the votes of Catholics to maintain control of Congress.

An Oligarchy of Old People

How elderly Americans amassed disproportionate wealth and power

Trump Admin: Install Warsh as Fed Chair ASAP

The Trump administration wants Kevin Warsh in place as the new U.S. central bank chair "as soon as possible," with the existing Fed chief's term coming soon to an end, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday.

J. D. Vance Is Definitely Against Foreign Election Interference

The vice president accused the European Union of meddling—as he stumped for Viktor Orbán.

Fired Fannie Mae workers can’t sue Bill Pulte for defamation, a judge rules

A federal judge said President Trump’s federal housing director cannot be held liable in court under a decades-old law.

Trump Administration Accuses Biden DOJ of Unfairly Prosecuting Anti-Abortion Activists

The report is part of the president’s effort to claim anti-conservative and anti-Christian biases in federal law enforcement, even as he pushes to wield the legal system against his political enemies.

Addressing the Academic Skew

Higher education needs intellectual—not political—conservatives.

Appeals Court Ends Contempt Inquiry Into Trump Administration’s Deportation Flights

A federal judge’s nearly yearlong effort to investigate whether the Trump administration had violated his order had become a point of contention in the president’s battles with the courts.

The MAGA Intellectual Who Prophesied a Queen Melania

An ally of J. D. Vance who has dabbled in monarchism is now working for Viktor Orbán.

'He Was a Fattish Man With the Paralyzing Stupidity of a Potato'

Residents in major DC suburb demand action over illegal aliens committing violent crimes: 'Has to change'

Fairfax County, Virginia, residents react to a string of violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal aliens amid debate over immigration enforcement.

DOJ accuses Biden administration of weaponizing abortion access law

A long-awaited report from the Justice Department’s “Weaponization Working Group” alleges misuse of the Face Act. But the evidence is limited, and the Trump administration has itself been criticized for misusing law enforcement.

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…

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…

The Hypocrisy About Swalwell Is Off the Charts

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 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.

Letters to the Editor

27 March – 3 April 2026

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

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.

Schlapp to Newsmax: 'Politics Is About Tomorrow'

Conservative Political Action Conference Chair Matt Schlapp told Newsmax on Tuesday the current economic issues arising from the Iran conflict don't present much concern when looking at November's midterm elections.

In Leo, Trump Faces a Different Kind of Papal Opponent

Unlike his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV enjoys growing support from a broad swath of conservative Catholics.

Iran's Central Bank: The Economy Is Imploding, and Will Take Over a Decade to Recover

Vance Is the Most Mistreated VP Since the Last Two

Vice President JD Vance's humiliations in Budapest and Islamabad raise the question: Why did Trump set him up to fail?