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

BREAKING: Oil Shock Spikes Inflation in March

Dems dodge on Trump removal as party weighs 25th Amendment move

House Democrats are weighing a long-shot 25th Amendment effort to oust President Trump, though they lack the Republican support needed to succeed.

Hormuz choke point persists as Iran halts oil traffic despite Trump ceasefire

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed despite a ceasefire deal, with 800 tankers among 3,200 vessels backed up and mariners stranded.

DoorDash data offers snapshot of economy voters are feeling ahead of midterms

A new DoorDash report reveals families are spending more strategically as prices stabilize, with affordability varying significantly across U.S. cities.

Nation’s second-largest school district targeted by Trump over secretive trans policy

The Los Angeles Unified School District faces a DOJ investigation over a policy that allegedly lets staff withhold students' gender identity from parents.

Ireland Out of Gas

Trump Team Denies Threat to Vatican Envoy

The Trump administration is denying reports that U.S. officials threatened Pope Leo XIV's ambassador, calling the account "highly exaggerated and distorted" amid rising tensions with the Vatican.

Federal Court Hears New Case on Trump Tariffs

The centerpiece of President Donald Trump's economic policy - sweeping taxes on global imports - is under legal assault again.The U.S. Court of International Trade, a specialized court in New York, is hearing oral arguments Friday in an attempt to…

Vance To Lead Negotiations at Expected Islamabad Trip

Vice President Vance is facing his biggest challenge yet Friday as he leads U.S. negotiations with Iran on saving a fragile ceasefire and turning it into a lasting peace.

She Testified About Being Raped. Then ICE Showed Up.

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

Trump's Peace Board Faces Cash Crunch, Stalling Gaza Plan

President Donald Trump's Board of Peace has received only a tiny fraction of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza, preventing the president from pushing ahead with his plan for the shattered Palestinian enclave's future, sources told Reuters.

Rep. Roger Williams to Newsmax: GOP Must Better Sell 'Big Beautiful Bill' Benefits

Republicans need to do a better job of messaging about the benefits Americans are receiving from the One Big Beautiful Bill, Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Friday.

Dems Admit Trump Impeachment Doomed

Democrat lawmakers acknowledge that any attempt to impeach President Donald Trump this year will fail. Even some Democrats who have pushed for impeachment concede the political reality: Without control of at least one chamber of Congress...

Harris Says She's Weighing 2028 Bid After Loss to Trump

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she is considering a run for president in 2028, offering her clearest signal yet about a possible political comeback after her 2024 defeat.Speaking at National Action Network's annual convention, Harris res…

The Left Tolerates Islamist Barbarism Because They Expect It

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

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

Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly Are Low IQ Losers

I know why Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones have all been fighting me for years, especially by the fact that they think it is wonderful for Iran, the Number One State Sponsor of Terror, to have a Nuclear Weapon - Because …

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.

Melania Trump denies close ties to Jeffrey Epstein in rare public statement

The White House declined to comment on the timing of a statement that seems likely to once more focus attention on the Epstein case.

NATO May Face Punishment Over Unhelpfulness

The White House is considering a plan to punish some members of the NATO alliance that President Trump thinks were unhelpful to the U.S. and Israel during the Iran war, according to administration officials.

Trump’s Purge May Be Just Beginning

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

Bessent, Powell summon Wall Street CEOs for emergency meeting over Anthropic AI risks amid Pentagon dispute

Treasury's Bessent and Fed's Powell reportedly called a flash meeting with Wall Street bank heads to warn of cybersecurity risks from Anthropic's AI.

Hegseth’s War on America’s Military

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

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.

Iran War Drives Deeper Oil Shock Than Prices Reveal

The war with Iran is preventing huge amounts of oil from flowing out of the Persian Gulf, but the prices that many people track don’t fully capture the scale of the disruption.

Finding the Lost Einsteins

Future American security and prosperity require supporting gifted students.

Getting New York City To Believe in Government

Maintaining the momentum of Zohran Mamdani's historically successful election campaign has meant doing the little things right.

How Aging Population Adds to California Economic Troubles

The migration of people, money, and companies out of California has evolved into a clear challenge to the economic future of the Golden State. Terrified by the loss of so much revenue - an estimated $91 billion between 2019-23 - the state, as well…

Detectives test out a potential crime-fighting partner: AI

Police agencies are increasingly using artificial intelligence to help their criminal investigations. The results can be dramatic, but skeptics urge caution.

WATCH: America250 backdrop topples near Shapiro, Revolutionary War reenactors

A falling backdrop nearly hit Gov. Josh Shapiro and actors portraying Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin at Pennsylvania's America250 concert announcement.

Burned Before, Democrats Abruptly Revive the Idea of Impeaching Trump

Democrats in Congress have assiduously avoided talk of a third impeachment of President Trump, concerned that it would distract from their midterm campaign message. That tide seems to have turned.

Trump Unleashes on Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly and Alex Jones

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.

A Deal With Iran or a Mirage?

Less than three hours before President Donald Trump's 8 p.m. deadline for Iran to make a deal or face his apocalyptic warning of death and destruction, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, the country's top two …

The IOC Is Protecting Female Athletics. Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport Isn’t Happy About It

On his Facebook page, Adam van Koeverden accused the IOC’s defenders of channelling ‘stupid conservative pseudo fantasies.’

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…

Biden-era illegal immigrant convicted of groping teen girls as critics blast Soros-backed prosecutor

Israel Flores Ortiz, an illegal alien who allegedly groped more than a dozen high school girls in Fairfax County, Virginia, was found guilty on nine counts of assault and battery.

A Republican Coalition Under Constant Strain

Congressional Republicans are praising the president publicly, and screaming into their pillows privately

Crowd chants ‘Run again!’ to Kamala Harris, who said she’s ‘thinking about it’

The former vice president’s statement at a Black political convention was one of her most explicit signals yet that she could campaign again for president in 2028.

Searching for Structure

An autistic writer tries to make sense of his passion for trains, maps, and timetables.

Tucker, Megyn Kelly Have Big Audience--Matter to Trump

MS NOW's "Morning Joe" Scarborough said this morning that "MAGA media" voices like Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson standing up to President Trump over how he is handling the war in Iran are "very important."

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.

Rep. Downing to Newsmax: ICE Fight Not Appropriate in Funding Battle

Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., said Friday on Newsmax that Democrats, not House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., are responsible for the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

FLASHBACK: Dems want to boot Trump with 25th amendment, but refused to do so under Biden

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump's removal via the 25th Amendment, despite dismissing similar GOP calls targeting former President Joe Biden.

Anti-Israel agitator Mahmoud Khalil one step closer to deportation with immigration board ruling

The Board of Immigration Appeals issued a final removal order for Mahmoud Khalil, advancing the Trump administration's push to deport the Columbia graduate student.

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.

Van Duyne to Newsmax: Democrats Undermining Effort to Counter Iran Threat

Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, criticized Democrat efforts to advance a War Powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to potentially reengage militarily with Iran, arguing that such moves undermine U.S. national securit…

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.

How Do You Spell 'Oppressed' in Canadian? Simple - It's MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+

MS NOW's Stephanie Ruhle Praises Iran's Moral Courage

Trump officials unveil designs for president’s controversial 250-foot arch

Military veterans have sued to halt the project, saying it would alter key views of Arlington National Cemetery.

Trump Cannot Ignore the Strait

Rep. Stutzman to Newsmax: 'Proud' of Melania Trump for Defending Epstein Victims

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., told Newsmax on Friday that he is "so proud" of first lady Melania Trump for speaking out for victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

1979 Is the Year That Explains Donald Trump

And pretty much all of the 1980s do too.

Experts Predicted Catastrophe. Argentina Is Booming

Experts predicted Javier Milei would destroy Argentina. Inflation collapsed, poverty dropped 20 points. They were wrong again.

Kamala Harris drops biggest hint yet on 2028 White House run

Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris headline a cattle call of 2028 Democratic presidential contenders at the National Action Network convention in NYC.

Trump started the Iran war with 5 goals. How far has he gotten?

The president claimed he achieved them all. The reality is more complicated.

Judge Declines to Order Trump Administration to Adjust Somali Deportation Policies

Acknowledging that the government may have recently stepped up the pace of removal proceedings, a federal judge wrote that he could not immediately intervene.

Is Bernie Sanders the Pope Now?

Democrats Denounce Trump’s Plan to Use Foreign Steel in White House Ballroom

A New York Times report that the president was accepting a donation of foreign steel for the ballroom was seized on by Democrats.

Trump: I Give It 24 Hours Before the 'World's Most Powerful Reset'

Mais Non: Israel Boots France From Lebanon Talks

To Fill Air Traffic Controller Shortage, F.A.A. Turns to Gamers

Avid players of video games have emerged as a target demographic for recruiters at a range of federal agencies, including the military and the Department of Homeland Security.

Addressing the Academic Skew

Higher education needs intellectual—not political—conservatives.

Harris Says She Is ‘Thinking About’ Running for President Again in 2028

At a convention in New York, possible candidates for the Democratic presidential primary are making overtures to Black voters, a vital constituency.

European Airports Warn of Jet Fuel Shortages if Strait of Hormuz Remains Shut

An association of airports told European Union officials that fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had to restart within three weeks to avoid a “systemic” shortage.

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Rep. Malliotakis to Newsmax: 'Shocking' That Dems Oppose Iran Action

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., told Newsmax on Friday it's "shocking" that Democrats are refusing to support President Donald Trump's effort to help free the Iranian people from Tehran's repressive regime.

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.

The Miracle and Mystery of Artemis II

A NASA-led mission that showcases competence and collective purpose-launched, improbably, under a government that rewards neither.

Officials Release Design for 250-Foot Arch in Washington, as Trump Seeks Another Imprint

The president has proposed the arch, which would rise on a Washington roundabout across from the Lincoln Memorial, as a way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Homeland Security Workers Get Paid, but the Next Check Is Uncertain

The lack of clarity has frustrated employees as Congress battles over how to fund the department.

Undocumented teen found guilty of assaults at Northern Virginia high school

A Fairfax High School administrative assistant testified in court that Israel Flores Ortiz, an 18-year-old junior at the school, admitted to the allegations.

Trump Posts Graphic Video of Deadly Attack and Rails Against Haitian Immigrants

The man seen beating a woman is from Haiti and faces a murder charge in Florida, officials said. President Trump has fought to end protections for Haitian immigrants.

‘I’m Fed Up.’ Frustrated With Trump, Starmer Embraces Other Allies.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain is strengthening ties in Europe and the Middle East as the once-special relationship with America sours.

U.S. negotiators to ask Iran to release detained Americans

The request for the Americans’ release may be delayed if the talks between President Donald Trump’s team and Iran prove difficult, according to people briefed on the plans.

DOJ presses for its own search of Post reporter’s phone, laptops

Federal prosecutors want to overturn a magistrate judge’s decision to review reporter Hannah Natanson’s seized devices on behalf of the government and turn over information relevant to a leak investigation.

Trump’s Cozy Transportation Secretary

Sean Duffy is partnering with the industries he regulates in new ways.

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.

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…

Communism’s Obsolescence

The structural case for why collectivist systems fail.

Rohmer at Camelot

Éric Rohmer’s Perceval le Gallois (1978) vividly recreates the imaginative world in which the people of the Middle Ages lived inside their heads.

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.

Don't Be Fooled. Radical Islam Plays the Long Game

America is wrong to think Iran's tactical retreat will derail the Islamist project.

To Meet a Chatbot

An English professor burns the midnight oil talking to Microsoft Copilot about Shakespeare, Dickinson, Hawthorne, and a play he’s been working on—and comes away deeply impressed by its literary insights.

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.

Cardinal’s meeting at Pentagon was ‘unusual,’ Vatican official says

U.S. and Vatican officials have sought to downplay accounts of a strained relationship, but there have been tensions between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church.

Vance Faces Test of His Negotiating Skills With Iran Talks

Vice President JD Vance is leading negotiations this weekend toward an end to a war that he had opposed starting.

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…

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.

CNN Political Briefing

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

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

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

Rep. Cloud to Newsmax: Epstein Case Far Broader; Victims Must Testify

Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Friday that he wants House Oversight Chairman James Comer to pursue public testimony from Jeffrey Epstein victims, arguing the public still has not received the truth about the disgraced financier's sex…

Navy scraps Biden-era submarine contract as overhaul costs surge toward $3B

The Navy is canceling the troubled USS Boise submarine overhaul after costs neared $3 billion, redirecting resources to newer Virginia-class submarines.

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.

Another Hoax Busted

The DNC expected big money after big Democratic wins. It never came.

The Democratic National Committee has scaled back some of its plans as donors remain reluctant to give, despite candidates’ recent victories.

The Intellectual Right Is Mad at the Mess It’s Made

Conservatives are criticizing influencers for going too far.

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.'

Thursday's Final Word

Letters to the Editor

27 March – 3 April 2026

Maybe Trump Should Not Have Given This Speech

His address raised more questions than it answered about the war in Iran.

Rep Randy Fine joins House Freedom Caucus: 'Strongest group of conservative patriots in Congress'

Republican Rep. Randy Fine, who represents Florida's 6th Congressional District, has announced that he joined the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Viktor Orbán Could Actually Lose

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

J. D. Vance Is Definitely Against Foreign Election Interference

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

Is Chuck Schumer leaving his top candidate recruit twisting in the wind?

Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, has gone negative against Graham Platner. The attacks have not worked, and Minority Leader Charles Schumer so far has declined to bail her out.

Dem Senate Hopes Rise as GOP Battles to Hold Majority

Less than seven months before the midterm elections, Democrats' chances of winning control of the U.S. Senate could be improving.

The State That Could Decide Trump’s Gerrymandering War

Democrats want Virginians to aggressively gerrymander the state.