menu_open Columnists
Ck Smith

Ck Smith

Salon

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Swalwell scandal grows as Democrats call for exit

New assault allegations and political backlash put Swalwell’s CA gubernatorial bid under increasing strain

yesterday 0

Salon

Ck Smith

No, Michael J. Fox isn’t dead — and he’s joking about it

The actor reassured fans and joked online after a mistaken CNN report of his death spread briefly online

yesterday 2

Salon

Ck Smith

Back from the moon: Artemis astronauts safely return to Earth

After days in orbit, the successful return keeps pushing NASA’s Artemis timeline of putting man back on the moon

yesterday 2

Salon

Ck Smith

FEMA head claims he “teleported” to Waffle House

A bizarre claim from a FEMA worker has people online joking about Waffle House teleportation.

05.04.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump’s Easter posts send contrasting messages

An official, traditional White House message contrasted with a more combative, profanity-laced personal post

05.04.2026 4

Salon

Ck Smith

Paula White likens Trump’s troubles to Jesus Christ at Easter lunch

Some Christian leaders are calling the comparison “blasphemous” as criticism grows, White House deletes the video

05.04.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

US rescues final airman after Iran shoots down two fighter jets

Dual shoot downs and a days-long search culminate in a high-stakes recovery mission and escalation of the war

05.04.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

From job-shamed to “The Pitt,” Geoffrey Owens’ full-circle moment

The actor's latest role marks another step in a quiet comeback years after the viral moment that sparked debate

04.04.2026 1

Salon

Ck Smith

After Bondi’s firing, DOJ portrait swiftly removed and trashed

Her portrait was reportedly pulled within hours, offering a stark image of how quickly officials fall out of favor

04.04.2026 3

Salon

Ck Smith

A widening Iran War with no easy exit

As new fronts emerge and markets react, the conflict widens as ceasefire talks stall and both sides dig in

29.03.2026 7

Salon

Ck Smith

CPAC 2026: United in Trump, divided on everything else

From Iran to leadership, CPAC attendees still devoted to Trump, but conservatives are split on acting on his agenda

29.03.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

Pope Leo: “God doesn’t accept the prayers of those who choose violence”

Delivering a Palm Sunday message at the start of Holy Week, the pope rebukes war as the Iran conflict intensifies

29.03.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

A global protest moment: “No Kings” rallies target Trump and war

Third mass mobilization reflects a movement increasingly unified around ongoing war and limits of executive power

28.03.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump’s putting his name on everything — now it’s in your wallet

Trump’s signature on legal U.S. currency blur the line between the presidency and his personal branding

28.03.2026 7

Salon

Ck Smith

House says “No deal!” as long lines at TSA continue to grow

Trump stepped in to demand TSA paychecks due to conflicting Congressional plans; travelers still face long lines

28.03.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

With Trump’s ultimatum to Iran, Americans brace for gas price surge

Officials urge patience while energy costs climb, widening the gap between political messaging and economic reality

22.03.2026 9

Salon

Ck Smith

“Everything is soaked”: Hawai’i residents return to flood-ravaged homes

As waters recede on Oahu, families face major losses even as officials warn the storm is shifting across the state

22.03.2026 9

Salon

Ck Smith

Nicholas Brendon, Xander Harris of Buffy, dies at 54

From television icon to beloved everyman, his performance and life left a lasting mark on fans and colleagues alike

21.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Justice in fragments: Epstein’s shredded records resurface

After the release of millions of pages, overlooked shredded documents fuel renewed calls for accountability

21.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Robert Mueller dies at 81, leaving a fraught legacy in Trump-era politics

The former FBI director and special counsel navigated crises from 9/11 to Trump, permanentlaltering US institutions

21.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump compares Iran to Pearl Harbor — to Japan’s Prime Minister

A charged historical comparison draws backlash, highlights deeper confusion around the administration’s war message

21.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Iran war could help Russia, Zelenskyy warns

Ukrainian leader cites higher oil prices and U.S. distraction as risks to ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict

15.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

FCC warns broadcasters over Iran War coverage

Trump and FCC attack networks' Iran war coverage, critics warn of chilling effect on press freedom

15.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump rebukes media amid rising tensions with Iran

Tehran warns of retaliation as Trump denies media coverage, oil prices spike as Iraq and UAE caught in the middle

14.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump ally out as Kennedy Center president

Ric Grenell’s exit comes after boycotts, artist backlash and a bitter fight over politics at the iconic arts venue

14.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Iran power struggle looms as war enters second week

US casualties rise as strikes continue to escalate in the region and Tehran deliberates over Khamenei successor

08.03.2026 9

Salon

Ck Smith

Judge voids Kari Lake actions at Voice of America

Ruling says the Trump ally lacked authority to run the US global media agency, invalidating major media layoffs

08.03.2026 6

Salon

Ck Smith

Reporter detained for speaking Spanish in Nashville

ICE arrests a Spanish-language journalist covering immigration protest, raising press freedom concerns

07.03.2026 5

Salon

Ck Smith

Leaders gather to honor the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson

Former presidents and thousands of mourners gather in Chicago to celebrate Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and work

07.03.2026 8

Salon

Ck Smith

Trump: Iran will be “hit very hard” soon with new strikes

President warns of expanded strikes as Iran rejects surrender demands and the regional conflict escalates

07.03.2026 6

Salon

Ck Smith

Deadly Texas bar shooting raises terrorism fears

Authorities say they are reviewing possible ideological ties as victims mourn and the investigation expands

01.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Ayatollah killed, death toll climbs in Iran conflict

Three American service members and hundreds of civilians are reported dead amid nonstop strikes and counterstrikes

01.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

No vote, no war? Congress to challenge Trump on Iran strikes

Lawmakers demand war powers vote arguing the White House bypassed Congress in launching military action in Iran

01.03.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

US and Israel strike Iran in major escalation and possible regime change

Trump urges Iranians to rise up as military action deepens regional instability

01.03.2026 20

Salon

Ck Smith

AI and health dominate Super Bowl ads

From telemedicine to weight-loss drugs, advertisers push tech-driven care to mass audiences

09.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Before kickoff: Puppy Bowl brings joy and adoption spotlight

As purebreds compete and rescue dogs shine, this Super Bowl week celebrates canine culture and pet adoption

09.02.2026 40

Salon

Ck Smith

Lindsey Vonn’s comeback bid ends in Olympic crash

The 41-year-old star fell seconds into her run after choosing to compete despite serious knee injuries

08.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

“Mixed emotions”: US Olympians wrestle with patriotism

Freestyle skiers say pride in competing clashes with concerns over ICE raids and political tensions back at home

08.02.2026 8

Salon

Ck Smith

Megyn Kelly invokes Roger Ailes to defend Trump’s “smile more” attack

Her defense of Trump drew swift criticism given Ailes’ legacy and Kelly’s own past accusations against him

07.02.2026 8

Salon

Ck Smith

The Olympics are pricing out their own audience

Unsold tickets, luxury pricing, empty seats reveal how the Games drifted from their roots as a public celebration

07.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Savannah Guthrie opts for family over the Olympics spotlight

Amid her mother’s disappearance, Guthrie stepped away from Olympic coverage, as Mary Carillo carried on with care

07.02.2026 7

Salon

Ck Smith

The Olympics went big for their Opening Ceremony — literally

Honoring Italy’s history of classical music was a whimsical turn in showcase of centuries of cultural arts heritage

07.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Viral “bunny hat” 5-year-old released from ICE detention with his father

Child's arrest sparked national outrage and viral photos. He and his dad, asylum seekers, finally returned to MN

01.02.2026 6

Salon

Ck Smith

Democrats build momentum through special elections

A growing pattern of Democratic overperformance is tightening margins and reshaping the potential 2026 midterms map

01.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Journalists rally for press freedom after Don Lemon’s arrest

Media groups call charges dangerous, as right-wing commentators argue Lemon crossed from reporting into activism

01.02.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

“I will not be silenced!”: Don Lemon arrested for reporting on church protest

Lemon’s arrest over a Minnesota protest has quickly become a flashpoint over press rights in the U.S.

31.01.2026 8

Salon

Ck Smith

A MN nurse is dead as the government’s story falls apart

Again, officials say ICE agent acted in self-defense, but video evidence and witnesses contradict their narrative

25.01.2026 7

Salon

Ck Smith

Another Minneapolis resident shot and killed by ICE agent

Deadly encounters in just a few weeks, residents and officials demand accountability for ICE operations

25.01.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Millions brace for snow, ice and dangerous cold

A sweeping storm is bringing snow, ice and bitter cold to much of the country, disrupting travel and daily life

25.01.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith

Previously pulled “60 Minutes” segment on CECOT airs Sunday

The investigation into infamous CECOT facility airs weeks late, amid growing issues with US immigration enforcement

19.01.2026 10

Salon

Ck Smith