A weekend so profound in it’s news that I am going to push this beyond the paywall.

Let’s start abroad…

Israel-Iran Conflict Erupts with Fatal Strikes

The military confrontation between Israel and Iran intensified over the weekend, pushing the region toward a broader conflict. After Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, Iranian ballistic missiles and drones pierced Israeli defenses, leading to 13 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Iran, in turn, reported nearly 400 deaths, many of them civilians, following retaliatory strikes on its infrastructure and military assets.

Israeli airstrikes included the bombing of energy depots in Tehran and targeted assaults on military aircraft. The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasized that the current response was merely the beginning of a broader campaign intended to dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions and proxy forces.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump denied American involvement but warned of U.S. retaliation should Iran target American interests. A backchannel veto of a potential Israeli strike on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei suggests complex coordination between the U.S. and Israel.

Iran’s capacity to fund regional proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis has drastically diminished. This could signal a potential collapse of its foreign influence model. Mossad operations inside Iran, along with America’s preemptive repositioning of military personnel, hinted at foreknowledge of the Israeli offensive.

As the G7 summit approaches, international leaders are poised to make de-escalation a top priority.

Political Assassination Rocks Minnesota

A horrifying attack in Minnesota has left two dead and two more wounded in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were critically injured. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large.

Boelter, 57, reportedly used a fake police vehicle and latex disguise to enter the homes of his victims. A manifesto and target list naming politicians and abortion providers were discovered, suggesting a premeditated campaign of terror. Boelter, with a background in security and missionary work, sent a farewell text to his roommate before the attacks and has since vanished.

Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Boelter’s motivations, but his prior service on a Minnesota government workforce board and links to evangelical missions underscore the unpredictable nature of ideological radicalization. Political leaders have called for unity and condemned the violence as a tragic escalation of political extremism.

No Kings Day Protests and D.C. Parade Are Mercifully Docile

President Trump's 79th birthday coincided with massive "No Kings Day" protests, as hundreds of thousands across more than 2,000 cities demonstrated against what organizers describe as authoritarian governance. Backed by groups such as the ACLU and teachers unions, the protests, both domestic and international, were largely peaceful, although one protester in Salt Lake City was injured by a firearm discharged from within the crowd.

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade presented a striking contrast. With more than 6,000 troops, historical reenactors, and military hardware on display, the event drew cheers and selfies rather than vitriol. Even MSNBC coverage noted the upbeat atmosphere, starkly different from the usual tension of Trump rallies.

Despite criticism of the $45 million price tag and corporate sponsorships by firms like Northrop Grumman and Coinbase, the event appeared largely apolitical. Trump delivered a brief, focused speech and administered the enlistment oath to 250 new Army recruits, marking the occasion as a rare moment of bipartisan recognition for military service.

Episode Chapters and Time Codes

* Intro and Father's Day Reflections (00:00:00)

* Israel-Iran Conflict Analysis (00:02:18)

* Michael Leiter Interview on Israeli Defense (00:04:08)

* Strategic Implications and U.S. Positioning (00:08:12)

* Domestic Fallout and Trump’s Dilemma (00:13:54)

* Netanyahu’s Political Calculations (00:18:02)

* Minnesota Assassinations and National Impact (00:20:06)

* Senator Klobuchar’s Tribute (00:20:06)

* Suspect Background and Manhunt Details (00:22:36)

* Reflections on Political Violence (00:26:32)

* No Kings Day Protests Recap (00:33:49)

* Army Parade Overview and Public Response (00:35:28)

* Final Thoughts on American Expression (00:44:01)

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S01 E39 - #62 The Fellowship of the Ring