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Scott Payne, a retired FBI agent with a storied career uncovering extremist groups, shares gripping tales from his undercover operations. He delves into his experiences infiltrating notorious gangs like the Outlaws, revealing the emotional toll of betrayal and the complexities of creating a believable persona. Payne discusses the alarming rise of accelerationist ideologies and the chilling rituals of hate camps. He emphasizes the necessity for vigilance against domestic terrorism and reflects on the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement.

This holiday season brings surprises for shoppers due to new tariffs. A tale of unexpected fees highlights how the removal of the de minimis exemption affects online orders. Congress has been stuck in partisan gridlock, with calls for reform to restore productivity. Meanwhile, families face prolonged detentions due to expedited deportations, raising concerns for child welfare. Plus, the State Department recalls diplomats, and tricky weather complicates holiday travel plans. TSA tips help navigate security checks to ensure smoother journeys.

Documents released by the Department of Justice regarding Epstein left many feeling unsatisfied due to heavy redactions and victims' frustrations. The U.S. military took action against oil tankers near Venezuela, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential 2028 campaign for Vice President J.D. Vance are heating up. Flood-infrastructure grants have been stalled amid record rainfall in Washington state, and a power outage caused robotaxis to become stranded. Plus, excitement over Zootopia 2 and a fascination with the blue pit viper surge.

Culture critics Sam Sanders and Anne Helen Petersen dissect the artistic highlights of 2025. They explore the impact of nostalgia shaped by algorithms and the concerns of social regression in pop culture. Standout new music picks, including albums by Noah Cyrus and Lizzo, grab their attention, while they debate Taylor Swift’s prolific output. The duo discusses the genre-bending horror-musical 'Sinners' and reflects on the declining interest in mid-tier films. What do they hope to see in 2026? A future filled with risk-taking art and shared cultural experiences!

A deadly shooting at Brown University has led to the suspect's tragic demise, with links to a MIT professor's murder. Tensions rise as a Russian envoy heads to Miami for potential peace talks, while the EU backs substantial aid for Ukraine amidst looming threats. Meanwhile, Trump's ambitious use of executive orders sparks debate on governance and policy. Plus, discussions on renaming the Kennedy Center and notable cultural highlights from the past year add extra flair.

President Trump claims the economy has improved, but many Americans don't feel it. A push to free a convicted county clerk faces legal hurdles. A new statue of civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns replaces that of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in D.C. Four Republicans rebelled to push for a vote on ACA subsidies. NASA has finally confirmed a new administrator after a long wait, and the Oscars are set to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.

House Republican leadership faces internal strife over extending ACA subsidies, with moderates and conservatives struggling to find common ground. President Trump's ambiguous stance adds to the complexity. Meanwhile, the investigation into a tragic Bondi Beach shooting reveals disturbing ISIS symbols. In Rhode Island, frustration grows as police release images of a person of interest in the Brown University shooting, highlighting community safety concerns. Additionally, shifting trends show more people indulging in Christmas music for longer stretches.

The tragic news of film director Rob Reiner and his wife’s killings brings a spotlight to Reiner’s influential life as a political activist. A probe reveals alarming price discrepancies at dollar stores, affecting budget-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, the troubling case of pro-democracy leader Jimmy Lai highlights the diminishing freedom in Hong Kong. Plus, a JetBlue flight narrowly dodges disaster, and the heroic actions of a bystander during a beach attack are commemorated.

A shocking mass shooting at Bondi Beach, where a father and son killed at least 15, has left Australia's Jewish community reeling. Eyewitness accounts highlight acts of heroism amidst chaos. Meanwhile, high-stakes negotiations for peace in Ukraine are underway, with complex dynamics at play. Updates on a campus shooting at Brown University reveal tension and uncertainty. Plus, severe flooding in Washington prompts emergency responses, while sports and cultural updates include the surprise return of a veteran NFL quarterback and celebrations for Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday.

Michael Shearer, an investigative journalist known for his in-depth profiles, dives into the complexities of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s life. They discuss Kennedy's privileged yet troubled upbringing, his battle with addiction, and transformative recovery. Shearer explains how these experiences shaped Kennedy's controversial views on public health and vaccines. The conversation explores Kennedy's shift from environmental advocacy to challenging institutional norms and the implications of his role at HHS on national health policies.