Tangle

The United States has struck a boat off Venezuela, claiming it was involved in drug trafficking. This marks a series of controversial strikes under the Trump administration, raising questions about legality and transparency. Right-wing supporters commend the aggressive stance, while leftists criticize the potential for escalation and the normalization of extrajudicial actions. Additionally, discussions revolve around the possibility of war with Venezuela and the shifting dynamics of military involvement abroad. Meanwhile, rising gold prices reveal economic concerns post-strike.

On Friday, National Review published text messages from former Virginia House of Delegates member Jay Jones (D) sent to a Republican colleague — House Delegate Carrie Coyner — in 2022. In the messages, Jones expresses disdain for Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R), then says that he would shoot Gilbert in a hypothetical scenario where he could kill either him or dictators Pol Pot and Adolf Hitler. Jones went on to suggest that he wanted Gilbert’s children to die from gun violence because it might prompt the speaker to change his stance on gun control. You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today’s “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Take the survey: Do you think Jay Jones should drop out of the race? Let us know.Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Lindsey Knuth, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent federal deployments in Chicago and Portland spark controversy, with clashes erupting between troops and protesters. A large-scale ICE raid in Chicago led to dozens of arrests amid escalating tensions. Conservative viewpoints argue for law-and-order justifications, while critics highlight concerns over militarization. The legality and effectiveness of such actions are debated, alongside a look into community stories of kindness amidst chaos. Tune in for various perspectives on these pressing issues!

Discover the lesser-known Trump cabinet secretaries who are making waves behind the scenes. From agriculture tied to national security to energy policies that prioritize fossil fuels, these leaders tackle critical issues without the spotlight. Learn how veterans' care is being restructured and how manufacturing initiatives are reshaped. Each cabinet member's actions influence vital sectors, showcasing the complexities of governance beyond the usual headlines.

The hosts dive into an engaging discussion about Kmele's interview with Megyn Kelly, analyzing her controversial connections and cable news dynamics. Will shares his perspective on why the Comey indictment feels politically charged, while Ari questions its broader implications. They also tackle the routine yet perilous nature of government shutdowns and the Democratic leadership's challenges in negotiation. Finally, they lighten the mood with personal grievances about weddings, tech delays, and the weather.

President Trump proposed a 20-point plan to address the Gaza conflict, featuring a controversial hostage-prisoner exchange and a framework for governance. The document has garnered mixed reactions, with some praising its potential while others criticize it for lacking enforceability. Key players, including Jared Kushner and Tony Blair, were instrumental in its development amid regional complexities. Reactions from both left and right commentators highlight deep divisions over the plan's legitimacy and effectiveness, raising questions about Palestinian agency and future peace.

Ari Weitzman, the Managing Editor of Tangle, dives into the recent government shutdown, revealing how congressional dysfunction stretches beyond party lines. He critiques Chuck Schumer's strategy and highlights Speaker Mike Johnson's failures to address the appropriations process. Weitzman also discusses the pervasive distrust of Trump's administration, rooted in broken promises. To lighten the mood, a segment on hopeful gene therapy for Huntington's disease offers a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos.

Audrey Moorhead, an associate editor and staff writer, offers a deep dive into the tragic shootings in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas. She shares her personal reflections on why attacks on places of worship feel particularly jarring for communities of faith. Moorhead discusses the motivations behind such violence, cautioning against quick political conclusions while exploring the dangerous intersection of religion and political fervor. Historical religious conflicts are examined, highlighting the potential for ideological violence to escalate.

The podcast dives into the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, detailing the alleged false statements during congressional testimony. It explores the reactions from both the right and left, highlighting concerns about political motivation behind the charges. The hosts analyze the evidence's weaknesses and the implications for the Justice Department's credibility. Amidst the serious discussion, there's a lighthearted moment featuring a viral karaoke performance that brings some joy to the conversation.

A revolution against screen dependence is brewing. Signs of resistance are emerging everywhere, from homes to workplaces. People are re-evaluating the impact of technology on their lives and feeling a growing dread about screen overuse. With AI rapidly entering daily life, critiques are surfacing regarding its ethical implications. Everyday initiatives like phone-free events and outdoor schools highlight the pushback against constant connectivity. This moment is seen as crucial for reassessing our relationship with screens before an AI-dominated future takes hold.