1A

Becca Wallenwinder, former director of policy and planning in special education, discusses the devastating effects of staffing cuts on programs supporting children with disabilities. Laura Meckler, national education reporter, analyzes the political landscape surrounding these cuts. Chad Rummel, executive director at the Council for Exceptional Children, shares the real-world implications for special education teachers and families. Together, they highlight the importance of federal oversight, the risks of losing IDEA protections, and the urgent need for advocacy.

Julie Turkowitz, Andes bureau chief for The New York Times, and Eric Bazel-Emile, national security reporter at Politico, dive into the Trump administration's controversial boat strikes off Venezuela. They discuss the murky distinction between targeting drug cartels and ambitions for regime change. Legal implications arise as they question due process and the designation of cartels as unlawful combatants. Both guests explore Venezuelan perspectives, regional instability concerns, and the evolving U.S. strategy towards Maduro, highlighting complex dynamics at play.

Join Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and expert on constitutional history, alongside George Packer, Atlantic staff writer and political commentator. They dive into America's founding values like liberty and equality, and ponder their relevance 250 years later. The discussion navigates contemporary threats to democracy, like the allure of strongman leadership, while acknowledging the complexities of America's history with issues such as slavery. They also explore modern patriotism and the challenges of uniting a deeply divided nation.

Priscilla Alvarez, a CNN correspondent covering immigration, discusses the aggressive tactics used in federal crackdowns. Melody Mercado, a Block Club Chicago reporter, shares the local impact of ICE actions and community fears. Troy Brennelson, a public safety reporter, reveals the dynamics of protests in Portland. They explore the deployment of the National Guard, the community's response to Operation Midway Blitz, and the juxtaposition of government narratives against resident experiences. Tensions rise as local leaders push back against federal actions.

Taylor Popplars, national political reporter at the White House, shares insights on the shutdown's impact on air travel and federal workers. Alana Shore, Senior Washington editor for Semaphore, discusses Trump's controversial plans to deploy federal troops and the ensuing legal battles. Nancy Youssef from The Atlantic analyzes the emerging ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas amid regional tensions. Arthur Delaney addresses Comey’s arraignment and the ongoing political fallout, while Akbar Shahid Ahmed dives into the complexities of Middle East diplomacy.

Daniel Estrin, NPR's international correspondent, provides insights from war-torn Gaza, highlighting crucial negotiations for peace. Juliet Tuma from UNRWA discusses the dire humanitarian crisis, with aid access hindered despite resources being ready. Volunteer nurse Andy Vaughn shares firsthand accounts of the crumbling healthcare system, extreme shortages, and pressing mental health needs among the population. Together, they navigate the complex web of politics, humanitarian efforts, and the chilling realities facing those trapped in conflict.

This week features Kate Shaw, a law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, alongside Zach Shimthob, executive editor of SCOTUSblog. They dive into the upcoming Supreme Court term, discussing hot-button issues like presidential removal power and its implications, tariffs, and transgender athlete bans. Kate raises concerns about the erosion of voting rights and agency independence, while Zach sheds light on the Court's increasing reliance on emergency rulings. Their insights highlight the potential shifts in constitutional precedent that lie ahead.

Tara Kopp, a Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, joins retired Army Major General Randy Manor and Cori Schalke, former Defense Department official, to discuss unsettling shifts in U.S. military policies. They dive into proposed changes questioning women's fitness for combat and the implications of military training in U.S. cities. The trio addresses troubling rhetoric about 'enemies within', overly broad powers, and the chilling effect on reporting harassment. Their insights reveal significant concerns for both active duty and civilian populations.

Megan Scully, Congress editor at Bloomberg News, analyzes the recent government shutdown and the political machinations behind funding cuts. Karen Tumulty from The Washington Post discusses military messaging amid escalating political tensions. National security experts, Eric Bezell-Emile and Vera Bergen-Gruen, share insights on immigration enforcement and the complexities of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Jack Detch presents key details of the Trump-Netanyahu Gaza peace plan, emphasizing international reactions and governance challenges ahead.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a sociologist and the director of PERIL at American University, dives deep into the troubling links between misogyny and violent extremism. She reveals how histories of gendered violence often accompany perpetrators of extreme acts. The discussion highlights the pervasive influence of the manosphere in everyday interactions and explores how cultural expectations of masculinity contribute to mental health crises among young men. Miller-Idriss ultimately argues for actionable strategies to confront misogyny and its role in escalating violence.