Tangle

A look at a modern literacy crisis and why falling reading skills matter for civic life. A surprising study shows even college English majors struggle with classic texts. The show traces how teaching methods shifted and points to places reversing the trend in elementary schools.

On Thursday, the conflict in Iran, which began over the weekend with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some members of his family, and several other top Iranian officials, continued into a sixth day. Since the initial strikes on Saturday, Israel has ramped up its attacks, with heavy strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran. As part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military has struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran and “struck or sunk” over 20 Iranian ships, according to U.S. Central Command. According to human rights group HRANA, more than 1,000 civilians— including 181 children under the age of ten — have died so far in the conflict. Ad-free podcasts are here!To listen to this podcast ad-free, and to enjoy our subscriber only premium content, go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!Further viewing.In yesterday’s Suspension of the Rules podcast, Isaac, Ari and Kmele discuss the argument for the Iran war, the primary results in Texas, and the “Good guy of the week” — Sen. John Kennedy. You can watch the whole thing on YouTube.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: How has your life been impacted since the U.S. launched a direct attack on Iran? Let us know.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Ari Weitzman and audio edited and mixed 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, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fast-paced breakdown of recent U.S. actions toward Iran and whether they amount to war. A look at legal definitions, war powers, and the human and regional costs of escalation. A recap of primary results in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas and what they mean for Senate races. Short segments on political messaging, oversight wins, and a lively grievance round about everyday annoyances.

A fast run-through of primary results from Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, including notable upsets and looming runoffs. A deep look at partisan reactions to key races and what they reveal about intraparty dynamics. Brief science highlights include a measles resurgence and a new HIV reservoir breakthrough. Short news bites and a list of political takeaways round out the conversation.

A tense clash over AI access and national security: the Pentagon demands unrestricted use of a major AI company’s models and the company refuses. Discussion compares reactions from left and right and contrasts this standoff with another firm's decision to grant military access. Broader context includes quick news hits and a local report about border wall contracts in West Texas.

Thomas Chatterton Williams, writer and cultural critic who explores race and identity, discusses his new book Summer of Our Discontent. He explains why 2020 merits fresh scrutiny. He defines identitarianism and its risks. He traces how identity epistemology shut down debate and how backlash and mutual destruction followed. He assesses changes in elite institutions and the limits of woke diagnoses.

Breaking news of coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes sparks discussion of a new regional war. Coverage highlights the operation targeting Iran's leadership and nuclear capabilities. Analysis explores political motives, military costs, and unpredictable fallout across the Middle East. Short news bites and varied media reactions round out the conversation.

Ari revisits boyhood sports obsessions and why even-numbered years mean Olympic fever. He traces how athletics shaped identity in Pittsburgh and how patriotism grew more complex. The show celebrates uplifting Olympic stories, standout U.S. moments, and Alysa Liu’s comeback as a unifying sports moment. It closes by teasing a tense men's hockey rivalry storyline.

A discussion of renewed calls to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks after a high-profile presidential plea. Breakdown of the Stop Insider Trading Act and how it differs from prior laws. Debate over stricter bans versus limited reforms and political incentives that shape lawmakers' behavior. Proposals to tie pay to trading bans and opposing views on that idea.

Eli Lake, columnist at The Free Press and host of Breaking History, joins to weigh in on national security and foreign policy. They dissect Trump's State of the Union and differing reads of its tone. Conversation shifts to Iran, military posture, and risks of limited strikes. Later, there's lively talk about the Winter Olympics, race controversies, and a spirited grievances segment.