DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Senate Punts on Venezuela War”

Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou updates you on the chilling US military base scare, a courtroom triumph for the nation’s most famous lunchmeat tosser, and a fierce congressional clash over war powers.

• Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signs up with Trump’s effort to bring together Muslim countries with Israel. This move reinvigorates the U.S.-led framework for Israel-Arab-Muslim cooperation, attempting to signal religious tolerance and regional integration—but there were no prior conflicts between the nations, so does this mean much? Trump is eyeing expansions to Saudi Arabia and beyond to repair Israel's Gaza-war isolation. Can he rehabilitate the Jewish state?

• Airline Chaos Begins: The FAA mandates airlines slashing thousands of flights starting today, grappling with air traffic controller shortages in the longest government shutdown ever. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA head Bryan Bedford enforce 10% cuts at 40 high-impact airports, with carriers waiving fees and prioritizing long-haul and international over regional and domestic routes. As of 4:25 a.m. Friday, 815 cancellations and 504 delays mount nationwide, per FlightAware, while analysis shows delays surging to 25% at major hubs. What will be the economic and political impact?

• Airbase Terror Attack: A suspicious package containing white powder forces the evacuation of a building at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, hospitalizing multiple personnel yesterday. First responders and Hazmat teams clear immediate threats, handing off to investigators probing “political propaganda” inside, as the Air National Guard Readiness Center remains sealed. Trump visited the VIP-transit base Wednesday, heightening scrutiny on this unexplained illness cluster amid ongoing probes. Who is behind this and what’s happening?

• Submarine Hero: Sean Dunn scores a not-guilty verdict for tossing a Subway sandwich at a federal officer during early Trump-era DC enforcement surges. Videos capture Dunn yelling distractions to shield a Latin LGBTQ nightclub from raids before fleeing, symbolizing jest-laced resistance via posters and jokes. Jurors dismiss assault claims after debating the wrapped footlong's harmlessness, and prosecutors receive a clear message about overcharging. Is it open season on ICE?

• Senate Abdicates War Powers on Venezuela: The Senate defeats a bipartisan bill 49-51 requiring a congressional nod for Trump strikes against Venezuela, amid secrecy over cartel boat raids killing nearly 70. Sponsors like Tim Kaine decry expansive presidential powers lacking constitutional backing, urging Congress to reclaim war authority. Only two Republicans defect, as White House briefings on legal rationales sway most, despite frustrations over covert CIA ops and Caribbean military buildup. Will the White House read this as a thumbs-up for war?