NSS Drop, Boat Strike #22, and a Very 2025 Culture War

This week, we sprint through the biggest headlines at the intersection of policy, law, and pop culture. The White House releases its 2025 National Security Strategy, with a sharper focus on great powers. The Pentagon confirms the 22nd maritime strike tied to Venezuela, keeping the region on edge. Trump dubs “affordability” a Democratic scam while also collecting a brand-new FIFA “Peace Prize.” In the states, Gov. Tim Walz is under pressure over a widening Minnesota fraud scandal, Texas makes ivermectin available over the counter, and the Supreme Court lets Texas’s contested maps stand for 2026. On the symbolism front, the Park Service removes MLK Day and Juneteenth from fee-free days and adds Trump’s birthday, cue backlash. The White House tangles online with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and Hollywood jolts as Netflix moves to absorb HBO/Max’s parent.  Topics Covered National Security Strategy 2025: what’s new, what’s recycled, and how it steers budgets and posture Venezuela theater: the 22nd boat strike, legal authorities, and escalation risks “Affordability is a scam”: rhetoric vs. real consumer pain and the 2026 messaging chessboard FIFA’s inaugural “Peace Prize” for Trump: optics, timing, and fallout Minnesota fraud scandal: why Tim Walz is in political jeopardy National Parks policy: MLK Day & Juneteenth out, Trump’s birthday in—symbolism vs. access Redistricting: Supreme Court allows Texas maps for 2026 while litigation continues Culture war beat: White House vs. Sabrina Carpenter over an ICE promo Health policy: Texas authorizes OTC ivermectin despite federal guidance Media megamerger watch: Netflix goes after HBO/Max—what consolidation could mean for viewers and creators If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and share -- and drop your questions for next week’s mailbag.