A historically peculiar presidency ends on an oddly half-assed note. Plus, the chilling "Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta," by Kate Braverman

Los Angeles is in flames, and California's leaders seem helpless, unmasking a generation of public investment in non-essential services. Also, "On Guard," by Evelyn Waugh

Pundits throw a fit over a settlement, and the legend of Luigi Mangione expands. Plus, "Damn!" by Charles Portis

The suspect in the United Health CEO murder becomes a "folk hero" through preposterous means. Also, "The Elephant" by Slawomir Mrozek

A trial balloon floats presidential pardons no one asked for, no one knows anything about, and no one needs, but will be done anyway. Plus, the "Masque of the Red Death," by Edgar Allan Poe

The New York Times teams with David Brock's Media Matters to smash records for editorial mendacity. Plus, Mark Twain's great take on fraud, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."

Kamala Harris does a rare contentious interview, but seemingly not to win over Fox viewers. Why? Also, Walter and Matt discuss "The Catbird Seat," by James Thurber.

Did something just get broken in a 60 Minutes interview that won't easily be fixed? Walter and Matt discuss. Plus, "After the Ball," by Leo Tolstoy

Elite America responded with sympathy to the revelations of Hurricane Katrina. Is it the same this time? Also, "My First Goose," by Isaac Babel

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