Miriam Herschlag, Don Futterman and Noah Efron talk about (1) Israel's return to active fighting in Gaza, and what it may mean for the hostages, for Gazans and for the rest of us here and (2) Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to sack Ronen Bar, the head of the General Security Services, the Shabak, and what it says about the state of Israel's government and the state of Israeli democracy.

All this and the return of a crown, the football playoff, and surprise brain surgery. Plus, brand new music of our troubled times.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Trying to shore up the fortitude to face a return to fighting in Gaza, and coming up short.