Head over to Patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to become a patron and support the show and unlock the full episode. Your support keeps us editorially independent and completely ad-free. We have no corporate backing whatsoever, so we need your help more than ever to keep going and give you access to our exclusive Weekender episodes, Discord discussion, and Live Shows.

Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman break down a seismic shift in Texas politics after Attorney General Ken Paxton handedly unseated longtime Senator John Cornyn in the GOP primary. The hosts analyze how this "shellacking" reflects the radicalization of the Republican party and what it means for the upcoming general election against Democratic candidate James Talarico. They also examine the effectiveness of Talarico’s campaign strategies and the reactionary attacks already being leveled against him.

The conversation then shifts to a deteriorating international landscape. The team discusses rumored deals and ongoing military strikes involving Iran as an economic red line approaches on June 1st. They also dive into leaked reports of a potential 48-hour invasion plan for Cuba and the sudden drawdown of U.S. forces intended to bolster NATO in Europe.

Later, the show highlights a humanitarian crisis occurring at home. Hundreds of prisoners at an ICE detention center in Newark are currently on a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. The discussion covers reported suicides within these facilities and the lack of accountability for private prison groups like Geo Group.

To wrap up the weekender, Nick shares his thoughts on the miscasting of the new live-action Spider-Noir series. Jared provides a recommendation for the eerie, stylized psychological horror film Broadcast Signal Intrusion