DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “Will Democrats Finally Resist?”

<p>On “<em>DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou</em>, where political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou bring you behind the scenes of today’s most pressing news with razor-sharp insight, we cover the dismissal of terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, U.S. military officials observing Russia-Belarus war games for the first time in years, the loss of Robert Redford, Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, the looming government shutdown threat, and Russia’s alleged program re-educating Ukrainian children.</p><p></p><ul><li><strong>Luigi Gets a Win</strong>: A New York judge throws out terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, rejecting claims the act aimed to “evoke terror.” The second-degree murder charge remains, carrying 15 years to life, while Mangione faces a federal death penalty case. </li></ul><p></p><ul><li><strong>To Russia with Half-Hearted Love</strong>: U.S. military officials observe joint Russia-Belarus “Zapad-2025” drills, the first such visit since the Ukraine invasion. Belarus, a key Russian ally, hosted the exercises. The Pentagon confirms the observation, signaling heightened U.S. attention to regional dynamics. What’s going on?</li></ul><p></p><ul><li><strong>Robert Redford</strong>: The Hollywood legend dies at 89, leaving a legacy of iconic films like <em>Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid</em> and <em>The Sting</em>. His Sundance Festival revolutionized independent cinema, launching directors like Quentin Tarantino. Redford’s minimalist acting and activism reshaped the industry.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li><strong>Trump’s Lawsuit Against NYT</strong>: The President sues The New York Times and four reporters for $15 billion, claiming defamatory articles and a book timed to damage his 2024 campaign. The lawsuit alleges “actual malice” in reports questioning his business success and military remarks. </li></ul><p></p><ul><li><strong>Will Democrats Finally Resist?</strong>: House Republicans unveil a stopgap bill to fund the government through November 21. Democrats demand bipartisan talks, citing expiring healthcare subsidies, as a shutdown looms by September 30. Schumer warns of a “Trump shutdown.” Is the Democratic “resistance” about to make its first appearance?</li></ul><p></p><ul><li><strong>Is Russia Indoctrinating Ukrainian Kids?</strong>: Yale investigators accuse Russia of a re-education program for Ukrainian children is twice as large as estimated, with 210 sites training them for Russian military service. The program, likened to Nazi-era kidnappings, would violate Geneva Conventions. But evidence is thin.</li></ul>