Morning Wire

Sarah Parshall Perry, Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education, discusses the Supreme Court's ruling allowing the Trump administration to downsize the Department of Education. She addresses the implications for state-led schooling and critiques the current focus on financial issues over academic performance. Alarmingly, only 15% of high schoolers finish a book during their education. The conversation also touches on civil rights protections for students and the ongoing legal battles affecting education policy.

Dr. Houman Hemmati, a board-certified MD and California political commentator, sheds light on the state's multifaceted crises. He discusses alarming issues like rising crime rates, homelessness, and soaring living costs, attributing them to government policies. Hemmati delves into the clash between local leaders and federal immigration enforcement, revealing tensions in LA leadership over priorities. He also expresses concerns over slow rebuilding efforts post-fires and critiques the ongoing political standoff with the Trump administration, emphasizing its detrimental impact on Californians.

A Biden aide pleads the fifth during a deposition, raising eyebrows about transparency in politics. Puerto Rico takes a bold step by banning transgender medical procedures for minors. In a shocking turn, an illegal immigrant stages her own kidnapping for sympathy. Meanwhile, CBS faces challenges with declining viewership, leading to the cancellation of popular late-night shows. Explore these intriguing stories where politics, health, and sensational crimes intersect.

The Senate pushes to eliminate funding for NPR and PBS, raising debates on media biases and taxpayer money. Tension rises as a Biden aide invokes the Fifth Amendment during congressional testimony, fueling questions about the president's health. Insights from the Chicago Fed president shed light on the looming interest rate decisions amidst a backdrop of political pressures and the Trump-Powell feud. The evolving dynamics in public broadcasting and the economy are at the forefront of today's discussions.

President Trump's clawback bill squeaks through the Senate, raising eyebrows with its cuts to foreign aid. A new poll reveals widespread belief in a coverup surrounding the Epstein files. In a significant move, the Treasury slaps sanctions on the Tren De Aragua gang, freezing their U.S. assets. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola is set to ditch high fructose corn syrup. Plus, there's a push to lower the voting age in the UK and debates over transgender rights in sports. All this mixed with economic updates and a touch of humor!

Tensions rise as President Trump criticizes Fed Chair Jerome Powell while hinting at interest rate cuts. The House GOP prepares for its next legislative battle. Trump’s ambitious $100 billion AI investment aims to boost Pennsylvania's economy and outpace China. Concerns about rising violent political rhetoric echo on Capitol Hill, alongside discussions on effective immigration policies. The podcast also highlights significant investments in technology and infrastructure shaping the future.

President Trump defends Jerome Powell's role, causing a stir among MAGA supporters amid the Epstein files debate. Tensions rise as assaults on ICE agents increase, linked to political rhetoric. The episode touches on a former aide's Fifth Amendment plea regarding Biden's cognition, and recent legislative challenges concerning the National Guard. Additionally, economists are surprised by stagnant wholesale inflation rates while severe weather looms over the Gulf Coast with threats of flooding. It's a whirlwind of political drama and pressing current events.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is gearing up for a presidential run in 2028, critiquing conservative policies while navigating economic challenges in his state. Recent economic data indicates a slight rise in inflation, raising concerns for consumers. In a controversial ruling, the Supreme Court allows massive layoffs at the Department of Education, sparking debates about federal control versus state authority. Meanwhile, notable educational improvements in states like Louisiana and Mississippi are shining a light on effective reforms, despite criticism of federal efforts.

Trade tensions heat up as Trump faces resistance from Russia over tariffs. Meanwhile, inflation rates surprise many, affecting market dynamics and Apple’s supply chain. In New York City, severe flooding wreaks havoc, raising concerns about infrastructure. A press conference turns chaotic with a Democratic mayoral candidate, and a politically charged performance of the national anthem sparks debate. As the country grapples with these events, insights into food safety measures also emerge, highlighting a dairy farmers’ commitment to cleaner products.

The discussions kick off with Trump's surprising reversal on Ukraine, marking a shift towards more active U.S. involvement amidst rising tensions. The focus then shifts to Joe Biden's controversial autopen usage for granting pardons, intriguing many regarding its legitimacy. Political dynamics are also examined, with the GOP facing challenges as Trump continues to attract dedicated support. The landscape of the Department of Justice is scrutinized after significant shakeups, revealing the complexities of political maneuvering behind the scenes.