America In The Morning

Today on America in the MorningUS Captures Venezuelan Oil Tanker In a move that marks a dramatic escalation between the US and Venezuela, American troops on Wednesday captured an oil tanker that had departed a Venezuelan port, reportedly bound for Cuba.  The seizure comes amid a large US military buildup in the Caribbean region as a part of an anti-drug trafficking mission against Venezuela and its leader, Nicholas Maduro.  The story from correspondent Rich Johnson.   Congress Working On Obamacare Fixes The Senate is set to vote today on legislation surrounding the future of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports there’s still a divide between Democrats and Republicans, and also between some in the GOP as to how to proceed on a topic that could potentially send healthcare premiums for millions skyrocketing. Ruling On LA National Guard A judge has ordered President Trump to end the California National Guard troop deployment in Los Angeles.  The details from correspondent Julie Walker.   Congresswoman Demands RFK, Jr. Impeachment A Michigan congresswoman has introduced articles of impeachment in the House against the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, saying RFK, Junior is undermining public health.  Sue Aller reports.   Abuse Settlement After years of negotiations, New Orleans' Catholic Church administration and clerical sex abuse victims have come to an agreement.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports.   FED Cuts Interest Rate The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday, marking the central bank's third cut of the year.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports that the Fed board was divided as to whether issue a larger cut, the quarter-point cut, or none at all, due to concerns about the direction of the economy.   School Shooter A Parent A shocking announcement comes with the arrest made in Tuesday’s on-campus shooting at Kentucky State University that ended with the death of one student and critical injuries for another.  Joan Jones reports the shooter was a parent of one of the students.   Indiana To Vote On Redistricting In what has been a dicey debate and at times has left members of the GOP at odds with one another, Indiana lawmakers are expected to vote today on proposed redistricting maps that favor Republicans head of next year’s midterm elections.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.  Pacific Northwest Flooding Washington State has declared an emergency in response to days of severe rain in the Pacific Northwest.    Football Coach Under Fire A football coach at a marquee college program in the Big Ten has been fired for alleged inappropriate conduct.  Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.   House Passes Spending Bill The House voted to pass a sweeping defense policy bill Wednesday that authorizes $900 billion dollars in military programs, including a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons.    Sports – Robert Workman   Baseball Winter Meetings & more.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningTrump’s Pennsylvania Speech In a speech that was supposed to tout the Trump economy, the President veered off into a number of directions in his typical campaign-speech style in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania Tuesday night.  John Stolnis has the story from Washington.   Congress Working On Obamacare Fixes With COVID pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies set to expire in three weeks, Democrats are pushing push for a three-year extension while Republicans are backing several different approaches.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.  Miami’s New Mayor The city of Miami has elected a new mayor, and for the first time since the 1990’s, it will be a Democrat.  America in the Morning’s Jeff McKay reports that there’s concerns for the GOP as their candidate had the strong backing of a number of prominent Republicans.   Illinois Anti-ICE Laws As arrests in the Chicago area by ICE and federal agents continues, the governor of Illinois announced changes in state laws imposing limits on immigration enforcement.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.   Latest On Missouri Redistricting After winning several court battles, Missouri organizers have turned in boxes stacked with petitions, part of an effort to have voters weigh in on a Republican redistricting plan.  Jennifer King reports.   Emergency Landing People driving along Interstate 95 near Cocoa, Florida got the scare of their lives when out of nowhere a small plane turned and made an emergency landing on the southbound lanes.      Congress Reaction In Boat Strikes The situation surrounding the American military targeting alleged narcotic boats from Venezuela in the Caribbean is getting more scrutiny on Capitol Hill, with bipartisan calls to have the Department of War release the video of a second strike against a boat already hit by a US missile.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on President Trump's latest justification for a scrutinized strike on a vessel in the Caribbean, which comes as the leadership in the Senate respond to the attacks.   Kentucky College Shooting Police are trying to piece together what led to a shooting on the campus of Kentucky State University Tuesday afternoon, leaving one person dead and another fighting for their life.  Bob Brown reports that the alleged shooter was apprehended.   Social Media Ban “Down Under” Our nation’s kids spend hours each day on their cellphones and scrolling through social media like Snapchat and TikTok, but imagine a world where your children were barred by law and could face monetary fines for checking out those videos and memes.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the world's eyes are on Australia as it implements a first of its kind ban on social media.   Florida Execution A man convicted of fatally stabbing a woman during a home invasion decades ago was executed Tuesday evening in Florida.  Army Doctor Facing Serious Crimes An Army gynecologist accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of his former patients now faces numerous criminal charges, including allegedly recording his patients.    Finally   Late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel, despite a recent controversy, was given a new contract by ABC, and is also responding to more criticism from President Trump.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningSCOTUS Hears Presidential Powers Case The Supreme Court signaled Monday that it’s prepared to hand President Donald Trump another win in his drive to consolidate presidential power over federal agencies.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on a decision that could end a 90-year precedent.   MTG Talks Trump On 60 Minutes Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene didn’t hold back about President Trump and some of her Republican colleagues in her interview on “60 Minutes,” and the President has demanded the media outlet apologize, and dropped a few insults of Greene on social media.  The story from correspondent Rich Johnson.  Crockett Plans Senate Run In Texas A controversial Democratic congresswoman from Texas is making a run for U-S Senate, in what could become the most-watched Senate campaign of the mid-term elections.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Farmer Bailout President Donald Trump on Monday announced a $12 billion dollar farm aid package.  Most of the aid — $11 billion — will be directed toward crop farmers through one-time payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.   Court Cleark’s Legal Trouble A court clerk in a high-profile South Carolina murder trial is in trouble with the law over her actions during and after the proceedings.  Lisa Dwyer reports this could impact a likely appeal of the Alex Murdaugh case.   Congress Involved In Boat Strikes Congress is planning to withhold Pentagon travel funds unless it sees Venezuelan boat strike videos released by the Department of War.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports this is the latest salvo against the Trump administration to get more details on drug enforcement action in the Caribbean.   Judge Escalates Deportation Inquiry A federal judge is escalating his inquiry into whether the Trump administration deliberately violated his orders to stop immigration officials from deporting 100 Venezuelan men to a notorious prison in El Salvador.  The latest from correspondent Katie Clark.   Ukraine Says No To Land Handover There were talks in London involving Ukraine’s president and the leaders of the UK, Germany, and France to discuss the U.S.-backed proposal for ending Russia's war in Ukraine.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.  FBI Agents Sue PatelA group of former FBI agents are taking Director Kash Patel and the Trump administration to court, saying they were unjustly punished and fired for trying to defuse a George Floyd protest in 2020.   Correspondent Eric Tucker reports.  Trying To Unblock ICEBlock An app maker has filed a lawsuit against the government, claiming First Amendment rights are being violated by demanding Apple remove their ICEBlock app from the app store.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.   Finally   The proposed Warner Brothers – Netflix merger just became a whole lot complicated, with a late bidder emerging.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has the details, and what will happen next.   The annual list of the Golden Globe nominations are out.  Correspondent Jennifer King has details of what movies, TV shows, streaming programs and podcasts made the cut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningBoat Attack Reaction Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's authorization to launch a second attack against a previously struck drug-smuggling vessel out of Venezuela last September was once again a hotly debated topic on the Sunday shows. John Stolnis has a recap from Washington.   Talking ICE & Somalis The rhetoric over ICE enforcement tactics, and the denunciation of one group in particular along with a sitting US Congresswoman, got white-hot on the Sunday talk shows.  Correspondent Rich Johnson has details.  Judge Has Comey Concerns Over the weekend, prosecutors for the Department of Justice hit a legal roadblock while seeking a new indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.  Correspondent Donna Warder reports this comes after a new grand jury last week declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James.   Suspected DC Pipe Bomber’s Confession New details, and a confession, have emerged following the capture of the person suspected of the 2021 pipe bomb case in Washington.  Ed Donahue reports.   Trump Criticizes Cuellar President Trump is going after Texas Democrat Congressman Henry Cuellar following last week’s presidential pardon.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Social Security Changes There are changes coming for those planning to or currently receiving Social Security involving being able to visit a local office.  Correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports.     Latest On Russia & Ukraine There were talks over the weekend in Miami involving Ukrainian officials and a US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff that produced no meaningful results, and came as Russia bombarded parts of Ukraine with a missile and drone attack that led to several deaths targeting infrastructure including energy plants and railroads.  Correspondent Rica Ann Garcia reports.   Camp Mystic 9-1-1 Calls Released Newly released 9-1-1 phone calls reveal sheer panic, desperation, and people begging for help in the alarming moments during July’s deadly flooding in Texas.   Correspondent Donna Warder reports on an emergency system overwhelmed with nearly two hundred calls in less than two hours, and a limited number of 9-1-1 operators who found themselves struggling to provide survival guidance - audio courtesy of the Kerrville, Texas Police Department.   Remembering Pearl Harbor Sunday marked the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and America’s entry into World War II.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports on the annual ceremony held in Hawaii.   Another North Carolina Train Stabbing It’s happened again in North Carolina – a stabbing on a commuter train in Charlotte.  Baby Vaccine Guidelines The government has released a new vaccine guideline for babies, eliminating one that the CDC says is unnecessary despite concern from some in the healthcare industry.  Ed Donahue reports.   GOP Oil Drilling Resistance The plan championed by President Trump to open up oil drilling of the East and West Coast of Florida isn’t sitting well with some GOP members of Congress.  Lisa Dwyer reports.   Finally   President Trump took part in the annual Kennedy Center Honors, with honorees including Sylvester Stallone and George Strait receiving medals in an event hosted by the President.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningSenate Hearing On Boat Attacks The Navy Admiral who the White House says made the decision to strike a suspected drug smuggling boat out of Venezuela a second time told lawmakers the strike was lawful and necessary, but some of those lawmakers aren't so sure.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Alleged January 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Captured Calling it good, diligent police work, the FBI and Department of Justice swooped in and arrested the man they claim planted pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC headquarters the night before the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports the man’s home was just a 45 minute drive from the US Capitol.  Texas Redistricting OK’d For Now The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for Texas to use their new congressional map that sparked a mid-decade redistricting war of states by adding up to five Republican seats to their delegation.   No Indictment For Letitia James In a blow to the Department of Justice and the Trump administration, a grand jury has declined to indict New York’s attorney general after the first case against her was dismissed.  America in the Morning’s Jeff McKay has details.   Air Force Jet Crash Military investigators are trying to figure out what led an Air Force jet to crash in California.  Correspondent Mike Hempen reports.   Veteran Can Now Retire Just in time for the holidays - acts of kindness from strangers around the world helped to raise over a million dollars for an American Veteran to retire.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.     Putin Dampens Peace Prospects While the White House is optimistic, both Russia and the European Union are pessimistic regarding the meeting this week between US envoys and Kremlin leadership over talks to end the war in Ukraine.  Correspondent Karen Chammas reports that after the meeting with US officials, Vladimir Putin warned that Ukrainian troops must immediately withdraw from the Donbas region, or Russia’s military will take it by force – a move that Ukraine’s President says will not happen.   Pushback Against Guard Deployments The Trump administration is not backing away from its plans to crackdown on immigration, despite protests in New Orleans and pushback from the mayor of Minneapolis.  Correspondent Clayton Neville has the latest.   Major Arrest In Florida A Florida man faces federal charges after being busted with an arsenal of weapons and tons of drugs, many more powerful than morphine.  Correspondent Joan Jones has details of what police called a criminal operation that was “Breaking Bad on steroids.”   House Obamacare Plan With the clock ticking louder on fixing Obamacare, a bipartisan group of centrist lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a two-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.   Mangione’s Day In Court New details emerged in a New York court involving the man arrested and charged with the death of United HealthCare’s CEO.  Ed Dohonue has the story.   Guard OK’d For DC The US Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the Trump administration to continue its National Guard deployment in Washington, DC.   Jobless Claims Down There was good news on the labor front as jobless claims hit a 3-year-low for the Thanksgiving week, but Wall Street still has concerns over a high number of layoffs.  The details from correspondent Haya Panjwani.   Tech News About 92 million Venmo users were unable to pay for anything on Thursday, after a mysterious outage took the payment app offline for several hours.  Chuck Palm has that in today’s tech report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices