America In The Morning

Today on America in the MorningOut-Of-Control Georgia-Florida Wildfires Severe drought conditions in the Southeast has become the fuel for out-of-control wildfires that are burning thousands of acres with no end in sight and forcing residents to flee.  91 counties in Georgia under a state of emergency order, and homes have been destroyed in Georgia and Florida.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports that one woman, talking to CBS News, said that she took her kids to school in the morning, and when she picked them up after school, she broke the news to them that everything they owned was burned to the ground.   Latest On Middle East Ceasefires President Trump is touting a three-week extension of the cease fire between Israel and Lebanon and asks for patience with the war with Iran where no talks are scheduled as saber rattling continues from both sides about the Strait of Hormuz.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Baton Rouge Mall Shooting.  One person was killed and five others were injured in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday afternoon.    Mass Shooting Thwarted A former police officer from North Carolina was arrested in Florida, charged with allegedly planning a mass shooting at a New Orleans music festival.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the suspect, found with at least 200 rounds of ammunition, was also wanted by Louisiana authorities on an outstanding warrant.   Drug Reclassification In an historic shift, the Trump administration announced it is reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug.  With what that means, here’s correspondent Lisa Dwyer.   Latest On US-Iran President Trump announced from the White House that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended by three weeks, but Iran is claiming Israel is violating the truce by attacking Hezbollah positions in Southern Lebanon.  There are still no meetings set for the US and Iran as that ceasefire continues, but correspondent Jon Gambrell reports that the president has ordered the U.S. military to "shoot and kill" Iranian small boats choking the Strait of Hormuz.   Senate’s Homeland Security Funding The Senate has taken the first step in a new plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security.  Details from correspondent Rich Johnson.   California Governor’s Debate The candidates to become the next California governor took the debate stage this week.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports on the candidates to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.   Special Forces Soldier Arrested A U.S. Special Forces soldier involved in the military operation that captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was arrested on Thursday after allegedly betting on Maduro's removal from office before news of the raid was made public.  Shareholders OK Merger Stockholders gave their overwhelming approval to the Warner Bros.-Paramount merger.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports the deal is not yet done, as there may be regulatory hurdles ahead.   Finally   It’s not just Uncle Sam that wants you, so do our neighbors to the north.  Millions of Americans are pursuing Canadian citizenship after a law that took effect in Canada made the process significantly easier for people with Canadian ancestry to claim both sides of the border as home.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningJudge Rules Against Virginia Redistricting Less than 24 hours after Virginia’s redistricting plan was approved by Old Dominion State voters, a Virginia judge ruled the referendum unconstitutional, blocking the state from certifying the results, a move that Virginia’s attorney general vows to immediately appeal.  President Trump is claiming the redistricting election, which could give Democrats four more House seats in the midterm election was rigged.  Correspondent Gary Fields has the details of how the vote passed.   West Virginia Chemical Leak Kills Two Two employees are dead and dozens of others were taken to the hospital after a chemical reaction at a plant Wednesday in the town of Nitro, West Virginia.  Joan Jones tells us this happened as crews were cleaning up a site to prepare for its shutdown, and some of those overcome were first responders helping the injured.   Navy Secretary Stands Down A surprise at the Pentagon as the Navy Secretary is leaving his role effective immediately.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports that there was simmering tensions between the departing Navy Secretary and Pete Hegseth.   Nunes Leaves Truth Social There was also a leadership shuffle at the Trump media company.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports the CEO of Truth Social is departing.   Cigarette Smoking Could End In UK “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em,” before the law says you can’t.  Correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports that a no cigarette smoking policy is about to become law in the U.K.   Latest On US-Iran Elements of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked three vessels and seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz that were attempting to leave the Persian Gulf, a move that sent oil prices higher but did not sway the United States which is continuing the blockade of Iran’s ports.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports on the first full day of an extended cease fire with Iran.   Georgia-Florida Wildfires Wildfires in the Southeast are growing in size as the potential for danger persists in Florida and Georgia.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports 91 Georgia counties have been impacted so far, with heavy smoke drifting into Atlanta and Savannah.   RFK, Jr. On The Hot Seat On Capitol Hill, it was another contentious day for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior, as he finished a marathon of testimony before several House and Senate committees. The latest from correspondent Rich Johnson.   ICE Officer Arrested An immigration officer is under arrest, charged with assault after an investigation into a protest outside a Colorado ICE facility.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports. Senate’s All-Nighter Last night, the Senate held a test of their own, after the GOP started what’s known as a “vote-a-rama,” an all-night session of floor votes and amendments in an effort to guide the GOP’s push to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol for the remainder of President Trump’s term.  Finally   Hulk Hogan was larger than life, but the wrestling and TV star dealt with demons, including massive use of fentanyl.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningCeasefire Extended TFN The cease fire between the United States and Iran was due to end Tuesday night, but on social media late-Tuesday afternoon, President Trump extended the deadline until further notice despite earlier in the day casting doubt on that prospect.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Virginia Passes Redistricting Vote Virginia voters have approved a controversial ballot proposal that will redraw the state’s congressional map, giving Democrats an edge in the midterms.  America in the Morning’s Jeff McKay reports that despite being approved by the voters, the courts may get the final say.   Florida Congresswoman Latest To Resign A Florida congresswoman resigned hours before being punished in an ethics case.  Correspondent Mike Hempen reports on what led the Democrat to hand in her resignation, the third member of Congress to do so in 8 days.   Southern Poverty Law Center Indicted In a bombshell indictment, the Department of Justice has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center with wire and bank fraud and alleges that they secretly funded leaders and organizers of white supremacist and other hate groups.  Lisa Dwyer reports.   CIA Officials Killed In Mexico We're learning more about the two U-S officials killed in a car crash in Mexico.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports Mexico’s president is also demanding an explanation.   Chinese Student Arrested A student from China was taken into custody at New York’s Kennedy Airport.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports the student traveled across the United States taking pictures, including at two Air Force bases without permission.   Senate Grills Warsh There were pointed questions Tuesday given by a Senate committee to the President’s pick to become the next Federal Reserve chairman, including if he would be a sock-puppet for Donald Trump.  Ed Donahue reports on Kevin Warsh and his responses to the Senate Banking Committee.   Trump’s Bible Reading President Trump took part in a weeklong “America Reads the Bible” event on Tuesday evening.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the President's virtual remarks came as he receives criticism from some American Christians over recent rhetoric and comments about Pope Leo.    Florida Investigates A-I Artificial Intelligence is now under criminal investigation in Florida in connection with a deadly shooting last year at Florida State University.  Bob Brown reports at issue is whether Open A-I’s ChatGPT helped the shooter plot his rampage.   Another Near Miss For the second time in as many days, the FAA is looking into another near miss of passenger jets near an airport.  Teacher Gets The Job A University of Minnesota professor is trading his classroom for the West Wing.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on President Trump’s pick to become chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Ten Commandments Can Stay A federal appeals court has upheld a Texas law requiring public schools across the state to display the Ten Commandments.    Tech News Your doorbell just doesn’t go ding-dong anymore.  Amazon’s Ring will now be able to tell you who’s at the door.  Chuck Palm has this story today in his new segment, the New Old Tech Guy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningCeasefire Talks In Question President Trump announced that the ceasefire in place between the US and Iran ends Wednesday evening and it’s highly unlikely he would extend it unless a deal is struck, however it’s still unclear if there will even be a meeting in Pakistan today after the US fired on and seized an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on the President’s mixed messages on the next U.S. steps, as shipping remains halted in the Strait of Hormuz.   Louisiana Mass Shooting Leaves 8 Kids Dead More is being learned about the 31-year-old father who opened fire on his family, killing seven of his own children along with a young cousin in his Shreveport, Louisiana home.  Correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports that the shooter, a US Army veteran, was facing a divorce from his wife, and possessed a gun despite having a previous firearms conviction.   Cabinet Member Steps Down President Trump's Labor Secretary is the third Cabinet member to announce they are leaving their post.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the departure of Lori Chavez DeRemer came amid controversy.    Disagreement Turns Into Mass Shooting A meeting in a North Carolina park between teens who wanted to have a fight turned into a mass shooting leaving two teenagers dead and five others shot, four of those were girls.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports.   SCOTUS Religious Rights Case The Supreme Court on Monday took up its latest case asserting religious rights claims, agreeing to hear arguments that Colorado should exempt Catholic entities from a nondiscrimination provision in its state-funded preschool program.  Correspondent Sue Aller has details of a case that involves religious freedom and LGBTQ rights.   Patel Sues Atlantic FBI Director Kash Patel sued the Atlantic and staff writer Sarah Fitzpatrick in federal court, alleging that the magazine ran what he described as a “sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece” against him on Friday with the intention of marring his reputation.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports that Patel. Virginia’s Map Vote Voters in Virginia are heading to the polls today to decide whether lawmakers should be allowed to temporarily redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the midterm elections.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports critics of the proposal are calling it the worst gerrymandering in America, while proponents blame altering the Texas maps to favor the GOP as the sole reason for the change.   Latest On California Governor’s Race Less than a week after the frontrunner, Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out of the California Governor’s race, and resigned from Congress, another Democrat candidate is calling it quits.  The story from correspondent Rich Johnson.   Deadly Pennsylvania House Explosion Authorities believe a propane leak may have led to a devastating explosion and fire in Pennsylvania that took the lives of a mother and her six children.  Lisa Dwyer reports that the fire was so hot it melted various items across the street Farm Bill In The House House Republican leaders are working within their party to boost support for the farm bill ahead of next week’s planned vote on the package.  Tech News A giant in the tech world is stepping aside.  Tim Cook is out as Apple CEO. Chuck Palm has this story today in his new segment, the New Old Tech Guy.    Finally   A popular singer is facing the possibility of life in prison after being arrested – charged with the gruesome slaying of a 14-year-old girl found cut in pieces in the trunk of his car.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports on murder charges against singer “David” and what prosecutors believe was the motive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningUS Seizes Iranian Ship With peace talks expected to resume in Pakistan today, the United States will sit down with Iranian officials after the US Navy fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship over the weekend.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Louisiana Mass Shooting Leaves 8 Kids Dead There’s shock and disbelief in Shreveport, Louisiana where 8 children were killed and two others shot during a domestic dispute, and the father of 7 of those kids, accused of pulling the trigger, died following a high-speed chase with police.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports the Louisiana shooting happened in the home district of House Speaker Mike Johnson.   Iranian Woman Arrested In LA The Iranian woman arrested by Federal authorities at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday is expected in Federal court today. Correspondent Clayton Neville has the details of her arrest that were revealed in a criminal complaint, which includes helping to arm the Iranian government.   World Cup Travel Troubles It’s one of the most-watched world events, but the costs of seeing the World Cup in the US this summer is growing by the day.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports some states are trying to recoup financial losses from staging the games by making people overpay for transportation.   Hiring Questions A rush to fill positions in the FBI and Justice Department has some current and former officials concerned.  Correspondent Donna Warder reports.   Patz Case Part 3 A judge in New York has declined to dismiss charges in one of the nation's most well-known missing child cases.  Correspondent Mike Hempen reports it involves the six-year-old whose face was the first to be put on a milk carton.   Latest In The Iran War Oil futures moved higher overnight following the news that the United States has fired at and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.  The maritime ship tracking website Marine Traffic said that just one oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran over the weekend closed down again and fired on tankers in the Persian Gulf.  Violence toward Israel continues to be an issue in the UK, as authorities in London are investigating a series of arson attacks.  Correspondent Donna Warder has details.   Canada Trading Away From The US The Prime Minister of Canada is pointing a finger at the Trump administration, calling his country's economic ties to the United States "a weakness."  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports that our neighbor to the North is looking to the East and West to replace trade with America.   Beagles & Rubber Bullets Over two dozen were arrested after 1-thousand protesters broke into a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin.  The group's public announcement called for a protest on Sunday, but they showed up on Saturday morning armed with saws, pry tools and sledgehammers.  Joan Jones reports police countered with pepper spray and rubber bullets.   Trump’s Bible Reading President Trump will participate in a public Bible reading this week as the administration continues to deal with the fallout of the public back-and-forth between the president and Pope Leo.  Patel Plans Lawsuit FBI Director Kash Patel announced he will sue The Atlantic magazine on Monday for defamation over an article reporting he frequently drinks to excess.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices