Get up to speed on the stories leading the day with The Morning Rundown. Join host Karah Rucker for a few minutes, five days a week, to stay ahead of the never-ending news cycle. Bringing you just the facts you need to know with reporting from Straight Arrow News.
Monday was a pivotal day in Washington: President Donald Trump met face-to-face with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. The big question now is whether a three-way summit is finally on the horizon. Plus, Hurricane Erin barrels up the East Coast, leaving rip currents and rescues in its wake. Dozens of swimmers have already been pulled from the water in North Carolina, and now a state of emergency is in place for the Outer Banks. And back in Austin, but not backing down: One Democrat takes a stand against what she calls an overbearing police presence at the Texas Capitol. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
A high-stakes meeting at the White House could shape the future of the war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could “end the war almost immediately.” His latest post on Truth Social could set the tone for Monday's talks. Plus, after weeks of walking out to block a redistricting vote, Texas Democrats are finally heading home. But their return doesn't mean the fight over a new congressional map is over. And Air Canada's flight attendants stand their ground. Despite a government back-to-work order, they've refused to return, forcing the airline to cancel hundreds of flights. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
A high-stakes summit in Anchorage — Putin's first meeting with a president on U.S. soil in nearly two decades. President Donald Trump says he'll know “within minutes” if talks to end the war in Ukraine are worth continuing. Plus, Attorney General Pam Bondi puts the DEA chief in charge of the Metropolitan Police Department, stripping the current chief's authority. D.C.'s attorney general calls the move “unlawful.” And the former president backs California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Texas Democrats in their push to counter Republican redistricting plans. Former President Barack Obama calls partisan map-making a “systematic assault on democracy” and urges states to take bold action. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
President Donald Trump says he wants to maintain control of D.C.'s police long past the initial 30-day order, and he's prepared to urge Congress to make it happen. Plus, Trump has warned Russia there will be “severe consequences” if Friday's meeting with President Vladimir Putin doesn't go his way. Here's what to expect from the high-stakes sit-down that could shape the Kremlin's next move. And a melting glacier has caused dangerous flooding before. Now, the Army Corps of Engineers says they can stop it — this time. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.
The National Guard is now patrolling Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump activated 800 troops and temporarily took control of the city's police department. The White House has called it a crime crackdown, but critics say it's a dangerous power grab. Plus, the countdown is on for Friday's high-stakes Trump–Putin summit. The White House has confirmed the meeting will occur at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska — and Trump says he'll know “within the first two minutes” whether a deal is possible. And Texas Democrats are returning home after weeks away, claiming they blocked a Republican redistricting plan. But Gov. Greg Abbott is prepared to call them back immediately for another special session, setting up a political fight the moment they arrive. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump has taken control of Washington, D.C., ordering National Guard troops into the city and placing police under federal command. The move comes even as violent crime in the capital remains at its lowest level in 30 years. Trump also paused his trade dispute with China, extending the current truce for another 90 days. Both sides now have until early November to reach a deal or face tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods. And in Pennsylvania, an explosion tore through a steel plant with a long history of safety and environmental violations, killing two people and injuring several others. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
President Donald Trump threatens to clear homeless camps and send more federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., ahead of a press conference at the White House on Monday morning. In Gaza, a prominent Al Jazeera journalist is among seven people killed in an Israeli strike, as Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to expand the war into crowded refugee camps. And in the Midwest, record rainfall has flooded streets, cut power to thousands, and forced the Wisconsin State Fair to cancel its final day. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
Israel presses forward with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan to take control of the Gaza Strip. Lawmakers voted overnight to advance the strategy, even as world leaders warn it could backfire. Plus, a President Donald Trump-imposed deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire has come and gone. Will the Russian leader show up to peace talks? Or escalate the war even further? And Florida's so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” hits a wall. A federal judge has halted further construction at the controversial immigration detention center. But what happens to the hundreds of migrants already housed there? These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
After months of delays, President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs are now in place, hitting thousands of everyday goods. What's affected, what's exempt and how much more could Americans end up paying? Plus, the Kremlin said it was the U.S. who asked for the summit. The White House said it was Moscow. Either way, a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is now in the works, possibly as soon as next week. Will Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy be invited to join? And a U.S. soldier is in custody Thursday morning after allegedly opening fire on his own unit at Fort Stewart in Georgia. We're digging into who the suspect is and how the attack unfolded. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
The Texas Supreme Court is now involved in a political showdown. Gov. Greg Abbott wants more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who fled the state hauled back and arrested. Now, one legislator has been singled out as the “ringleader.” Plus, President DonaldTrump insists his deputy attorney general's recent interview with Ghislaine Maxwell was “totally above board.” But why was she moved to a lower-security prison just days later, and where's the transcript? And a major vaccine shake-up. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pulls $500 million in government funding for mRNA vaccine research, stopping projects with Pfizer, Moderna and others in their tracks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Texas Democrats have left the state, fleeing to Illinois to block a controversial redistricting vote. Gov. Greg Abbott has now ordered their civil arrest, claiming they've abandoned “the job they were elected to do.” Plus, did former President Barack Obama's intelligence team stage the Russia collusion story? That's the claim now fueling a push for a grand jury investigation. But Democrats say it's pure political theater. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it's time to finish the job and has asked his war cabinet to approve a full-scale “conquest” of Gaza. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
They boarded planes, flew north and triggered a political standoff. More than 50 Texas Democrats are now holed up in Illinois after walking out to block a Trump-backed redistricting vote. Plus, four people were shot and killed inside a Montana bar. The suspect vanished, and now, law enforcement fear he may strike again. This morning, a manhunt is underway. And President Donald Trump said it was rigged — a jobs report designed to hurt him. Now, the head of the Labor Bureau is out. So, what comes next? These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Aug. 4, 2025.
The clock has run out, and the tariffs are in. President Donald Trump's “Liberation Day” deadline has officially hit, slapping dozens of countries with steep new trade rates overnight. Meanwhile, in Texas, local leaders face tough questions about their response to the deadly July 4 flood in Hill Country. A tense meeting in Kerr County revealed new details, and one surprising admission that's sparking even more anger. And over at the White House, get ready for the East Wing to expand. A new ballroom project is in the works. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Aug. 1, 2025.
An attack in the Ozarks left two parents dead in front of their young daughters. Now, days after searching, police say they've caught the man responsible. Plus, a Delta flight bound for Europe didn't make it out of U.S. airspace before violent turbulence forced an emergency landing in Minneapolis. Two dozen people were hospitalized. Also, another major player joins the push for Palestinian statehood. Canada announced it will formally recognize Palestine this fall, joining France and the U.K. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, July 31, 2025.
An 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocks the Pacific. Now, tsunami threats stretch from Alaska to Hawaii — and even California. Plus, the New York City gunman meant to target the National Football League (NFL). But he got off on the wrong floor. Who he killed instead, and what we're learning about the plan. Also, a major rollback on pollution rules. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reverses course on clean air standards for cars, power plants and factories. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Four people are dead — including an NYPD officer — after a gunman in body armor stormed the lobby with an assault-style rifle. Plus, President Trump says the images out of Gaza show children truly starving, directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that “there is no starvation.” And it's been called “Epstein Island” for years. Now Trump is revealing he was invited, but insists he never went. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Authorities say the man accused of stabbing 11 people in a Michigan Walmart could soon face federal terrorism charges. Quick-thinking bystanders helped stop the attack before more people were hurt. Plus, the U.S. and Europe narrowly avoid a trade war. A new deal sets 15% tariffs on most European imports — and could mean higher prices for American consumers. And more than 130 million Americans are under heat alerts today, as scorching temps stretch from the South to the East Coast, with no relief in sight. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, July 28, 2025.
President Macron makes a surprise pledge to recognize a Palestinian state, drawing a sharp rebuke from both the U.S. and Israel. Why he says the moment is now. Plus, an unusually tense visit to the Federal Reserve — with cameras rolling — as President Trump hands Jerome Powell a note mid-tour. What it said… and how the Fed Chair pushed back. And Jeffrey Epstein's longtime associate meets privately with the Deputy Attorney General for six hours. What investigators are hoping to learn and why Democrats are raising red flags. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, July 25, 2025.
President Trump was told he's in the Epstein files, now the DOJ is set to visit Gishlaine Maxwell behind bars today. Plus, Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama of pushing “manufactured intelligence.” Why the Intelligence Director says Obama helped fake the 2016 Russia meddling report to spark a “coup” against Trump And Uber adds safety feature for women riders. The app is launching a “Women Preferred” setting to let women request female drivers. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The files are sealed, but the pressure's mounting. Meanwhile, Trump says the Epstein controversy is helping him instead of hurting him. Plus, Trump goes on the offensive, accusing Barack Obama of treason — without providing any evidence to back the allegation. We cover the claim, the context and the fallout — and Obama's response. And the Prince of Darkness takes his final bow. Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at 76, after one last show for the fans. How the long ride on a crazy train is now over for the legendary rocker.
Staff stripped, kids marched out. The World Health Organization accuses Israel of deliberately targeting its Gaza compound. Plus, a quarter-million documents on Dr. King's death will now become public. Why his family says: Handle with care. And: It's brutal, blistering and spreading. Who's in the bullseye as the heat dome expands across the United States?
A notorious drug lord is now on U.S. soil. Why “Fito” was extradited, and the federal charges he'll face in court today. Plus, Russia says it's open to peace talks, but with big strings attached. Why Ukraine and its allies are not buying it. And a glitch shuts down Alaska Airlines nationwide. What went wrong?
A racy birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein, signed by Donald Trump. Trump's firm denial, and why the president says he's suing the Wall Street Journal. Plus, Trump gets a win on the Hill, with $9 billion in spending cuts to public broadcasting, foreign aid and more. And CBS pulls the plug on Stephen Colbert, an iconic voice in political comedy. The network says it's not about politics — just the bottom line.
Slashed and passed. The Senate takes a $9 billion bite out of foreign aid. And that's just the start. Plus, the Epstein files, and a sharp turn away from Trump. What he's now saying about his own supporters, and the message he's sending if they keep digging.
Russia thumbs its nose at Trump's ultimatum, launching new strikes on Ukraine. Is the war escalating, or just entering a new phase? Plus, the pressure is mounting from inside Trump's own party. Even his allies want the Epstein files out in the open. And you only get six hours, then you're out. The Trump administration's new plan to deport migrants without advance warning. These stories and more make up your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
President Donald Trump claims his calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin remain friendly, but the missiles keep flying. Now, Trump threatened secondary tariffs on the Eastern nation if it does not reach a ceasefire with Ukraine within 50 days. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court clears the way, allowing the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education. Also, a wall of water slams the Northeast, flooding subways and streets. Record rainfall shuts down one of the busiest corridors in America. These stories and more make up your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
President Donald Trump will approve sending offensive weapons to Ukraine on Monday, July 14. But who's paying for it? Plus, the Epstein backlash grows louder. Political figures on both the left and right demand full disclosure. Trump even intervened to defend his attorney general. Also, directly from another planet to the auction block, the largest piece of Mars ever discovered is now up for sale. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, July 14, 2025.
A shooting, tear gas and kids caught in the middle. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at a California cannabis farm, and now the feds are offering big money to find who fired on agents. Plus, President Donald Trump takes aim at Canada. A blunt letter to the prime minister accuses Ottawa of slapping back on tariffs and slacking off on fentanyl. And Trump heads to Texas a week after a devastating flood ravaged a riverside community. Nearly 200 people remain unaccounted for following the flooding. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, July 11, 2025.
As U.S. and Russian officials meet face-to-face Thursday, July 10, new missile strikes on Kyiv raise questions about whether peace talks can gain traction. Plus, President Donald Trump's latest trade move could impact prices on everything from electronics to energy. And Secret Service agents, once praised for protecting Trump in Butler, now face disciplinary action over security lapses. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Walls of water surged through a New Mexico mountain town overnight, destroying homes and prompting swift-water rescues. Plus, more rain is still on the way. And confusion at the top: Trump claims he didn't order the halt of weapons to Ukraine. So who did? Also, a change of reins. The U.S. Army bids farewell to its ceremonial horses, but not without a retirement plan. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
The Texas flash floods resulted in over 100 deaths, with the toll continuing to rise. The waters surged rapidly, and warnings came too late. Now, the question of who's to blame has arisen. Plus, pay up or face tariffs. President Donald Trump warns America's trade partners to fix the deficit or face heavy taxes. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Trump with a surprise Nobel Peace Prize nomination while at the White House on Monday, July 8, to discuss the war in Gaza. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
A wall of water struck during a summer camp filled with kids. Dozens of people have died, and more are missing. The search for survivors is ongoing in the heart of Texas. Also, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet face-to-face at the White House on Monday, July 7. The visit could have significant implications for Gaza. Plus, Elon Musk once supported Trump and ran a federal agency, but now he says he's done with both political parties. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, July 7, 2025.
The White House gets ready for a Fourth of July celebration with their own fireworks. The party on the lawn and in the skies later today over the passage of the big, beautiful bill and who's going. Plus, President Donald Trump described his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a disappointment. Why, this morning, things seem to remain the same regarding the war with Ukraine and what Trump plans to do next. Also, a former boxing champ now faces deportation after losing a boxing match to Jake Paul last week, and he is likely to be sent back home. Why the son of Julio Cesar Chavez is getting kicked out of the United States.
The U.S. House is on the verge of delivering a major win for President Donald Trump. However, the final vote for Trump's “big, beautiful bill” hangs in the balance. Plus, Sean “Diddy” Combs may have won a major legal battle, but he's not going home just yet. Also, Princess Kate is back in the spotlight after her battle with cancer, sharing what remission really looks like. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, July 3, 2025.
President Donald Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” heads to the House on Wednesday, July 2, after a nail-biter vote in the Senate. Trump's budget bill just narrowly passed. Plus, Trump sued CBS and won. Paramount agreed to pay millions over a “60 Minutes” edit. Also, Sean ‘Diddy' Combs faces life in prison as he awaits his final verdict. So far, the jury has reached a verdict on four of the five charges. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The clock runs out on President Donald Trump's big, beautiful bill. Now, Elon Musk is fighting back, threatening to start a new party, and Trump has responded. Plus, police have identified the suspect who ambushed Idaho firefighters. Who he was, how he died and his unexpected connection to the fire department. Also, Trump heads down to Florida's swamps to visit a migrant detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades that's already attracting attention. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Firefighters responded to a wildfire in the woods and were ambushed by sniper fire, which caused two deaths. Authorities discovered the suspect dead in the trees after an hours-long manhunt. Plus, all-nighters in Washington lead up to this: President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill could receive a Senate vote this week if Republicans manage to maintain their unity. Also, Trump and Canada's prime minister paused the tech tax dispute and resumed trade talks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, June 30, 2025.
The U.S. and China struck a deal that could reshape everything from smartphones to fighter jets. Plus, Trump claims Iran's nuclear program was obliterated, but some senators remain skeptical. A classified briefing raised new questions about the extent of damage caused by the strike. Also, the Supreme Court wraps up its term with decisions that could impact Americans' vote, their kids and their health care. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, June 27, 2025.
The White House claims Iran's nukes are destroyed, but leaked intel tells a different story. On Thursday morning, President Donald Trump said his administration will set the record straight. Plus, there is a significant upheaval at the CDC as the new vaccine panel conducts its session amid criticism. Also, smoke filled the sky as an American Airlines jet was forced to turn back just minutes after takeoff. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, June 26, 2025.
President Donald Trump called it a perfect strike, but a new intel leak reveals that Iran's nuclear sites may not have been wiped out after all. Plus, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has dropped out of the mayoral race. A newcomer won in New York's mayoral primary, catching the political world off guard. Also, a door plug blew off in midair in January 2024. After 17 months, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concludes its investigation, explaining why it believes the incident should never have happened in the first place. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran shattered within hours, with Israel accusing Iran of breaking the deal. The two nations have since returned to war. Also, Justice Sonia Sotomayor raises concerns while the Trump administration celebrates a victory on immigration, warning that the rule of law is at risk. Plus, it's election day in America's biggest city. The mayoral primary could redefine New York City and have a significant impact on the Democratic Party. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
President Donald Trump labels it a bullseye, while Iran views it as an act of war. The repercussions of a U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities are significant, particularly with Tehran's current threats. Also, gunfire erupted outside a Sunday service, showcasing the swift actions of a church staff member who may have prevented a potential massacre, according to police. Plus, an individual who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year has been returned to the U.S. but now faces smuggling charges. A federal judge has described the government's case as, at best, tenuous. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, June 23, 2025.
A ticking clock looms over Iran as President Donald Trump sets a deadline for a potential U.S. military strike, indicating that the next two weeks could bring major changes. In California, a major development has happened: a court ruled that Trump had the right to take control of the National Guard. This decision could have important consequences and shows that the ongoing conflict is not over yet. A dispute arose between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Department of Homeland Security after the team claimed ICE agents attempted to access Dodger Stadium's parking lot. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, June 20, 2025.
Iran struck a hospital overnight. In response, Israel hit back. President Donald Trump's message to Netanyahu: “Keep going.” Plus, adding insult to injury: As mourners come together for a slain lawmaker in Minnesota, someone intrudes into her home. Summer hasn't officially arrived yet, but triple-digit temperatures and tropical humidity are on the way. Who will feel the heat, and for how long? These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Trump's message to Iran? Surrender or else. The president argues that this war isn't only Israel's and emphasizes how near the U.S. could be to intervening. Additionally, federal agents arrested a candidate for mayor in New York after he linked arms with a migrant facing deportation. Also, TikTok is still ticking — for now. Trump has once again delayed the TikTok ban for 90 days.
President Donald Trump returned to Washington early Tuesday morning, June 17, after leaving the G7 early due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The situation has become too significant for him to remain outside the country at this moment, along with the serious warning he is issuing to Tehran. Plus, a political hit list and a deadly shooting spree. Who investigators suspect the alleged Minnesota gunman was targeting, and the national names he had in his sights. Crash investigators discovered the black boxes from the deadly Air India Flight 171, helping to reveal the details of the fatal Dreamliner crash in India and the reasons behind its descent with over 270 passengers on board.
The search for a lawmaker's alleged killer has concluded. The suspect, involved in a deadly shooting spree that rattled Minnesota, was apprehended in the very woods where it all started. Also, Israel and Iran continue their bombing campaigns, with airstrikes and missiles causing significant damage. There is no indication that either side is willing to de-escalate. What developments might follow, and who else could be affected? Plus, the Trump administration directed ICE to reduce immigration raids, prohibiting them at farms, hotels and meat processing plants. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, June 16, 2025.
Israel launches an assault deep into Iran, targeting nuclear facilities that it claims were weeks away from developing a bomb. Tehran vows revenge, and U.S. officials are bracing for fallout. Also, two judges have issued two different rulings. One determines that Trump violated the law by deploying troops in Los Angeles, while the other asserts that he remains in charge. This legal tug-of-war adds fuel to the unrest in Los Angeles. Plus, authorities handcuffed a U.S. senator after confronting the Trump administration. The video shook Capitol Hill, and the White House's blunt response followed. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, June 13, 2025.
An international aircraft carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff Thursday morning. Also, California Gov. Gavin Newsom takes the Trump administration to court, attempting to remove the National Guard and Marines from Los Angeles as anti-ICE protests ignite nationwide. Plus, tensions have escalated in the Middle East, particularly with Iran as the nation is eager to settle nuclear talks. , These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Troops remain deployed as tensions escalate in Los Angeles following four consecutive days of protests. A judge sides with Trump, but the governor warns it sends a message to the rest of the country. Plus, a trade truce? The U.S. and China cut a deal. But what does it really mean? After months of tariff threats and tense negotiations, what comes next? Also, Tesla CEO Elon Musk backpedals on his public fallout with the president, stating that he regrets his previous social media posts. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The National Guard is patrolling the streets of Los Angeles as protests surge again, with California suing the Trump administration. This morning, unrest spreads across the nation. Plus, Health Secretary RFK Jr. dissolves the CDC's entire vaccine panel, raising concerns regarding his motivations and the consequences for public health. Also, three children went on a weekend trip but did not come back home. This morning, authorities launched a manhunt for their father in the Washington woods, where he is proving to be nearly impossible to catch. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, June 10, 2025.