The A.M. Update

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Army Smashes 2025 Recruiting Goal | College Sports Pay Athletes | L.A. Riots Reaction Illustrates Polarize Nation | 6/15/25 Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

Aaron McIntire highlights the U.S. Army's stunning success in meeting its 2025 recruiting goal of 61,000 soldiers four months early, a turnaround from 2022-2023 shortfalls. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth credits a morale shift under President Trump's "America First" leadership, emphasizing war-fighting over "politically correct garbage," boosting enthusiasm across all military branches. McIntire reflects on a heartfelt Iowa National Guard send-off ceremony, noting the sacrifices of "salt of the earth" Americans, but questions U.S. Middle East involvement. A federal judge approves the House settlement, allowing colleges to pay athletes up to $20.5 million annually, ending the amateur model and sparking debate over walk-on athletes and stability in college sports. McIntire criticizes the NCAA's greed-driven history, doubting the settlement will stabilize athletics. In Los Angeles, immigration riots reveal deep polarization: Vice President J.D. Vance questions if foreign nationals assaulting police constitute an "invasion," while 40% of L.A. residents are foreign-born. Governor Gavin Newsom calls deploying Marines "deranged," and the LAPD labels violent protests "peaceful." McIntire argues this reflects irreconcilable ideological divides. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference unveils "Liquid Glass," a new iOS 26 interface, but McIntire slams it as a superficial "coat of paint" from a stagnant tech giant lagging in AI. A poll on planned June 14 protests predicts "America on Fire" (33.1%), with headlines likely to frame Trump as tyrannical, ignoring reality. A mix of patriotism, cultural shifts, and societal fractures. U.S. Army recruiting, Pete Hegseth, Trump administration, Middle East deployment, college sports, House settlement, NCAA, Los Angeles riots, J.D. Vance, Gavin Newsom, LAPD, polarization, Apple, Liquid Glass, AI innovation, protest poll

Paws, Dolls, and Taken IRL | No Suck Saturday #046 Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

Five heartwarming stories kick off the weekend. A California father, Bryce Weiner, channels Taken to rescue his kidnapped 14-year-old daughter from human traffickers in Mexico after a three-year, 5,000-mile quest, reuniting at the U.S. embassy. Amy, a former pediatric oncology social worker, founds A Doll Like Me, crafting custom dolls for children with disabilities, funded by donations to affirm their uniqueness. A neighbor surprises another with smoked sausages, sharing 100 pounds of meat in a wholesome gesture. Dirty Paws Agape Haven in Michigan, run by cardiologist Tom Pappas, provides a sanctuary for over 20 senior dogs, ensuring their final years are filled with love. A woman's viral TikTok reveals her eclectic accent, shaped by Indian, Arabic, Lebanese, Nigerian, and American influences, learned via YouTube and Eminem. The duo dives into C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, Book 3, discussing social morality and the church's role in applying Christian principles through laypeople, not clergy. Highlights include Ben's McDonald's adventure and Bella's love for Sicario. The question of the week explores impactful books: Bella cites Perks of Being a Wallflower, while Aaron picks Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology.

Israel STRIKES: Could This Be the Big One? Padilla Is Down With the Struggle | 6/13/25 Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Aaron McIntire reports Israel's unilateral strikes on Iran's nuclear missile sites, military headquarters, and officials, escalating tensions without public U.S. backing, despite President Trump's push for a diplomatic nuclear deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarifies the U.S. is not involved but was informed by Israel, emphasizing protection of American forces. McIntire warns this could dwarf the Israel-Hamas conflict. Trump has dueling messages on immigration, but says he's still vowing the largest mass deportation in history, protecting ICE and Border Patrol. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is tackled by Secret Service at a DHS press conference in Los Angeles after lunging at the podium to question Secretary Kristi Noem, later meeting to clarify the incident. The House narrowly passes Trump's $9.4 billion DOGE cuts, slashing foreign aid and public broadcasting funds. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shuts down Rep. Sarah Jacobs' (D-CA) culture war jab, citing mental health concerns with gender dysphoria in military readiness. McIntire fields listener questions on Los Angeles riots as law enforcement, congressional grandstanding, and Truth Social's role as Trump's megaphone. Israel Iran strikes, nuclear sites, Trump administration, Marco Rubio, immigration policy, mass deportation, Alex Padilla, Kristi Noem, DOGE cuts, Pete Hegseth, gender dysphoria, Los Angeles riots, Truth Social, Josh Hawley, minimum wage

Is Something About to GO DOWN In the Middle East? | RFK Jr. Makes a Splash With New CDC Board | 6/12/25 Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

On The A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire reports President Trump's growing pessimism about securing a nuclear deal with Iran, expressing doubts to the New York Post about stopping Iran's uranium enrichment, amid news of a U.S. personnel drawdown in the Middle East. The State Department ordered non-essential staff and families to leave the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and offered voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait, signaling potential escalation risks with Iran. Trump announces a trade deal with China on Truth Social, securing magnets and rare earths with 55% tariffs, while China faces 10%, though details remain unclear. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns Congress that failing to pass the "Big Beautiful Bill" would trigger a "cataclysmic" tax hike, crippling businesses and families. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reports 330 illegal immigrants arrested in Los Angeles riots since June 6, with 113 having prior convictions, and questions who funds their professional riot gear. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson compares protests to a Confederate victory, drawing criticism. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. explains firing the CDC's vaccine advisory board due to conflicts of interest and untested vaccines, naming new members like Robert Malone. McIntire reflects on Brian Wilson's death at 82, noting the irony of California's musical icon passing as Los Angeles burns. A poll predicts Sunday headlines may read "America on Fire" after planned "No Kings" protests. A sharp take on a tense global and domestic landscape.

Iran nuclear deal, Trump administration, Middle East drawdown, China trade deal, tariffs, Los Angeles riots, ICE arrests, Big Beautiful Bill, Scott Bessent, RFK Jr., CDC vaccine advisory board, Michael Tait, Brian Wilson, Beach Boys, No Kings protests, Chicago protests, Brandon Johnson

Trump Hints at Insurrection Act, Newsom's Lawsuit Fails | CA Dems Threaten More Riots | 6/11/25 Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

The A.M. Update reports on the latest in Los Angeles, where a federal judge rejected California Governor Gavin Newsom's bid for an immediate restraining order against President Trump's deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to curb riots sparked by ICE raids. Trump hints at invoking the Insurrection Act, citing violent protesters throwing concrete at police and soldiers. Democratic Representative Norma Torres and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass demand an end to ICE raids, not troops, claiming the raids fuel chaos. Representative Maxine Waters denies violence occurred, despite evidence of assaults on officers. The FBI places Compton resident Elpidio Reyna on its Most Wanted list for attacking federal vehicles. ICE announces its largest workplace raid, arresting over 100 illegal immigrants in Nebraska. Walmart heiress Christy Walton funds "No Kings" protests set for June 14, coinciding with Trump's military parade. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends the troop deployment and announces the restoration of historic Army fort names at Fort Bragg's 250th Army birthday celebration. Senator Josh Hawley proposes a $15 minimum wage bill, and Simone Biles apologizes for criticizing Riley Gaines over trans athlete issues. Victor Davis Hanson delivers a scathing critique of California's leadership, questioning their stance on illegal immigration and violence. Finally, McIntire calls Apple the "fat Elvis" of tech for its lackluster "Liquid Glass" interface at WWDC. Los Angeles riots, Trump administration, Gavin Newsom, lawsuit, National Guard, Marines, ICE raids, Insurrection Act, Norma Torres, Karen Bass, Maxine Waters, Elpedio Reyna, FBI Most Wanted, No Kings protests, Christy Walton, Pete Hegseth, Army 250th birthday, fort renaming, Josh Hawley, minimum wage, Simone Biles, Riley Gaines, Victor Davis Hanson, Apple WWDC, Liquid Glass

Send In the MARINES | Newsom Sues Trump | Thunberg's New Starring Role | 6/10/25 Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

The A.M. Update dives into the escalating Los Angeles riots, where 700 Marines join 2,000 National Guard troops to quell unrest sparked by ICE raids. President Trump accuses California Governor Gavin Newsom of criminal mismanagement, while Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta sue Trump, alleging his National Guard federalization violates the 10th Amendment. Trump claims protesters are "professional agitators" and "insurrectionists," not just illegal immigrants. An illegal immigrant protester, interviewed by Willie Nelson, advocates for "real socialism" modeled on the Soviet Union's first four years. Senator Alex Padilla defends the "passionate" protesters, and Representative Maxine Waters denies violence occurred. Border Czar Tom Homan pushes for the Big Beautiful Bill to fund ICE and address 600,000 criminal illegal aliens. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. dismisses the CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee, Greta Thunberg is detained by Israel for supporting Hamas, and another Chinese scientist is caught smuggling biological materials.

Los Angeles riots, Marines deployment, National Guard, Trump administration, Gavin Newsom, Rob Bonta, lawsuit, ICE raids, professional agitators, illegal immigrants, socialism, Alex Padilla, Maxine Waters, Tom Homan, Big Beautiful Bill, RFK Jr., CDC vaccines, Greta Thunberg, Hamas, Chinese smuggling, U.S. Army recruitment, Middle East deployment, Pete Hegseth, Barack Obama

L.A. Riots Erupt Over ICE Raids | Abrego Garcia Indicted | College Sports Shakeup | 6/9/25 Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Aaron McIntire covers the chaotic Los Angeles protests against ICE immigration raids, with 2,000 National Guard troops deployed under President Trump's orders to quell violence in Paramount and Compton, where cars burned and protesters clashed with federal agents. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass slam the move as "inflammatory," while Border Czar Tom Homan defends it, accusing Newsom of enabling lawlessness with sanctuary policies. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously deported to El Salvador, faces a federal indictment in Tennessee for smuggling thousands of illegal immigrants, including MS-13 members. A federal judge approves a landmark NCAA settlement, allowing schools to pay athletes up to $20.5 million annually, reshaping college sports. Plus, Trump addresses his feud with Elon Musk over the budget bill, and FBI Director Kash Patel reveals a swatting incident. Los Angeles riots, National Guard, ICE raids, Trump administration, Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass, Tom Homan, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, MS-13, immigration enforcement, NCAA settlement, college athletics, Elon Musk, Kash Patel, swatting, deficit spending, sanctuary cities

Week in Review: Another Side to the Palantir Story | The Last Word (For Now) On Dems and Young Men | 6/8/25 Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

Aaron McIntire recaps the week's biggest stories, including Lucy Guo, a 30-year-old college dropout, surpassing Taylor Swift as the world's youngest self-made female billionaire with a $1.3 billion net worth from her Scale AI stake, co-founded with Alexandr Wang and backed by Peter Thiel. Concerns mount over Palantir Technologies' alleged contract with the Trump administration to build a centralized database on Americans, countered by ex-employee Wendy Anderson's defense of its data integration tools. Tim Walz and Nate Silver analyze young men's shift toward conservatism, with polls showing conservatives dominate among those with strong mental health. Plus, Stephen Miller slams Democrats' "unsellable ideology," and fears grow over Chinese-owned properties near U.S. military bases. Lucy Guo, Taylor Swift, Scale AI, Palantir Technologies, Peter Thiel, Alexandr Wang, Wendy Anderson, Trump administration, centralized database, Tim Walz, Nate Silver, young men voters, conservatism, Stephen Miller, Chinese investments, military bases, national security

ASK IZZY: Fitness Myths and Overlooked Fundamentals | No Suck Saturday #045 Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

Aaron and Bella McIntire deliver a feel-good No Suck Saturday, spotlighting some of the insane factoids about the Mission: Impossible franchise. A Georgia high school grad, Mykale Baker, who survived childhood cancer, goes viral for working his Burger King shift post-graduation, raising $180,000 via GoFundMe for college. A new at-home HPV test, Teal, revolutionizes cervical cancer screening. Ask Izzy tackles fitness myths, protein powder picks like Naked Whey and Ancient Nutrition, and recovery tips for achy workouts. Plus, Bella's nostalgic Jersey Shore rewatch with her sister brings light to heavy times. Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise, Burj Khalifa, Michael Baker, GoFundMe, cancer survivor, Teal HPV test, cervical cancer, Ask Izzy, fitness trends, protein powder, Naked Whey, Ancient Nutrition, Jersey Shore, Bella, Aaron McIntire, positive stories

Musk vs. Trump Chernobyls | ICE Record Arrests | AOTMA | 6/6/25 Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Aaron McIntire dives into the explosive feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump over the budget reconciliation bill, with Musk slamming its deficit spending and Trump alleging Musk's opposition stems from electric vehicle subsidy cuts. Trump unveils a travel ban targeting 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, to curb jihadist threats. ICE sets back-to-back daily arrest records, with 2,368 apprehensions of illegal immigrants, fueled by workplace enforcement and collateral captures. Plus, the Supreme Court revives an Ohio woman's reverse discrimination lawsuit, and Michigan's Rep. James DeSana pushes to impeach Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for election law violations. The A.M. Update delivers hard-hitting insights on these critical developments. Elon Musk, Donald Trump, budget reconciliation bill, travel ban, ICE arrests, Supreme Court, reverse discrimination, James DeSana, Jocelyn Benson, deficit spending, immigration enforcement, Michigan impeachment, national security, electric vehicle subsidies

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