IN THE CLOSE UP:  The National Weather Service confirms a large and destructive tornado touched down in Jefferson City, Missouri just before midnight Wednesday.   Officials in Oklahoma are going through neighborhoods near a dam encouraging residents to evacuate as violent storms rip through the area.  John Walker Lindh, the man known as the American Taliban, is being released from federal prison today. He was sentenced to serve 20 years for aiding the Taliban but is being released under strict restrictions three years early.  Michael discusses retirement saving with personal finance expert Jean Chatzky and talks to Capitol Hill correspondent Linda Kenyon about the Democrats chances for winning a Senate majority.

In the Close Up: The Secretary of Defense and other administration officials briefed members of Congress behind closed doors regarding the heightened tensions with Iran.   President Trump sent an aircraft carrier group and bombers to the region amid report Tehran is urging attacks on American targets. California is suing the Trump administration again. This time to keep the president from cancelling nearly $1 billion for the state's high-speed rail project.  Kevin Carr tells us about a fan petition lobbying HBO to re-do the final season of Game of Thrones. And are we being overly surveilled? First Light listeners have some things to say about that.

In the Close Up:  A controversial  law that bans abortions as early as six weeks heads to Federal Court Tuesday.  This as dozens of abortion rights advocacy groups are taking to the streets nation-wide.  House and Senate leaders meet with White House officials today as they hope to get a head start on some weighty budget issues.  Kevin Carr has a look at the new film “Trial By Fire”.  First Light callers weigh in on a proposed banning of tobacco sales to Americans under the age of 21.

In the Close Up: A rocket fired into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, where the American embassy is, has set off a fresh round of tensions between the U-S, Iran and Saudi Arabia.  Dozens of abortions rights advocates are preparing a national protest Tuesday.  This coming after recently passed state bills that ban most abortions. Kevin Carr on the end of “The Big Bang Theory” and “Game of Thrones”. And Michael talks with author Robert Matzen on his latest book: “Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight For Europe.

In the Close Up: President Trump has announced a broad plan to reform border security and legal immigration calling for changes that would favor young educated immigrants instead of those with family ties to the United States.  Are we headed towards war? Congress is consumed with concern over what appears to be a ramped up war posture in the Middle East.  Kevin Carr reviews the new film “John Wick 3” and talks to Michael about the latest round of TV shows that were cancelled.

In the Close Up: President Trump is scheduled to roll out  a new immigration proposal that focuses on beefing up border security and rethinking the green card system.   Investigators seized documents Wednesday from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. Police say the church is not being transparent in a child sex abuse investigation.  Kevin Carr looks at some home video releases.  And what do First Light listeners think about the current trend of restrictive abortion laws being passed?  We open the phones.

In the Close Up: The stock market had it's worst day since the beginning  of the year.  Investors are not reacting well at all for the back and  forth on tariffs between the US and China and the unresolved trade talks. The nation mourns our fallen heroes. Monday night the sky in the nation's capital was lit up by candles as the names of the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty were spoken.  Jim Roope remembers Doris Day who died Monday at the age of 97. And we ask listeners what they think about Facebook banning some notable figures for what they say is hate speech.

In the Close Up: Saudi Arabia claims two of its oil tankers were among the vessels targeted in an alleged "sabotage attack" Sunday.  With no talks scheduled, the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China could go on for some time. And a key White House adviser says American consumers may feel the effects perhaps more than Chinese consumers. How do First Light listeners feel about it? Listeners call in with their opinions.

In the Close Up today: As President Trump threatened,  the U.S has put tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods. NASA was given orders by the Trump administration to speed up the timeline for getting man back to the moon. Yesterday,  Amazon founder Jeff Bezos unveiled the vehicle that he hopes will take astronauts there. Kevin Carr reviews the new Diane Keaton film “Poms”.  And Evan Haning takes a look back at the history of Mother’s Day and Michael takes calls from listeners.

In the Close Up: The Senate intelligence committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump Jr.,  calling him in to answer questions about his 2017 testimony to the panel as part of its probe into Russian election interference.   Some drivers who work for Uber and Lyft went on strike and held protests in cities around the world on Wednesday.  As Uber prepares for its stock IPO on Friday, the drivers say they are being exploited so that investors can profit. Kevin Carr reviews the new film “Pikachu Detective” And in the second half Michael talks about the heroes that emerged during the recent school shootings.