This episode of The Morning Rundown covers rising tensions in the Middle East, the growing power of AI and big tech, and how media handles celebrity scandals and political narratives. Maya and David move from Iran’s strikes on Israel and Gulf neighbors and pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, to Google’s Gemma 4 launch and AI regulation, and finally to DOJ claims around Gucci Mane and a new wave of coverage of Tiger Woods.

Listeners will gain context on how military conflict, energy chokepoints, and digital platforms intersect, why “open” AI models and licensing matter for developers and free expression, and how to stay critical of media framing in high-profile celebrity and political stories.

Listen in if you want grounded analysis on foreign policy, AI, and pop culture without letting headlines and hype set your worldview for you.