Hello Friends ~ Memorial Day is a very special holiday in our household. I first recorded this podcast in 2022 and it remains one of my favorites so I decided to repost it. I never knew these stories about the founding of Memorial Day until I started working to uncover this history for you (thank you for that opportunity). I find myself still moved to tears about how so many different people decided to do something very similar. It serves as a reminder of our common humanity and what matters most - our love for each other, our love of country and our deep gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We'll be back on Tuesday with our regular podcasts (barring any stories that need our attention as we support you and your families with quick, concise, nonpartisan news).

Sending love to you and your loved ones ~ and buy yourself some flowers! (listen and you'll understand).

Love, Jenna

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A quick update on several controversial new items including a proposed reality show for citizenship, a $400 million plane gift from Qatar to the Pentagon, new FDA recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and the latest on the "big, beautiful bill."  

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"This isn't the Hunger Games for immigrants" ... or is it?

We take a look at a reality show proposed to the Department of Homeland Security and the new data on America's borders.

Link to The Wall Street Journal: DHS Is Considering Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete For Citizenship

Watch to listen to our foundational interview on what it takes to become an American citizen.

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What is the story here? Maritime historian, mariner and host of the YouTube Channel: "What's Going On With Shipping", Sal Mercogliano, joins us to discuss what we should know, and what to watch for next.

Sal's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wgowshipping

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• Personal news - how to de-skunk a puppy.
• Expanding federal land for American outdoorsmen/women?
• The "fragile" spending bill on Capitol Hill.
• Walmart with a warning on tariffs, and the White House responds.
• The latest from Pres. Putin on his call with President Trump.
• Former President Biden announces his cancer diagnosis days before a new book released on his health while in office.
• The real meaning of Memorial Day.

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*On location in Philadelphia*

Plus ~ presidential gifts, from lions, to pearls, a famous desk and a shocking insurance policy, what you should know about past gifts to American presidents.

----

The Washington Post article on presidential gifts

Past presidents couldn’t keep gifts of lions or horses. How could Trump accept a jet from Qatar?

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Today, the Supreme Court takes up a case related to birthright citizenship and the power of the executive branch. With so many questions swirling about immigration, we take a moment to speak to someone who knows the immigration system from a unique perspective. The grandaughter of a holocaust survivor and the daughter of father escaping a dictatorship, immigration attorney Rachel Einbund provides insight for nearly all our top stories on immigration today.

Law office of attorney Rachel Einbund

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As questions swirl about possible direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, war correspondent Hollie McKay highlights a disputed area that both countries claim: Crimea. We find Crimea at the beginning of the story of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and now as potential key part of the end. What's going on and why it matters, with Hollie McKay.

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Could "The Rock" ever reopen?

President Trump says he wants to take a closer look at the prison, that "represents something strong when it comes to law and order." What should we know about one of America's most notorious prisons? Jolene Babyak grew up on Alcatraz and has become one of the nation's leading experts on the prison. She joins us with some insider perpsective on life on the island and what to consider about its future.

Jolene Babyak

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We kick-off the week with a LIVE press conference from President Trump on a new proposal by the administration to lower drug prices, news on tariffs/China, and a preview of a pivotal case sitting before the Supreme Court. Plus ~ important context to a now viral exchange between the Department of Homeland Security Secretary and Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) over the fate of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. 

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