The A.M. Update

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.

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

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