Also, the Supreme Court is set to return in October. Our court reporter Sam Dorman tells us which cases to look out for—including the upcoming hearing on Trump’s firing of top government officials.

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Over in Utah, our political reporter Janice Hisle describes the show of compassion in the alleged suspect's Utah community, where neighbors are uniting in faith to support the Robinson family.

Related Reports:

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• In the Neighborhood of Kirk’s Alleged Assassin, Religious Faith Steadies Rattled Residents (Read)

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The following day, the trial for Ryan Wesley Routh began. Routh, who is representing himself, is charged with the Sept. 15, 2024, attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Jacob Burg describes Routh’s bizarre opening argument.

Sam Dorman ties the two events together with Justice Amy Coney Barrett's highly anticipated new book, "Listening to the Law," which calls for respect as political violence rocks the nation.

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• How the Assassination of Charlie Kirk Unfolded (Read)
• Ryan Routh, DOJ Offer Opening Arguments in Trump Assassination Attempt Trial (Read)
• Tragedy in Utah (Read)

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Nathan is joined by Sam Dorman to discuss the possible implications on free speech and political debate, and whether Kirk’s death could end up being a watershed moment in American politics.

Related Reports:

• Candlelight Vigil Honors Kirk in Orem (Read)
• Witness Recounts the Shot, Chaotic Aftermath (Read)

References:

• UnHerd Poll: Third of US students say violence is an acceptable response to speech (Read)

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• 6 Takeaways From Trump’s Meetings With Zelenskyy, European Leaders (Read)

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Politicians in the Trump administration and conservative thinkers gathered to debate some of the biggest issues in American politics—from foreign policy to same-sex marriage. 

Tune in as our hosts explain where opinion diverged and where the Trump base is finding common ground. 

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• Trump Admin Violated Law With Troop Deployment in LA, Judge Rules (Read)
• DHS Terminates 2021 Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans (Read)

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In other news, President Donald Trump suggested he will approve visas for 600,000 Chinese international students.

And, El Salvador native Kilmar Abrego Garcia will remain in the United States, at least until October. Courts correspondent Sam Dorman explains a Maryland judge’s ruling that blocked his deportation to Uganda.

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• Trump Says Chinese Students Are Welcome to Attend US Universities (Read)
• Back to School: What to Know About Cellphone Bans in K-12 (Read)
• Judge Dismisses Trump Admin Lawsuit Against Federal Court in Maryland (Read)

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Join us for a conversation about the future of substantive due process and whether the Supreme Court could revisit Obergefell v. Hodges, a landmark case that established same-sex marriage as a fundamental right in the U.S.

Related Reports:

• Supreme Court Could Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Ruling in Kim Davis Case, Lawyer Says (Read)

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Nathan Worcester reports from Atlanta with details on the RNC meeting.

Related Reports:

• RNC Elects Trump-Backed Joe Gruters as Chairman (Read)

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Courts expert Sam Dorman joins to discuss whether the Supreme Court could overturn a landmark decision on same-sex marriage.

Finally, the two discuss Trump's huge victory in avoiding a $500 million penalty in his New York civil fraud case.

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• Appeals Court Tosses Trump’s $500 million Civil Penalty in Business Fraud Case (Read)
• Supreme Court Could Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Ruling in Kim Davis Case, Lawyer Says (Read)

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The hosts also share their own encounters with altercations on the streets while living in D.C.

And while the Hill is in recess, Nathan Worcester has the latest on a key MAGA agenda item: curbing foreign influence, including from the Chinese Communist Party. 

Sen. Tom Cotton, who chairs the powerful U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has introduced an amendment to the upcoming big defense bill. It would address what he says is a loophole that lets foreign nationals access Department of Defense computer systems.

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• DC Locals Have Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Police Takeover (Read)
• Violent Crime, Homelessness, and Fentanyl in DC: What to Know (Read)
• Trump Proposes Sending Homeless ‘Far From the Capital’ as Part of Beautification Push (Read)

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Nathan Worcester and Epoch Times senior politics reporter John Haughey look at the 2026 midterms landscape and redistricting.

Courts expert Sam Dorman explains why IQ is at the centre of debate in a death penalty case taken up by the Supreme Court.

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• Trump’s Aug. 7 Tariffs Take Effect—Here’s What to Know (Read)
• Elections Forecaster Says Both Parties’ Midterms Prospects a Mixed Medley (Read)
• Supreme Court Rejects Inmate’s Request to Have His Pacemaker Turned Off Before Lethal Injection (Read)

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• Black Hawk Crew in Deadly Crash Had Wrong Altitude Data, Safety Board Reveals (Read)
• FAA Defends Reagan Airport’s Controller Staffing Levels on Night of Deadly Midair Collision (Read)
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Sam Dorman breaks down President Donald Trump’s tense confrontations with Obama-appointed Judge Boasberg over deportations.

We also touch on why Trump called Senator Josh Hawley 'second-tier' over a bipartisan bill to ban stock trading.

Related Reports:

• Senators Weigh Canceling August Recess to Confirm Trump Nominees (Read)
• Senate Panel Advances Congressional Stock Trading Ban, Prompting Trump Criticism (Read)
• DOJ Files Misconduct Complaint Against Judge Handling Key Deportations Case (Read)

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Nathan details some of the support from Democrats behind RFK Jr.'s push to ban prescription drug ads.

Sam updates us on the legal back and forth over a new law that would defund Planned Parenthood.

And finally, Jacob explains the debate over Texas possibly redistricting mid-cycle. The move was kicked off by President Donald Trump’s executive branch in hopes that Republicans can scoop a few Democratic congressional seats in the Lone Star State. Plus, a response from California's governor.

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• Sanders, King Introduce Legislation to Ban Prescription Drug Ads (Read)

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Follow Andrew as he explains how tariffs on Russian energy could affect American consumers, how U.S. tariffs may impact interest rates, and whether Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will complete his current term.

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Meanwhile, Epoch Times court correspondent Sam Dorman has updates on the latest block against Trump’s birthright citizenship policies, as well as another nuanced trial that is challenging the visa revocations of pro-Palestinian noncitizen student activists.

Finally, our Texas reporter Darlene Sanchez joins host Jacob Burg to share stories from the devastating floods in the Lone Star State.

Related Report:

• In the Darkest of Hours, a Life Is Saved From Raging Waters in Texas Hill Country (Read)

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There were a few records broken in the process, including one for the longest House speech by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Join Nathan and Jacob Burg as they dissect the effort it took to send the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

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Sam Dorman delves into the next arc of President Donald Trump’s policy on birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court provided some clarity on the legality of nationwide injunctions. 

Meanwhile, illegal immigration crackdowns have also affected U.S. farms, which are facing labor shortages during peak harvest season.

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• Supreme Court’s Decision on Nationwide Injunctions Leaves Open Potential Workarounds (Read)
• Florida AG: Hundreds of Illegal Immigrants Set to Arrive at Alligator Alcatraz (Read)
• What to Know About Alligator Alcatraz: The Deportation Center Surrounded by 30,000 Alligators (Read)

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Reports Covered:

• The Secret 15-Year Plan Behind US Strikes on Iran (Read) 
• Infographic: Inside the Secret Mission That Took Down Iran’s Nuclear Plants (Read)

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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday has issued its remaining major decisions, leaving some celebration for the Trump administration, and a lot of questions.

Join Nathan Worcester and Sam Dorman as they explain the latest in congress and courts.

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• Senate Parliamentarian Rules Out Gun Silencer, School Choice Provisions From Megabill (Read)
• Trump Touts Tax Cuts, Immigration Measures in Megabill as Senate GOP Races to Advance Package (Read)

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Nathan explains the key issues that are dividing Republicans and MAGA supporters over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and U.S. involvement. 

Jacob zooms out and examines the previous policies that have fueled the conflict.

Over at the Supreme Court, Sam goes through this week’s major ruling on transgender procedures and its potential implications for lower courts.

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• 5 Takeaways From Supreme Court’s Decision That Allows Ban on Gender Procedures for Minors (Read)

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Nathan reports from Capitol Hill on the status of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Sam examines President Donald Trump’s use of state resources and the latest whirlwind at the courts where a federal appeals court has restored Trump’s control of the California National Guard. This came just hours after another judge ordered the administration to return control of the guardsmen to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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• LA FBI Arrests Man for Supplying ‘Suspected Rioters’ With Face Shields (Read)
• Appeals Court Restores Trump’s Control of California National Guard (Read)

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Over at the judiciary branch, the Supreme Court is approaching the end of its term in June. This is the time when the court is expected to release its more controversial decisions. Sam Dorman looks at the outstanding cases and their potential implications for the nation.

Jacob Burg reports on the Trump administration’s efforts to address illegal immigration on the streets of cities from one coast to another.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russia have sparked the topic of airspace vulnerabilities in the United States. Epoch Times national security correspondent Andrew Thornebrooke breaks down how cheap, commercially available drones are changing the landscape of modern warfare.

Reports Covered:

• Trump, Musk Trade Barbs Amid Break Over Policy Bill (Read)
• Big Beautiful Bill Provisions That Could Be Stripped Out in the Senate (Read)
• Top 9 Supreme Court Decisions to Watch For in June (Read)
• 5 Takeaways From the Fallout After Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Russia (Read)
• Ukraine Strikes on Russian Air Base Show How Drones Have Changed Modern Warfare (Read)
• US-China Breakup: It’s Getting Personal | China Watch (Listen)

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Sam Dorman delves into the Court of International Trade and its latest order to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Jacob Burg explores who Goliath is in the ongoing Harvard v. Trump battles.

Reports Covered:

• FBI Deputy Director Bongino Says Bureau Looking at Several Cases Involving ‘Potential Public Corruption’ (Read)
• FBI Leaders Say Video Shows Jeffrey Epstein Died by Suicide, Will Release Footage (Read)
• Federal Trade Court Blocks Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs (Read)
• Judge Extends Block on Trump Admin’s Bid to Bar Foreign Students at Harvard (Read)

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Jacob recaps the ongoing trade deals and tariffs, and how stores such as Target, Walmart and Best Buy are affected.

Sam looks at the challenges facing President Donal Trump as he tries  to fire certain top bureaucrats within his administration—and what this could mean for presidential power.

Reports Covered:

• What’s in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’? (Read)
• House Passes Trump Agenda Bill in Early Morning Vote (Read)
• Supreme Court Allows Trump to Remove Protected Status for Venezuelans (Read)
• Trump Firings Could Prompt Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Power (Read)

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Jacob looks at a growing national concern over air travel and the political battle amid the recent Newark Liberty International Airport incident in New Jersey, where the control tower lost contact with pilots three times.

Nathan has latest developments on Republicans’ use of budget reconciliation to advance President Donald Trump’s megabill, which would advance agenda items on border, energy, and more, while raising the debt limit by $4 trillion.

Reports Covered:

• 5 Takeaways From Supreme Court Hearing on Nationwide Injunctions, Birthright Citizenship (Read)
• Why ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Stalled, and What’s Next (Read)
• FAA to Continue Discussions With Airlines on Reducing Newark Flights (Read)

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Meanwhile, Nathan Worcester asked Greenlanders about their take on independence and the economy. There is a sharp difference in opinion between the older and younger generations.

Jacob Burg explores a quieter corner of the government—the National Archives—where a new centralized hub features thousands of publicly available UFO documents.

Finally, Epoch Times reporter Stacy Robinson examines the politics and policies of the newly elected American Pope Leo XIV.  

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• Trump: Military Annexation of Canada ‘Highly Unlikely,’ but Not Ruled Out for Greenland (Read)

Extra Resources:

• 2 Nuclear-Armed Nations Inch Toward War (Listen)
• Why Is the Trump Admin Restricting Gain-of-Function Research? (Listen)

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Jacob takes us through the highlights, including some of the lesser-known executive orders. 

Nathan bumped into the “DOGE kids.” But he can’t talk about them, so he’ll tell us where the largest DOGE-recommended cuts have been so far.

Sam examines how the administration is seeking to hold state and local officials accountable for not cooperating with federal authorities.

The discussion takes us to the first 100 days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which offers an interesting take on the current president.

Reports Covered:

• Trump’s First 100 Days: A Rapid and Consequential Start (Read)
• Federal Government Sues Rochester Over ‘Sanctuary’ City Policies (Read)
• Trump Signs Order Targeting Sanctuary Cities (Read)

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Reports Covered:

• Has There Been an Increase in Plane Crashes? Here’s What the Data Show (Read)
• Google Violated Antitrust Law With Ad Tech Business, Court Rules (Read)
• Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Opening of Meta Antitrust Trial (Read)
• Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Funding Freeze (Read)

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Thumbnail Credit: REUTERS/Faith Ninivaggi/File Photo

• Health Secretary Says Environmental Factors, Not Genetics, Behind Spike in Autism (Read)
• Appeals Court Denies Trump Admin’s Request to Intervene in Case of Man Deported to El Salvador (Read)
• From the archive: RFK Jr. Takes on Trump and Biden Over Four ‘Existential’ Issues (Listen)
• FBI: Wisconsin Teen Allegedly Killed Parents as Part of Plot to Assassinate Trump, Overthrow Government (Read)

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• On Wednesday night, House Republicans were supposed to agree to a Senate amendment to a budget resolution. That’s a key early step toward budget reconciliation, which would let the Senate pass a budget without 60 votes. They were supposed to pass a blueprint for President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” something he sees as critical to advancing his agenda on the border, tax cuts, and more.

• Meanwhile, The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. The government says the deportation of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who resided in Maryland, was an “administrative error.” But the administration also alleges that the man is part of the gang MS-13.

• A group of 77 lawmakers sent a letter to Trump on Wednesday, demanding that Musk leave his role in the administration by May 30. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded on Wednesday saying, Musk would depart from his role when “his incredible work at DOGE is complete.”

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Thumbnail: Elon Musk looks on during a Cabinet meeting hosted by President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on March 24, 2025. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

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