The R&R Daily Brief: June 16, 2025
Yesterday's News in Five Minutes or Less Because Even We Can't Talk About Everything
Hey friends!
We hope you had a great weekend and caught up on all the major stories breaking across the nation. Before we dive into today's headlines, we want to remind you that we published a special UnFiltered Episode on Saturday with friend of the podcast Amanda Peterson where we dig into the Israel Iran conflict.
UnFiltered 11 | Guest Amanda Peterson - Israel vs Iran: The 48 Hours That Reshaped the Middle East
The Middle East is officially on fire, and we're breaking down the most impressive military operation in modern history. While the No Kings protesters are getting ready to storm the streets, Israel just pulled off Operation Rising Lion — a strike so precise and devastating that it's left Iran scrambling and the entire regional power structure in shambles.
Episode Highlight
Operation Rising Lion Breakdown - Israel flew 100 fighter jets through multiple countries' airspace and completely dominated Iranian military capabilities without a single pushback
Nuclear Weapons Reality Check - Iran has been at a "six months to breakout" status for years, but they finally have all the IKEA parts — they just haven't assembled the bomb yet
The Pager Incident Connection - How Israel's telecommunications deception that took out Hezbollah's entire command structure was just the warm-up act for this masterpiece
Trump's Negotiation Theater - Why the 60-day deadline and public isolationist posturing was actually genius psychological warfare to lull Iran into complacency
Regional Power Vacuum - With Iran's proxy network decimated and military capabilities crippled, the entire Middle East power structure just got reshuffled overnight
Reminder that UnFiltered episodes are a monthly bonus episode exclusive for our paying supporters, though we've made a 15-minute preview available for free subscribers.
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June 16, 202
TOP STORY
Israeli-Iranian Conflict Escalates Into Fourth Day as Death Toll Mounts
The deadly conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fourth day, with both sides firing new waves of missiles overnight amid international pleas for diplomacy and de-escalation. Iran's early Monday strikes have hit an Israeli oil refinery and damaged part of the power grid. Iranian missiles struck Israel's Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn, destroying homes and fuelling concerns among world leaders at this week's G7 meeting that the confrontation could lead to a broader regional conflict.
Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said in a social media post on Sunday that there have been 224 people killed in Israeli strikes in Iran. He said they were among 1,481 people who were hospitalized. Nine top nuclear scientists and four military Iranian generals are among those killed in the strikes. Israeli officials report over a dozen people killed in Israel, including children.
President Trump continues to push for negotiations, stating "I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal," while warning Iran against targeting American forces. Trump has lauded Israel's offensive while denying Iranian allegations that the U.S. has taken part. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he said in a message on the Truth Social platform.
Further Reading:
Right: LIVE UPDATES: Netanyahu Says Tehran Will ‘Pay A Very Heavy Price’ As More Missiles Strike Israel - Daily Wire
Center: Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel warns of tough response - Reuters
Left: LIVE: Iran launches more attacks on Israel; 8 killed and dozens wounded - Al Jazeera
POLITICS
Minnesota Lawmaker Assassination Suspect Captured After Nationwide Manhunt
Authorities arrested and charged 57-year-old Vance Boelter on Sunday night after he allegedly shot and killed House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband in their Brooklyn Park home and shot and seriously injured state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in their home in Champlin. The attack has been characterized by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a "politically motivated assassination."
Vance Luther Boelter, the 57-year-old that authorities have identified as the suspected gunman wanted for allegedly shooting and killing a state representative and shooting and wounding a state senator in a targeted act of violence, allegedly had dozens of Minnesota Democrats on a target list. Those on the list included Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and state Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer during the attacks, wearing tactical gear and using a vehicle equipped to look like a police car. A source close to the governor's office tells WCCO Walz spoke with Vice President Vance on Saturday about the shootings. "The governor expressed appreciation for the ongoing coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota public safety officials," the source said.
Further Reading:
Right: Minnesota Takes a Dark Turn from Budget Drama to Assassination - National Review
Center: Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife wounded in politically motivated shootings - CBS Minnesota
Left: Manhunt underway for suspect in shooting that killed a Minnesota lawmaker - The Washington Post
Left: Minnesota assassination suspect Vance Boelter allegedly had dozens of Democrats on a list - ABC News
"No Kings" Protests Turn Violent Across Multiple Cities
While President Trump celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington D.C., "No Kings" protests erupted in violence across several major cities. A mob launched fireworks, smoke grenades and threw rocks at federal law enforcement, as they broke glass and forcibly entered the ICE facility, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. Four officers were injured during the attack.
Mayor Keith Wilson issued a statement Sunday addressing massive "No Kings" anti-Trump demonstrations and a riot at a federal immigration facility that resulted in three arrests, providing detailed accounts of both peaceful protests and criminal activity. The Portland demonstration started peacefully with tens of thousands participating before a smaller group devolved into violence at the ICE facility.
Similar violence occurred in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City (including a shooting), and Culpeper, Virginia, where a driver accelerated into a crowd of protesters. The contrast was stark as Trump's patriotic celebration featured military vehicles, marching troops, and a presidential address honoring American heroes.
Further Reading:
Right: Multiple police officers injured in violent Portland riot at ICE facility - Fox News
Right: Rioters storm ICE facility in Portland with incendiary devices, injuring officers - Just the News
Center: 3 arrests made after police declare riot at Portland ICE facility - KGW
Center: Police declare riot at Portland ICE facility, multiple arrests made - OPB
IMMIGRATION
House Republicans Vote to Cut $9.4 Billion in Foreign Aid and NPR Funding
In a narrow 214 to 212 vote, House Republicans passed a rescissions package that would cancel $8.3 billion in previously approved foreign aid and $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The bill represents an attempt to codify recommendations made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Speaker Mike Johnson called the vote "a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government." The legislation reflects the Republican commitment to reducing wasteful government spending and prioritizing American taxpayers over international obligations and public broadcasting that many conservatives view as partisan.
Further Reading:
Right: House passes bill to claw back $9.4B in federal spending, codify cuts to PBS and NPR - NYPost
Center: House GOP approves first batch of DOGE cuts - The Hill
Left: House approves Trump's request to cut funding for NPR, PBS, foreign aid - Associated Press
Left: House votes to kill U.S. funding for NPR and PBS - NPR
Illegal Immigrant MS-13 Member Pleads Not Guilty to Trafficking Charges
Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, who entered the United States illegally in 2012 and was previously deported under President Trump's immigration policies, pleaded not guilty to federal charges of human trafficking and conspiracy in Tennessee. Federal prosecutors describe Garcia as a serious flight risk and accuse him of working with MS-13, one of the world's most violent transnational gangs.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat border crossers and the challenges of enforcing immigration law against violent gang members who continue to re-enter the country illegally.
Further Reading:
Right: Returned Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia arraigned on federal human trafficking charges - Fox News
Center: Kilmar Abrego Garcia Charged With Human Trafficking: Read the Indictment - Newsweek
Left: What we know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador - NBC News
LEGAL
Appeals Court Keeps California National Guard Under Trump Control
A federal appeals court stayed a lower court's decision that ruled President Trump acted illegally when he seized control of California's National Guard during violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The Trump administration maintains the president lawfully deployed the Guard to protect federal buildings and personnel as state leaders failed to control escalating violence.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Democrats had praised the initial ruling as a check on what they called Trump's abuse of power, but their victory was short-lived as the appeals court intervened to keep the Guard in place while considering the administration's appeal.
Further Reading:
Right: Appeal Court on Judge's Anti-Trump Ruling on National Guard: What the Hell Is Even This? - Town Hall
Center: Trump can keep National Guard deployed to Los Angeles for now, appeals court rules - Reuters
Left: Appeals court says Trump can keep California National Guard deployed for now - The Washington Post
Second Circuit Declines to Rehear Trump's E. Jean Carroll Case
A majority of judges on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals declined to rehear Trump's challenge of the E. Jean Carroll case. In December, a three-judge panel upheld a 2023 verdict that found the president civilly liable for sexual assault and defamation, ordering him to pay $5 million in damages.
The president has denied the allegations and pursued all legal options to overturn the verdict. With the Second Circuit declining to rehear the case, his only remaining option is to appeal to the Supreme Court, which his legal team has indicated they intend to do.
Further Reading:
Right: NY appellate court rejects Trump's appeal in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case - Fox News
Center: US appeals court won't reconsider Trump's $5 million loss to E. Jean Carroll - Reuters
Left: Appeals court won't rehear Trump's appeal of E. Jean Carroll defamation, sexual abuse case - CBS News
ECONOMY
Consumer Sentiment Rebounds as Trump Trade Deals Show Results
America is feeling more optimistic about the economy as consumer sentiment improved for the first time in six months, according to a recent CNBC survey. The positive trend comes as President Trump has successfully negotiated new trade deals, including agreements with China that are helping to stabilize markets and reduce concerns over tariffs and inflation.
The economic optimism represents a significant shift from earlier concerns about trade policy and suggests that Trump's negotiation strategy is delivering results for American consumers and businesses.
Further Reading:
Right: Consumer sentiment reading rebounds to much higher level than expected as people get over tariff shock - CNBC
Center: Consumer sentiment jumps after U.S.-China trade truce - Axios
Left: US consumer confidence rebounds after five straight months of declines amid tariff anxiety - Associated Press
Trump Eyes Cabinet Member to Replace Fed Chair Powell
President Trump is reportedly considering a member of his cabinet to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends in May 2026. Trump has been highly critical of Powell's monetary policy and has repeatedly clashed with him over interest rates, arguing that current rates are too high and significantly increase payments on the national debt.
"If we would lower the interest rates by one point, we'd pay about one point less. That's $300 billion a year. But we can't get this guy to do it," Trump stated. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant is reportedly being considered for the role.
Further Reading:
Right: Powell's Fed chair term ends 2026, Trump already seeking replacement: report - Fox Business
Center: Trump amps up feud with Fed over rates, accuses Powell of 'playing politics' - Reuters
Right: Treasury Secretary Bessent Emerges as Possible Contender for Next Fed Chair - Bloomberg
TECHNOLOGY
House Introduces Bill to Counter China's AI Data Theft
The House introduced new legislation aimed at helping the United States stay ahead of China in artificial intelligence development. According to Representative Darren LaHood, China has been systematically stealing data from U.S. AI models to develop their own AI tools.
LaHood warned that while the U.S. remains ahead of China in the AI race, the margin is not substantial. The bill seeks to protect American AI assets and promote the technology currently developed in the country. "Whoever wins this race in the future, it's going to be critical to future warfare capabilities, to obviously cybersecurity. And then whoever wins the AI competition is going to yield really unwavering economic influence in the future," LaHood explained.
Further Reading:
Right: House bipartisan bill directs NSA to create 'AI security playbook' amid Chinese tech race - Fox News
Right: Defending American AI: Moolenaar, Bipartisan Group Introduce Advanced AI Security Readiness Act - House Select Committee on China
Center: U.S. lawmakers introduce bill to address AI chip smuggling - Reuters
Left: House bill would task NSA with developing AI security playbook to counter China - Nextgov/FCW
That's all for today's morning update. Stay informed and have a great Monday!
We would love to hear from you! What story this week surprised you the most? And what are your weekend plans? Drop a comment or send us a message to let us know.