The R&R Daily Brief: June 17, 2025
Yesterday's News in Five Minutes or Less Because Even We Can't Talk About Everything
Hey friends!
Welcome to your Tuesday morning briefing! We hope you enjoyed our UnFiltered Episode published this past Saturday featuring friend of the podcast Amanda Peterson where we dig into the Israel Iran conflict. This episode is available as an UnFiltered exclusive for paying supporters, with a 15-minute preview available for free subscribers.
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.
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Let’s get into the news!
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June 17, 202
TOP STORY
Israel Strikes Iranian State TV During Live Broadcast as Fourth Day of Conflict Continues
The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated into its most intense phase yet, with both sides exchanging deadly strikes that have now killed over 200 Iranians and 24 Israelis. In stunning live footage, an Israeli airstrike hit Iran's state TV headquarters during a broadcast, sending debris flying and setting the building ablaze. "Faza yi qbar aludeh, istidiyo..." the newscaster was heard saying before running from her desk as the studio plunged into darkness.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel has achieved "full air supremacy" over Tehran's airspace and claimed the strikes have set back Iran's nuclear program by a "very long time." The Israeli military reports destroying 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers - constituting 30% of Iran's total missile arsenal - while maintaining complete control of Iranian airspace.
Iran has responded with nearly 400 missiles and drones, though Israeli air defenses have intercepted most. Tehran residents are fleeing the capital in massive traffic jams after President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran."
The conflict has sparked global economic concerns, with oil prices jumping 11% and airline stocks plummeting as carriers avoid Middle Eastern airspace. Trump has indicated Iran is seeking to de-escalate through intermediaries, telling reporters: "They'd like to talk, but they should have done that before. They have to make a deal, and it's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war."
Further Reading:
Right: Israel strikes Iranian state media headquarters while live on air - Washington Examiner
Center: Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel Aviv - Reuters
Center: Trump to return to Washington early from G7 summit for 'important matters' - Reuters
Left: June 15, 2025 - Israel-Iran conflict news - CNN
POLITICS
Trump Orders ICE to Expand Deportations in Democratic Cities
President Trump has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to "expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside." The directive comes as violent anti-ICE riots have erupted across Democratic-run cities, with dozens of officers injured and demonstrators arrested.
Trump characterized these cities as the "core of the Democrat Power Center" where Democrats allegedly use illegal immigrants to "cheat in Elections" and "grow the Welfare State." The president emphasized that ICE officers are "herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History."
However, Trump has simultaneously paused ICE operations in certain industries, telling reporters: "Our farmers are being hurt badly by, you know, they have very good workers. They've worked for them for 20 years. They're not citizens, but they've turned out to be, you know, great. And we're going to have to do something about that." The administration has officially halted raids at farms, hotels, and restaurants.
The move has sparked controversy on both sides - Democrats condemn the targeting of sanctuary cities, while some conservatives call the industry exemptions "de facto amnesty." Congressional data shows less than 10% of recent ICE arrests involved individuals with serious criminal convictions.
Further Reading:
Right: Trump orders ICE to expand deportation efforts in major US cities - Fox News
Center: Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democrat-led cities - Axios
Center: Trump directs immigration authorities to prioritize deportations in Democratic-run cities - CBS News
Left: Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities, undeterred by protests - Associated Press
Left: Trump orders ICE officers to expand deportation efforts in Democratic cities - CNN
Kilmar Abrego-Garcia Pleads Not Guilty to Human Smuggling Charges
Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, the Salvadoran illegal immigrant who became a cause célèbre for Democrats, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal human smuggling charges in Nashville. The 29-year-old faces accusations of participating in a conspiracy to transport thousands of undocumented migrants across the United States from 2016 to 2025.
During the six-hour arraignment, new disturbing allegations emerged. A Homeland Security agent testified that alleged accomplices claimed Abrego-Garcia "asked a 15-year girl for nude photos on Snapchat" and used "his own children as basically human shields against the police." The agent also testified that investigators don't know the whereabouts of a 15-year-old boy who was reportedly in Abrego-Garcia's vehicle during his 2022 arrest.
Notably absent from the hearing were the Democratic lawmakers who flew to El Salvador to visit him - Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and a dozen House Democrats. Tennessee Star reporter Tom Pappert observed: "They were willing to travel to El Salvador when this was probably getting them a lot of donations, but they weren't willing to take the two and a half hour flight to Nashville, Tennessee to be there for his arraignment."
The criminal case prompted the resignation of Ben Schrader, chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, who declined to comment. Abrego-Garcia remains in federal custody as the judge considers whether to grant pre-trial release.
Further Reading:
Right: Abrego Garcia's detention hearing faces scrutiny in Nashville - Nashville Banner
Right: Kilmar Abrego Garcia pleads not guilty to human smuggling charges - NewsNation
Center: Abrego Garcia to remain detained for now on migrant smuggling charges - Reuters
Left: Kilmar Abrego Garcia pleads not guilty to federal human trafficking charges - CNN
Minnesota Political Assassination Suspect Captured After Manhunt
A two-day manhunt ended Sunday evening with the capture of Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who authorities say carried out a politically motivated assassination targeting Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. Boelter allegedly killed State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, while wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
The chilling details reveal Boelter wore a "hyper-realistic" silicone mask and impersonated a police officer, telling victims there had been "a shooting reported at their home" before opening fire. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson called the attacks "truly chilling" and said they "strike at the very core of our democracy."
Investigators found a manifesto and hit list in Boelter's vehicle containing "dozens" of Democratic officials, including Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Senator Tina Smith. Ironically, Boelter had been appointed by Walz in 2019 to the Governor's Workforce Development Board, prompting MAGA critics to question the governor's vetting process.
The case has sparked political controversy after Republican Senator Mike Lee posted social media comments that Democratic Senator Tina Smith confronted him about, telling him it was "brutal and cruel" and "further fuels this hatred and misinformation." Boelter faces six federal charges including murder and stalking, plus state charges.
Further Reading:
Right: MAGA Pounds Tim Walz for Once Appointing Minnesota Assassin to State Board - Newsweek
Right: What we know so far about Minnesota lawmaker shootings - Star Tribune
Left: Vance Boelter captured, charged in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers - NPR
Left: June 16, 2025: Minnesota suspect Vance Boelter faces state and federal charges - CNN
INTERNATIONAL
Trump Signs Historic US-UK Trade Deal at G7 Summit
At the G7 conference outside Calgary, President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a landmark trade agreement ending trade hostilities between the two nations. Trump praised the deal, saying: "We have our trade agreement with the European Union and it's a fair deal for both. It's going to produce a lot of jobs, a lot of income."
The comprehensive agreement includes $6 billion in new tariff revenue, $5 billion in new US exports to the UK market, and opens British markets to American ethanol, beef, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and other products. Starmer called it "a very good day for both of our countries, a real sign of strength."
Trump's G7 visit was cut short as he returned to Washington for National Security Council meetings amid the Israel-Iran crisis. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accompanied the president back to monitor the developing Middle East situation.
Further Reading
Right: ‘Fair To Both Sides’: Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Starmer Say They Have A Deal On Trade - Daily Wire
Center: Trump, Starmer say US-UK trade deal finalized - Reuters
Left: US and UK announce a trade deal, but steel imports are still being negotiated - Washintonpost
CULTURE & SOCIETY
Randy Weingarten Quits DNC Over Leadership Disputes
American Federation of Teachers President Randy Weingarten resigned from the Democratic National Committee, stating she doesn't align with Chair Ken Martin's leadership approach. In her resignation letter, Weingarten said she wants to "engage more with Democrat communities" rather than work within the party structure.
The resignation follows progressive David Hogg's decision not to seek reelection as DNC vice chair, signaling growing internal tensions within the Democratic Party leadership structure.
Riley Gaines Announces Baby Girl on the Way
Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines announced at TPUSA's Young Women's Leadership Conference that she and her husband are expecting a baby girl. Speaking about her pregnancy experience, Gaines said: "I feel this baby, this young girl kicking around in my stomach when I'm laying down to sleep at night. I see the baby's tiny little hands, her tiny little feet on the ultrasounds. I listen to her heartbeat ever since that first eight-week appointment. And guess what? It's just like yours and it's just like mine."
That's all for today's morning update. Stay informed and have a great Tuesday!
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.