This is it, friends. The final edition of First Light, both on the radio and in podcast form. We'd like to thank all of you who've downloaded the show over the years for all of your support. Today on the show, we'll discuss Joe Manchin siding with his own party for a change, President Biden says we're not in a recession, we'll get an update from Ukraine with Peter Zalmayev, and Kim Ashley is here with "Good Vibes". 

Another interest rate hike is on the way, Senator Joe Manchin sides with his own party for a change, and Nancy Pelosi is heading to Taiwan. Plus, questions and answers with Greg McBride of BankRate.com on the fed rate hike.

Hot weather continues to plague the continental U.S., Uvalde police officers who were on scene at the mass shooting but did little to stop it might all be facing investigations now, and on the same day, former president Donald Trump and former VP Mike Pence spoke in Washington.

The battle over abortion access heads to Indiana, a woman with a gun is gunned down at an airport in Dallas, wildfires continue to cause havoc in California, and President Biden speaks out against former President Trump's inaction on January 6th. Plus, we have a very special treat - the great Jamie Lee Curtis joins us to talk about the final installment of the Halloween franchise, coming soon.

Will the January 6th committee lead to charges being filed against former President Trump? Speaking of - he'll be back in DC this week for the first time since leaving the White House. And what do we need to know about Monkeypox? That's all here for you on First Light.

The January 6th committee meets again and shows evidence of what former President Trump did (or didn't do) during the riot at the Capitol, Congress makes a move to guarantee the availability of contraceptives, and we'll get some "Good Vibes" with Kim Ashley.

A heat wave has taken over the continental United States as President Biden considers declaring a climate emergency, and things are heating up in the U.S. Senate over protecting the sanctity of elections. 

Lawmakers arrested for marching for abortion rights, Steve Bannon's trial gets underway in Washington, as does the sentencing trial for the Parkland shooter. And just how hot is it here in the United States and Europe? We'll get into all of that here this morning. We'll also go to London to talk with Jennifer Hassan of the Washington Post to find out how the UK is dealing with record high temperatures.

Shootings are the theme of the day, with updates from Uvalde, Indiana, and sentencing underway in Parkland. We'll also talk about what was or wasn't accomplished during President Biden's trip to the middle east with Ishaan Tharoor of the Washington Post.

A good guy with a gun kills a bad guy with a gun at a mall, a report shows hundreds of good guys with guns couldn't stop a bad guy with a gun in Uvalde, and a Texas Senator suggests states should decide whether gay marriage should be allowed. Plus, we'll find out why the U.S. could be at risk of "nuclear blackmail", and Kim Ashley is with us to tell us "What's Trending". 

President Biden continues his overseas trip with a visit to Saudi Arabia, Kim Ashley shares some "Good Vibes" with us, and we'll learn why Democrats may be losing the Latino vote, as TheHill.com's Rafael Bernal joins us.

Inflation, year-to-year, is even higher than we thought. President Biden begins his trip overseas in Israel. And charges have been filed against a man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl that became the focus of the national conversation on abortion. We'll get more insight on the inflation numbers with BankRate.com's Mark Hamrick. And we'll explore the on-again-off-again policy of the United States Army requiring recruits to be high school graduates, as Davis Winkie of MilitaryTimes.com joins us.

Video showing what Uvalde police didn't do as a man gunned down teachers and children have outraged an already hurting community. The January 6th committee says Donald Trump tried to contact one of their witnesses and they've referred the incident to the Justice Department. And we'll learn why 2022 has seen so many employees attempting to unionize, as the Wall Street Journal's David Harrison joins us.

The United States is accusing Iran of helping Russia in their invasion of Ukraine and another January 6th committee hearing is on the horizon. Plus, we'll find out what went wrong with Elon Musk's deal to buy Twitter as we're joined by Kali Hays, Senior Tech Reporter at Insider.com. And we'll learn more about the image NASA has released from the James Webb Telescope when Ars Technica's Senior Space Editor Eric Berger joins us.

It’s going to be a busy week for the House committee investigating the January 6th riot at the Capitol, President Biden mulls executive action to protect access to abortions, and we find out what's trending with Kim Ashley. Plus, we'll talk with Vanderbilt University's Dr. William Schaffner to find out how many more COVID-19 vaccines we might have in our future.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is shot, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is resigning, and WNBA star Brittney Griner plead guilty to charges in Russia.  We'll also get some good vibes from Kim Ashley, and head to London to talk about what happens next in the UK with Max Colchester of the Wall Street Journal.

An initial court hearing was held yesterday for the alleged gunman in the 'Fourth of July' parade shooting outside Chicago, Mississippi's last remaining abortion clinic has closed its doors, and President Biden tells the working class that he's on their side. Plus, we'll preview a potential De Santis vs Newsom battle for the presidency with Politico Florida's Gary Fineout.

Another victim in the Independence Day killings at a Chicago area parade has died, Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy is in the spotlight, and pressure is mounting for President Biden to do something to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner home from Russia. We'll dig into that topic with Insider.com sports reporter Meredith Cash, plus Kevin Carr has "Second Chance Home Cinema", and an environmental protection law cast aside by the Trump administration is being reinstated.

At least 6 people are dead and 30 injured after a gunman opened fire on a 'Fourth of July' parade outside Chicago. And as the country dealt with more gun violence, inflation worries, and the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade, President Biden sought to rally Americans. These stories, covered today on First Light, along with information on how airlines handled July 4th holiday travel with USA Today travel reporter Zach Wichter.

Demonstrations abound in Akron after a police shooting of an unarmed Black man, the airline industry is being tested this 4th of July, and the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Plus, Kim Ashley is here to tell us "What's Trending", and we'll talk airline travel with Ethan Klapper of ThePointsGuy.com.

Legal battles wage in lower courts over abortion bans, President Biden wants to sidestep the filibuster to codify Roe vs Wade, and the Supreme Court is making harder for the EPA to do what the EPA does. Plus, we'll have "Good Vibes" with Kim Ashley, Kevin Carr will tell us about the latest Minions movie, and a special treat - country music star Mickey Guyton is with us to preview Monday's "A Capitol Fourth" on PBS. 

Supreme Court Justice Steven Breyer officially retires today, R. Kelly has been sentenced, and the death toll rises to 53 in the discovery of migrant bodies inside a tractor trailer in Texas. Plus, we'll talk 4th of July travel with AAA's Andrew Gross.

A surprise January 6th Committee hearing was held yesterday on Capitol Hill and the death toll in San Antonio where dozens of illegal immigrants were trapped in a sweltering 18-wheeler is growing. Kevin Carr tells us what's new in streaming, and we'll talk about an important Supreme Court case coming up this fall concerning voting rights with Kathay Feng of Common Cause. Plus, we'll dig deeper into Tuesday's shocking testimony at the January 6th Committee hearing with Nicholas Wu of Politico.

The Supreme Court is ruling in favor of a Washington state high school football coach who prayed on the field. Ukrainian officials say more than a dozen people were killed in a Russian airstrike on a Ukrainian shopping mall. And Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will soon learn what type of suspension he'll be facing. USA Today's John Fritze and Brent Schrotenboer join us.

America is reacting to the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade. We have it covered from several different angles, including conversations with Insider.com's Mia De Graaf on living in a post-Roe world, and with Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin, on other landmark decisions the court could be overturning. Plus, Kim Ashley tells us what's trending and we'll get an update on President Biden's trip to Europe.

Today on First Light: On the same day the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark gun ruling, Congress went in the opposite direction. The January 6th Committee focused on President Trump's alleged plan to use the DOJ to help overturn the election. We have a little more conversation with Kevin Carr as he tells us his thoughts on the new movie, "Elvis". And Kim Ashley is here to spread some good vibes. Plus, we'll talk about the Supreme Court's gun ruling with Mark Sherman of the Associated Press.

Today on First Light: President Biden is calling on congress to suspend the federal gas tax. The Federal Reserve Chair tells lawmakers recession is possible. And NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared on Capitol Hill taking questions about what some call a toxic work environment within the Washington Commanders organization. Plus, Kevin Carr tells us about a new thriller called "The Black Phone", and we'll talk about the FDA's efforts to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes with the Wall Street Journal's Jennifer Maloney.

Today on First Light: The top law enforcement officer in Texas is shedding light on the police response to last month's elementary school massacre in Uvalde. Senators have reached a bipartisan deal on new gun control legislation. And republican state election officials in Arizona and Georgia both testified before the January 6 Committee on Tuesday. We'll have all of that for you, plus we'll dig deeper into that new gun legislation with Alexander Bolton of The Hill.

Today on First Light: President Biden is considering a gas tax holiday to help alleviate pain at the pump. Wildfires continue to burn in two different states - one caused by lightning, the other caused by man. And the airline industry is struggling to keep up with summer travel demand. Plus, we'll talk to journalist Peter Zalmayev in Kyiv to learn how Ukrainians are settling into their country being occupied by Russia.

More televised hearings are scheduled for this week in the U.S. house committee investigation into the January 6th riot. Correspondent Clayton Neville tells us we're approaching the mid-way point in a series of summer hearings. COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children under five years old. John Stolnis reports on what led to the approval. The Biden administration is doubling down on a central message about inflation and recession. Correspondent Linda Kenyon reports on that for us. Kim Ashley is here to tell us "What's Trending? And we'll learn more about missing Americans in Ukraine as Chris Kenning of USA Today joins us.

As the Fed addresses inflation with sharp interest rate hikes, Clayton Neville reports that President Biden is holding out hope. FIFA announced the 16 North American cities that will play host to the 2026 World Cup. John Stolnis has the list for us. The committee investigating the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol illustrated Thursday just how close the country came to a constitutional crisis. Linda Kenyon reports on that from Capitol Hill. And we'll find out what's happening in Montana with record rainfall and flooding causing potentially permanent damage to Yellowstone National Park. John Hendricks of KGEZ in Kalispell, MT joins us.

Inflation has led the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at the fastest pace in nearly 30 years. Correspondent Linda Kenyon reports on that for us, and later we'll talk with Mark Hamrick of BankRate.com to find out what it all means. The white gunman who police say killed 10 black people inside a Buffalo, New York grocery store last month is facing federal hate crime charges. Correspondent Clayton Neville says the death penalty could be on the table. The White House is putting pressure on American oil producers to do more to reduce gas prices. John Stolnis has the details. If you're thinking about taking the kids to see Lightyear this weekend, you'll want to hear Kevin Carr's take on it. And the COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5 cleared another hurdle. Kim Ashley is with us to talk about it.

We have your primary election results in Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota. Zach Montellaro of Politico joins us to go through the numbers. And later, we talk to Mike Porcaro from First Light affiliate News Radio 650 KENI in Anchorage, Alaska about Sarah Palin's run for Congress, after she cleared a major hurdle this week. The U.S. Senate appears to be making progress on potential gun reform legislation in the wake of recent mass shootings. Correspondent Clayton Neville has the details. The State Department has responded to a Russian court extending WNBA star Brittany Griner's detention. John Stolnis has the latest. President Biden spent Tuesday in Philadelphia trying to reset the terms of the debate on the economy. Pamela Furr brings us more on his speech at the AFL-CIO convention. 

We got some troubling news from Wall Street on Monday. Justin Baer of the Wall Street Journal joins us to talk about it. The first of two televised hearings this week is in the books for the January 6th House Select Committee. Correspondent Clayton Neville tells us yesterday's testimony painted a picture of separation between two groups of President Trump's closest advisers. And later in the show, we'll dig deeper into this with Joey Garrison of USA Today. Is North Korea preparing for another nuclear test? Correspondent John Stolnis has the details on that possibility. Kevin Carr tells us all about AMC's new offering, "Dark Winds". A bipartisan effort to pass gun control legislation continues to gain momentum on Capitol Hill. Correspondent Linda Kenyon reports on that for us.

It’s a major milestone in the effort to tackle gun violence in America. Correspondent Linda Kenyon has that story for us. Another Congressional hearing looking into the January 6th Capitol riot is set for later this morning. Correspondent Clayton Neville has the preview. A group of Idaho white supremacists were arrested before they could cause any trouble at a local gay pride event. John Stolnis provides the details. There's nothing like a "Block Party" in the summertime. Kevin Carr reviews this new film for us. Kim Ashley is here as well to tell us "What's Trending".  And we'll talk with BankRate.com's Greg McBride about the newest inflation numbers and what they mean for the future.

The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election. Clayton Neville reports on that for us. The House approved a “red flag” bill Thursday that would allow families, police and others to ask federal courts to order the removal of firearms from people at extreme risk of harming themselves or others. Linda Kenyon has the details. Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson launched tee shots in the Saudi-funded golf league on Thursday, and it wasn’t long before the PGA Tour said its players who took part were no longer welcome, even if they already had resigned. John Stolnis is following this, he'll give us the latest. The big movie coming out this weekend is decidedly...Jurassic. Kevin Carr offers his take on the latest in the Jurassic World franchise. And we'll find out what went on this week in Los Angeles as President Biden met with other leaders of the Americas, as Jim Roope joins us.

On the same day a U.S. House Committee heard emotional testimony from survivors and families of victims in recent mass shootings, the House took action on a gun safety measure. Correspondent Clayton Neville has details. A California man carrying a gun, a knife and zip ties was arrested Wednesday near Brett Kavanaugh’s house in Maryland after threatening to kill the supreme court justice. Pamela Furr fills us in on that. President Biden is in Los Angeles for a summit of Latin American countries, more notable by who's not there than who is. John Stolnis explains. Another week, another new release from Marvel. Kevin Carr is with us to review Ms. Marvel. And we'll preview Thursday's primetime hearing by the committee investigation the January 6th riot at the Capitol as Politico's Nicholas Wu joins us.

As lawmakers continue to negotiate potential legislation surrounding recent mass shootings, Correspondent Clayton Neville reports that the families of victims in those killings are pleading for more to be done. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen faced a grilling on Capitol Hill over inflation. Correspondent John Stolnis has the recap for us. Kim Ashley is here as well to tell us all about why Matthew McConaughey was at the White House on Tuesday. Hint: It involves a desire for new gun legislation. We'll talk over some primary election results, including in Iowa where Chuck Grassley won his party's nomination for Senate re-election. Robin Opsahl of the Iowa Capital Dispatch joins us for that. And DHS is out with a new warning - extremism in America is likely to increase through the summer. Why? Ben Fox covers national security for the Associated Press. He'll explain.

It's primary election day in 7 states here in the US. Clayton Neville has the preview for us, plus we'll talk New Jersey specifically with Dustin Racioppi of NorthJersey.com and the Bergen County Record. New York State has signed into law tougher gun legislation. John Stolnis fills us in on that. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan is getting a special honor. Kim Ashley will tell us all about it. And we'll spend some time talking Summer Blockbuster Movies with Kevin Carr.

Gunfire from several shooters killed three people and wounded at least 11 others in a popular Philadelphia entertainment district late Saturday night, authorities said. John Stolnis reports on the latest mass shooting in America, while Clayton Neville reports progress is being made on Capitol Hill to help the problem. President Biden seems poised to forgive up to $10,000 worth of student loan debt to many Americans. Ayelet Sheffey of Insider joins us to tell us what we need to know about what's coming. And it's primary week in California. David Siders of Politico is covering a handful of interesting races in the Golden State. He'll chat with Michael about that.

Police in Tulsa, Oklahoma have revealed a potential motive in Wednesday's shooting inside a medical building that left five people, including the shooter, dead. It's one of several recent mass shootings in the U-S, and correspondent Clayton Neville says President Biden is demanding urgency in the Senate to better protect American kids. The White House COVID-19 response coordinator says parents will soon be able to get children 5 and under vaccinated. Correspondent John Stolnis reports. President Biden has called on Congress to “Do Something” about gun violence in America. So what is it doing? Correspondent Linda Kenyon has the answer. Plus, we'll find out why congress wants to talk to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder as we chat with Michael Schaffer of Politico.

A gunman carrying a rifle and a handgun killed four people Wednesday at a Tulsa medical building on a hospital campus, police said, the latest in a series of deadly mass shootings across the country in recent weeks. Clayton Neville brings us up to speed on yet another mass shooting in America. President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was not briefed on the prospect of nationwide shortages of infant formula for about two months, and he acknowledged the strain on families as his administration struggles to address the situation. John Stolnis recaps the meeting the president held with CEOs of baby formula manufacturers. Canada has put a freeze on the sale of all handguns. What led them to this decision? Amanda Coletta of the Washington Post joins us to share her reporting. The verdict is in for the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard defamation lawsuit. Kim Ashley joins the show to talk about it.

On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of mourners turned out for the funeral Mass for Amerie Jo Garza, a smiling fourth-grader who was killed a week ago when 18-year-old Salvador Ramos stormed into her Uvalde, Texas elementary school and opened fire on her classroom. Meantime, the local police in Uvalde is no longer cooperating with the state police in the investigation into their response to the shooting. Clayton Neville catches us all up on that. President Joe Biden praised New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday for her success in curbing domestic extremism and guns as he tries to persuade a reluctant Congress to tighten gun laws in the aftermath of horrific mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York. Linda Kenyon has that story. Focused on relentlessly rising prices, President Joe Biden plotted inflation-fighting strategy Tuesday with the chairman of the Federal Reserve, with the fate of the economy and his own political prospects increasingly dependent on the actions of the government’s central bank. John Stolnis has the latest.  K-Pop sensation BTS visited the White House on Tuesday to talk with President Joe Biden about combating the rise in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans — bringing superstar sizzle to an otherwise sad and scary topic. Kim Ashely explains why that's such a big deal. Plus, we'll talk Supreme Court news with John Fritze of USA Today and Dan McLaughlin of National Review.

In Uvalde, Texas, even those who didn’t lose their own child lost someone -- their best friend, the little boy down the road who dribbled his basketball in the driveway, the kid who stood on the curb, backpack in hand, waiting for the bus. Correspondent Clayton Neville takes a look at the lives lost. European Union leaders agreed Monday to embargo most Russian oil imports into the bloc by year-end as part of new sanctions on Moscow worked out at a summit focused on helping Ukraine with a long-delayed package of new financial support. John Stolnis reports on that for us. Jim Roope will tell us where water restrictions are in place in the western United States, Kim Ashley reports on what was a hectic holiday travel weekend, and Kevin Carr will tell us if the force is with the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney Plus. Alexander Bolton of TheHill.com joins Michael Toscano to talk about the possibility of new gun legislation on Capitol Hill. And how do you talk to your kids about these mass shootings? Heidi Borst wrote about that for Insider.com. She'll join us to offer some insight.

The man who gunned down school children and teachers at a Texas Elementary School spent over an hour inside of the school. Why? Those questions are mounting as Clayton Neville reports on that for us. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says China may pose a greater long-term threat to global order than Russia! Correspondent Linda Kenyon has that story. Hollywood mourns the untimely death of actor Ray Liotta. Jim Roope takes a look at his life and career. We'll preview Memorial Day travel for you with Andrew Gross of Triple A. And we'll preview Sunday night's Memorial Day special from the US Capitol with renowned actor Joe Mantegna, spending some time with us.

The grieving continues in Uvalde, Texas. Clayton Neville reports on the latest, and we'll talk to Eva Ruth Moravec of the Washington Post, who spent time there talking to community members. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday to improve accountability in policing —a meaningful but limited action on the second anniversary of George Floyd’s death that reflected the challenges in addressing racism, excessive use of force and public safety when Congress is deadlocked on stronger measures. John Stolnis recaps that. Are you heading to the theatres to see Top Gun: Maverick? Kevin Carr offers us his take on the new Tom Cruise movie. And we'll find out how we can help a veteran in need today.

An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at a Texas elementary school, killing at least 19 children as he went from classroom to classroom, officials said, in the deadliest school shooting in nearly a decade and the latest gruesome moment for a country scarred by a string of massacres. The attacker was killed by law enforcement. Clayton Neville covers this tragic story for us. Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia easily dispatched Donald Trump’s hand-picked challenger on Tuesday in a Republican primary that demonstrated the limits of the former president and his conspiracy-fueled politics in a critical swing state. John Stolnis has the story on that, plus we'll go through other primary results from Tuesday.  

Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Minnesota, and Texas are holding elections today. We'll preview it all for you with Clayton Neville, and we'll take a close look at Alabama with AL.com political reporter John Sharp. And what's the deal with monkeypox? Jim Roope reports on that for us, and we'll get more information from April Kapu, the president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

First Light for Monday, May 23, 2022.

The Senate has whisked a $40 billion package of military, economic and food aid for Ukraine and U.S. allies to final congressional approval, putting a bipartisan stamp on America’s biggest commitment yet to turning Russia’s invasion into a painful quagmire for Moscow. Clayton Neville reports. The head of the Food and Drug Administration told lawmakers Thursday that a shuttered baby formula factory could be up and running as soon as next week, though he sidestepped questions about whether his agency should have intervened earlier to address problems at the plant that have triggered the national shortage. John Stolnis has details. Downton Abbey: A New Era is the latest installment in the fabled series. Kevin Carr has a review for us. A grassroots effort called Greater Idaho - a group of Oregonians who want to become part of their neighboring state, had some important items on the ballot this week. We'll talk to Mike McCarter who heads up the organization. And we'll talk solutions for the housing crisis with Congressman Adrian Smith, a Republican from Nebraska.