Audio
Greg Clugston
SRN Correspondent Greg Clugston keeps you informed about all the news coming from the White House.
Trump directs federal gov’t to protect Potomac River from sewer leak
The federal government is stepping in to help protect the Potomac River after a sewage mishap. The collapse of a major sewer pipe in the DC suburbs of Montgomery County, Maryland, has caused an overflow of more than 240 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. On Monday, President Trump accused Maryland’s Democratic governor of mismanagement and directed the federal government to step in. But the governor’s office pushed back and said the leak is the federal government’s responsibility.
Listen DownloadTreasury Dept to offer whistleblower rewards on fraud, money laundering
The Treasury Department has set up a website for whistleblower tips on fraud and money laundering. In the wake of a scandal involving federal funds intended for social welfare programs in Minnesota, the U-S Treasury is taking steps to root out fraud and abuse. Secretary Scott Bessent said his department would offer rewards to whistleblowers if a tip resulted in a successful enforcement action. The IRS is also
launching a dedicated fraud task force focused on targeting the misuse of funding by 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations.
No signs the partial gov’t shutdown will end soon
There are no signs that the partial government shutdown will end any time soon. Democrats and the White House appear dug into their positions in the battle over federal immigration efforts. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted, but President Trump and his team are resistant to several of their demands. The impasse has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, affecting the TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service, among other agencies.
Listen DownloadMore Russia-Ukraine peace talks take place in Geneva this week
Another round of U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine will take place this week. The talks in Geneva will be held just days ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion. While negotiators try and secure a truce, the two sides continue fierce fighting. Russia has carried out a relentless bombardment of Ukraine’s civilian areas and the country’s power grid, while Kyiv has been launching almost daily long-range drone attacks. President Trump is pushing for a June deadline to reach a deal.
Listen DownloadThe latest government shutdown only affects Dept of Homeland Security
A mini government shutdown has begun — affecting only the Department of Homeland Security. DHS funding has stopped following failed efforts by Congress and the White House to reach an agreement. During the shutdown, immigration enforcement operations will continue because a bill passed last year gave ICE about 75 billion dollars. But other agencies in the department will feel the impact — including the Transportation Security Administration, FEMA, the Secret Service and the Coast Guard.
Listen DownloadTrump hopes U.S. and Iran can reach nuclear deal “quickly”
President Trump hopes the U-S and Iran can come to an agreement “very quickly.” When it comes to striking a deal with Iran on its nuclear program, the president said he hopes that can happen “over the next month.” He said a failure to do so will result in steep consequences. The president held White House talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu this past week and said he had insisted to the prime minister that negotiations with Iran needed to continue.
Listen DownloadA second U.S. aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East
A second U-S aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high. The USS Gerald R. Ford has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Mideast. It’s the world’s largest aircraft carrier and its deployment comes as President Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran. The Pentagon has been sending warships to the region as the White House increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.
Listen DownloadPresident Trump pardons five former NFL players
President Trump has pardoned five former NFL players. The players were convicted for crimes that include perjury, counterfeiting, and drug trafficking. The White House pardon adviser said the president is committed to “second chances.” Joe Klecko, Nate Newton. Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon were granted the clemency.
Listen DownloadHomeland Security Dept shutdown likely at midnight
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire at midnight. Lawmakers have left town after failing to pass a homeland security funding bill. Democrats and the White House traded offers this week, but the Senate fell short of the votes needed to advance a bill. The expected result is a partial –or mini– government shutdown affecting the DHS, which employs more than a quarter million workers. A shutdown could drag on a while with Congress now on a 10-day break.
Listen DownloadJudge blocks Pentagon’s censure of Dem Sen. Mark Kelly
Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that backed climate policy
The Trump administration has revoked a key scientific finding that supported U-S regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. President Trump’s EPA rescinded a 2009 declaration that carbon dioxide and other gases endanger public health. The president hailed the move to roll back climate regulations. He argued that the Obama-era scientific finding “had no basis in fact.” However, the administration’s decision is expected to spur legal challenges.
Listen DownloadJudge says Trump’s BBC lawsuit can go to trial in 2027
A U-S judge says President Trump’s 10 billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC can go to trial. A federal judge in Florida rejected an attempt by Britain’s national broadcaster to delay proceedings and set a February 2027 trial date. In December, Donald Trump filed a lawsuit over the way the BBC edited a speech he gave on Jan. 6, 2021 — the day of the U-S Capitol riot. The claim seeks 5 billion dollars in damages for defamation and 5 billion for unfair trade practices. The BBC has apologized, but rejects claims it defamed the president.
Listen DownloadImmigration crackdown in Minnesota is coming to an end
In deregulatory move, Trump to repeal scientific climate finding
House Republicans pass strict new voter ID requirements
House votes to end Canada tariffs in rare rebuke of Trump
Trump says he ‘insisted’ to Netanyahu that U.S. talks with Iran continue
Bondi clashes with lawmakers over Epstein files
Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with lawmakers during an explosive congressional hearing. She accused Democrats of attacking President Trump and said she’s “not going to put up with it.” A combative Bondi slung insults as she faced questions about the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The attorney general vigorously defended her department, but repeatedly refused to directly answer questions.
Listen DownloadHouse rejects Trump’s bid to prevent challenges to his tariffs
Netanyahu to discuss Iran talks with Trump at White House
Grand Jury refuses to indict 6 Democrats in military video
Lutnick admits meetings with Epstein contradicting previous claims
Trump threatens to block opening of bridge between Canada and Michigan
President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a bridge between Canada and Michigan. The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is scheduled to open this year. But the president said he “will not allow it” to open until the United States “is fully compensated for everything we have given them.” He wrote online that Canada has treated the U-S “very unfairly for decades.” The bridge, which has cost more than 4-and-a-half billions dollars to build, has been financed by Canada and will be jointly owned by Canada and Michigan. GC, Wash.
