Thursday, January 29th, 2026 - Rubio says “no new wars” (probably); Trump threatens Iran; ICE fallout continues; 2020 election—again

Today’s Headlines: Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate this week, defending the administration’s so-called “non–regime change” operation in Venezuela while calling the abduction of Nicolás Maduro a “strategic necessity.” Rubio said Trump doesn’t currently plan further military action but refused to rule it out, warning that Venezuela’s transition will be slow despite what he described as “good and decent progress.” At the same time, Trump escalated tensions with Iran, posting a threat that the “next attack will be far worse” if Tehran doesn’t agree to a new nuclear deal. U.S. military exercises are reportedly underway in the region, with a naval force moving closer, as Iran’s foreign minister warned the country is prepared to respond immediately. The standoff comes amid massive protests in Iran and reports that tens of thousands may have been killed by the regime, though exact figures remain difficult to verify due to internet restrictions. Back in Minnesota, fallout continues from the killing of Alex Pretti. Stephen Miller acknowledged that CBP officers involved may not have followed protocol, while shifting blame toward DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who now faces bipartisan impeachment calls. The officers who fired their weapons were placed on administrative leave days later, as new reporting revealed ICE had prior documentation on Pretti before his death. The FBI has also taken over the investigation into the assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall event, while executing a separate search warrant in Fulton County, Georgia, tied to the 2020 election. And finally, Trump reportedly redecorated the White House with a framed photo of himself and Vladimir Putin—because subtlety remains off the menu. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: Rubio declines to rule out further US military action in Venezuela at Senate hearing Reuters: Trump warns Iran to make nuclear deal or next attack will be 'far worse' CNN: Top White House aide Stephen Miller acknowledges possible breach of protocol before Alex Pretti’s shooting NBC News: Minneapolis live updates: 2 Border Patrol agents who fired guns in Alex Pretti fatal shooting put on leave CNN: Alex Pretti was in earlier confrontation with federal agents who tackled him, broke his rib, sources say NBC News: FBI takes over investigation into incident at Rep. Ilhan Omar town hall The Guardian: FBI executes search warrant at election office in Fulton county, Georgia The Independent: Trump hangs picture of himself and Putin in latest White House redecoration Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices