
President Trump issues a forceful ultimatum to Hamas to disarm as Israel and the terrorist group trade accusations of breaking the newly brokered Gaza ceasefire. At the White House, President Trump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Federal agents in Memphis make more than 800 arrests in two weeks under the new DOJ-led surge, drawing praise from residents and local leaders. The man who set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home pleads guilty to all charges and is sentenced to up to 50 years in prison. All Family Pharmacy: Order now at https://allfamilypharmacy.com/MEGYN and save 10% with code MEGYN10 Lean: Visit https://TakeLean.com & use code MK for 20% off
Loading summary
A
Hanaday presents in the red corner, the undisputed, undefeated weed whacker guy, champion of hurling grass and pollen everywhere. And in the blue corner, the challenger, extra strength hataday eye drops that work all day to prevent the release of histamines that cause itchy allergy eyes. And the winner by knockout is Patternay. Patternay. Bring it on. Hey, everybody. Good morning. I'm Mark halpern, host of NextUp, filling in today for the great Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and this is your AM update.
B
And if they don't disarm, we will disarm them.
A
President Trump issuing a stern warning to Hamas while the terrorist organization and Israel accused one another of violating the terms of the new ceasefire.
C
Now, I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have.
A
Charlie Kirk posthumously awarded the nation's highest civilian honor at the White House. Memphis residents celebrate the newfound safety in their community as the Department of Justice touts hundreds of arrests in just two weeks since the start of the federal surge there. And the man accused of attacking Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home pleads guilty. All that and more coming up in just a moment here on your AM Update.
D
Flu season always seems to sneak up on us. One day everyone's fine and the next you've got someone sick at home and you're scrambling to find the right medication. Here's my advice. Don't wait until you're sick. Be ready ahead of time so you have what you need on hand when it matters most. Now, there's all family pharmacy. They're different from the big chains. Their process is simple, straightforward and fast. Every order is reviewed by a licensed doctor. The prescription is included and you don't need insurance. They've got everything you'd want for flu season. Tamif flu antibiotics, antivirals, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, even a complete flu kit and immune support vitamins. They ship to your door and if you need it right away, they even offer overnight shipping. Be prepared with all family pharmacy. Visit allfamilypharmacy.com Megan use the code Megan10 to save 10% on your order. That's all family pharmacy.com Megan use code Megan10 to save 10%. Get ahead of flu season and start preparing today.
A
One day after the historic Gaza peace summit. Israel and Hamas accusing one another of violating the terms of the new deal. Hamas saying the Israeli military killed several Gaza residents in violation of that ceasefire. The Wall Street Journal reporting Israel military Officials say troops were forced to open fire when suspects crossed the so called yellow line defining where Israeli troops are allowed to be in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Associated Press is reporting Israel is planning to cut aid deliveries in half due to Hamas's delayed return of the bodies of deceased hostages. Phase one of the deal calling for the return of all hostages, living and dead. Four bodies have been returned and positively identified so far. 24 remain within Gaza. Hamas officials saying some of the bodies are trapped under the rubble there. A Red Cross spokesperson telling Sky News it could take days or even weeks to locate all of the remains and some may never be found. Since the beginning of the ceasefire, multiple outlets reporting on violent conflicts between Hamas operatives and rival gangs across Gaza. Violent place Video circulating on social media showing mass soldiers gunning down 8 people in Gaza City, with large crowds gathered to observe The White House's 20 point plan calling for Hamas to disarm and give up control of the government. On Tuesday at the White House, President Trump issuing a stern warning to the remaining Hamas fighters.
C
How long will it take Hamas to.
D
Disarm and can you guarantee that is going to happen?
B
Well, they're going to disarm and because they said they were going to disarm and if they don't disarm, we will disarm them.
C
How will you do that?
B
I don't have to explain that to you. But if they don't disarm, we will disarm them. They know I'm not playing games. We did something monumental. We got the hostages back. That was the first thing we had to do above all else, get the hostages back. Now, they misrepresented because we were told they had 26, 24 of dead hostages, if we can use those terms. And it seems as though they don't have that because we're talking about a much lesser number. But that's a very tough subject. I want them back. That's what they said, I want them back. But we have told them we want disarm and they will disarm. And if they don't disarm, we will disarm them. And it'll happen quickly and perhaps violently, but they will disarm. Do you understand me?
A
Also at the White House, on a lighter note, President Trump crediting the media for its coverage of the deal.
B
What's taken place in the last few days, People can't believe it. I've never seen anything like it. I've never seen the love in the spirit. And I've done a lot of things. I've done a lot of deals. I've done a lot of political deals where countries come into line or whatever, but I've never seen anything like this. The media covered it very fairly and even the fake news, of which we have a lot, they actually covered it fairly for a change. And I appreciated that. We have to get back to that. So important.
A
However, despite that praise to the press, Mr. Trump, earlier in the day on Truth Social, singling out Time magazine for its choice and cover photo. Here's the quote from the President. Time magazine wrote a relatively good story about me, but the picture may be the worst of all time. They, quote, disappeared my hair and that had something floating in the top of my head that looked like a floating crown, but an extremely small one. Really weird. I never liked taking pictures from underneath angles, but this is a super bad picture and deserves to be called out. What are they doing and why? Donald Trump is obsessed with covers of magazines and Time magazine maybe most of all. So no surprise, it is a kind of a weird picture. President Trump posthumously awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It's the nation's highest civilian honor. Yesterday at the White House on what would have been The Turning Point USA founders 32nd birthday.
B
Today we're here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I've ever seen before. And an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber. The late, great Charlie Kirk. He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentlessly fighting for a better and stronger America. He loved this country. And that's why this afternoon, it's my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk our nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Thank you. As I said, on the day that he was assassinated, Charlie Kirk was a martyr for truth and for freedom. He was put on earth to do exactly what he was doing. He didn't want to waste time. He would have been a top student at any college in the country. I know the college as well. He was. He's smarter than the guys. He was so smart.
A
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10th at a campus tour stop at Utah Valley University. Two weeks after Charlie's death, Turning Point USA reporting the organization received more than 121,000 requests to start new chapters or get involved with an existing chapter. More from President Trump.
B
In the hearts of our nation's youth, that's where Charlie rode strongest. At age 18. That insight inspired Charlie to found the organization that ultimately touched the lives of millions and millions of people and so many young people that nobody's ever seen anything like it, frankly. Turning Point usa, it's amazing, and it's actually bigger now. It's become bigger in the last few weeks than Charlie ever thought. With hard work and joyful spirit and endless enthusiasm and determination. And he did have great enthusiasm. You know, I always say you need enthusiasm to be successful. He had great enthusiasm. Charlie grew Turning Point into the largest conservative youth organization in the entire country. He forged a personal bond with countless young conservatives. He fought for free speech, religious liberty, strong borders, and a very strong and proud America. In everything he did, he put America first. He really put America first.
A
Charlie's widow and chairman and CEO of Turning Point usa, Erica Kirk, accepting the medal on his bath.
C
And to the Turning Point USA chapters that are watching all across America right now. You are the heartbeat of this future and of this movement, everything that Charlie built. You guys are the legacy holders of that. You are living proof that his mission did not die with him. It lives through you. And Charlie always said the next generation will decide whether freedom endures. And because of you, I know that freedom will endure. The very existence of the Presidential Medal of Freedom reminds us that the national interest of the United States has always been freedom. Our founders etched it into the preamble of our Constitution. And those words are not relics on parchment. They are a living covenant. The blessings of liberty are not man's invention. They are God's endowment. Charlie lived for those blessings, not as abstract words, but as sacred promises. Honestly, President Trump, I have spent seven and a half years trying to find the perfect place birthday gift for Charlie. Now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have.
A
Incredible speech. An incredible moment. Coming up, Memphis locals taking to social media to thank President Trump and federal agents for making one of America's most dangerous cities livable again. And the man accused of lighting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home on fire, pleading guilty to all char.
D
You know, all those fad diets, half of Americans do it. And if you do it enough, you could be at risk of diabetes, liver damage, heart attack and stroke. Weight cycling is when you lose 10 or more pounds, but then you put the pounds back on, plus a couple more. That puts tremendous strain on your organs and can lead to serious health issues. Bottom line, most people need help to stop weight cycling. And this is why I want to tell you about non prescription Lean. Created by doctors. Lean is an oral supplement, not a GLP1 injectable it uses studied ingredients which Lean says target weight loss in three powerful ways. Maintaining healthy blood sugar, helping control appetite and cravings burning fat by converting it to energy and burning fat helps keep the weight off. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off, consider adding lean to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% off when you enter mk@takelean.com that's code mkakelean.com.
A
The DOJ announcing more than 800 arrests made by the Memphis Safe Task Force in just two weeks, more than 1500 federal agents from a dozen agencies surging one of America's most dangerous cities, according to the U.S. marshals Service. From September 29 through October 12, the DOJ reporting the arrest of six homicide suspects, 79 narcotics offenses, 94 firearm offenses and 34 sex offenses. The DOJ also reporting 161 administrative arrests referring to immigration violations. On Tuesday morning, state and local officials holding a press conference to update the press on the efforts so far. Republican Governor Bill Lee saying aspects of the task force will remain in effect on a permanent basis.
E
I've said before I think we will execute on this operation as long as it takes. The way we will measure success, obviously, is by violent crime and the reduction of that crime. We've just begun. In fact, I will tell you that it will last forever because what we believe will happen is the numbers of law enforcement agents from, from different agencies will change depending on the mission. At the moment, it'll be mission dependent. But we know that the surge that has taken place currently or that is taking place currently, that surge will diminish at some point. But what we learned from that surge, the collaboration that is happening right now between the U.S. marshals Service and the Memphis Police Department and the FBI and the DEA and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, that collaboration will be here from, from now on. So this operation in some ways may never end. It'll just change in its scope.
A
Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations David Rauch providing information on the missing children that have been recovered so far.
F
Our team has been working very closely from the start with us focusing on recovering missing children. And we have been working very closely with Homeland Security investigations with the FBI. And so we've had 137 when we started the operation that have been identified. And of those at this point, 45 have been identified or recovered. You know, people will say, well, who are these missing children? Vast majority are runaways. The other piece to this that's really important is if they're not recovered, what happens to them. And, you know, most people understand human trafficking. They see it as something that happens with people being brought in from other countries. That's not the only aspect. As a matter of fact, the more popular aspect of human trafficking is these young people who run away and end up getting into situations that they can't get out of, and they end up in a trafficking situation. And so doing these operations keeps that from happening to these children.
A
Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, praising the work of the task force and shining light on how it has impacted his local community.
G
I am hopeful that this is going to be a point in history where we have been able to truly get a handle on crime and sustain the progress that we gain. One text that I got just yesterday gave me some encouragement. There was a teacher at a school in Frazier who text me that she had a conversation with some of her fifth graders who live in an apartment complex in the area. And in that apartment complex, there had been portions of this operation taking place. And those fifth graders came there and said that they were really excited because they're now going to be able to play outside all fall. As we go through this initiative and this point in history, I think it's important that, that we think about the people, our young people, and how we are enhancing their quality of life for many years to come and what that will mean for our great city.
A
That sentiment echoed on social media. Memphis residents thanking President Trump, describing how their lives have improved since the beginning of this surge. Not into politics, but I will say thank you to Trump for bringing these National Guards and doing what they doing down here in Memphis right now. For the first time, my kids have.
D
Been able to play in the backyard.
A
And be able to do it comfortably. I haven't heard a gunshot in two.
G
Weeks since they brought the National Guard down to Memphis.
B
I ain't heard no screeching tires out late at night. I ain't heard no gunshots.
G
Me folks then got 16 convicted murderers off the streets in one week. I would be lying if I ain't just read them numbers and say, damn, that's a good thing for Memphis. Trump, I just want to let you know, man, I gotta stand with you. You sent them people here and they cleaned up our streets. I'm talking about they clean them good.
A
Cody Ballmer pleading guilty on Tuesday to all charges relating to the April arson attack on Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro's residence. As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, bomber will spend between 25 and 50 years in prison. The charges included attempted murder of Governor Shapiro aggregated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary and more. Prosecutors releasing security footage of the attack showing bomber breaking a window of the home, then throwing a Molotov cocktail inside, starting a fire. Bomber then breaking a second window and entering the home. Security footage showing bomber hitting two doors and including one leading to where the governor and his family were sleeping. The attack carried out on the second night of the Jewish holiday Passover. At the time, the governor, his wife, three of their four children, 15 overnight guests and two Pennsylvania state troopers were asleep inside the home. Ballmer did not successfully penetrate the door. Ballmer then tossing a second Molotov cocktail in a dining area before exiting the home. Photos of the residents showing extensive damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Bahmer turning himself into police about 12 hours after the break in, admitting to authorities that he harbored hatred toward the governor in a 911 call in which he took responsibility for the attack. Ballmer said he was upset about Shapiro's stance on the war in Gaza and that he, quote, will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people. The affidavit reading, quote, balmer was asked specifically what he would have done if Governor Shapiro found him inside of his residence, to which Balmer advised he would have beaten him with his hammer. Here's Governor Shapiro addressing the guilty plea yesterday morning.
H
Sadly, as you know, our family is not the only ones to experience political violence, violence that is used to try and silence people or intimidate people. I think it's important that in this time of rising political violence that none of us grow numb to it or accept this as the normal course of doing business for elected officials. I think we need real accountability for acts of political violence and today is real accountability for the violence that came here to Pennsylvania. This is a just outcome and I want you to know that our family fully supported the plea that he negotiated. We will forever be changed by this. We know that time will heal, but the scars will remain.
A
Bomber will not be eligible for parole until April of 2050. That'll do it for your AM update. I'm Mark Halpern, host of NextUp. Megan, thank goodness we'll be back tomorrow. You can catch the Megyn Kelly show today live on SiriusXM triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and of course on all podcast platforms.
G
Welcome back to Listen to youo Heart. I'm Jerry.
I
And I'm Jerry's Heart.
G
Today's topic, Repatha Evolokimab Heart Why'd you pick this one?
I
Well, Jerry, for people who have had a heart attack like us, diet and exercise might not be enough to lower the risk of another one.
G
Okay.
I
To help know if we're at risk, we should be getting our LDL C, our bad cholesterol checked, and talking to our doctor.
G
I'm listening.
I
And if it's still too high, Repatha can be added to a statin to lower our LDL C and our heart attack risk.
G
Hmm. Guess it's time to ask about Repatha.
D
Do not take Repatha if you're allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Common side effects include runny nose, sore throat, common cold symptoms, flu or flu like symptoms, back pain, high blood sugar and redness pain or bruising at the injection site.
G
Listen to your heart.
I
Ask your doctor about Repatha. Learn more@repatha.com or call 1-844-repatha.
Host: Mark Halperin (Filling in for Megyn Kelly)
Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show
Date: October 15, 2025
Episode Title: Perilous Israel-Hamas Deal, Charlie Kirk Awarded Medal of Freedom, Memphis Success
This AM Update episode examines a tense moment in the Middle East with the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, covers political and cultural repercussions in the U.S.—including President Trump's stern stance and his posthumous awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk—and offers a deep dive into the impact of a major federal law enforcement surge in Memphis. The show also addresses the politically charged arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence and contextualizes America’s ongoing struggle with political violence.
[02:23 – 05:26]
Mutual Accusations of Ceasefire Violation:
One day after a historic Gaza peace summit, both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce.
Hostage Return Complications:
Escalation of Internal Violence in Gaza:
US Policy & Trump’s Position:
President Trump issues stern warnings to Hamas, prioritizing hostage recovery and explicit disarmament:
“If they don't disarm, we will disarm them, and it'll happen quickly and perhaps violently, but they will disarm. Do you understand me?”
– President Trump, [04:47]
Trump notes the ceasefire’s success in retrieving hostages:
“We did something monumental. We got the hostages back...”
– President Trump, [04:12]
On media coverage:
“The media covered it very fairly and even the fake news, of which we have a lot, they actually covered it fairly for a change. And I appreciated that.”
– President Trump, [05:10]
Contradictorily, Trump uses Truth Social to criticize Time magazine’s cover photo of him, demonstrating his ongoing image consciousness.
[06:23 – 10:07]
President Trump’s Tribute:
Posthumously awards Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom (what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday).
Trump lauds Kirk as a “fearless warrior for liberty... a martyr for truth and for freedom.”
“He loved this country... he was put on earth to do exactly what he was doing. He didn’t want to waste time...”
– President Trump, [06:43]
Notes Kirk’s impact on youth and conservative organizing:
“Charlie grew Turning Point into the largest conservative youth organization in the entire country.”
– President Trump, [08:19]
Erica Kirk’s (Widow) Response:
Erica Kirk, now CEO of Turning Point USA, accepts the honor and delivers a stirring speech:
“You are the heartbeat of this future and of this movement, everything that Charlie built. You guys are the legacy holders of that...”
– Erica Kirk, [08:55]
“Charlie always said the next generation will decide whether freedom endures. And because of you, I know that freedom will endure.”
– Erica Kirk, [09:19]
[11:35 – 16:31]
DOJ Federal Surge:
State & Local Leaders Respond:
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee pledges long-term commitment, hints that the collaborative model may become semi-permanent to maintain lower crime rates.
“This operation in some ways may never end. It'll just change in its scope.”
– Gov. Bill Lee, [13:08 & 13:22]
David Rausch (TBI Director) reports a focus on missing children, with 45 out of 137 located so far and connects runaway youth to human trafficking threats.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young relays community gratitude, focusing on improved quality of life for youth:
“Those fifth graders... said that they were really excited because they’re now going to be able to play outside all fall.”
– Mayor Paul Young, [14:52]
Community Voices:
Residents take to social media to thank federal agents and President Trump for making neighborhoods safe:
“For the first time, my kids have been able to play in the backyard and be able to do it comfortably. I haven’t heard a gunshot in two weeks since they brought the National Guard down to Memphis.”
– Memphis resident, [15:53]
“They clean(ed) up our streets. I’m talking about they clean(ed) them good.”
– Memphis resident, [16:07]
[16:31 – 19:11]
Arson Attack & Guilty Plea:
Cody Ballmer pleads guilty to charges arising from the April arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence.
Ballmer, motivated by anger with Shapiro’s stance on the Gaza war, targeted the home during Passover; no injuries occurred, but the attack endangered more than a dozen people.
Affidavit reveals Ballmer’s intention to do harm had he confronted the Governor:
“If Governor Shapiro found him inside of his residence... he would have beaten him with his hammer.”
Governor Shapiro’s Statement:
Stresses need for accountability amid rising political violence:
“I think it’s important that in this time of rising political violence that none of us grow numb to it or accept this as the normal course of doing business for elected officials... This is a just outcome and I want you to know that our family fully supported the plea that he negotiated. We will forever be changed by this. We know that time will heal, but the scars will remain.”
– Gov. Josh Shapiro, [18:19]
President Trump on Hamas Disarmament:
“If they don't disarm, we will disarm them, and it'll happen quickly and perhaps violently, but they will disarm. Do you understand me?”
[04:47]
Erica Kirk’s Emotional Thanks:
“Charlie always said the next generation will decide whether freedom endures. And because of you, I know that freedom will endure.”
[09:19]
Memphis Resident on Safety:
“For the first time, my kids have been able to play in the backyard... I ain’t heard no screeching tires out late at night. I ain’t heard no gunshots.”
[15:53 – 16:07]
Governor Shapiro on Political Violence:
“I think it’s important that in this time of rising political violence that none of us grow numb to it...”
[18:19]
Throughout the episode, the tone is direct and urgent, occasionally turning emotional (especially in the tributes to Charlie Kirk and the community testimonials from Memphis). Mark Halperin, stepping in for Megyn Kelly, maintains a brisk, news-focused delivery, punctuated by the rhetoric of leaders (notably President Trump’s idiosyncratic bravado), heartfelt eulogies, and grounded local perspectives.
This episode contextualizes rapidly shifting international events, recent tragedies in American political life, and evolving success stories in domestic law enforcement. Anchored by first-hand statements and emotional moments, it balances hard news with community voices, reflecting ongoing political, cultural, and social tensions and the search for accountability and hope.