Mark Kelly sues Hegseth over censure, Iran warns against US intervention in protests, EPA's new plans could have major health costs, And More: 1.13.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-01-13

Duration: 50 minutes

Summary

The episode covers Senator Mark Kelly's lawsuit against Pete Hegseth over censure efforts, Iran's warning to the U.S. about intervening in its protests, and the EPA's controversial plan to stop monetizing health benefits in pollution regulations.

What Happened

The episode begins with a discussion on the EPA's new plans to move away from calculating the monetary value of health benefits when setting pollution regulations. This decision has sparked concern as it could lead to ignoring the health impacts of pollution on communities, particularly poorer ones that are more susceptible to pollution due to proximity to industrial sites.

The conversation shifts to international tensions, with Iran warning the U.S. against intervening in its ongoing protests. The Iranian foreign minister stated that while they are not seeking war, they are prepared for one if necessary. This comes amidst President Trump's threats of military action and the imposition of a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran.

Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging efforts to censure him and demote his retirement rank. Kelly claims this is retribution for sharing a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders, highlighting ongoing tensions within political and military circles over accountability and censorship.

The episode also covers a contentious exchange between Bill Maher and Wanda Sykes at the Golden Globes. Maher criticized celebrities for their symbolic gestures, such as wearing lapel pins, sparking a response from Sykes who defended the importance of these actions.

Elon Musk is reportedly filing for full custody of his child with Ashley St. Clair after her supportive comments on the trans community. This situation underscores the complexities of personal beliefs intersecting with family dynamics.

Lastly, the podcast touches on the strategic deployment of additional immigration officers to Minnesota by the Trump administration, a move claimed to be for officer safety in Minneapolis. This action raises questions about the federal government's involvement in local law enforcement issues.

Key Insights

• The EPA's new regulatory approach may disregard the monetary valuation of health benefits, potentially impacting communities near industrial sites who are more vulnerable to pollution.
• Iran's foreign minister has issued a warning to the U.S. against military intervention in its protests, coinciding with the imposition of a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran.
• Senator Mark Kelly is suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for alleged efforts to censure him and demote his retirement rank, linked to a video encouraging troops to refuse illegal orders.
• The Trump administration's deployment of additional immigration officers to Minnesota is claimed to be for officer safety, raising questions about federal involvement in local law enforcement.