Overview of AM Update 9/17
This episode of SiriusXM’s AM Update covers a packed morning news rundown: House Republicans delaying a surprise impeachment push against War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the deadly Los Angeles news helicopter crash that killed two station colleagues and a bystander, escalating legal scrutiny for Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner, and reports that Jack Schlossberg is stepping back from politics after a disappointing congressional run.
Key Political Story: Massie Floats Hegseth Impeachment
House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home a day early, which effectively delayed Rep. Thomas Massie’s unexpected impeachment effort against Pete Hegseth until after the midterms.
What Massie alleged
- Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth.
- His core argument is that Hegseth unlawfully directed U.S. forces into hostilities with Iran without:
- a congressional declaration of war,
- specific statutory authorization,
- or a valid national emergency.
- He also accused Hegseth of abusing authority in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a kidnapping under the guise of drug enforcement.
Republican response
- GOP leadership reportedly moved quickly to shut down the vote by ending the session early.
- Johnson called the move a “publicity stunt” and said it would be tabled.
- The show noted that a motion to table would allow lawmakers to kill the resolution without a direct impeachment vote.
Related commentary
- Tucker Carlson backed Massie’s concerns on air, tying them to a February strike in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed many civilians, including children, and which a preliminary military investigation allegedly linked to U.S. forces.
Tragedy in Los Angeles: News Helicopter Crash
A major segment of the episode focused on the fatal crash of News Chopper 4 in Chatsworth, Los Angeles.
What happened
- A helicopter providing aerial coverage for NBC4 and Telemundo 52 went down shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday.
- People killed:
- Eliana Moreno, aerial reporter/photojournalist
- George Marcinot, veteran pilot
- Edie Gutierrez Mejia, a pedestrian on the ground
Context of the crash
- The helicopter had been covering an earlier SUV vs. Metro bus crash that killed two and injured six.
- The aircraft crashed between commercial buildings, causing a fire and damaging additional vehicles and storage containers.
- Two more people were hospitalized.
On-air newsroom reaction
- The transcript highlighted the emotional realization inside NBC4 as staff began to understand the crashed helicopter was their own.
- Colleen Williams later confirmed on air that News Chopper 4 had gone down.
Investigation
- The NTSB and FAA are investigating.
- The cause remains unknown, though video reportedly captured a warning alarm and a rapid loss of altitude before the feed cut out.
Legal Trouble for Larry Krasner
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and deputy Matthew Stiegler were referred to the Justice Department after a federal judge said there was evidence they may have tried to mislead the court.
Core allegations
- The issue centers on a murder conviction appeal filed by Dennis Johnson, convicted in 2009 of second-degree murder.
- Krasner’s office allegedly supported overturning the conviction before conducting a proper independent review.
- Prosecutors later found factual errors in a filing and tried to withdraw it.
- Judge Paul Diamond said Stiegler’s testimony was “contradictory, evasive, and at times outright dishonest,” and suggested possible:
- perjury,
- obstruction of justice,
- and conspiracy.
Judge’s action
- Diamond removed Krasner and Stiegler from the case.
- He referred them, and the DA’s office, to the U.S. Attorney for potential investigation.
- This is not a criminal charge, but it opens the door to a federal inquiry.
Krasner’s response
- Krasner said he “respectfully and vigorously” disagrees and plans to appeal.
Jack Schlossberg Reportedly Retreating After Election Loss
The episode also covered reports that Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, is laying low after losing his first congressional race.
What happened
- Schlossberg finished third in the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th District with only 10.8% of the vote.
- Reports say he expected to win and was especially stung by failing to carry his own neighborhood.
Where things stand now
- Sources say he has been mostly out of sight in Manhattan.
- His family reportedly brought him to Martha’s Vineyard to recover from the defeat.
- Some allies are reportedly still looking for a future political role for him, possibly even in a future Democratic White House.
Background
- Schlossberg has already attracted attention for unusual and sometimes provocative social media posts, including content aimed at family members.
Main Takeaways
- Congressional maneuvering is blocking immediate action on Massie’s impeachment push against Hegseth.
- The LA helicopter crash was both a public tragedy and a deeply personal one for NBC4, which lost two colleagues.
- Larry Krasner’s office is under serious legal and ethical scrutiny, with a judge explicitly flagging potential criminal conduct.
- Jack Schlossberg’s political debut was a setback, and reports suggest he is taking time away from the spotlight.
Notable Quote
- Mike Johnson on Massie’s impeachment effort: “It’s a publicity stunt by someone who wants attention.”