Rain Ahead, Trump’s Golden Fleet, and Pop Culture’s Biggest Year

Mark Thompson opens Hour 2 with the latest on the incoming Southern California storm, speaking with the National Weather Service as forecasters warn the worst rainfall is still ahead and caution residents not to let their guard down despite the calm so far.Mark then shifts gears to politics and pageantry, breaking down Donald Trump putting his name on the Kennedy Center, followed by the president’s announcement of a new fleet of massive warships — branded the “Golden Fleet.” Mark reacts to the hype video rollout, Trump’s flair for promotion, and how modern naval power has evolved beyond traditional battleships.The hour lightens up as Mark thanks Board Wizard (and DJ) Foosh for the Christmas music and gives away VIP tickets to see the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend. That excitement rolls straight into talk of the massive $1.7 billion and growing lottery jackpot and what that kind of money really represents.Mark wraps the hour by spotlighting the biggest pop culture moments of 2025, according to E! and NPR — from surprise celebrity moments to cultural milestones — ultimately declaring it the year of Taylor Swift, with a nod to headline-grabbing turns from Katy Perry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.