Morning Joe - Fallout from two deadly ICE shootings

Episode Date: July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026: 7am — Fallout from two deadly ICE shootings To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A lot picture looking north up into Central Park here in New York City, 724 in the morning. I think the meteorological term for what it is today is gross in New York City, 97 and humid. New York has become the first day to impose a moratorium on large new data centers. These are the facilities driving the AI boom. Technology companies are racing to build them. But they also have led to growing concerns about power costs, straining water supplies, and burdens on local communities. That prompted New York Governor Kathy Hokel to sign an executive order yesterday, pausing state environmental permits for data centers for up to one year.

The order gives officials time to create a regulatory framework the governor says will protect the environment, the energy grid, and communities across the state of New York. Governor Hockel joins us in studio now. Governor, it's great to see you. Good morning. I think a lot of people are just now waking up to this issue about these data centers. And as we were just discussing, this is not a left-right issue. You're seeing across the country real concern.

So why did you take this step yesterday? Because New York is the kind of state that wants to not just be first, but be the first to get it right. So what we do here will certainly be a model for other states. What we're dealing with is the spectra of these huge, hyperscale AI data centers that are being built in mass around the country, many projects coming to New York. But we've not stepped back and says, what is the cost for all of us? What are New Yorkers going to have to put up with for this mass? It's not job creation. There's not a lot of jobs associated with once the building

construction phase is over. So they're a huge guzzler of energy, and I have limited resources here in the state that I'm trying to preserve for the real innovation economy, the jobs like the microns. They also affect the water supply. They also affect, you know, the noise in the communities can be incredible. And so if you're one of these small communities in upstate New York where they're looking to build because there's so much more space, they're not coming to Manhattan. They're going to our upstate communities. Those communities don't have the negotiating power either. So these large companies, I want them to have to bring your own power source.

I said this in my state of state. Bring your own power source or pay a premium to tap into our grid. I don't want our local rate payers who are already dealing with sky high utility bills to have the burdened with the cost of basically subsidizing these huge massive centers. Now, that does not mean we're anti-AI. We embrace it here. We embrace innovation. And that is why I'm putting a one-year pause on this for us to get it right.

There's talk of a federal pause, in fact, in Congress. Even some Democrats have said that goes too far that the AI boom is coming. We need to embrace it. So the AI companies effectively are saying, this is all happening. These data centers are going to go somewhere. Why not in your state where we could create some jobs for you? What do you say to that? I say you can come within the parameters that we're creating.

You know, give us the time to get. it right. This is not just the Wild West. You get to pick a huge swath of land in upstate New York. And if you've seen these in person, and I have, they are so massive. And they dominate. And you look in there. Was there a whole, are there thousands of people working in there? There's not. But I understand why it's important. And I'm using AI right now. I just use AI to look at every aspect of state government to quote with recommendations on how we can cut red tape, how we can cut fees. And so I'm utilizing this tool. I'm not saying we're not embracing. I want those companies here. But companies want one thing. They want certainty.

Tell us the rules of the road. New Yorkers want protections. New York will give them both. So, Governor, your neighboring governor, Governor, Cheryl, New Jersey was here last week. We had a conversation that included AI centers. And she acknowledged a sort of tricky balance because of all the concerns you've laid out. But also, she's like, well, I want our state to be at the forefront of innovation. Like this will lead to other good things that are hospitals and our schools and the like. So how do you factor that in, especially when we suddenly see a remarkable shift in public opinion about AI centers? The public is sour on AI AI and done so dramatically for fears of job loss, but also because of costs, noise, and the like. How do you walk that tightrope?

I put a challenge out to these AI companies. Those that created the possibility of literally changing civilization with artificial intelligence, they have to be able to. figure out how to consume less power, how to consume less water, how to be disruptive. I challenge them to come up with this solution, or there will be a backlash against them. People are fed up with what is happening not just in their communities, but the whole disruptive effect of AI. Talk to any young person who maybe studied coding and computer science were told you'll always have a job if you go into the STEM fields. And they're the ones being told, I'm sorry, your job is being replaced by AI. I literally held a forum with about 10 of these individuals in my office.

People whose boss had said, you just lost your job because of AI. They're heartbroken. Their dreams are now deferred. They don't know what the next step is. So we also, as a society and as government leaders, have to acknowledge there's a lot of stress and anxiety going on right now, especially young people. And we have to say, we're going to get it right. We understand the power of AI, but I don't want, are you able to feel that this innovation

is leaving them behind? They have to be part of it. So literally last week, my first commission started. I had my first meeting of my Future Works Commission, another angle here, where I'm bringing together experts in every aspect of this to find out how we solve this crisis. We cannot leave these young people behind. Interesting to see it, like I said, both sides of the aisle, applauding your move yesterday as just let's slow down a little bit.

Let's pump the brakes and make sure we get this right. I've got to ask you why we have you here. The World Cup final is coming up this weekend across the river. calling it New York, New Jersey over at MetLife Stadium, but also just an extraordinary summer, let's be honest, from the Knicks winning the title, the World Cup, Taylor Swift got married at the garden. It's all happening. What has this summer been like to you? We also talked about that extraordinary ship parade and the fireworks on the 4th of July in your state. It has been magical. It has made all of us so proud of being New Yorkers, proud to be Americans, especially on the 4th of

July. It was the most unifying experience to see people coming together. whether it's the crowds in the streets celebrating the Knicks, whether it's the people from all over the world coming to cheer on their team, not necessarily at the World Cup, but in all the bars. The bars in my neighborhood are packed. And I walk in and I'm celebrating. I'm having a great time with everybody. So it has been the summer of fun for sure.

But let's not lose this moment. Let's not let it dissipate as we turn into August and September and we get back to our life. Let's capture this and say, you know, this reminds us we're Americans first. We have unifying forces, whether it's sports or music or the talent we see. And it's just, I think this is something that reminds people of what's so extraordinary about New York. But also, this is also a summer. I'm going to point this out. We have had some of the safest streets, safest events.

Subway crime is down. The lowest has been in 16 years. So all the anxiety we talked about when I first got elected a few years ago, all that is dissipating. So it gives that foundation of security. I'm safe going on the subway. I'm safe going out to a bar late at night. And that has calmed everything down this city. So this is really a renaissance for New York.

Democratic Governor of New York. Kathy Hockel, Governor, thanks so much. We appreciate it. Thank you. Still ahead, we'll be joined by New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Silva, with a look at his new book, Ransom, the 26th in his wildly popular Gabriel Alon series. That's coming up next.

I'm morning, Joe. Our next guest is the author behind the beloved fictitious character, Gabriel Alon, a legendary spy and art restorer, whose capers have captivated millions of readers for decades. Now the protagonist is back for another adventure in the new thriller, Ransom. In it, a prominent socialite and influencer vanishes without a trace while on vacation in Ibiza. When police hit a dead end, her real estate billionaire husband turns to Alon to track her down. And that is when the real mystery begins. The New York Times bestselling author of the novel, Daniel Silva,

joins us. Now, Daniel, good morning. It's always great to see you. Number 26 in this best-selling series. People can't get enough of it. John is almost finished with the book. So we laid it out a little bit, but where do we find Gabriel this time around? We find him, he's supposed to be enjoying a quiet summer vacation out. He's got a, he lives in Venice. I'm jealous of my character. I mean, this guy lives in the Grand Canal in Venice when he has a summer cottage in Cornwall, one of my favorite places in the world. And as you point out of the introduction, he is asked to track down this missing British socialite named Alice Winter, glamorous, dazzling, beautiful woman. And one thing leads to another is often the case in a Gabriel Law and book. And he finds

himself drawn back into the world. He thought he had left behind. It's a page turner. It's a work of high gloss entertainment. It's part kidnapped drama. part global thriller, but it does deal with one of the most important challenges facing the West at this time. We all know that Russia is engaged in a war of conquest in the Ukraine, but it's also engaged in a secret war of sabotage, subversion, election interference, hacking against the nations of Western Europe. And one of the most formidable weapons in Russia's arsenal right now are drones. And that's why we love these books, because they're stories, thrilling and well-told, but also grounded in something that feels current. So what was the initial

inspiration for this one? Well, I think you guys have covered it extensively on the program. Remember last autumn, there was a big, big drone incursion in Copenhagen. It shut down the airport for hours. It snarled traffic continent-wide. But in the days that followed, there were other drone swarms at smaller civilian airports in Denmark and at their air bases. The Prime Minister was so concerned about what was happening, she came this close to calling up the reserves. But it just so happened that a few days later, there was this emergency Russia summit, European summit that was scheduled in Copenhagen. Danish intelligence were so concerned about the possibility that Russia was going to attack this meeting with drones, that

They grabbed every anti-drone kit, as much signal-jamming material as they could lay their hands on and close the airspace to try to secure that meeting. That is what the inspiration is for this book. So as Willie said, I'm about 80, 85% through this rings on the plane yesterday. Only 80, 85%. I'm getting there. I'm zip through yesterday. I'll be finishing it later today. And one of the things that is so great, I mean, it is, there's a couple big reveals, which of course I will not spoil here.

but it's a persistent thread, the threat of Russia, I feel like, has really permeated your last few books, your characters live in this world so similar to our own. This is something that I've, you clearly are warning. This is something we're all going to be dealing with in the next couple of years. Well, if there was a piece in that Sunday Times just over the weekend that, you know, Europeans and the European intelligence services

and European leaders are absolutely convinced that they are going to be in a shooting war with Russia in the very near future. The head of NATO, Mr. Routé, when he's not flattering Donald Trump, speaks very, very plainly on this subject that we're going to witness a war that harkens back to World War II. And so the threat is very real. And Russia, it's a very old playbook from them. It goes back to the days of Stalin, you know, active measures, trying to disrupt and shape Europe to Russia's point of view. But they are engaged in a flat-out war right now in a short term to try to punish the countries that are supporting Ukraine,

in the long term to try to destroy small L, small D, liberal democracy, as we know it, because they view it as an existential threat to them. And the idea is that Putin will poke and prod as far as he can, perhaps, after reconstitutes after the Ukraine war and see what does Europe really do? What does the United States really do if I take this a step further? That's right.

And some of these drone incursions are the very same thing. They are mapping, they are probing, they are constantly sticking, looking for weakness. And as you pointed out very accurately, what will we do? Will we really engage in a continent-wide war

with, you know, nuclear potential for nuclear conflict over a country like Estonia. And really good news. He's already at work on the next. Of course he is already at work on the next. Is there ever a time you're not writing, Daniel? That's the question. No, very excited. There is not. I have the best job in the world, and I do suffer from that writing compulsion. And we're all lucky for that. Another great one. The new novel, Ransom available now. Check it out. Bestselling author, Daniel Silva, give our love to Jamie and the kids. So great to see you. Thank you so much for having me.

Congratulations. Coming up next, we'll go live to Capitol Hill ahead of this morning. Confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche to become Attorney General. Plus, new reporting on ICE temporarily pausing traffic stops after two deadly shootings in less than a week, though. President Trump has said just this morning, we're not pausing traffic stops. Morning Joe's back in a moment. This is Brunini. Second half substitute for Gotham.

We're meeting with some stepovers outside of the forts. LeValle. Championship. That was Gotham FC soccer star Rose LaVell scoring the game-winning goal at the National Women's Soccer League's championship game against the Washington Spirit back in November. And as the men's FIFA World Cup has soccer fans captivated around the world, later today, the two teams will face off again. This time at New York's City Field in what is shaping up to be an historic event. More than 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the Queen's Classic, putting the game on track to become the largest women's sporting event in New York City history. It's also the first ever women's professional sporting event being held at City Field.

And here to tell us more, Carolyn Tish Blodget, owner of Gotham FC. She's also co-owner of the New York Giants and a leader helping drive the explosive growth. of women's sports. Also here for the conversation, MS now contributor, whom Abidine, who is vice chair of the Forbes and Know Your Value, 30-50 Summit. So Carolyn, great to have you. Great to meet you more than 40,000 tickets already sold for tonight's game. First ever sporting event at Cityfield. What do you think or what do you hope this all means, not just for Gotham FC, but women's sports? This is, so first of all, thank you so much for having me.

We are officially late breaking news. We are officially sold out. So we have 42,000 people coming tonight. When we had this idea, we knew the World Cup was obviously coming to the U.S. We knew the finals were coming to New York. And it felt like we wanted to be a part of that. We wanted to lean in and be a part of this moment where soccer is really, you know, their soccer fever all over. And so we took this bet. We said we don't have access to our stadium.

We're going to create our own. We're going to go into New York City. We are going to host the first ever professional women's soccer event in New York. And will people show up? And the answer is yes. Carolyn, congratulations on being sold out for tonight. A staggering 70% of ticket buyers for tonight's event are first-time Gotham fans. How do you explain this surge of interest in the event to tonight? I think when a few years ago, when we became new owners of the team, there was a question of can a women's sports team survive? Is there appetite for women's sports? Is there appetite for women's soccer? The answer is so different today. Now we are talking about how big can these teams be? How big can this fan base be? And so to see 70% of people coming tonight have

never been to a Gotham game, I think it just shows that there is incredible appetite and the guy is truly the limit for it. Absolutely. And, you know, you're also a co-owner of the Giants. Your family owns the MetLife Stadium. You mentioned soccer fever earlier. You're hosting the FIFA, the World Cup final. My family and I were amongst the 80,000-plus fans there were last weekend, and you felt the energy and the excitement, the thrill just being there. And it felt a sense of community and bringing people together with New York taking center stage for the final. What is, what do you, what do you, What do you think this says about the future of soccer in the United States?

I think soccer, and I'm so happy that the country is now realizing this, soccer brings people, sports in general, bring people together. I think it's one of the few things that really can unite a very diverse group of people. Soccer in particular, it is the world's game. It is played by diverse communities around the world. And I think what we're seeing in this country and we're very much seeing this at the games that met life is, so many different types of people all coming together to celebrate this game, to celebrate their communities. And you see, you know, an Argentina fan right next to an England fan. And they're, while, yes, they're rooting for different teams, they are coming together over the sport in a way

that we haven't seen in a very long time. Absolutely. It really does feel like it's bringing people together. In addition to the excitement of tonight, you've helped build brands, you've invested in sports. You've led Gotham FC clearly through a period of extraordinary growth. What are, from your vantage point, what are some of the challenges that you still see? And what do you think the advantages are going forward? Yeah. So when we came in to the NWSL of the National Women's Soccer League, there was a question.

So there was a question of if the league could survive. There was a question of would people show up, would brands show up? And that conversation for some brands is really different. I think we're starting to see brands that say, okay, I'm not just doing. It used to be kind of a charity. If a brand was a sponsor, it was sort of like, eh, I know it's the right thing to do. It's going to come out of my community budget. That conversation is really different now.

Now brands are saying, we want to be here because there's a clear return on investment. We want to be here because the fans are here and the fans deeply care about this product on the field and these players and the community that we're building. And so that conversation is changing, but there's still so much more room to grow. Yeah, men's and women's soccer has arrived in the USA. Gotham FC takes on the Washington spirit at 8 p.m. at Cityfield, you could try to buy tickets, but they're sold out. The historic match will also be broadcast on ESPN, Carolyn Tish Lodge. It's great to have you on the show. Huma Aberdeen, as always. Thank you so much.

Still ahead on Morning Joe, Joe's take on Speaker Mike Johnson saying Congress needs to approve $350 billion in new spending for the Pentagon to help combat communism in the United States. Morning Joe is coming right back.