• Wednesday, July 10th, 2023
    Jul 10 2024
    Today’s Headlines: It seems like international rivalry week, with the NATO summit kicking off in DC and announcing a $700 million contract for more Stinger missiles, which were crucial in aiding Ukraine against Russia in 2022. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia, calling Putin "my dear friend," while Russia launched a new offensive in Ukraine, tragically hitting the country's largest children's hospital. In the US, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is working with Democrats on legislation to counter the Supreme Court's ruling that grants Trump immunity from criminal prosecution. On the environmental front, sea-level rise has potentially wiped out the Key Largo tree cactus, marking the first time climate change has eradicated a US species. Lastly, the FTC has banned the NGL app from serving users under 18 for privacy violations and deceptive practices, resulting in a $5 million settlement. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: NATO signs $700 million Stinger missile contract WA Post: Modi bear-hugs Putin in Moscow, marking deep ties between Russia and India AP News: Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missile attacks kill at least 31, hits children's hospital The Hill: Schumer pushing bill to strip Trump of court-granted immunity Axios: Sea level rise wipes out a U.S. species for the first known time WA Post: In a first, federal regulators ban messaging app from hosting minors Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    6 mins
  • Tuesday, July 9th, 2023
    Jul 9 2024
    Today’s Headlines: While attending the NATO summit in DC, President Biden doubled down on his commitment to run in the 2024 election, saying he's the best shot at beating Trump. Despite all the chatter, Biden dared other candidates to challenge him and shrugged off his critics. On the other side, Trump managed to get the Republican National Committee to quietly remove the call for a national abortion plan from their platform, even though they still hold strong anti-abortion views. Meanwhile, in California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes $12 million for reparations, focusing on formal apologies and setting up programs without direct payments. In other news, Boeing struck a plea deal over the 737 Max crashes, agreeing to a $243.6 million fine and $455 million for safety programs, though victims' families are calling it a "sweetheart deal." Hurricane Beryl knocked out power for 2 million Texans, and excessive heat warnings are up across the West, breaking temperature records and causing several suspected heat-related deaths. Lastly, during the pandemic, there was a 24% jump in STD diagnoses among seniors 65 and older, much higher than the 5% increase across all age groups. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Biden tells Democrats to "end" talk of him withdrawing AP News: Republicans move at Trump's behest to change how they will oppose abortion AP News: California budgets up to $12 million for reparations bills, a milestone in atoning for racist legacy AP News: Boeing accepts plea deal to avoid criminal trial over 737 Max crashes, Justice Department says AP News: Beryl unleashes high winds, heavy rains in Texas, stranding residents and leaving 2M without power AP News: Searing heat wave grips large parts of the US and causes deaths in the West Axios: STDs jumped nearly a quarter among seniors during pandemic Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • Monday, July 8th, 2023
    Jul 8 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, a plan by the Heritage Foundation to reshape American society under a second Trump administration, following public backlash. He also suggested changing election dates and supported imprisoning political opponents, while the private prison conglomerate GEO Group heavily backed his campaign. In international news, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed reducing Western influence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. In the UK, Keir Starmer became Prime Minister after Labour's victory, and France's left-wing coalition prevented far-right gains in parliamentary elections. Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran's presidential election, advocating dialogue with adversaries. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the presidential race, dismissing the need for a cognitive test. Lastly, the EPA fined General Motors $146 million for excess emissions, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Trump tries to distance himself from Project 2025 plan CNN: Trump amplifies posts calling for televised military tribunal for Liz Cheney Citizens For Ethics: Private prison behemoth is first corporation to max out to Trump NBC News: Putin and Xi meet at Central Asian summit aimed at countering U.S. NBC News: Keir Starmer confirmed as Britain's new prime minister after Labour Party’s decisive win BBC: French turnout high as far right aims for power in key vote CNN: Reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential vote CBS News: Biden tells ABC News debate was a "bad episode," doesn't agree to independent neurological exam Politico: Warner organizing discussion for Senate Democrats to assess Biden's path forward - Live Updates WA Post: General Motors to pay nearly $146 million for excess car emissions Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024
    Jul 3 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Following the Supreme Court's ruling that granted Donald Trump immunity from prosecution for his "official acts" in the 2020 election interference case, his lawyers moved to dismiss his 34 felony convictions in New York and delay his sentencing. Judge Juan Merchan agreed to postpone the sentencing to September 18th at the earliest. Meanwhile, President Biden is facing criticism within his own party, with Representative Lloyd Doggett calling for Biden to withdraw from the race, and Nancy Pelosi questioning his mental fitness and emphasizing the need for him to give multiple sit-down interviews. Rudy Giuliani was disbarred in New York after a court ruled he made false statements to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. Giuliani had his law license suspended in 2021, and now he is permanently banned from practicing law in the state. The Arizona GOP filed an emergency motion to block approximately 35,000 voters from participating in the presidential election unless they provide proof of citizenship, following voter suppression laws passed in 2022. These laws require new voters to provide documentation to vote and allow for voter roll purges. In international news, Ukraine's security service announced it had thwarted a coup attempt against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, allegedly planned to "play into Russia's hands." The plot involved staging a riot in Kyiv, seizing the parliament, and replacing the country's leadership. For our scary weather report, Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, has caused six fatalities in the Caribbean and is now approaching Jamaica with winds of 150 miles per hour. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Judge Delays Trump’s Sentencing Until Sept. 18 After Immunity Claim The Daily Beast: Dem Dam Breaks on Biden: Pelosi Says Fitness is ‘Legitimate’ Question ABC 3340: Arizona GOP looks to block voters without proof of citizenship from voting in November AP News: Giuliani is disbarred in New York as court finds he repeatedly lied about Trump's 2020 election loss Axios: Ukraine foils coup attempt that would have "played into Russia's hands" NBC News: Hurricane Beryl reaches record winds of 165 mph as the powerful storm barrels toward Jamaica Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    6 mins
  • Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024
    Jul 2 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court ruled to largely immunize Donald Trump from prosecution in the 2020 election interference case, with a 6-3 majority granting former presidents broad immunity for "official acts." Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted only Trump's calls to state officials about fake electors might be unofficial. This decision likely delays Trump's trial past the November election as Judge Tanya Chutkan must now assess which acts are official, potentially leading to further appeals. In response, Trump’s lawyers are seeking to dismiss his Manhattan felony convictions and delay sentencing, arguing some payments made during his presidency should be considered official acts. President Biden condemned the ruling, asserting it allows presidents to ignore legal accountability, thus undermining public trust. Meanwhile, the Trump Organization signed a deal with a Saudi real estate company for a high-rise project in Jeddah, highlighting ongoing financial ties with Saudi interests. The FDA gained new regulatory powers over cosmetics under the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, though compliance may be affected by the Supreme Court's recent decision. A Florida judge released transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2006 prosecution, revealing prosecutorial misconduct and insufficient charges against Epstein. Lastly, Warren Buffett plans to create a charitable trust for his Berkshire Hathaway shares, worth over $127 billion, managed by his three children, raising questions about its true philanthropic intent. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial CBS News: Biden condemns Supreme Court's ruling on Trump immunity case Axios: "New era" of cosmetics' regulation: FDA wields new powers over makeup companies Miami Herald: They were secret for 16 years. Now a judge has released the Epstein grand jury records Axios: Warren Buffett pledges $100 billion for nothing in particular Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Monday, July 1st, 2024
    Jul 1 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court has undermined the Chevron deference, a precedent that allowed federal agencies to enact rules in their areas of expertise. This decision could impact regulations on clean air, water, vehicle safety, emissions, anti-discrimination protections, and consumer rights, shifting power to the judiciary and hindering law enforcement. This ruling is particularly significant as it aligns with Donald Trump's Project 2025 agenda to dismantle the administrative state and favor corporate interests. In another ruling, the Supreme Court favored January 6th rioters by dismissing obstruction charges related to their attempt to stop the 2020 election certification. This decision could affect Donald Trump's own obstruction charges in his criminal indictment. Additionally, the Supreme Court extended its term to decide on Trump's immunity claim regarding election interference. The decision, expected soon, could delay trial proceedings past the election. The Court also upheld an Oregon ban on unhoused individuals sleeping in public spaces, ruling it does not violate the 8th amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Meanwhile, Steve Bannon is set to begin a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress after the Supreme Court refused to hear his case.On the international front, France's far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, is leading in first-round voting, with President Macron's centrist party potentially finishing third behind a new left-wing coalition. Lastly, Hurricane Beryl has rapidly intensified to a category 4 storm, expected to impact Barbados, the Grenadines, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the Windward and Leeward Islands with significant storm surge flooding. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: What the Chevron Ruling Means for the Federal Government The Intercept: Supreme Court’s Latest Power Grab: Regulatory Oversight Reuters: US Supreme Court raises bar for obstruction charge against Trump, Jan. 6 rioters AP News: The Supreme Court nears the end of another momentous term. A decision on Trump's immunity looms NY Times: Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Sleeping Outdoors in Homelessness Case AP News: France elections 2024: Far-right National Rally leads first round of snap polls Axios: Historic, powerful Hurricane Beryl to hit Windward Islands Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Friday, June 28th, 2024
    Jun 28 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Last night's debate between President Biden and Donald Trump was highly anticipated. Biden appeared raspy and aged, while Trump seemed slightly more composed than usual. However, there was no live fact-checking, leaving many of Trump's claims unchecked, such as blaming January 6th on Nancy Pelosi and denying derogatory remarks about fallen soldiers. An exchange about their golf swings added little substance to the debate. The Supreme Court's leaked EMTALA opinion was confirmed to be purposeful and final, deferring to a lower court decision that allows emergency abortions in Idaho for now. This means that, despite the ruling, doctors in Idaho will likely remain hesitant to provide care due to legal uncertainties. Oklahoma's state superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that all public schools in the state teach the Bible, incorporating it into the curriculum for grades 5 through 12. Walters claimed the Bible is essential for understanding American history and Western civilization, though his interpretation and implementation of this mandate remain unclear. Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo was indicted on 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child due to the mishandled response to the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School. Despite posting bail, his indictment marks a rare application of the child endangerment statute, reflecting the unprecedented nature of law enforcement's inaction during the shooting. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Live updates: Trump and Biden debate for first time in 2024 presidential election CNN Politics: Supreme Court issues decision on emergency abortion care case WA Post: Oklahoma schools are required to teach the Bible, state superintendent says WA Post: Former Uvalde school police chief indicted in botched response to shooting Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • Thursday, June 27th, 2024
    Jun 27 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court had a busy day yesterday with several notable decisions. First, an unpublished opinion on emergency abortion care leaked online, revealing that emergency abortions can continue in Idaho for now due to the Court's decision not to rule on the merits of the case, upholding the EMTALA for the time being. In another decision, the Court ruled 6-3 to limit a federal public corruption law, allowing public officials to accept bribes for official acts if delivered after the fact, sparking concerns about ethics and accountability. Additionally, the Court upheld the government's ability to communicate with social media platforms about content moderation in a 6-3 ruling, but suggested that Congress should address the issue. In other news, President Biden pardoned thousands of LGBTQ veterans wrongfully discharged under a former law banning gay sex in the military, allowing them to apply for benefits. Sixteen Nobel Prize-winning economists warned that a second Trump administration would worsen inflation due to his proposed policies, including a 10% tariff on all imports. The US Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis, urging Congress to take action. Meanwhile, Florida declined a federal grocery subsidy program that would have provided school meals for 2 million low-income children, citing operational costs and conditions. Lastly, a military coup attempt in Bolivia failed, with President Luis Arce remaining in power and the coup's leader arrested. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Supreme Court would allow emergency abortions for now, early opinion says NY Times: Supreme Court Rules Public Corruption Law Allows Gifts to Officials Axios: Biden admin notches SCOTUS social media win Axios: Biden pardons veterans convicted under military's ban on gay sex CBS News: 16 Nobel Prize-winning economists warn that Trump's economic plans could reignite inflation WA Post: U.S. surgeon general declares firearm violence a public health crisis WLRN: 'Very difficult': Florida opts out of federal grocery subsidy for 2 million low-income children AP News: Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins