• Monday, May 6th, 2024
    May 6 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel collapse in Cairo, leading Israel to announce an imminent incursion into Gaza. Hamas claimed responsibility for firing rockets at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing its closure, worsening the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Additionally, the Israeli government ordered the closure of Al Jazeera's local offices, citing security concerns and accusing the network of incitement against soldiers. Furthermore, the US halted a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel, and in US politics, Senator Tim Scott's vague response to accepting the 2024 election results raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife were indicted on bribery charges involving an oil company and a bank. Finally, severe weather in Texas and Oklahoma have caused widespread chaos. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Hamas says cease-fire talks ended. Israel vows military operation in near future NY Times: Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Rocket Attack Claimed by Hamas AP News: Israel orders Al Jazeera to close its local operation and seizes some of its equipment Axios: Scoop: U.S. put a hold on an ammunition shipment to Israel NBC News: Sen. Tim Scott dodges on whether he would accept 2024 election results WA Post: Rep. Henry Cuellar accused of taking bribes from Azerbaijan, Mexican bank CBS News: Hundreds rescued from floodwaters around Houston as millions in Texas, Oklahoma, remain under threat Axios: 40 million at risk of severe storms, "intense" tornadoes possible Monday 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
  • Friday, May 3rd, 2024
    May 3 2024
    Today’s Headlines: US senators held a virtual meeting with International Criminal Court officials over rumors of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, during his break from court, declared he wouldn't commit to accepting 2024 election results, reasserting false claims about winning Wisconsin in 2020. Back in court, testimony continued about hush money payments, with the judge considering more gag order violations. President Biden addressed campus protests, affirming dissent's importance but denouncing disorder, while another Boeing whistleblower's death raises questions about safety issues in the company. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Scoop: Senators meet with ICC over concerns about possible Israel arrest warrants Politico: Trump suggests he won't accept 2024 election results in Wisconsin NY Times: Trump Trial Takeaways: Tapes Take Jurors Into the Heart of Hush-Money Deals AP News: Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over the war in Gaza The Independant: Second Boeing whistleblower dies after raising concerns about 737 MAX 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
  • Thursday, May 2nd, 2024
    May 2 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Today's news brings updates on nationwide campus protests, centered at Columbia University where over 300 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested. Mayor Eric Adams suggests the protests are influenced by outside agitators. Similar protests have erupted across the country, resulting in over 1500 arrests. Violence erupted at UCLA where 15 people were injured in clashes. In Congress, the House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, though its future in the Senate is uncertain due to debates over its impact on free speech. On abortion, Florida's 6-week ban is now in effect, while Arizona voted to repeal its 1864 abortion ban, but it won't take effect immediately. In Louisiana, a federal court blocked the state's new congressional map, leaving it without a map for the 2024 elections. Lastly, the Federal Reserve decided not to cut the inflation rate, maintaining it between 5.25 and 5.5%, citing the need for greater confidence in sustainable inflation reduction. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Violence, chaos erupts on campuses as protesters and counter-protesters clash over the war in Gaza CBS News: Antisemitism Awareness Act passed by House of Representatives. Here's what the bill does NBC News: Florida's 6-week abortion ban takes effect, cutting off access in much of the South AP News: Arizona Senate OKs bill to repeal the state's 1864 near-total abortion ban WA Post: Federal judges strike down La. congressional map with second Black-majority district CNBC: Fed keeps rates steady as it notes 'lack of further progress' on inflation 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
  • Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
    May 1 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Just as ceasefire and hostage negotiations are gaining momentum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares his intention to invade Rafah, stating that the military will do so regardless of a truce. Meanwhile, Columbia University sees pro-Palestine protests escalating as students occupy administrative buildings, demanding divestment and transparency. In a different protest scenario, Brown University agrees to consider divesting from Israeli funds. In legal news, Donald Trump faces consequences for violating a gag order during his trial, with Judge Juan Merchan holding him in contempt and warning of jail time. Trump's potential plans for a second term, including extreme policy proposals, also surface. On a different note, there are reports of easing federal restrictions on cannabis, with the DEA expected to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule 3, potentially impacting taxation and research efforts. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah 'with or without a deal' as cease-fire talks with Hamas continue AP News: Police clear pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University's Hamilton Hall after occupation WA Post: Police breach occupied building at Columbia: University protest live updates AP News: Trump trial day 9 highlights: Judge rules Trump violated gag order TIME: Donald Trump on What His Second Term Would Look Like NBC News: Biden administration plans to reclassify marijuana, easing restrictions nationwide 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
  • Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
    Apr 30 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly considering issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials for their actions during the Gaza military campaign. Netanyahu reportedly asked President Biden to help prevent the ICC from issuing these warrants. Additionally, US congress members from both parties have attempted to warn the ICC against issuing the warrants. A coalition of attorneys, including some from the Biden administration, has urged President Biden to halt military aid to Israel, accusing Israel of violating US statutes and international humanitarian law. Amnesty International has also called for the halt of arms sales to Israel, alleging violations of international law. Campus protests have spread across universities in the US, with tensions escalating, while legal challenges from several Republican-controlled states are targeting federal expansions to Title IX aimed at protecting transgender students. On a positive note, a federal appeals court ruled that state health care plans must cover gender-affirming surgeries, citing violations of the anti-discrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Israeli Officials Believe ICC Is Preparing Arrest Warrants Over Gaza War Axios: Netanyahu tells Biden he's worried about possible ICC arrest warrants Axios: Congress threatens ICC over Israeli arrest warrants Politico: Attorneys inside and outside the administration urge Biden to cut off arms to Israel WA Post: Amnesty International says Biden must halt arms transfers to Israel NY Times: Columbia Suspends Student Protesters in Pro-Palestinian Encampment AP News: Israel-Hamas war protesters and police clash on Texas campus, Columbia University begins suspensions AP News: Israel-Hamas war protesters and police clash on Texas campus, Columbia University begins suspensions \-student-protests-war-19ed919ff6ff9573a8add4ec67e26181 AP News: Conservative states challenge federal rule on treatment of transgender students WA Post: Court says state health-care plans can’t exclude gender-affirming surgery 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, April 29th, 2024
    Apr 29 2024
    Today’s Headlines: This week's diplomatic efforts in Gaza see Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Saudi Arabia for ceasefire and hostage negotiations, with President Biden cautioning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against escalating assaults on Rafah. The Israeli military's call-up of reserve soldiers indicates rising tensions. Meanwhile, over 800 arrests of pro-Palestinian student protesters occurred on college campuses, highlighting the pressure to oppose America's support of Israel's Gaza operation. This has led to the House voting on the Antisemitism Awareness Act, defining antisemitism per the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's guidelines. Additionally, severe weather hit Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, with over 100 tornadoes causing fatalities and extensive damage. Finally, Donald Trump met with Ron DeSantis reportedly to raise money for the November election, hinting at DeSantis's presidential aspirations. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Possible Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal NPR: A 100-degree heat wave in Gaza offers a sweltering glimpse of a tough summer to come NBC News: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at campuses as colleges crack down on encampments Axios: Antisemitism vote set to reignite House Democrats' divisions NBC News: At least 5 people, including infant, dead after night of tornadoes, storms in the Midwest WA Post: Trump and DeSantis meet privately in Florida 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
  • Friday, April 26th, 2024
    Apr 26 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday regarding whether Donald Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution due to his actions while president in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that anything a president does can be considered an "official act." Trump's attorney even suggested that assassinating a political rival could be an official act depending on circumstances. However, the Court didn't seem swayed by the full immunity argument, potentially opening the door for partial immunity or delaying the case. Meanwhile, in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his involvement in a hush money agreement with Stormy Daniels, revealing that the Enquirer buried the story to help Trump's presidential campaign. President Biden issued a joint statement urging Hamas to accept a hostage and ceasefire deal, while a Commerce Department report showed weaker-than-expected economic growth in the US for the first quarter of 2024. Lastly, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was overturned by a New York Appeals Court, prompting plans for a retrial. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Trump could get partial victory after Supreme Court hears immunity case AP News: Trump hush money trial day 7 highlights: David Pecker cross-examination begins Axios: Biden and 17 world leaders call on Hamas to release the hostages CNBC: GDP growth slowed to a 1.6% rate in the first quarter, well below expectations AP News: Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial overturned 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, April 25th, 2024
    Apr 25 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Congress passed a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with a TikTok ban, allowing TikTok up to a year to secure a sale to an American company. Hamas released a video of an Israeli-American hostage, increasing pressure for negotiations. In Arizona, a grand jury indicted 18 people, including Trump affiliates, for efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Idaho's abortion ban vs. federal emergency care law, showing a divided stance. Tennessee passed a law permitting concealed handguns for teachers, and the Department of Transportation issued new rules mandating automatic flight refunds. Lastly, bird flu concerns arose after FDA detection in milk samples, leading to new regulations for dairy cow transportation. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: What happens now that Biden has signed the TikTok bill Axios: Qatar passed U.S. proof-of-life of Israeli-American hostage on Monday WA Post: Meadows, Giuliani and other Trump allies charged in Arizona 2020 election probe SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court divided over federal-state conflict on emergency abortion ban WA Post: Tennessee passes bill to let teachers carry guns, a year after mass shooting CBS News: New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know Axios: U.S. expands testing for bird flu in dairy cows 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