• Wednesday, November 22nd, 2024 - Gaetz out, Bondi in & more on Trump 2.0; Bolsonaro indicted, ICC warrants; Hijab clinics outrage; Pope names digital saint
    Nov 22 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Matt Gaetz pulled out of the Attorney General race after just eight days, calling it a “distraction” as new allegations about a sexual encounter with a minor surfaced. Trump quickly named Pam Bondi, a former Florida AG and his impeachment lawyer, as the new nominee. Trump’s Defense Secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, is facing renewed scrutiny over past assault allegations, while Marjorie Taylor Greene will lead a cost-cutting subcommittee alongside Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s new department. Globally, Jair Bolsonaro was indicted for a 2022 coup attempt, the ICC issued war crime warrants for Netanyahu and others, and Iran announced “treatment” for women who defy hijab laws, as Iraq considers lowering the age of consent to nine. In a lighter note, Pope Francis is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a millennial known as “God’s influencer,” as the first digital saint. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Gaetz withdraws from attorney general consideration after Trump told him he didn’t have the votes in the Senate CNN: EXCLUSIVE: Ethics committee told of second sexual encounter between Matt Gaetz and 17-year-old, sources say Reuters: Trump picks Pam Bondi for US Attorney General after Gaetz withdraws AP News: Police report reveals assault allegations against Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary NBC News: House Oversight Committee says it plans to form a subcommittee for Trump's 'Department of Government Efficiency' WSJ: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy: The DOGE Plan to Reform Government Axios: Charted: Harris' popular vote gap with Biden CBS News: WORLD Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and aides indicted over alleged 2022 coup attempt AP News: Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting The Guardian: Iran announces ‘treatment clinic’ for women who defy strict hijab laws | Women's rights and gender equality Fox News: Iraq law could lower a girl’s age of consent as an adult from 18 to 9: it ‘legalizes child rape’ NBC News: Pope set to give Catholic Church its first millennial and digital saint 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
  • Thursday, November 21st, 2024 - Trump 2.0 saga updates; Capitol bathroom ban; News via social media
    Nov 21 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump’s second-term transition is already making waves with controversial picks like Russ Vought for OMB, Linda McMahon for Education Secretary, and Matthew Whitaker for NATO Ambassador—all pushing Christian nationalism and MAGA-focused policies. Vought’s Schedule F plan could let Trump replace career government workers with politically loyal staff. Trump is also ignoring standard transfer protocols, pressuring Senate Republicans to block Biden’s judicial picks, and backing Matt Gaetz for Attorney General—even as Gaetz faces serious ethics scandals. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson has banned transgender people from certain Capitol bathrooms, targeting Rep.-elect Sarah McBride. On a different note, Pew Research revealed that 21% of Americans now get their news from social media influencers, showing just how much the media landscape is shifting. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Media Matters: Trump set to appoint Project 2025 architect Russ Vought to Office of Management and Budget | Media Matters for America NBC News: Trump names former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as his pick for education secretary WA Post: Vance seeks to build support among senators for Matt Gaetz as attorney general WA Post: House Ethics Committee saw records suggesting Matt Gaetz paid women for sex The Daily Beast: Trump Orders Republican Senators to Block Biden Judges WA Post: President-elect Donald Trump is now receiving intelligence briefings WA Post: Trump ignores transition rules. It’s a ‘hostile takeover,’ ally says WA Post: Speaker Johnson restricts use of Capitol bathrooms by transgender people Pew Research: America’s News Influencers 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
  • Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 - Trump 2.0 picks & Gates sex scandal updates; Gop House attacks trans rights; Homicide rates drop
    Nov 20 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Trump’s transition team has announced key cabinet picks, including Dr. Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid, Howard Lutnick for Commerce, and former reality TV star Sean Duffy for Transportation. Dr. Oz plans to cut Medicaid budgets, Lutnick will oversee tariff policies, and Duffy would manage Elon Musk's federally contracted companies. Meanwhile, Trump is aggressively pushing Matt Gaetz for attorney general despite renewed scrutiny over allegations involving a minor and leaked depositions. In Congress, House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are targeting trans rights with a bathroom resolution aimed at newly elected Representative Sarah McBride. On a brighter note, homicides have dropped by up to 40% in major U.S. cities this year, signaling significant progress in public safety. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump names Dr. Mehmet Oz to head Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services AP News: Trump to nominate professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be education secretary CNN: Trump picks former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as next Transportation secretary The Guardian: Trump reportedly doubts senators will back Matt Gaetz but still lobbies hard The Bulwark: Donald Trump Is Dead Serious About Getting Matt Gaetz to DOJ NY Times: Hacker Is Said to Have Gained Access to File With Damaging Testimony About Gaetz WA Post: N.Y. prosecutors appear open to years-long delay in Trump hush money case AP News: House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender member Axios: Big cities' homicide rates keep falling, data show 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, November 19th, 2024 - Kremlin warns US; Trump’s Deportation Plan, OH neo-Nazi march; Spirit Airlines bankruptcy
    Nov 19 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Following Biden’s approval of Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, the Kremlin responded with its largest attack on Ukraine in months, crippling parts of the country’s electric grid and warning that Biden’s move “adds fuel to the fire.” Meanwhile, Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency for mass deportations and named Brendan Carr, a critic of net neutrality and DEI policies, as his pick for FCC chair. In Ohio, a neo-Nazi march drew widespread condemnation from leaders, including President Biden and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Lastly, Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy but reassured customers it will continue operating, despite ongoing financial struggles. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Moscow warns the US over allowing Ukraine to hit Russian soil with longer-range weapons ABC News: Trump confirms plan to declare national emergency, use military for mass deportations Axios: What to know about Brendan Carr, Trump's pick for FCC chair WA Post: Biden and Ohio governor condemn Neo-Nazi march in Columbus CNBC: Budget travel icon Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy protection after mounting losses 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
  • Monday, November 18th, 2024 - Trump 2.0 & racist texts update; Ukraine-Russia conflict; Israel strikes nuclear facility
    Nov 18 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Trump transition continues with bold cabinet picks: fracking CEO Chris Wright for Energy Secretary and Doug Burgum for Interior, alongside former press aide Karoline Leavitt as press secretary. Pete Hegseth’s Defense Secretary nomination faces scrutiny over past allegations. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggests possible recess appointments to bypass Senate delays. Meanwhile, Trump’s team is eyeing military leaders involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal for potential court-martials. The FBI investigates racist and threatening texts sent to Black, Latino, and LGBTQ individuals post-election. On the international front, Biden approved Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against Russia, while U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed Israel's strike on a covert Iranian nuclear facility. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump picks fracking company CEO Chris Wright as next Department of Energy secretary Axios: Trump taps Karoline Leavitt for White House press secretary WA Post: Defense pick Pete Hegseth paid woman but denies sexual assault, attorney says Axios: Johnson doesn't rule out use of recess appointments Axios: Johnson argues Gaetz report should stay sealed as ex-Rep a "private citizen" NBC News: Trump transition team compiling list of current and former U.S. military officers for possible courts-martial Axios: FBI: Racist post-election texts also reported in Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities AP News: Biden OKs Ukraine's use of US-supplied long-range missiles in Russia Axios: Scoop: Israel destroyed active nuclear weapons research facility in Iran, officials say 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
  • Friday, November 15th, 2024 - Trump cabinet updates; PA Senate recount; X’s AI Terms; Musk-Iran talks; CIA Discord Leakers charged
    Nov 15 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Trump’s cabinet picks are stirring up headlines, with RFK Jr., an outspoken anti-vaxxer, slated to lead Health and Human Services, and Matt Gaetz set for Attorney General despite ongoing controversies. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Senate race heads to a recount, and after Trump floated the idea of a third term, a House resolution reaffirmed the two-term limit. Trump joked about a possible third term, prompting Rep. Dan Goldman to introduce a resolution reinforcing the two-term limit for presidents. In tech news, X (formerly Twitter) updated its terms, allowing all user posts to be used for AI training, and any disputes will go through Texas courts, a favorable setting for Elon Musk. On the foreign front, Musk also reportedly met with Iranian officials to discuss U.S.-Iran tensions, and a CIA officer was arrested for leaking sensitive intel on potential conflict in the region. Finally, Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira received a 15-year sentence for leaking classified information on Discord. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Huffpost: Trump Taps Anti-Vaxxer RFK Jr. To Lead Health And Human Services AP News: Trump rewards legal defense team, picks lawyer Todd Blanche as No. 2 Justice official ABC News: Woman testified to House Ethics Committee that Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17: Sources AP News: Pennsylvania Senate contest headed toward a recount, and possibly litigation NY Times: Democrat Moves to Clarify the 22nd Amendment After Trump Refers to Running for Third Term CNN: X changed its terms of service to let its AI train on everyone’s posts. Now users are up in arms NY Times: Elon Musk Met With Iran’s U.N. Ambassador, Iranian Officials Say CNN: FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran WA Post: Discord leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years for sharing U.S. secrets 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
  • Thursday, November 14th, 2024 - GOP takes House; Updates on Trump’s picks & policy plans; FBI raids Polymarket CEO
    Nov 14 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Republicans have clinched the House majority, but with a twist: Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned to become Trump’s choice for attorney general. Gaetz, who’s still under scrutiny for previous allegations and controversial behavior, has raised eyebrows even among his Republican colleagues. Trump’s other major pick was Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, keeping his trend of surprising choices. Meanwhile, Biden and Trump met at the White House to discuss the transition in what seemed like a cordial, if somewhat ironic, meeting given their history. On policy, Trump’s team is already laying out plans to double immigrant detention facilities and create a “warrior board” to review and potentially remove high-ranking military officers they don’t consider fit. He’s also promising to dismantle the Department of Education, pushing control back to the states, and target DEI programs in schools. On the tech front, Trump looks set to lift the ban on TikTok, meaning the app could stay available in the U.S. And finally, the FBI raided the New York apartment of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, although details on the investigation remain under wraps. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Republicans win the House, NBC News projects, as Trump's party takes full control of Washington WA Post: Trump picks Rep. Matt Gaetz, outspoken ally, as attorney general NBC News: Trump picks former House Democrat Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence Reuters: Trump, Biden discuss Ukraine and Middle East in 'cordial' White House meeting AP News: Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected the next Senate majority leader NBC News: Incoming Trump admin is eyeing new immigrant detention centers near major U.S. cities WSJ: Trump Draft Executive Order Would Create Board to Purge Generals The Grio: Trump doubles down on eliminating Education Department, vows to give ‘restitution’ to ‘victims’ of DEI WA Post: Donald Trump expected to try to halt TikTok ban, allies say The Daily Beast: FBI Raids Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan’s Home After Platform Predicted Trump Win 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, November 13th, 2024 - Amsterdam unrest & Trump picks updates; House bill targets nonprofits; Ten Commandments bill blocked
    Nov 13 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Tensions are rising in Amsterdam as targeted attacks against Jewish communities continue. Rioters set a tram on fire, prompting police to arrest eight suspects and designate “risk zones” across the city to increase security. In U.S. political news, President-elect Trump has announced new cabinet picks, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, John Ratcliffe for CIA Director, Kristi Noem for Homeland Security, and Pete Hegseth for Defense. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has also been tapped as ambassador to Israel. Trump introduced a new initiative, the “Department of Government Efficiency,” to be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, focused on slashing government waste and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, House Republicans are fast-tracking a bill to allow the Treasury to strip tax-exempt status from nonprofits deemed to support terrorism—a move critics worry could stifle free speech. And in Louisiana, a federal judge has blocked a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, ruling it unconstitutional. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Amsterdam warns of new calls for unrest after violence around Israeli match AP News: Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far AP News: What to know about John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick for CIA director WA Post: Trump picks Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as homeland security secretary NY Times: Trump Picks Pete Hegseth, a Veteran and Fox News Host, for Defense Secretary WA Post: Trump chooses Mike Huckabee to be U.S. ambassador to Israel NBC News: Trump says Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head a new department to reduce federal bureaucracy NBC News: Trump declares Senate majority candidates should allow him to make recess appointments The Intercept: Congress Is About to Gift Trump Sweeping Powers to Crush His Political Enemies NPR: Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments 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