Episodes

  • Friday, June 21st, 2024

    Friday, June 21st, 2024
    Jun 21 2024
    Today’s Headlines: In an alarming development, journalist Lauren Windsor recorded Roger Stone discussing plans to help Donald Trump secure the 2024 election, highlighting their improved preparation compared to 2020. Stone mentioned having a lawyer and a judge ready to stop alleged election fraud and outlined efforts to change state laws and monitor voter lists in real-time. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. has failed to qualify for the June 27th CNN debate due to not meeting the necessary polling and state ballot qualifications. In other news, Louisiana will be the first state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms by 2025, a move funded by donations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill allowing parents to block algorithm-suggested social media posts and nighttime notifications for minors, with platforms given 180 days to comply. Lastly, Vermont state representative Mary Morrissey apologized for repeatedly pouring water into a colleague's tote bag, a bizarre act caught on camera. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Rolling Stone: 'Lawyers, Judges, Technology': Roger Stone Touts Plan for Trump Win in Secret Recording CNN: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fails to qualify for CNN's debate. It'll be a showdown between Biden and Trump AP News: New law requires all Louisiana public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments AP News: New York moves to limit ‘addictive’ social media feeds for kids NBC News: Vermont lawmaker apologizes for repeatedly pouring water in colleague’s bag 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
    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • Thursday, June 20th, 2024

    Thursday, June 20th, 2024
    Jun 20 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Following the Supreme Court's recent ruling against an executive ban on bump stocks, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attempted to introduce Congressional legislation for a similar ban. However, Senate Republicans blocked the proposal despite having over 20 cosponsors, with Susan Collins of Maine being the sole Republican supporter. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed an agreement solidifying their alliance, pledging mutual aid in case of aggression and emphasizing trade, security, and cultural ties. On a different front, Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a carrier ship in the Red Sea, causing it to sink and killing one person, which has significantly disrupted maritime traffic in the region. Lastly, the US Preventive Services Task Force released new guidelines for healthy eating and exercise for children over six with high BMI, recommending 26 hours of behavior modification but not semaglutide medications, addressing the increasing issue of high BMI among US children. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Bump stock ban blocked by Senate Republicans AP News: Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War Politico: Ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in fatal assault sinks in Red Sea CNN: To help children with high BMI, expert panel recommends 26 hours of behavior coaching — but not weight-loss drugs 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
    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

    Wednesday, June 19th, 2024
    Jun 19 2024
    Today’s Headlines: President Biden announced a new path to citizenship for over 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens, eliminating the requirement for them to leave the country for ten years before applying for legal residency. This policy change allows these individuals to apply for green cards and three-year work permits, although the eligibility criteria are expected to be strict. New York’s highest court upheld a gag order on Donald Trump, preventing him from speaking about witnesses and court officers involved in his felony conviction case, with the order remaining in place until his sentencing on July 11th. A report from NewsGuard revealed that leading AI chatbots frequently echo Russian disinformation, raising concerns about their role in spreading propaganda, and OpenAI noted that groups conducting covert influence campaigns are starting to use chatbots to spread their messages. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage after over two decades of activism, with the law going into effect pending royal approval. Lastly, extreme weather is affecting the U.S. with record-high temperatures impacting over 80% of the population, ongoing wildfires in California worsening air quality, and unexpected snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated the National Guard to assist with heat emergencies, and projections indicate the cost of cooling homes this summer will hit its highest level in a decade, impacting financial support for families. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Biden moves to help half a million undocumented people married to citizens AP News: NY court declines to hear Trump's gag order appeal in hush money case Axios: Exclusive: Leading chatbots are spreading Russian propaganda Reuters: Thailand to be first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage Spectrum News 1: New York activates the National Guard due to dangerous heat Axios: Air quality hit as 20 large fires burn across western US Accuweather: A foot of June snow in the Rockies while East swelters NBC News: Extreme heat set to drive home cooling costs to 10-year high, advocates warn 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
    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

    Tuesday, June 18th, 2024
    Jun 18 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his war cabinet after the exit of his political rival Benny Gantz, planning instead to hold smaller meetings with individual officials. Although the war cabinet is gone, Netanyahu has not abandoned the proposed hostage and ceasefire deal, despite threats from his ultra-right-wing ministers to collapse his majority if he proceeds. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence officials, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray, have warned of an increased threat of a serious terror attack, with heightened concerns around the southern border and potential involvement from groups like Hamas or state actors like Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting North Korea for the first time since 2000 to discuss military cooperation with Kim Jong Un, potentially violating UN resolutions regarding weapons trade. In the U.S., Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced plans to issue mass pardons for over 175,000 marijuana convictions, marking a significant move toward criminal justice reform. Additionally, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is advocating for warning labels on social media platforms to combat the mental health crisis among young users, along with other regulatory measures to protect children's data and limit addictive features. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Netanyahu dissolves influential war Cabinet after key partner bolted from government Foreign Affairs: The Terrorism Warning Lights Are Blinking Red Again | Foreign Affairs NBC News: Putin to visit North Korea starting Tuesday for talks with Kim Jong Un Axios: Maryland governor to pardon 175000 marijuana convictions WA Post: Surgeon general calls for social media warning labels - The Washington Post 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
    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • Monday, June 17th, 2024

    Monday, June 17th, 2024
    Jun 17 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration's ban on bump stocks was an unconstitutional overreach of executive power, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor joining the majority opinion. This decision highlights the court's stance on executive authority and its limits, even in matters involving public safety and gun control. Over the weekend, two separate shootings occurred, one during a Juneteenth celebration in Texas, resulting in two deaths and several injuries, and another in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where nine people were injured before the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Israel announced a daily "tactical pause" in Rafah to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, amidst ongoing conflicts and new U.S. sanctions against the Israeli group Tzav 9 for blocking aid convoys. Alex Jones was ordered to liquidate personal assets to help repay $1.5 billion owed to Sandy Hook victims, although he can retain his company Infowars, his $2.8 million ranch, gun collection, and cryogenic chamber, reflecting the ongoing legal and financial repercussions of his actions. Lastly, extreme heat is expected this week across the Midwest and East Coast, with temperatures reaching 90 to 100 degrees, posing significant health risks and stressing the need for adequate preparedness and response measures. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era ban on rapid-fire rifle bump stocks, reopening political fight AP News: 2 killed and 6 wounded in shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park NBC News: Nine people, including two children, injured in seemingly random shooting at Michigan splash pad NBC News: Israeli military announces 'tactical pause' to try to increase aid flow into Gaza Axios: U.S. sanctions right-wing Israeli group for blocking Gaza aid Axios: Alex Jones' personal assets will be liquidated to pay Sandy Hook families, judge rules AP News: Strong winds, steep terrain hamper crews battling Los Angeles area's first major fire of the year Axios: Record-breaking and long-lasting heat wave nears for millions 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
    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • Friday, June 14th, 2024

    Friday, June 14th, 2024
    Jun 14 2024
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court unanimously rejected a case to ban the abortion medication mifepristone, citing the plaintiffs' lack of legal standing, without addressing whether Americans have a constitutional right to abortion medication. Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated the plaintiffs did not demonstrate any injury from the drug's availability, making the federal courts an inappropriate venue for their concerns. Consequently, mifepristone remains accessible within the first 10 weeks of gestation and can be dispensed by mail and various providers. Meanwhile, Justice Clarence Thomas faces scrutiny for undisclosed trips funded by billionaire Harlan Crow, despite amending his disclosure forms for other trips.Records reveal that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign redirected $4.6 million to his businesses, with the largest payment being $800,000 for Secret Service airfare to his aviation company. Trump also spoke at Capitol Hill, criticizing U.S. aid to Ukraine, proposing tariffs to replace income tax, and insulting Milwaukee, where the GOP convention is set to be held. In Congress, Republicans blocked a vote on a bill to federally protect access to IVF, only two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted to advance the bill. Finally, Tesla shareholders voted to reinstate Elon Musk’s $56 million compensation package, despite a Delaware judge previously rescinding it due to improper granting by the company's board. This decision comes as Tesla's stock declined by 27% this year. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Supreme Court rejects bid to restrict access to abortion pill Axios: Clarence Thomas took more undisclosed trips, Senate committee finds The Daily Beast: Trump’s Campaign Is Funneling Cash Back to His Businesses Reuters: Trump talks tariffs and taxes, calls Republican host city 'horrible' WA Post: Senate Republicans block bill to protect access to in vitro fertilization CNBC: Tesla shareholders vote to reinstate Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package 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
    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • Thursday, June 13th, 2024

    Thursday, June 13th, 2024
    Jun 13 2024
    Today’s Headlines: President Biden is attending the G-7 summit in Italy, where discussions will focus on using $300 billion of seized Russian assets to fund the Ukraine war and implementing new sanctions against Russia. Biden will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign a new security agreement, pledging long-term support for Ukraine's defense alongside commitments from 15 other countries. House Republicans have voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to release audio recordings of President Biden's interviews, despite having transcripts, with Garland defending the decision as lacking a legitimate legislative purpose. The FBI reported significant crime reductions in the first quarter of 2024, with decreases in murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and property crime, attributing this to targeted law enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, a hijacking incident in Atlanta highlighted issues with Georgia's permitless carry law, as the gunman, a felon with a history of mental health issues, legally accessed a firearm. And finally, the Federal Reserve announced that interest rates will remain unchanged, with one rate cut expected by the end of the year and higher long-term rates anticipated and the latest inflation report shows a 3.3% increase in CPI over the past year, slightly down from April's 3.4%, aiming for a 2% target rate. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Biden heads to Italy to pitch world leaders on more cash for Ukraine CNN: House GOP votes to hold Attorney General Garland in contempt The Guardian: Violent crime in the US plummeted in first months of 2024, FBI data reveals NBC News: Suspect in armed bus hijacking in Atlanta spoke to local media at a shooting scene hours earlier NY Times: Southern Baptists Vote to Oppose Use of I.V.F. NY Times: Age Limit for Congressional Candidates Is on North Dakota’s 2024 Ballot CNBC: Fed holds rates steady, indicates only one cut coming this year 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
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Wednesday, June 12th, 2024

    Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
    Jun 12 2024
    Today’s Headlines: Hunter Biden was found guilty on three felony gun charges in Delaware for lying on a gun application and illegally possessing the firearm. Though he faces up to 25 years in prison, as a first-time offender, his sentence is expected to be much less severe, and his sentencing date is pending due to an upcoming trial for tax evasion. President Biden has ruled out a pardon for his son and did not mention the conviction during his recent public remarks. Rudy Giuliani posted a $10,000 bond for charges related to the 2020 election interference in Arizona, with his trial set for October. Meanwhile, New Jersey's attorney general is reviewing the eligibility of Donald Trump's golf properties for liquor licenses following his felony convictions. A federal judge struck down Florida's law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, deeming it unconstitutional, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vowed to appeal the ruling. Additionally, Apple announced new AI features for its products, including advanced notification management, text summarization, integration with ChatGPT, and a new image generation feature called Image Playground. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Hunter Biden convicted of all 3 felonies in federal gun trial Reuters: Former Trump lawyer Giuliani posts bond in Arizona election case AP News: In the rough: Felony convictions could cost Trump liquor licenses at 3 New Jersey golf courses AP News: A Florida law blocking treatment for transgender children is thrown out by a federal judge The Verge: Apple Intelligence: every new AI feature coming to the iPhone and Mac 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
    Show more Show less
    8 mins