Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines:Yesterday was the second day of testimony in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, which was filled with drama. While there won't be any cameras in the courtroom, the New York State Court System announced that transcripts of each day's proceedings will be published on their website due to "unparalleled public interest." Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his role in directing favorable stories to Donald's campaign, dating back to the 2015 republican primary. Meanwhile, there's anticipation for a ruling on whether Donald will be held in contempt of court for violating his gag order. The Supreme Court heard arguments on a dispute between Idaho's near-total abortion ban and a federal law requiring emergency abortion care, while the FTC voted to ban non-compete agreements nationwide, facing potential legal challenges from pro-business lobbyists. The Justice Department reached a $139 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar, resolving claims of FBI mishandling. Lastly, the Senate was voting on a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with the TikTok ban, signaling a late-night passage. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Ex-publisher David Pecker details ‘catch and kill’ in Trump trial testimony CBS News: Supreme Court to consider clash of Idaho abortion ban with federal law for emergency care The Hill: FTC votes to ban noncompete agreements Reuters: US reaches $138.7 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar CNN: Senate passes $95 billion package sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay 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

Today’s Headlines: In this episode, the Biden administration is considering sanctioning an Israeli military unit, Netzah Yehuda, known for its far-right ideology and comprised of ultra-Orthodox Jewish soldiers. This follows reports of the unit's reactivation after it was moved out of the West Bank due to convictions for torturing Palestinian detainees. Meanwhile, classified documents reveal Russia's plan to undermine the US and NATO through various means, including a water system hack in Texas. Defendant Donald's trial advances with opening statements and witness testimonies, while the Biden administration launches the American Climate Corps to train young people in green industries. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Israel's Military Spy Chief Resigns Over Oct. 7 Hamas Attack BBC: US-Israel: Netanyahu vows to reject any US sanctions on army units WA Post: Secret Russian foreign policy document urges action to weaken the U.S. WA Post: Tex. hack may be first disruption of U.S. water system by Russia AP News: Trump trial: Highlights from opening statements and first witness testimony ACC: American Climate Corps 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

Today’s Headlines: The House of Representatives passed $95 billion in foreign aid packages for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, with $60 billion allocated for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Taiwan, and $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Additionally, they approved a measure allowing the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund aid for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran, and a TikTok ban if not sold within 9 months. Israel conducted a retaliatory strike against Iran in Isfahan, damaging part of an air defense system, and intensified air raids on Rafah. Maine joined 16 states and Washington DC in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. On Earth Day, alarming reports revealed that wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths annually, while the Interior Department expanded protections in Alaskan wilderness and the EPA targeted hazardous "forever chemicals." Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CBS News: House approves aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan BBC: Israel Iran attack: Damage seen at air base in Isfahan AP News: Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, mostly children, as US advances aid package AP News: Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this November NPR: Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. WA Post: For the first time, U.S. may force polluters to clean up these 'forever chemicals' NY Times: Biden Shields Millions of Acres of Alaskan Wilderness From Drilling and Mining 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

Today’s Headlines: Jury selection for Donald Trump's trial progressed swiftly, with 12 jurors seated and an alternate, though two were dismissed for reasons including anti-Trump social media posts. To safeguard juror anonymity, Judge Juan Merchan barred media from reporting juror details. Additionally, Trump's civil cases related to his January 6th election efforts faced rejection for delay by a federal judge. At the UN Security Council, the US vetoed a resolution for Palestine's full UN membership, citing preference for negotiations. Over 100 students were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University, including Representative Ilhan Omar's daughter. Maine's legislature passed a significant gun safety bill, and the Kennedy family endorsed President Biden's reelection in Philadelphia, despite family member Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running as a spoiler candidate. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Judge in Trump case orders media not to report where potential jurors work AP News: 12 jurors have been picked for Donald Trump's hush money trial. Selection of alternates is ongoing NY Times: Judge Rejects Trump’s Effort to Delay Jan. 6 Civil Cases Axios: U.S. vetoes Palestinian bid for full UN membership NY Times: Over 100 Arrested at Columbia After Pro-Palestinian Protest NPR: Maine lawmakers pass sweeping gun legislation following the Lewiston mass shooting NPR: The Kennedys endorse Biden, not their family member RFK Jr. 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

Today’s Headlines: In Congress, the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas quickly adjourned after senators deemed the articles of impeachment unconstitutional, while whistleblowers from Boeing testified before a Senate subcommittee, criticizing the company's safety culture. In the House of Representatives, a resolution in support of Ukraine passed overwhelmingly, with notable opposition from Representatives Paul Gosar, Matt Rosendale, and Thomas Massie, the latter of whom cosponsored a motion to vacate Speaker Mike Johnson. Donald Trump's criminal trial saw no additional jurors selected, while reports surfaced of his meetings with foreign leaders and plans to dine with the president of Poland. Switzerland moved to ban Nazi and racist symbols, Democrats regained a majority in the Michigan State House of Representatives, and a "rain bomb" in the UAE and Oman highlighted climate change concerns. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Highlights: Senate rejects impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Mayorkas AP News: Boeing put under Senate scrutiny during back-to-back hearings on aircraft maker's safety culture Rolling Stone: Thomas Massie, Long a Friend to Russia, Votes Against Resolution Supporting Ukraine NY Times: Trump Holds Series of Meetings With Foreign Leaders AP News: Switzerland's lower house moves to ban use of Nazi and extremist symbols that could stir violence AP News: Michigan Democrats win special elections to regain full control of state government Axios: Dubai's record-shattering "rain bomb" has clear climate change ties 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

Today’s Headlines: Israel plans retaliation against Iran's strike, despite U.S. advisement against offensive action. The U.S. announces new sanctions on Iran's missile and drone program. In Donald Trump's criminal trial, seven jurors were selected, and he labeled it a "Biden-inspired witch hunt." The Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether federal prosecutors overstepped authority in prosecuting January 6th rioters. Additionally, Speaker Mike Johnson faces increased pressure after another congressman agrees to cosponsor a motion to remove him from speakership. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Israel says it will retaliate against Iran, despite the risks Axios: U.S. to hit Iran with fresh sanctions after Israel attack NBC News: Trump trial updates: Defense argues juror bias from Facebook posts; unfit for hush money case jury AP News: Supreme Court questions obstruction charges brought against Jan. 6 rioters, Trump WA Post: Mike Johnson faces growing momentum to oust him as House speaker 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

Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump's first criminal trial started with jury selection which is expected to last up to two weeks. Trump, present throughout, unsuccessfully sought to modify the trial schedule. Prosecutors are emphasizing election interference, supported by evidence linking "hush money" payments to the 2016 election. The judge allowed National Enquirer articles into evidence and scheduled a contempt hearing for Trump's breach of a gag order. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson plans separate funding bills for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, including a TikTok ban and aid provisions. In the Supreme Court, Idaho's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender teenagers was upheld, and a lawsuit against a Black Lives Matter activist advances. The FBI launched a criminal investigation into the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and the Justice Department is preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: The Trump Trials: Day One is in the books. Here's some key takeaways. The Hill: Speaker Johnson unveils plan for Ukraine, Israel at closed-door GOP meeting NBC: Supreme Court allows enforcement of Idaho ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors PBS: Supreme Court allows lawsuit that free speech advocates warn will threaten right to protest WA Post: Federal criminal investigation opened into Key Bridge crash WSJ: Justice Department to File Antitrust Suit Against Live Nation 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

Today’s Headlines: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of retaliation against Israel following the attack on a consulate building in Syria. They seized an Israeli-affiliated cargo ship and launched approximately 350 strikes on Israel, mostly intercepted. President Biden reportedly deterred Israeli counterattack support. The IRGC declared the matter concluded. The Biden administration forgave $7.4 billion in student loans for 275,000 borrowers through the SAVE repayment plan. Loans under $12,000 will be canceled after 10 years, and balances forgiven after 20-25 years under the IDR adjustment. The IRS introduced a free tax filing feature as part of its Direct File Pilot program. Florida banned local heat and water break requirements for outdoor workers, and Arizona enacted the "Taylor Swift Act" against ticket bots. Over 150 cancer cases potentially linked to Poe Hall at North Carolina State University emerged due to hazardous materials. Donald Trump's first criminal trial for attempting to influence the 2016 election by paying off Stormy Daniels begins today. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Israeli military says 99% of drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted WA Post: Biden administration cancels another $7.4 billion in student loans CNBC: IRS adds ‘important update’ for free Direct File pilot CBS Miami: Gov. DeSantis bans local governments from protecting workers from heat, limits police oversight boards 12 News KPNX: Arizona governor signs 'Taylor Swift' bill, setting restrictions on buying concert tickets USA Today: Campus building with PCBs linked to over 150 cancer cases at NC State, more tests coming 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

Today’s Headlines: In Arizona, Republican lawmakers blocked a bill aimed at repealing the state's 1864 abortion ban, with one Republican briefly supporting the repeal before a colleague moved to adjourn, effectively stalling the vote. Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced a major gun control measure, closing the gun show loophole and requiring all gun dealers to obtain federal licenses and conduct background checks regardless of where they sell firearms. However, in Tennessee, the state senate advanced a bill allowing teachers to be armed in public schools, prompting outrage from gun control advocates and families of shooting victims. Additionally, OJ Simpson passed away after battling prostate cancer, just two months after claiming he was in good health. Finally, as if election year politics weren't enough, a double cicada year is upon us, with two broods of periodical cicadas emerging across the midwest, southeast, and Illinois, promising an onslaught of relentless buzzing. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Arizona update, republicans blocked bill to repeal ban Reuters: Biden admin closed ‘gun show loophole and require more background checks’ MSNBC: GOP-led Tennessee Senate advances bill to arm teachers without informing parents People: OJ dead at 76 The Hill: Trump faces do-or-die moment with hush money trial CBS News: Periodical cicadas will emerge in 2024 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

Today’s Headlines: House Republicans, led by Matt Gaetz, sabotaged a procedural vote to start debate on the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, citing concerns over an exclusionary amendment that Trump claimed would protect Americans but others argued would dismantle the program. By blocking the debate, any chance to advocate for the amendment was effectively quashed. Meanwhile, Kevin McCarthy hinted during an interview at Georgetown University that Gaetz's actions contributed to him losing the chance to become Speaker, referencing allegations of unethical behavior involving a 17-year-old. In other news, a shooting during a Ramadan event in West Philadelphia left three injured, including the 15-year-old suspect who was subsequently apprehended by police. Additionally, Donald Trump stated he wouldn't endorse a national abortion ban, while South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced backlash from Native American tribes for offensive comments, and the New York state director for RFK Jr’s campaign openly discussed diverting votes from Biden in favor of Trump. Sunday’s Women’s NCAA Basketball National Championship game became the most watched basketball game since 2019. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Hill: Group of Republicans blocks FISA bill with spy powers deadline looming Axios: McCarthy takes shot at Gaetz scandal when discussing his ouster CBS News: Shooting at Ramadan event in West Philadelphia leaves 3 injured, 5 in custody, police say The Hill: Trump says he wouldn’t sign a national abortion ban The Daily Beast: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Is Now Banished From 10 Percent of Her Own State Politico: RFK Jr. ballot access consultant promotes strategy to throw the election to Trump Forbes: NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Game Audience Peaked At 24 Million, Ending A Record-Breaking Tournament 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