Morning Announcements

Today's Headlines: President Trump has formally declared the U.S. to be in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, invoking war powers and ordering military strikes on Caribbean boats the administration labels as “terrorist organizations.” Lawmakers in both parties are skeptical of the legal basis but—shocker—seem unlikely to act. Meanwhile, the government shutdown has left 750,000 workers unpaid or furloughed, and the White House is now threatening permanent firings with help from Project 2025 architect Russell Vought. Shutdown propaganda even seeped into federal employees' auto-replies, which were forcibly edited to blame Democrats. The Energy Department axed $7.6 billion in clean energy grants, conveniently targeting states that voted for Kamala Harris. The administration also sent nine universities—including Vanderbilt, MIT, and Brown—a “compact” demanding they overhaul admissions, freeze tuition, and abolish certain departments in exchange for federal funds. Elsewhere, the FDA approved a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, sparking predictable outrage despite it being a routine process. Yom Kippur was marred by a deadly terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester, where two worshippers were killed and the attacker was shot dead. And finally, Commerce Secretary Howard “Laughin'” Lutnick, a former neighbor of Jeffrey Epstein, suggested Epstein blackmailed powerful men with videos, casually detonating months of damage control efforts with a single podcast appearance. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump says US is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean WSJ: Lawmakers From Both Sides Pressed Pentagon on Legal Basis for Cartel Boat Strikes Axios: Trump embraces Project 2025 after disavowing it during 2024 campaign Wired: Government Workers Say Their Out-of-Office Replies Were Forcibly Changed to Blame Democrats for Shutdown AP News: Trump administration cuts nearly $8B in clean energy projects in states that backed Harris WSJ: Exclusive | Trump White House Asks Colleges to Sign Sweeping Agreement to Get Funding Advantage AP News: FDA approves another generic abortion pill, prompting outrage from conservatives Reuters: Synagogue attack on Yom Kippur kills two in UK's Manchester; suspect shot dead ABC News: Howard Lutnick believes Jeffrey Epstein may have used blackmail to get a lighter sentence Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The government is officially shut down, and OMB apparently spent its last working hours ordering at least 16 federal agencies to send out a pre-written email blaming Democrats for it—an illegal little parting gift to federal workers. With the shutdown, you can forget about getting jobs or inflation data for now (except from payroll firm ADP, which says companies shed 32,000 jobs in September—so, yeah, not great). Meanwhile, the Supreme Court told Trump he can't just boot Fed Governor Lisa Cook on the spot, kicking that fight to January. At the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth is rolling out strict NDAs and even random polygraphs for thousands of staffers, including top brass, in his ongoing war against leakers. And in actual science news, researchers in Nature Communications announced they've managed to create functional human eggs from skin cells in a lab—early proof-of-concept that could eventually transform fertility treatments, though no babies are being made from them anytime soon. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Handbasket: Trump mandates all federal agencies send email blaming Dems for potential gov't shutdown  Yahoo: While the government is closed, jobs and inflation data go unreported NBC News: U.S. companies shed 32,000 jobs in September in latest sign of labor market weakness NYT: Supreme Court Allows Lisa Cook to Remain at Fed, for Now WaPo: Pentagon plans widespread random polygraphs, NDAs to stanch leaks Wired: Scientists Made Human Eggs From Skin Cells and Used Them to Form Embryos Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump and his War Secretary Pete Hegseth dragged 800 generals from around the world to Quantico for what was basically a “threatening pep rally.” Hegseth banned beards, long hair, and “Nordic pagan” vibes. Trump then called U.S. cities like San Francisco and Chicago “war zones” that should be used as military training grounds, and even ranted about ugly stealth ships. Meanwhile, the government officially shut down at midnight. Around 750,000 federal workers are now unpaid or furloughed (with Trump hinting some might be permanently cut) and — conveniently — there's no vote on releasing the Epstein files. In other news, the administration is moving to “debar” Harvard, potentially banning it from federal funds and grants after already threatening its tax status and student visas. Trump also struck a flashy Oval Office deal with Pfizer to sell Medicaid and cash-paying consumers cheaper drugs via a new website called “Trump Rx” while Pfizer invests $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing. Other pharma companies are being told to play ball or face tariffs. And on the tech front, OpenAI announced a new TikTok-style video app while a startup called Xicoia is shopping an AI-generated “actor” to Hollywood — so apparently we're replacing performers before agents now. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump calls for using US cities as a 'training ground' for military in unusual speech to generals NYT: Government Shutdown Hours Away as Senate Spending Votes Fail WSJ: Trump Administration Opens New Front to Strip Harvard of Federal Funding WSJ: White House Unveils ‘TrumpRx' Drug-Buying Site and a Pfizer Pricing Deal WSJ: OpenAI Launches Video Generator App to Rival TikTok and YouTube AP News: 'AI actor' Tilly Norwood stirs outrage in Hollywood Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 - Trump-Bibi Gaza plan; YouTube pays Trump $22M; EA's Kushner-Saudi buyout; Bad Bunny Super Bowl; Gov't shutdown looms Today's Headlines: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump stood at the White House to unveil a 20-point Gaza peace plan that starts with a 72-hour ceasefire and hostage release, phases out Israeli troops, and sets up a Trump-chaired “Board of Peace” with Tony Blair (yep, that Tony Blair). Hamas hasn't signed on yet. Meanwhile, details emerged about the Michigan church shooter—Trump called it a “targeted attack on Christians,” but the guy was actually a hardcore Trump fan with a Trump flag and merch. Oregon and Portland are suing to block Trump's National Guard deployment, YouTube is paying him $22M to settle his suspension lawsuit (funds earmarked for a White House ballroom, naturally), and EA might get scooped up by Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia, and private equity for $50B. Missouri just locked in a gerrymandered map for Trump's benefit, Moldova's pro-EU party scored a decisive win despite Russian meddling, and Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show—get ready for Fox & Friends meltdowns. Oh, and unless Congress pulls a rabbit out of a hat, the government shuts down tomorrow. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Trump holds crucial talks with Netanyahu to push deal to end Gaza war The Guardian: Mormon church shooting suspect had Trump sign outside home, records show NBC News: Oregon sues Trump administration over deployment of National Guard troops to Portland Axios: YouTube to pay Trump $22 million for suspending his account after Jan. 6 riot WSJ: Videogame Giant Electronic Arts Nears Roughly $50 Billion Deal to Go Private NYT: Missouri Governor Signs Congressional Map Redrawn to Boost Republicans AP News: Moldova's pro-EU party wins parliamentary election NBC News: Bad Bunny to headline Super Bowl 60 halftime show Axios: Trump, Democrats leave meeting without deal to avoid government shutdown Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump is sending troops to Portland to “protect” ICE facilities he claims are under Antifa siege, though Oregon's governor says there's no threat—just protests. This follows his new directive labeling Antifa a “domestic terrorist organization” (which isn't a real legal thing), with criteria for identifying extremists that sound like a laundry list of being vaguely left-wing. It's all feeding into DOJ efforts to investigate George Soros' Open Society Foundation. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned nearly 800 generals to Virginia for a rare “warrior ethos” pep talk. Trump says it's all about “esprit de corps.” Meanwhile, Sinclair and Nexstar backed off their Jimmy Kimmel ban, Trump is now demanding Microsoft fire exec Lisa Monaco after a Laura Loomer nudge and DNI Tulsi Gabbard killed the long-term global threats report. Additonally, the DOJ is suing six states over voter registration data and a Michigan church massacre left four dead and more injured. Netanyahu's UN speech sparked a massive walkout, and NYC's Eric Adams dropped out of his own reelection bid. In Congress, Republicans are stalling the swearing-in of a new Democrat to block the Epstein files petition, even as Marjorie Taylor Greene swears she's “not suicidal” while backing it. And, just to keep things weird, Trump wants the government to release the Amelia Earhart files. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump says he's sending troops to Portland to protect ICE facilities The Guardian: Immigrants with no criminal record now largest group in Ice detention WaPo: New details emerge on Hegseth's unusual mass gathering of top brass WaPo: Trump to attend gathering of top generals, upending last-minute plans NYT: Trump Signs Order Targeting Antifa Movement Ken Klippenstein: Trump's NSPM-7 Labels Common Beliefs As Terrorism “Indicators” NYT: Justice Dept. Official Pushes to Investigate George Soros's Foundation NBC News: Sinclair and Nexstar are putting Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show back on the air Axios: Trump demands Microsoft oust global affairs chief over Biden-era ties NYT: Gabbard Ends Intelligence Report on Future Threats to the US CBS News: Justice Department sues 6 states for failing to turn over voter registration rolls CNN: At least 4 dead and 8 others wounded after shooting and fire at Michigan church Axios: Netanyahu faces mass walk-out protest at UN speech NYT: Eric Adams Abandons Re-election Bid for Mayor of New York City The New Republic: The GOP Effort to Hide the Epstein Files Just Hit a Disgusting New Low NYT: Trump Orders Unsealing of All Files on Amelia Earhart and Her Disappearance Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted yesterday on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a proceeding, stemming from his 2020 testimony about the Russia probe (it always goes back to Russia). Meanwhile, Trump's new enemy: an escalator at the UN that stopped moving under his feet, which he called “triple sabotage” and demanded arrests over. He also slapped tariffs of up to 50% on furniture and cabinets, claiming a national security threat from foreign vanities. In other news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered nearly 1,000 generals to convene at Quantico in the largest gathering of top brass since Vietnam, though no one will say why. Disney investors are suing over Kimmel's suspension, alleging political motives, while Democrats are furious that the State Department accidentally leaked unredacted military records of Rep. Mikie Sherrill, including her Social Security number, ahead of her gubernatorial run. In tech news, TikTok is being sold to a billionaire bloc led by Oracle and Rupert Murdoch (what could go wrong?), Amazon agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle an FTC case over Prime tricks, and the government is begging hundreds of employees fired in Elon's MAGA-GSA purge to come back. Microsoft, for its part, just cut off an Israeli military unit using its AI for Palestinian surveillance. And finally, Trump promised Israel won't annex the West Bank, U.S. jets intercepted Russian bombers near Alaska, and Argentina will be getting a $20B bailout after President Milei and his buddy Elon basically “DOGE'd” the economy into the ground. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted NBC News: Trump demands investigation into escalator 'triple sabotage' despite U.N. explanation Axios: Trump imposes 30% to 50% tariffs on some furniture, cabinetry WaPo: Hegseth orders rare, urgent meeting of hundreds of generals, admirals Axios: Disney investors argue Kimmel's suspension hurt profits, demand investigation Politico: House Democrats call for investigation into release of Mikie Sherrill's military records CNBC: Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over 'deceptive' Prime program CNBC: Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over 'deceptive' Prime program AP News: Trump administration rehires hundreds of federal employees laid off by DOGE AP News: Microsoft reduces Israel's access to cloud and AI products over reports of mass surveillance in Gaza AP News: Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank CBS News: U.S. fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian warplanes near Alaska CNN: The Argentina bailout is all about propping up a Trump ally Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: A gunman opened fire from a Dallas rooftop into an ICE detention center yesterday, killing one detainee, critically injuring two others, and then taking his own life. The FBI says they found a bullet at the scene marked “ANTI-ICE,” and are investigating the shooting as targeted ideological violence. Meanwhile, Trump's Justice Department is reportedly teeing up criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey (for allegedly lying to Congress in 2020) and pushing a shaky mortgage fraud case against New York AG Letitia James—after swapping out the U.S. attorney who refused to pursue it. Over in late-night drama, Jimmy Kimmel pulled 6 million viewers for his defiant return, which sent Trump into an all-caps meltdown online threatening ABC. FCC chair Brendan Carr, who helped push Kimmel's initial suspension, says he's not stopping there—hinting at targeting The View and even SNL next. Also, two GOP reps are pushing to mint $400,000 coins featuring Charlie Kirk's face (yes, real currency). On the Hill, Democrats flipped Raul Grijalva's Arizona seat with his daughter Adelita, giving them 218 votes—just enough to force a floor vote on releasing the Epstein files. That news came as an anonymous golden statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands briefly appeared on the National Mall before being quietly removed. And in Florida, records suggest that more than 1,200 men detained at the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE camp this summer have since gone missing from government databases, with officials giving only vague “call ICE” notes as explanations. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: 1 detainee killed and 2 others critically injured in Dallas ICE facility, Homeland Security says MSNBC: Former FBI Director James Comey facing imminent indictment threat Bloomberg: Justice Department Presses Ahead With James Mortgage Fraud Case The Daily Beast: Trump Rages at Kimmel's Defiant Comeback by Threatening ABC NYT: The F.C.C.'s Brendan Carr Plans to Keep Going After the Media Following Jimmy Kimmel's Return Miami Herald: GOP lawmakers push for Charlie Kirk likeness on US coins. ‘Permanent recognition' NYT: Arizona Democrat's Win Clinches Bid to Force Epstein Files Vote WAPo: Park Service removes statue of Trump and Epstein from National Mall in D.C. Miami Herald: Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees drop off the grid after leaving site Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Jimmy Kimmel may be back on ABC's late-night lineup, but viewers in markets like Salt Lake City, Nashville, and New Orleans didn't get the show—thanks to Nexstar and Sinclair, which own nearly 70 ABC affiliates and refused to air it. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly in Manhattan is serving drama: Trump told NATO to shoot down Russian aircraft, promised Ukraine could reclaim all its lost territory, and in a glitchy, rambling speech claimed he ended seven wars, trashed climate science, and basically asked for a Nobel Prize before bailing on diplomats. He also canceled a budget meeting with Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. The Secret Service, on the other hand, actually did something: it dismantled a huge illegal telecom network in NYC that had the capacity to send 30 million texts per minute, potentially crashing cell service citywide. Across the pond, the UK is telling people to ignore Trump's Tylenol-autism warnings, with the health secretary quipping he trusts doctors over Trump. Also in court news, Ryan Routh—the man who tried to assassinate Trump on his golf course last year—was found guilty on all charges and tried to stab himself in the neck after the verdict (unsuccessfully). Finally, a hacker broke into Nexar, a dashcam data company, exposing footage of everyday drivers—including one on the way to CIA HQ—and revealing its client list of government agencies buying that data.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: Nexstar-owned ABC affiliates won't show Kimmel's return Tuesday, joining Sinclair in preempting program AP News: Live updates: Trump says Ukraine can win back territory lost to Russia PBS: Trump cancels meeting with Schumer and Jeffries on keeping the government open CBS News: U.S. Secret Service disrupts telecom network that threatened NYC during U.N. General Assembly BBC: Trump makes unproven claims linking autism to Tylenol use by pregnant women CNN: Ryan Routh, would-be Trump assassin, tries to stab himself in neck after guilty verdict 404media: This Company Turns Dashcams into ‘Virtual CCTV Cameras.' Then Hackers Got In  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Jimmy Kimmel is back in his late-night slot after Disney admitted last week's pull was over “ill-timed” jokes—but let's be real, the Hulu/Disney+/ESPN subscriber drop probably didn't help. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is floating Tylenol in pregnancy as a cause of autism (despite zero credible evidence) and RFK's FDA is eyeing vitamin B9 treatments. Trump's border czar Tom Homan was reportedly caught on tape taking a $50K bribe from undercover FBI agents—an investigation quietly shelved once Trump returned to office. At the FBI, a new plan could brand transgender people as “nihilistic violent extremists,” a threat category so broad it risks sweeping up activists and allies. The Department of Education teamed with Turning Point and Moms for Liberty for a “patriotic civics” initiative ahead of America's 250th. Abroad, the UK, Canada, and Australia recognized Palestine as a state ahead of the UN General Assembly, while Hamas may propose a ceasefire-for-hostages deal to Trump. On the tech front, the DOJ is trying (again) to break up Google over ad dominance, Amazon faces a jury trial for making Prime too hard to cancel, and Nvidia just dropped $100 billion into OpenAI for mega data centers. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Variety: Jimmy Kimmel Returns: ABC Ends Suspension Starting Tuesday NBC News: Live updates: Trump and Kennedy promote unproven claims about autism at White House event MSNBC: Tom Homan was investigated for accepting $50,000 from undercover FBI agents. Trump's DOJ shut it down. Them: FBI to Categorize Trans People As "Nihilistic Violent Extremist" Threat Group, Report Says  Ed. gov: U.S. Department of Education, AFPI, TPUSA, Hillsdale College, and Over 40 National and State Organizations Launch America 250 Civics Coalition WSJ: In Historic Shift, U.K., Australia and Canada Recognize a Palestinian State Jerusalem Post: Hamas to tell Trump: We are willing to release half the hostages for 60-day ceasefire CBS News: Google enters second court battle against DOJ over alleged monopoly WSJ: Is Amazon Prime Too Hard to Cancel? A Jury Will Decide. OpenAI: OpenAI and NVIDIA announce strategic partnership to deploy 10 gigawatts of NVIDIA systems Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Estonia invoked NATO's Article 4 after three Russian fighter jets spent 12 minutes in its airspace, just as reports surfaced that the U.S. may cut back security aid to the Baltics. Meanwhile, the Pentagon dropped a bombshell—new restrictions requiring reporters to avoid publishing even unclassified info without authorization and Europe reeled from a cyberattack that disrupted major airports. In Arizona, Charlie Kirk's memorial drew MAGA's heavy hitters while Oklahoma lawmakers proposed mandatory “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plazas” at state universities, complete with statues.In Trump legal news—his defamation suit against the New York Times was tossed, and a Virginia U.S. attorney resigned after refusing Trump's pressure to charge Letitia James. Additionally, Trump kept the pressure on AG Pam Bondi in since-deleted posts. Public health took a turn with RFK Jr.'s CDC panel voting to split up certain childhood vaccines, prompting seven Northeast states to launch their own health alliance. The administration also sparked chaos with a sudden $100K H-1B visa fee—initially confusing enough that tech giants scrambled to get employees back before clarifications rolled in. ICE clashes also escalated these last few days  with 11 New York lawmakers arrested while demanding access to detainee cells, and Chicago protests turned violent. And finally, Social Security's commissioner floated raising the retirement age—before quickly backtracking on Twitter. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: BBC: Estonia seeks Nato consultation after Russian jets violate airspace  Reuters: After diplomatic blitz on Ukraine and Gaza, Trump moves to passenger seat  WaPo: Pentagon demands journalists pledge to not obtain unauthorized material  AP News: Cyberattack disrupts check-in systems at major European airports  CNN: Charlie Kirk's memorial service  Newsweek: Oklahoma Bill Calls For Charlie Kirk Statue at All State Colleges  NYT: Judge Dismisses Trump's $15 Billion Lawsuit Against  NBC News: Trump publicly pushes Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his political foes  NBC News: Federal prosecutor tasked with investigating Trump adversary Letitia James resigns under pressure  PBS: CDC panel overhauled by RFK Jr. changes childhood vaccine recommendations Reuters: Northeast US states form health alliance in response to federal vaccine limits  Business Insider: White House says Trump's H-1B visa changes will only affect new applicants  NYT: 11 Elected Officials Arrested While Trying to Access Cells at N.Y.C. ICE Facility  NYT: Protesters and Federal Agents Clash Outside an ICE Detention Facility Near Chicago  The Hill: Social Security chief walks back remark on raising retirement age  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump, posting from London, declared “Antifa” a terrorist organization—even though it's not an actual organization—while mulling racketeering charges with AG Pam Bondi against unnamed left-wing groups. Meanwhile, watchdogs say Russia's “Operation Overlord” is pumping out fake news, memes, and even Pedro Pascal quotes to stir division after Charlie Kirk's assassination. The Pentagon, for its part, is eyeing machine learning-driven propaganda tools abroad, and even floating a recruitment campaign using Turning Point USA offices “in Kirk's honor.” Speaking of deals, the New York Times dropped a bombshell linking Trump's family cryptofirm World Liberty Financial to a $2B investment from the UAE, followed suspiciously by U.S. approval to send Emiratis advanced AI chips—despite intel concerns they'll land in China. In other news, House Oversight launched an investigation into ABC, Disney, and Sinclair over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension after FCC threats. Sinclair called the punishment “not enough” and demanded Kimmel apologize and cut a check to Turning Point USA. The same committee also summoned the CEOs of Discord, Reddit, Twitch, and Steam to testify on platform radicalization October 8. On the Turning Point front, Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk has been unanimously elected as the org's new CEO. On immigration, a judge ordered Columbia grad Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Syria or Algeria, citing omissions on his green card application—including past political affiliations—though supporters say it's punishment for his activism against the Gaza war. And to end this crazy week, Limewire (yes, Limewire) bought the Fyre Festival brand on eBay for $245K and says it's planning “real world experiences.”  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump says he's designating Antifa as a terrorist organization ABC News: Security analysts flag rise in Russian-created misinformation posts on social media following Kirk shooting The Intercept: Pentagon Document: U.S. Wants to “Suppress Dissenting Arguments” Using AI Propaganda NYT: In Giant Deals, U.A.E. Got Chips, and Trump Team Got Crypto Riches Deadline: Top Oversight Democrat Says He's Launching Investigation Of Trump Administration, ABC And Sinclair Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Sinclair: Sinclair Says Kimmel Suspension is Not Enough, Calls on FCC and ABC to Take Additional Action Oversight Committee: Chairman Comer Invites CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to Testify on Radicalization of Online Forum Users - United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Axios: Erika Kirk named new Turning Point USA CEO after Charlie Kirk's death NBC News: Immigration judge orders Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Algeria or Syria WSJ: Infamous Fyre Festival Sells for Fire-Sale Price of $245,000 NBC NEws: Military leaders consider recruiting campaign centered on Charlie Kirk Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: ABC yanked Jimmy Kimmel Live off the air “indefinitely” after Kimmel joked in his monologue about conservatives spinning the Charlie Kirk shooting, with the FCC chair threatening action against Disney and ABC. Meanwhile, the DOJ quietly pulled a study from its site showing far-right violence vastly outpaces left-wing or Islamist extremism—though archived versions and even a Cato Institute report back that up. On Capitol Hill, FBI Director Kash Patel's second day of testimony was another loud but empty circus, while former CDC Director Susan Monarez dropped bigger bombshells: RFK Jr allegedly pressured her daily to change the vaccine schedule, demanded pre-approval of advisory panel recs, and called CDC staff “child killers.” She says she was fired for defending science; meanwhile, the CDC just announced it will ban remote work for employees with health conditions. The Fed cut rates by a quarter point and hinted at two more cuts this year as inflation lingers but jobs weaken. The Trump admin ordered the National Park Service to remove references to slavery and Native American history in the name of “patriotism,” because nothing says history like a good whitewash. In the UK, police arrested four members of Led By Donkeys for projecting Epstein/Trump/Prince Andrew images onto Windsor Castle during Trump's state visit. And finally, Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's is walking away after 47 years, accusing Unilever of muzzling the brand on social issues—especially Gaza. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Disney's ABC pulls 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after FCC chair criticizes the host's Charlie Kirk comments Spectrum News: Vance, Trump falsely claim left-wing violence outpaces the right as DOJ deletes report stating otherwise CNN: Takeaways from FBI Director Kash Patel's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein WaPo: Takeaways from fired CDC director's Senate testimony CNBC: Fed meeting recap: Fed Chair Powell calls quarter-point trim a 'risk management cut' NYT: National Parks Ordered To Remove Some Materials on Slavery and Tribes  Axios: 4 arrested after Trump, Epstein images beamed onto Windsor Castle WSJ: Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Quits After 47 Years, Cites Loss of Independence Under Unilever Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump touched down in the UK for a rare second state visit, where King Charles is rolling out the red carpet even as protesters projected images of Epstein, Trump, and Prince Andrew onto Windsor Castle. Back home, Trump sued The New York Times for $15 million, claiming their endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 was an election hit job. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel got grilled in the Senate over Epstein, Charlie Kirk's assassination, and political meddling—he also bizarrely claimed Epstein only trafficked for himself. In Utah, the man accused of killing Kirk was charged with seven counts, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. In New York, a judge tossed terrorism charges against the man who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO but kept a murder charge intact. In darker news, Mississippi mourned the death of 21-year-old Trey Reed, whose body was found hanging on campus, while Missouri Republicans pushed through a new congressional map that wipes out a Democratic seat, part of a broader GOP redistricting wave. Elsewhere, a court ruled Fed Governor Lisa Cook can't be fired by Trump despite his attempts, and all eyes are on the Fed board's rate decision today. TikTok's U.S. takeover deal is nearly done, with Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake set to take an 80% stake and rebrand the app under a new U.S.-based entity. And finally, the Emmys had their best ratings in years, pulling 7.4 million viewers. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: Donald Trump lands in UK for second state visit as protesters gather in Windsor NYT: Trump Sues The New York Times For Articles Questioning His Success CNN: Takeaways from FBI Director Kash Patel's Senate hearing CNN: Live updates: Charlie Kirk shooting investigation, suspect Tyler Robinson hearing AP News: New York judge tosses terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, lets murder count stand NBC News: Body of a Black student is found hanging from a tree in Mississippi NBC News: Missouri Legislature passes new Republican-drawn congressional map MO Independent: Judge hears arguments in case seeking to toss Missouri's new congressional maps CNBC: Bill Pulte's relatives claimed primary residence on two properties in two states Axios: Appeals court rules Fed governor Cook can continue to serve The Wrap: TikTok in Final Talks to Be Bought by Oracle, Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz Axios: Emmys hit four-year viewership high Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says accused shooter Tyler Robinson isn't cooperating, but the Washington Post found Discord messages where Robinson admitted to the shooting hours before his arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Robinson had also suggested his plans in texts and a now-destroyed note. Investigators describe him as politically radicalized against Kirk, though he has no criminal record and was still in trade school. Meanwhile, VP JD Vance guest-hosted The Charlie Kirk Show from his White House office, joined by Tucker Carlson, Stephen Miller, and others. Miller went full scorched-earth, calling left-wing groups a “domestic terrorist movement” that the government would dismantle “in Charlie's name.” In other news, Trump wants companies to ditch quarterly earnings reports, the U.S. and China reached a tentative TikTok sale deal ahead of tomorrow's deadline, and the Trump administration plans to destroy $10M worth of contraceptives intended for low-income countries despite global offers to take them. Trump also bragged about another strike on a Venezuelan “drug boat,” Israel launched a new ground offensive into Gaza with Rubio nodding along, and NY Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: BBC: Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting not cooperating with authorities, Utah governor says WaPo: Suspect In Charlie Kirk Shooting appears to confess in Discord chat NYT: FBI Head Says Note and DNA Link Suspect to Charlie Kirk Killing AP News: JD Vance says national unity is impossible with those celebrating Charlie Kirk's killing NBC News: 'We will do it in Charlie's name': Stephen Miller vows vengeance for Kirk's murder CNBC: Trump advocates end to quarterly earnings reports  CNBC: Bessent: TikTok deal 'framework' reached with China, Trump and Xi will finalize it Friday Axios: Planned Parenthood urges Trump not to destroy $10 million in contraceptives The Guardian: Trump announces deadly US strike on another alleged Venezuelan drug boat  Axios: Israel launches offensive to occupy Gaza City Axios: Rubio to discuss with Netanyahu Israeli plan for possible West Bank annexation NYT: Opinion | Kathy Hochul: Why I Am Endorsing Zohran Mamdani Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The manhunt in Utah is over — 22-year-old Tyler Robinson confessed to killing Charlie Kirk after admitting it to his father and minister, who turned him in. Investigators haven't nailed down a motive, though his transgender roommate (and alleged former partner) told police Robinson thought Kirk's anti-trans rhetoric was hateful. That roommate has been cooperating, handing over texts that led police to the hidden rifle. Formal charges are expected tomorrow. Meanwhile, Congress is debating everything from Kirk lying in state at the Capitol to criminalizing jokes about his death, while FBI Director Kash Patel made headlines for tweeting bad info about the case… from a prime table at Rao's. Elsewhere: Maryland and Michigan officials got bomb threats (one credible, since cleared), Trump backed off sending the National Guard to Chicago but is pushing troops into Memphis, and Fox host Brian Kilmeade apologized for suggesting homeless people be killed by lethal injection. In Brazil, lawmakers are floating amnesty for ex-president Bolsonaro after his coup conviction — a move drawing sharp rebukes from Brazil and open threats from Trump and Marco Rubio. Trump also tried tying new Russia sanctions to NATO-wide tariffs on China. Across the pond, over 100,000 people joined a far-right rally in London, complete with Elon Musk ranting about wokeness, while Nepal's revolutionaries literally elected a new prime minister on Discord. Not to be left out, Albania's Prime MInister just appointed an AI “minister” named Diella to fight corruption as part of its EU membership bid. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Sources: Kirk suspect's transgender roommate "aghast," may be key to motive CBS News: Live Updates: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody after manhunt, officials announce AP News: Workers commenting on Kirk's death learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs Yahoo: Keystone Kash Dined at Luxe NYC Eatery During Kirk Killer Manhunt The Baltimore Banner: Bomb threats target top Maryland General Assembly leaders Yahoo: Lt. Gov Gilchrist says home targeted in ‘credible' bomb threat Axios: Trump backs off Chicago National Guard threats AP News: Trump says he'll send National Guard to Memphis, escalating his use of troops in US cities AP News: Fox News' Brian Kilmeade apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be executed NYT: After Bolsonaro's Conviction, Brazil Already Considers His Amnesty AP News: Brazil braces for new US sanctions after Bolsonaro's conviction angers Trump administration Axios: Trump ties new Russia sanctions to NATO tariffs on China AP News: More than 100,000 people pack streets of central London in march organized by far-right activist NYT: Nepal's Social Media Ban Backfires as Politics Moves to a Chat Room NBC News: Albania's prime minister appoints an AI-generated 'minister' to tackle corruption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The FBI is in Utah chasing down leads in the Charlie Kirk assassination, releasing video of the suspected gunman's escape and offering $100K for tips. Meanwhile, Trump plans to award Kirk the Medal of Freedom, VP JD Vance escorted his casket, and MAGA lawmakers are pushing for a Capitol statue. Security scares piled on, too—Capitol Police cleared a bomb threat at DNC HQ and multiple HBCUs went into lockdown after threats, all later deemed not credible. Bloomberg dropped 18,000 Epstein emails showing his tight post-conviction ties with Ghislaine Maxwell, plus a spreadsheet of $1.8M in gifts and payments. Across the pond, Britain's ambassador to the U.S. got fired after Epstein's “birthday book” and emails revealed his buddy-buddy relationship with the disgraced financier. On the economy, grocery inflation hit the highest since 2022—coffee up 20%, beef up 16%, even bananas pricier—thanks in part to tariffs. And abroad, Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro was convicted of plotting a coup, including assassinations of Lula da Silva and others, and sentenced to 27 years. Unsurprisingly, he's crying “witch hunt” as his supporters riot. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: No Arrests in Charlie Kirk's Killing as FBI Seeks Help From Public Independent: MAGA Rep. Anna Paulina Luna calls for Charlie Kirk statue in the Capitol after his assassination Axios: State Department warns immigrants not to mock Kirk's death NBC: DNC headquarters searched for bomb due to threat later deemed ‘not credible ABC News: 'Chilling reminder': Multiple historically Black universities under lockdown after receiving threats Bloomberg: Epstein's Inbox: A Trove of Emails Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell's Secrets BBC: Being US ambassador 'privilege of my life', Mandelson says, after being sacked over Epstein emails Axios: Grocery inflation highest since 2022 as Trump tariffs pile up CNN: Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro convicted of plotting coup, sentenced to over 27 years in prison  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Conservative pundit Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event yesterday with thousands in attendance. The shooter  is still on the run despite an FBI “person of interest” briefly being detained. Utah's governor called it a political assassination, while Trump lowered flags and blamed the “radical left” without evidence. Hours later, another shooting at a Colorado high school left four hospitalized, including the gunman. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans blocked a Schumer amendment to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files—yes, the same Republicans who were once demanding them—while Democrats flipped a Virginia House seat in a special election. In economic news, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wants the U.S. to claim a share of university patents funded by federal grants (hello, communism?). Abroad, Poland accused Russia of 19 drone incursions in one night and invoked NATO's Article 4, Nepal's protests exploded into riots that toppled the prime minister, and France's government collapsed after a debt-driven no-confidence vote—booting its fifth prime minister in under two years. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live updates: Manhunt underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead on Utah campus CPR: Shooting at Evergreen High School leaves three students with gunshot wounds, including the suspected shooter Axios: Senate GOP blocks amendment to release Epstein files Politico: Democrats add 1 more vote in Congress after Virginia special election - Live Updates Axios: "The Axios Show" exclusive: Lutnick says U.S. should take a chunk of universities' patent revenue WaPo: What to know as Poland invokes NATO Article 4, citing Russian drone violation CNN: Trump on Russia's incursion into NATO: ‘Here we go!' CNN: A parliament in flames, a leader toppled. Nepal Gen-Z protesters ask: what comes next? Time: What Comes Next for France After Another Government Collapse Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Israel stirred up another front yesterday by striking Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar—right as they were meeting to discuss Trump's ceasefire plan. Qatar, not thrilled about the timing, has suspended its mediator role. The White House is insisting the bombing was Israel's call, not ours—though the optics are messy, given Qatar's status as a U.S. ally. Meanwhile, Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily let Trump freeze $4 million in foreign aid while the Court takes up the case, and the justices agreed to fast-track Trump's appeal to reinstate tariffs that lower courts already ruled illegal. In other Trump court news, a federal appeals court upheld the $83.3 million defamation payout he owes E. Jean Carroll, calling the damages “fair and reasonable.” On the economy, Labor Department revisions show 911,000 fewer jobs created in the past year than first reported—the biggest downward adjustment since 2002. The Census Bureau also found that inflation wiped out income gains for most Americans in 2024, except high earners, while the gender pay gap actually widened. And finally, South Carolina Republicans are moving toward one of the harshest abortion bans with no exceptions for rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomalies, women potentially facing murder charges and even the death penalty for terminating a pregnancy. The bill will serve as a model for other states. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Qatar, which had been mediating a ceasefire in Gaza Axios: Israel's attack in Qatar infuriated Trump advisers, officials say Axios: Supreme Court pauses judge's order on Trump foreign aid freeze Axios: Supreme Court to expedite Trump tariff case appeal AP News: Appeals court upholds E. Jean Carroll's $83.3M defamation judgment against Trump CNBC: Jobs report revisions September 2025: Axios: Gender pay gap is getting wider, reversing progress Substack: South Carolina Republicans Move to Ban Birth Control Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The Epstein files just keep coming—House Oversight dropped a batch of subpoenaed documents from his estate, including Trump's long-denied birthday note (with the very recognizable Trump signature) plus another note from a Mar-a-Lago member joking about Epstein “selling” Trump a woman for $22,500. Meanwhile, the NYT dropped a bomb on JP Morgan, showing how the bank ignored red flags to keep Epstein as a client for years because he was too lucrative—and too connected to people like Bill Gates and Sergey Brin. The DOJ, for its part, asked a judge to keep the names of two Epstein associates who got six-figure payments in 2018 sealed. Elsewhere, the Supreme Court greenlit roving immigration patrols in LA, prompting Gov. Newsom to accuse the conservative majority of being the “Grand Marshal for a parade of racial terror.” Trump, asked about his Chicago “war” meme, claimed he just meant “cleaning up cities” as DHS launched “Operation Midway Blitz” targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. ICE raided a Hyundai plant in Georgia, detaining 475 workers—most of them South Korean nationals—sparking diplomatic talks with Seoul. On top of that, Trump wants to make the citizenship test harder, possibly with an essay requirement. In digital warfare news, the FBI warned China's Salt Typhoon campaign has now hit 600 companies in 80 countries—and possibly every American. Hackers even impersonated Rep. John Moolenaar during trade talks. Finally, Axios reported Biden staffers were uneasy about his heavy reliance on autopen for pardons and Trump cheered West Point for scrapping an award for the “woke” Tom Hanks. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Epstein Birthday Letter With Trump's Signature Revealed NYT: How JP Morgan Enabled The Crimes Of Jeffrey Epstein NBC News: DOJ says names of two associates Epstein wired $100k and $250k to should stay secret LA Times: Supreme Court allows Trump administration to resume indiscriminate immigration raids in Los Angeles NYT: Trump Administration Live Updates: President Says He's Not Declaring 'War' on Chicago NYT: Immigration Crackdown in Chicago WSJ: Seoul Says Deal Reached With U.S. to Release Workers Detained in Hyundai Raid Axios: Trump's team plans harder test for U.S. citizenship — and more leeway to reject applicants Axios: China's hacking machine wants your data and knows how to get it WSJ: Chinese Hackers Pretended to Be a Top U.S. Lawmaker During Trade Talks Axios: Scoop: Biden officials raised concerns with how he issued pardons, used autopen AP News: Trump celebrates West Point alumni group canceling award ceremony to honor Tom Hanks Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The weekend brought another Trump classic: a meme threatening to send the military into Chicago, complete with an Apocalypse Now reference and the caption “Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of War.” Thousands protested in both Chicago and DC, while the new “Department of War” is now rebranding everything from uniforms to its website to fit the new name—on the taxpayer dime. In other news, RFK Jr., still smoldering from his Senate tantrum, is reportedly preparing a report linking autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy, a claim debunked by every credible medical body. His own family called for him to resign, former Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Trump should fire him, and even Trump broke with him to say vaccines “just work.” Meanwhile, VP JD Vance sparked a GOP mini-drama after bragging about a deadly US strike in the Caribbean; when a journalist called it a war crime, his response prompted Rand Paul to comment “despicable.” The DOJ opened a criminal probe into Fed governor Lisa Cook, who's already suing the administration over Trump's attempt to oust her—setting up a major fight over Fed independence. At the same time, a dozen federal judges voiced frustration with the Supreme Court for overturning lower court rulings with little explanation.  On the economy, August jobs numbers were rough, with just 22,000 added and unemployment climbing to 4.3%. And finally, Paramount is in talks to acquire Bari Weiss's Free Press for up to $200M, possibly putting her in charge of CBS News. She just hosted Justice Amy Coney Barrett at Lincoln Center, where ACB insisted the Constitution is “alive and well” and that the US is not in a constitutional crisis… though if you have to say it, maybe that's its own answer. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump threatens Chicago with apocalyptic force and Pritzker calls him a 'wannabe dictator' Wired: Defense Department Scrambles to Pretend It's Called the War Department The Times: Kennedy family: RFK Jr is ‘threat to wellbeing of every American Axios: Trump breaks from RFK on vaccines: "Pure and simple, they work" CNN: Trump's former surgeon general calls for RFK Jr. to be fired CNBC: Payrolls rose 22,000 in August, less than expected in further sign of hiring slowdown Axios: "Despicable and thoughtless": Vance's drug vessel strike praise slammed by senator WSJ: DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into Fed's Cook, Issues Subpoenas NBC News: In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases NBC News: Justice Amy Coney Barrett says country is not in a 'constitutional crisis' Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: RFK Jr., still clinging to his shaky Health & Human Services title, melted down for three hours in front of the Senate yesterday over the CDC chaos and vaccine access. He accused the CDC director of lying about being fired, insisted he's not restricting vaccines (while restricting them), and somehow wandered into diabetes and Nobel Prizes for Trump. Massachusetts, meanwhile, became the first state to require insurers to cover vaccines regardless of federal policy. Jobs data isn't great: just 54,000 private-sector jobs added in August, layoffs up nearly 40%, and hiring plans at their lowest since 2009. The official BLS report lands today—Trump's first with his handpicked Heritage economist in charge. The Trump family's wealth ballooned by $5 billion this week thanks to their crypto empire—even as their shiny new WLFI token lost half its value. They also launched a bitcoin miner on Nasdaq and unveiled a $6.4B crypto treasury firm. Elsewhere, a federal court cleared the way for the Everglades-based “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center, and Macron announced a 26-country “coalition of the willing” to back Ukraine postwar, with US support still fuzzy. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Kennedy tries to defend COVID-19 vaccine stance in raucous Senate hearing Axios: Massachusetts becomes first state to impose its own vaccine coverage rules Yahoo: August jobs report to show further 'softness growing' in the US labor market as Fed rate cuts near CBS News: New crypto token boosts Trump family's wealth by $5 billion Axios: Trump family-backed American Bitcoin is a different sort of power play Axios: Crypto.com launches $6.4B treasury firm Axios: Florida shouldn't have been ordered to dismantle Alligator Alcatraz, appeals court finds AP News: Macron says 26 countries pledge troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine after fighting ends Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Epstein survivors demanded the full release of government files on his trafficking network. Haley Robson, abused by both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stressed the issue isn't political and called out banks that looked the other way while Epstein moved huge sums of cash. Survivors also noted Epstein's favorite brag: his friendship with Trump. In response, Trump staged a loud military flyover to drown them out, held his own Oval Office event with Poland's new right-wing president, and again dismissed the survivors' claims as a “hoax”—despite warning GOP lawmakers the night before that forcing DOJ to release the files would be an act of betrayal. Meanwhile, China's massive military parade rolled out thousands of troops and cutting-edge weapons for Xi, Putin, Kim Jong-un, and two dozen other world leaders. Putin even floated meeting Zelensky in Moscow, though given Russia's use of North Korean fighters in Ukraine, that seems like a stretch. Back home, the latest jobs report shows more unemployed Americans than job openings for the first time since 2021. A federal judge also smacked down the Trump administration's $2.6B in Harvard research funding cuts, calling them retaliation dressed up as “antisemitism” concerns. Florida went full Wild West on public health, ending vaccine mandates for all childhood diseases—measles, polio, the works—while the state's surgeon general bizarrely compared mandates to slavery. And in tech news, Oura's new partnership with the Department of Defense sparked consumer concern about data-sharing, though the company insists civilian users' info won't be touched. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: ‘The abuse was real,' Epstein survivor implores Trump, who again calls case a ‘hoax' NYT: Trump Welcomes Poland's Right-Wing President to White House CNN: China showcases military strength at parade as Xi stands alongside Putin and Kim Yahoo: There are more Americans out of work than there are jobs open for the first time since April 2021 AP News: Judge reverses Trump administration's cuts of billions of dollars to Harvard University The Guardian: Florida to end vaccine mandates for children as state's surgeon general likens them to ‘slavery' Mashable: What Oura Ring's partnership with the U.S. military means for your data Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump finally reappeared yesterday—45 minutes late to his big Oval Office presser—where he confirmed Space Force HQ is moving from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama (something we already knew thanks to a DoD slip-up). Asked about his mysterious five-day absence and rumors he'd died, Trump brushed it off, then pivoted to announce he's sending National Guard troops into Chicago, prompting Gov. JB Pritzker to accuse the feds of already staging units nearby. At the same time, Sec. of State Marco Rubio announced a U.S. strike on a Venezuela-linked drug boat in the Caribbean that killed 11, with Trump posting an explosion video on Truth Social as his version of “just say no.” Meanwhile, Trump's two-week “deadline” for peace in Ukraine passed without progress—Putin was too busy in China attending Xi Jinping's WWII anniversary parade with North Korea's Kim Jong Un and his daughter/successor Kim Ju Ae. Back in D.C., Congress returned from recess facing another looming shutdown and the Epstein files circus: six survivors testified on Capitol Hill as lawmakers released 30,000 pages of mostly redundant documents, while still pressing DOJ for the unredacted batch. Elsewhere, a federal judge ruled Google abused its search monopoly but stopped short of breaking up Chrome—news that sent its stock soaring. And Denmark just made history by becoming the first European country to grant citizens copyright control over their likeness, including AI-generated versions of themselves, with protections lasting 50 years after death. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Trump administration live updates: Congress faces shutdown fight, Epstein files vote ABC Chicago: Chicago braces for potential surge in ICE operations, which could begin Tuesday AP News: Trump says US strike on vessel in Caribbean targeted Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, killed 11 CNBC: Plane carrying EU leader hit with suspected Russian GPS interference Reuters: Xi hosts ‘old friend' Putin, Kim ahead of military parade in challenge to West ABC News: Congress returns from recess as government shutdown deadline looms, Epstein files dominate the House NBC News: Jeffrey Epstein accusers urge Trump to release all the case files and rule out a Ghislaine Maxwell pardon NYT: Google Must Share Search Datda With Rivals, Judge Rules My Privacy: Denmark Makes History: Your Face and Voice Are Now Your Intellectual Property Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: President Trump hasn't been seen in public in days, fueling health rumors the White House won't confirm or deny—though his team has been posting old photos and oddly ghostwritten Truth Social rants to keep up appearances. Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals court ruled most of Trump's tariffs illegal but left them in place until mid-October, setting up a likely Supreme Court fight. Trump also yanked Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection right before her book tour, while Marco Rubio revoked Mahmoud Abbas's U.S. visa ahead of the UN General Assembly. On the rebrand beat, the administration is drafting plans to rename the Department of Defense the “Department of War” (which was last used in 1947). Elsewhere, Rudy Giuliani says he fractured his spine in a car crash after helping a domestic violence victim—though Trump quickly promised him a Medal of Freedom, raising more questions than answers. Missouri's GOP governor is fast-tracking redistricting to lock in more Republican seats before 2026. Abroad, Xi Jinping hosted Putin and Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation summit to pitch a “Global South” order, Yemen mourned slain Houthi leaders after an Israeli strike, and Israel says it also killed Hamas's spokesman as it eyes another Gaza offensive. And back home, Congress returns with the Epstein files looming—lawmakers Massie and Khanna are set to appear with new victims demanding the DOJ release everything. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Newsweek: Donald Trump Posting Week-Old Photo Raises Eyebrows Amid Health Speculation CNBC: Bessent expects Supreme Court to uphold legality of Trump's tariffs but eyes Plan B NBC News: Trump revokes Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris AP News: US revokes visas of Palestinian president and other officials ahead of UN General Assembly  WSJ: White House Moves Forward on Plans for a Department of War NBC News: Trump says he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom NBC News: Missouri governor calls special session to redraw congressional maps in push to boost GOP seats Reuters: SCO summit 2025 as it happened: China's Xi met Putin and Modi, as Trump's shadow loomed  Reuters: Thousands attend funeral of Houthi leaders killed by Israeli strike, vow revenge WSJ: Israel Says It Has Killed Hamas Spokesman in Gaza City Strike Ahead of Planned Invasion Politico: Khanna and Massie to hold press conference with Epstein victims Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Newly confirmed CDC director, Susan Monarez, was “officially removed” by HHS Secretary RFK Jr.—even though she insisted only the president can fire her, making The CDC mess even messier. Meanwhile, RFK Jr's ally Jim O'Neill has been tapped as acting director, prompting dozens of CDC staff in Atlanta to walk out in protest. Over at the Surface Transportation Board, Trump is trying to oust a Democratic member just as the board weighs a huge merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific that could essentially create one mega-railroad controlling freight across the U.S. At the same time, Trump is also closing the “de minimis” loophole, meaning imported packages under $800 will now get slapped with tariffs ranging from 10–50%—and several countries, including Japan, Germany, and Mexico, say they'll stop sending packages here altogether. In Minneapolis, police gave more details about the horrific school shooting that killed two children and injured 18 others. Officials say the gunman plastered his weapons with over 100 hate slogans and had been openly posting about his plans for weeks, though law enforcement somehow missed it. And in DC, the infamous “sandwich thrower” who hurled lunch at a federal agent during Trump's new troop patrols has been charged only with a misdemeanor after prosecutors couldn't get a felony indictment. Truly, the first time a ham sandwich wasn't indicted. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: CDC in crisis: who are the top officials resigning or being forced out? | Trump administration NBC News: Trump administration live updates: White House taps Kennedy deputy as acting CDC director; Fed governor Lisa Cook sues over removal Axios: Massive CDC walkout erupts amid internal chaos Bloomberg: Trump Moves To Fire Rail Regulator WIRED: The Duty-Free Loophole Is Closing. What That Means for You—and Your Packages NBC News: Minneapolis shooting live updates: Shooter 'wanted to watch children suffer' as 120 shell casings are recovered, officials say AP News: DC man seen throwing sandwich at agent charged with misdemeanor after grand jury declines indictment Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: On the first day back at Annunciation Catholic School, a 23-year-old former student killed two kids, injured 17 others, and then himself. He left behind a manifesto filled with antisemitic and racist rants, even scrawling “6 million wasn't enough” on his gun, the FBI is investigating it as domestic terrorism. Abroad, Denmark summoned the U.S. envoy after reports that Trump-linked operatives ran covert influence campaigns in Greenland, compiling lists of allies and critics while trying to undermine Denmark's image. In other news, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Trump administration is taking control of D.C.'s Union Station from Amtrak, promising to restore its “beauty.” A whistleblower revealed that DOGE uploaded a massive Social Security database—including names, addresses, and birth dates of millions—onto an insecure cloud server, risking a “catastrophic” breach. In Iowa, Democrat Catelin Drey flipped a GOP-held state senate seat by 11 points, ending Republicans' supermajority. On public health, HHS Secretary RFK Jr restricted access to COVID vaccines by requiring doctor approval, as new CDC Director Susan Monarez abruptly resigned alongside other senior officials. And DHS Secretary Kristi Noem unlawfully placed over 180 FEMA staff on leave after they signed a letter criticizing cuts to disaster preparedness. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live Updates: Minneapolis shooting leaves at least 2 children killed and 17 people injured in Annunciation Catholic School Axios: Denmark summons U.S. envoy over Greenland influence campaign with Trump ties AP News: Trump extends control over Washington by taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak NYT: DOGE Put Critical Social Security Data at Risk, Whistle-Blower Says Des Moines Register: Democrat Catelin Drey wins Iowa Senate special election, breaking Republican supermajority Axios: RFK Jr. limits who is eligible for COVID shots Axios: CDC director Susan Monarez ousted as new COVID vaccine policy takes shape Axios: Multiple FEMA staff put on leave after letter criticizing Trump admin  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Right as Taylor Swift casually dropped her engagement pics Trump brushed off his critics by saying he might be a “dictator,” but at least he “stops crime,” and pitched the death penalty for DC murders. He also doubled down on firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook — accusing her of mortgage fraud (a line of attack he often saves for Black women in power) — and is already eyeing his buddy Stephen Miran as a replacement. Cook is suing, and the Fed says it'll let the courts decide.Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Lutnick floated the idea of the U.S. buying stakes in defense giants like Lockheed Martin — basically admitting they're already arms of the government. Over in Congress, Oversight Chair James Comer launched a probe into DC crime stats after a whistleblower claimed they were cooked. On foreign policy, Trump met with South Korea's president and announced 600,000 new visas for Chinese students, despite backlash from his base. Abroad, Israeli troops shelled Gaza's Nasser Hospital, killing 20 people, including journalists and medics, saying they mistook a camera for Hamas surveillance. In Australia, PM Anthony Albanese blamed Iran for a string of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites, expelled Iranian diplomats, and cut ties completely. Lastly, OpenAI faces yet another lawsuit — this one from the parents of a 16-year-old in California who say ChatGPT helped their son explore suicide methods before he took his life. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Trump admin live updates: Trump says he will seek death penalty for murders in DC AP News:  Fed governor Lisa Cook to sue Trump administration WSJ: Trump Weighs Quickly Announcing Nominee to Replace Lisa Cook on Fed Board CNBC: Trump Pentagon weighing equity stakes in defense contractors like Lockheed, says Lutnick Axios: House GOP launches probe into alleged DC crime data manipulation Axios: MAGA rages over Trump's Chinese students announcement WSJ: Israeli Troops Targeted a Camera in Gaza Hospital Strike That Killed 20, Army Says CBS News: Australia expels Iranian diplomats, accuses country of directing antisemitic arson attacks Axios:  Parents sue OpenAI over teen's suicide Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump claims he's “not-a-dictator” while justifying plans to send the National Guard into states under the banner of fighting crime. He followed that up by signing a stack of executive orders: one to criminalize flag-burning (directly challenging a Supreme Court ruling that protects it as free speech), and another targeting cashless bail by pressuring cities and D.C. to roll it back. He also picked new fights with Chris Christie and threatened to have FCC revoke their licenses - which he can't really do. Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is openly defying Trump, calling him a wannabe dictator and vowing to stop him. On Capitol Hill, the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Epstein's estate for financial records, contacts, and his infamous birthday book. In deportation news, ICE re-detained Kilmar Abrego Garcia—less than 24 hours after his release—though a judge has temporarily blocked his deportation to Uganda. In other news, Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro is urging citizens to join the pro-government militia in response to U.S. warships and a $50M bounty on his head (though his claim of 4.5M soldiers is… generously padded). Trade tensions are also flaring again, with foreign postal services pausing shipments to the U.S. over confusion around Trump's changes to tariff exemptions. Lastly, Elon Musk's xAI is suing Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of illegally rigging the AI market by locking ChatGPT into every iPhone. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Trump denies being a dictator as he threatens new National Guard deployment AP News: Trump moves to ban flag burning despite Supreme Court ruling that Constitution allows it WSJ: Trump Takes Aim at Ending Cashless Bail Axios: Trump threatens ABC and NBC over "BAD STORIES" WTTW Chicago: Pritzker Vows to Stop Trump From Sending National Guard to Chicago AP News: House committee subpoenas Jeffrey Epstein's estate for documents AP News: Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces new deportation efforts after ICE detains him in Baltimore CBS News: Housewives, retirees in Venezuela line up to join militia in response to what Maduro calls "outlandish threats" by U.S. Axios: Global shippers cut U.S. off as de minimis tariff deadline nears WSJ: Elon Musk's xAI Sues Apple and OpenAI, Alleging They Are Monopolists Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The FBI raided John Bolton's house over “classified docs” (read: political trolling), while Trump basically pulled off a hostile takeover of Intel, forcing the company to hand over 10% equity to the government. In D.C., National Guard troops are now openly armed, and Trump's talking about shipping them off to Chicago and New York like he's picking stops on a tour while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth guts the Pentagon of anyone not Trump-loyal enough. Down in Florida, a judge froze the swampy “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center, but DeSantis bounced back with plans for a new “Deportation Depot.” ICE is still deporting people at lightning speed, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who's now being sent to Uganda with barely any notice. In other news, Russia's Lavrov went on U.S. TV to hint at peace talks (translation: Ukraine gives up land), while Zelensky celebrated Independence Day with Canada's billion-dollar aid package and a parade of European allies. At the same time, the Pentagon is quietly blocking Ukraine from using U.S. long-range missiles on Russia—because “wooing” Putin is apparently still the plan. And finally, Newsom is cutting green deals with Denmark like a real head of state, and the DOJ “accidentally” dumped a soft-focus interview with Ghislaine Maxwell the same day it was supposed to hand over Epstein files—timed perfectly with the Bolton raid. Funny how that works. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton's home and office searched by FBI WSJ: Trump, Intel Agree to 10% U.S. Stake as President Promises More Deals AP News: National Guard troops on DC streets for Trump's crackdown will start carrying guns CNN: Officials have been planning for weeks to send National Guard to Chicago as Trump seeks to expand crime crackdown CNN: Hegseth fires general whose agency's intel assessment of damage from Iran strikes angered Trump CNN: ‘Alligator Alcatraz' may be shut down before Halloween. Florida already has a backup plan WaPo: Trump administration to vet all 55 million foreigners with U.S. visas NBC News: Kilmar Abrego Garcia notified by ICE that he may be deported to Uganda NBC News: Russia's Lavrov says Putin wants peace even as strikes on Ukraine ramp up: Full interview Kyiv Independent: Canada to send over $700 million in drones and ammunition to Ukraine in September WSJ: Pentagon Has Quietly Blocked Ukraine's Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia NBC News: Trump 'not happy' with strike on U.S. factory in Ukraine Newsweek: Gavin Newsom Announces 'Very Important' International Partnership: What to Know NBC News: Read the full transcript of Ghislaine Maxwell's DOJ interviews Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The border wall is getting a makeover—DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says it'll be painted black (because the president thinks the heat will make it harder to climb), with a price tag that could hit a billion dollars but plenty of funding still left in Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill.” Meanwhile, the Pentagon asked nearly a million of its civilian employees if they'd like to “volunteer” with ICE or CBP under potentially harsh conditions, while the DC National Guard has quietly been pulled into pistol training drills in case they're ordered to carry weapons. Meanwhile, Walmart's CEO says tariffs are slowly driving up costs, especially for lower-income households, while Trump himself has been quietly buying more than $100 million in corporate and municipal bonds—meaning he's personally investing in the same companies and local governments affected by his own policies. On top of that, a New York appeals court just tossed his $500 million fraud fine as “excessive,” even as the DOJ's new “Weaponization” unit is clumsily targeting NY Attorney General Letitia James, with its Trump-friendly head, Ed Martin, literally showing up outside her townhouse in a trench coat. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle is once again in scandal mode: his longtime ally Winnie Greco was caught trying to hand a reporter cash inside a potato chip bag (she swears it was just a cultural kindness), while another close aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was indicted for steering migrant shelter contracts and even trying to block a Brooklyn bike lane—for as little as $2,500 and a TV cameo. Finally, Texas Republicans approved a new congressional map giving them at least 5 extra winnable seats, while Trump is already dreaming much bigger—claiming on Truth Social that he wants 100 new GOP seats and railing (again) against mail-in voting. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Kristi Noem: Southern border wall will be painted black to deter people from climbing it during hot weather, DHS secretary says 404 Media: Pentagon Asks Its Civilian Employees If They Want to Work for ICE The Handbasket: DC National Guard members actively training to carry pistols in capital mission Axios: Walmart says tariff impact gradual, but changing customers' behavior NBC News: Trump bought more than $100 million in bonds since January, filings show AP News: Appeals court throws out massive civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump ABC News: Head of DOJ anti weaponization group calls on NY AG Letitia James to resign The Guardian: Two former Eric Adams advisers accused of bribery in separate schemes Axios: Trump lays out his redistricting endgame: A 100-seat Republican majority Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Texas lawmakers finally got enough people in the room to move their new congressional map forward, shutting down Democratic objections along the way. Meanwhile in Mississippi, a federal judge ordered the state to ditch its decades-old gerrymandered map that diluted Black voters' power. On tariffs, Trump quietly expanded his 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to over 400 new products—everything from fire extinguishers to construction materials—hitting about $320 billion worth of imports. Border searches are also spiking: CBP combed through nearly 15,000 travelers' phones and laptops last quarter, the most ever, and they're looking for even more invasive tech to dig through people's texts. At HHS, over 750 employees blasted Secretary RFK Jr. for spreading anti-vax lies that they say are fueling violence against health workers—just weeks after a gunman attacked the CDC. Overseas, Israel is calling up 60,000 more reservists for its Gaza campaign and extending others' service, even as protests grow at home and a controversial West Bank settlement project gets the green light and a think tank says North Korea has a secret missile base near China capable of launching nukes at the U.S.—one of at least 15 hidden facilities. Lastly, in a weird twist, the White House just launched an official TikTok account on the very app Trump keeps trying (and failing) to ban. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: Texas Republicans bring redistricting bill to house floor after finally reaching quorum AP News: Mississippi Supreme Court map violates Voting Rights Act, judge rules NBC News: Trump expands 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include 407 additional product types Wired: Phone Searches at the US Border Hit a Record High Axios: HHS workers accuse RFK Jr. of stoking violence against them NBC News: Israel enters first stage of planned assault on Gaza City WSJ: North Korea Has a Secret Long-Range Missile Base Near Chinese Border, Report Says The Guardian: White House launches official TikTok account after Trump vowed ban in 2020 Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: President Trump was caught on a hot mic telling French President Emmanuel Macron that Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal,” though the Kremlin brushed it off Reports say Putin even suggested Zelensky travel to Moscow — a nonstarter, given Russia's stance on Ukraine. Trump also ruled out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. Meanwhile, the Trump administration revoked security clearances for 37 current and former national security officials, many tied to the 2016 Russia interference assessment. Trump also escalated his attacks on “woke” institutions, directing his lawyers to target the Smithsonian museums over their exhibits. In California, Republican lawmakers are suing to block Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting legislation, while in Texas, State Rep. Nicole Collier is literally sleeping in the capitol to avoid signing a GOP loyalty paper that would otherwise allow her to leave without threat of arrest. Elsewhere, Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters announced that out-of-state teacher applicants must pass an “anti-radical” test written by PragerU and  immigration authorities rolled out a new policy weighing immigrants' “positive attributes” in citizenship applications — just as ICE moved to deport a Maine police officer accused of overstaying his visa. Finally, Minnesota joined states suing TikTok over addictive algorithms, and the FDA warned consumers to toss certain Walmart frozen shrimp after reports of possible radioactive contamination linked to an Indonesian supplier. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: BBC: Kremlin plays down Zelensky talks as Trump warns Putin may not want 'to make deal' AP News: Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials Axios: Trump says he has instructed lawyers to look into "woke" in Smithsonian museums Axios: California Republicans sue to pause Newsom's redistricting effort NBC News: Texas Democratic legislator is sleeping in the state Capitol after refusing security escort to leave AP News: Oklahoma to test ideology of teachers coming from California and New York Axios: Citizenship reviews now ask immigrants to show "positive contributions" to U.S. AP News: Maine police officer arrested by ICE agrees to voluntarily leave the country AP News: Minnesota sues TikTok, alleging it preys on young people with addictive algorithms NBC News: Walmart shrimp may have been exposed to radioactive material, FDA says Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: After Trump's meeting with Putin, Zelensky and several spooked European leaders rushed to DC for damage control. Trump called his Oval Office chat with Zelensky their “best meeting yet” (not saying much), hinted at a three-way with Putin, and bragged Europe would “carry the burden” on Ukraine—all while admitting he'd already “spoken indirectly” with Putin. Meanwhile, Russian TV aired footage of U.S. equipment flying Russian and American flags near Zaporizhzhia. Back home, Trump announced an executive order to ban mail-in voting and attacked voting machines, echoing Putin's lines while undermining the constitutionality of state run elections. In related news, Newsmax agreed to pay Dominion $67 million for 2020 election lies, following big settlements with Smartmatic and Fox. In Texas, Democrats are back, clearing the way for Republicans to lock in five new House seats and in other potentially corrupt news, the White House was caught keeping a loyalty “scorecard” on businesses' support for Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill,” while they weigh taking a 10% stake in Intel—an unusually socialist-sounding move. Meanwhile, the DOJ is set to hand over long-delayed Epstein records, with Bill Barr insisting it was suicide despite “camera blind spots.” And reports say Trump officials helped spring an Israeli cybersecurity exec arrested in Nevada on child sex charges, flying him home before trial. Finally, Hamas has reportedly accepted a new ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, though Israel hasn't formally responded, and Netanyahu is still vowing a Gaza City offensive as over a million Israelis strike in protest. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Live updates: Trump says he is setting up meeting for Zelenskyy and Putin to discuss Russia-Ukraine war The Daily Beast: Flag-Waving Russian Forces Troll Trump After Crumbling to Putin Axios: Trump raises end to mail-in ballots after claiming Putin questioned their security NBC News:Newsmax to pay $67M to settle defamation lawsuit from voting machine company WSJ: Texas Democrats End Walkout, Ensuring GOP Redistricting Plans Will Pass Axios: Scoop: White House loyalty rating for companies WSJ: Trump Administration Weighs 10% Stake in Intel to Help Bolster Chip Maker CNN: House Oversight Chair says Justice Department to start providing Epstein-related records on Friday Mediaite: Israeli Official Arrested in Nevada Child Sex Operation Is Released and Back in Israel Axios: Hamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal proposal Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The Trump–Putin “summit” in Alaska dominated the weekend, though there seemed to be more bad optics than progress. Putin demanded control of Donetsk plus recognition of Russia's land grabs in Ukraine, while hinting China could offer Kyiv “security guarantees” instead of NATO. No deal came out of it, but plenty of eyebrow-raisers did: Russian FM Lavrov in a vintage USSR shirt, US troops literally rolling out a red carpet, Trump's team leaving summit documents (including Putin's lunch menu) at a hotel printer, and Putin even hopped into Trump's car for a quick chat. Journalists said Trump's staff looked “ashen,” a post-meeting lunch was mysteriously canceled, and the only follow-up so far is Trump planning a phone call with Zelensky and EU leaders. Elsewhere, Israel saw a massive general strike—organizers say about 10% of the country joined—to pressure the government into prioritizing a hostage deal over expanding the Gaza war. In the U.S., about 60 kids from Gaza arrived for medical care with the help of a nonprofit, sparking outrage from Laura Loomer and prompting the Trump administration to pause visitor visas from the territory. Back in DC, hundreds of National Guard troops from West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina are being deployed to the capital in Trump's ongoing push to control city policing—though officials insist they're not armed “at this time.” Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, are pushing a resolution to end Trump's authority over the DC police. And finally, Hurricane Erin—the first named storm of the season—rapidly jumped to a Category 5 before downgrading slightly. It's still expected to slam the Southeast as a major hurricane early this week. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Putin made maximalist claims to Ukrainian territory in Trump summit: Sources  NBC News: Ukraine and allies left scrambling as Trump shifts toward Putin after Alaska summit NBC News: Ukraine and allies left scrambling as Trump shifts toward Putin after Alaska summit Times of Israel: Large protests held across Israel as national strike for hostages gets underway NYT: U.S. Pauses Visitor Visas for Gazans After Laura Loomer Posts WSJ: More National Guard Soldiers Head to D.C. and Prepare to Carry Weapons Axios: Democrats introduce measure to terminate Trump's D.C. takeover NYT: U.S. Pauses Visitor Visas for Gazans After Laura Loomer Posts Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump and Putin are meeting today in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Cold War-era Elmendorf-Richardson base — which Russian media is treating like a five-star historic landmark. Ukraine's Zelensky wasn't invited to the land-talks party. Trump says he's optimistic about a deal, with a joint press conference possible if things go smoothly (or solo remarks if they don't). Meanwhile, investigators say Russia-backed hackers broke into the federal courts' sealed records system, which holds national security cases and other sensitive files. In politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom marked “Liberation Day” by announcing a ballot measure to take redistricting power from his state's independent commission, while Texas keeps fighting over its own maps. Border Patrol showed up at Newsom's LA event, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to call it “provocative.” Inflation's back in the spotlight as wholesale prices saw their biggest jump since 2022. PBS is still defunded, and conservative group PragerU is being floated as a replacement. And in family news: Ivanka Trump's back to plan a White House UFC fight for America's 250th birthday, while Hunter Biden claims Jeffrey Epstein introduced Donald and Melania Trump — something Melania's lawyers want retracted, but Hunter says he's not backing down. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Russians hail historic Alaska ties ahead of Trump-Putin summit on Ukraine CNN: Live updates: Trump says Putin will make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting NYT: Russia Is Suspected to Be Behind Breach of Federal Court Filing System  The Hill: Watch: Newsom outlines plan to combat Trump, GOP redistricting NYT: ICE shows up to Governor Newsom's press Conference CNBC: Wholesale prices rose 0.9% in July, much more than expected The Grio: Potential PBS replacement network says slavery was 'no big deal' in video The Daily Beast: Trump Gives MIA Ivanka New White House Gig Axios: Hunter Biden said he won't apologize to Melania Trump amid lawsuit threat Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump turned what should've been a straightforward Kennedy Center honoree reveal — shoutout to Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and Michael Crawford — into another marathon rant. He floated extending National Guard deployments in DC, promised to clear homeless encampments without saying where people will go, and unveiled a pricey 600-troop “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” for nationwide protest crackdowns. Down in Texas, Republicans rammed through a gerrymandered congressional map after Trump demanded a special session, while Democrats are still hiding out of state. On the foreign front, Trump is gearing up for his Putin meet-and-greet at an Anchorage military base, warning of “severe consequences” if there's no Ukraine ceasefire. Norway is blaming Russian hackers for sabotaging a dam in April. Trump also nominated former Fox News face Tammy Bruce as deputy ambassador to the UN — even though both the deputy and main gig are currently empty. Oh, and Mexico just extradited 26 alleged cartel bosses after Trump's tariff threats, with the DOJ promising no death penalties. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump names Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host the awards show NBC News: Trump says he will seek 'long-term extension' of Washington police takeover Axios: "Unheard of and ominous": Trump's D.C. homelessness crackdown perplexes advocates WaPo: Pentagon plan would create National Guard ‘reaction force' for civil unrest Texas Tribune: Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state WSJ: Trump Agrees on Ukraine Red Lines With Europe Before Putin Summit AP News: Norwegian police say pro-Russian hackers were likely behind suspected sabotage at a dam CBS News: Trump nominates Tammy Bruce as deputy representative to the U.N. Axios: Mexico extradites 26 suspected top cartel leaders to U.S.  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could overturn its 2015 Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage — courtesy of Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk jailed for refusing gay marriage licenses. She's appealing a $360K judgment, claiming First Amendment protection and arguing marriage equality was wrongly decided. Meanwhile, the White House plans to audit the Smithsonian to make sure exhibits fit Trump's “unifying” version of American history — which critics say means erasing inconvenient facts. Harvard is reportedly near a $500M settlement with the Trump administration to end multiple investigations, restore research funding, and avoid federal oversight — while maintaining its admissions independence. Trump mocked Goldman Sachs' chief economist after tariff warnings, telling the CEO (a hobbyist DJ) to “focus on being a DJ.” He also nominated Heritage Foundation economist EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics after firing the last commissioner over jobs numbers. An Israeli strike killed Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, four colleagues, and two others; Israel claims he was a Hamas operative. And convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has been moved to a cushier prison with possible work release. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Supreme Court formally asked to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling WSJ: White House to Vet Smithsonian Museums to Fit Trump's Historical Vision NYT: Harvard Nears a Deal With the Trump Administration to Restore Funding  CNBC: Trump tells Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to replace bank's economist over tariff predictions NYT: Trump Names EJ Antoni New BLS Commissioner AP News: Israel targets and kills Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif in Gaza as journalist toll grows Yahoo: Trump's Child Sex Trafficker Friend Ghislaine Maxwell May Be Eligible For Work Release Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: In maybe another Epstein distraction tactic, Trump held a fiery presser to announce he's taking control of DC's police and sending 800 National Guard troops for 30 days — despite crime being at a 30-year low. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called it “unlawful” and noted Congress could've given her Guard control years ago. Trump also hyped his upcoming Alaska meeting with Putin to discuss “land swaps” for ending the Ukraine war. Zelensky isn't invited, but Trump hinted at a follow-up meeting, while European leaders scramble to meet him first. A judge blocked the DOJ's push to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records, calling it a distraction. The US and China extended their tariff truce for 90 days, and the US will now take 15% of Nvidia and AMD's China AI chip sales for export licenses. Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September, joining Canada and France. At home, a gunman killed 3 people outside an Austin Target, and explosions at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed 1 and left another missing. Severe storms in the Midwest caused deadly flooding in Milwaukee, shut down the Wisconsin State Fair, and left 14 million people under flood alerts. Forecasters are also tracking tropical storm Erin in the Atlantic and Hurricane Henriette in the Pacific. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Live Updates: Trump Orders National Guard to Washington and Takeover of Capital's Police NBC News: Ahead of Putin sitdown, Trump says he hopes to get 'prime territory' back for Ukraine WSJ: European Leaders Plan to Meet Trump Before Putin Talks NBC News: Judge denies DOJ bid to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records Axios: US, China extend tariff pause another 90 days WSJ: Nvidia, AMD to Give U.S. 15% Cut on AI Chip Sales to China  Axios: Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, PM Albanese says AP News: Shooter kills 3 in a Target parking lot in Austin, Texas, before being captured, police say AP News: Explosion at US Steel plant in Pennsylvania leaves 1 dead, 1 missing, 10 injured NBC News: Severe storms knock out power and close roads in Midwest as flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair AP News: Forecasters say Tropical Storm Erin could become 1st Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Trump's rolling out the red carpet for Putin on Friday — the first U.S. invite outside the UN since 2007 — with no Ukraine concessions, just Putin demanding eastern Ukraine in exchange for “ending” the war (and no guarantee he wouldn't restart it). Zelensky responded by saying that would be against Ukraine's constitution. Meanwhile, NASA's in a tight race with China and Russia to land a nuclear reactor on the Moon's resource-rich South Pole by 2030. In Atlanta, a gunman killed a police officer near the CDC before dying in a CVS shootout; authorities suspect COVID vaccine conspiracy motives. The FBI fired at least three senior officials tied to Jan. 6 and Trump ally cases, while Trump axed the IRS commissioner and sent him to Iceland. Trump also hid Obama's and both Bushes' portraits in a stairwell, wants to merge Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under ticker “MAGA,” and is eyeing billions from a gov stake sale. Vegas visitor numbers are down 11% this year, with international tourism spending in the U.S. projected to drop $12.5 billion. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo; Russians cheer Putin's Alaska invitation, envision no concessions on Ukraine  WIRED: Why the US Is Racing to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon  CNN: CDC leaders call shooting targeted and deliberate as rattled staff say they felt like ‘sitting ducks' WaPo: FBI fires former acting head, two other officials at odds with Trump administration NBC News: Trump removes IRS boss, Treasury Secretary Bessent takes over for now CNN: Trump moves Obama, Bush portraits to hidden stairwell Axios: Trump suggests "MAGA" stock listing for mortgage giants Fannie, Freddie Axios: Sin City tourism slump signals wider economic slowdown Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: We're ending the week on a truly chaotic note. Texas Senator John Cornyn got the FBI involved to help track down state Democrats who fled to avoid a rushed redistricting vote—one that would give Republicans five extra seats, just because Trump said they should have them. Trump's also pushing for early redistricting in other red states and floated a new census that would exclude undocumented immigrants—never mind what the Constitution says. In other news, he signed an order demanding colleges hand over race-based admissions data, and the Air Force is cutting off early retirement benefits for transgender service members. Additionally, Trump now wants your 401(k) to dabble in crypto and real estate, and he's nominating an aide to the Fed who's big on lowering interest rates. Finally, Apple CEO Tim Cook gave Trump a weird gold iPhone trophy, VP JD Vance's river was allegedly raised for his birthday kayak trip, Israel confirmed it plans to take full control of Gaza, and Eli Lilly released promising results from a study of its new weight loss pill. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Sen. John Cornyn says the FBI granted his request to help find absent Texas Democrats WaPo: Led by Trump, Republicans push to redraw election maps in multiple states Axios: Trump says he's ordering a new census. Here's what the Constitution says Axios: Trump orders colleges to report race data AP News: Trump's Air Force denies retirement pay to ex-trans service members Axios: Trump to supercharge private equity with 401(k) order PBS: Trump says he is nominating top economic aide Stephen Miran to Federal Reserve board The Verge: Apple made a 24k gold and glass statue for Donald Trump AP News: JD Vance went kayaking for his birthday. Secret Service had the river level raised AP News: Netanyahu says Israel plans to take over Gaza to destroy Hamas Wired: Eli Lilly's Obesity Pill Shows Promising Weight Loss in New Results Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Putin wants to meet with Trump next week to talk about ending the war in Ukraine, and Trump says he's hoping to follow that up with a three-way summit with Zelensky. While that's brewing, Trump's playing tariff hardball—he just doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% to punish them for buying Russian oil (which… they already said they were going to keep doing). He also announced 100% tariffs on imported semiconductor chips unless companies build in the US, but Apple's apparently promised $100B in US investments, so they're cool. In Georgia, a 28-year-old Army sergeant shot five fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart before being tackled by other troops. Everyone's expected to recover, and the Army's investigating. The Library of Congress had to admit that major sections of the Constitution—like habeas corpus and the emoluments clause—were missing from their site due to a “coding error.” Sure. RFK Jr., now head of Health & Human Services, just canceled $500B in contracts for mRNA vaccine development because he doesn't trust the science. Meanwhile, OpenAI inked a $1 deal to give the federal government access to its AI tools next year. And for some good news: crime in the U.S. hit a 20-year low in 2024, and early 2025 data says it's still going down. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Putin proposed summit with Trump: White House AP News: Trump to put additional 25% import taxes on India, bringing combined tariffs to 50% WSJ: Trump Exempts Tech Companies That Invest in U.S. From 100% Chip Tariffs AP News: Army sergeant shot 5 soldiers before he was tackled and arrested at Fort Stewart, officials say Axios: Library of Congress blames "coding error" for missing sections of online Constitution NBC News: RFK Jr. cuts $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts, dealing major blow to promising area of research Wired: OpenAI Announces Massive US Government Partnership Axios: Nation's violent crime rate fell in 2024 to lowest in 20 years: FBI Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: House Republicans are flipping the Epstein story, subpoenaing the Clintons, former AGs, and ex-FBI chiefs — but skipping the guy who gave Epstein his sweetheart plea deal, Alex Acosta. A NYT look inside Epstein's NYC mansion turned up creepy art, hidden cameras, and celeb pics with everyone from Bill Gates to Donald and Melania. The Trump team's also dusting off the “Russia hoax” playbook, launching a grand jury probe into Obama's handling of the 2016 election interference investigation. In other Epstein distraction news, Trump popped up on the White House roof and joked about nukes. He also made himself head of the 2028 LA Olympics task force (with a side of anti-trans comments). The State Department floated visa bonds up to $15K while the FBI says 2024 had the second-highest hate crime numbers ever. Lastly, Palantir got a $10B Army contract and Elon Musk's xAI scored $200M from the Pentagon. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: House committee subpoenas the Clintons and several top former DOJ officials for testimony about Jeffrey Epstein NY Times: Inside Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan Townhouse: Birthday Letters, First Edition ‘Lolita' and More Axios: Trump "happy to hear" DOJ launched grand jury probe of Obama officials ABC News: Trump takes unusual stroll on White House roof CNN: Trump says he wants strong testing to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports at 2028 Olympics AP News: State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US Axios: Hate crimes hit second largest record in 2024: FBI Axios: Palantir's $10 billion Army contract continues its D.C. win streak Axios: Musk's xAI announces $200 million contract with Pentagon Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices