Morning Announcements

Today's Headlines: Trump's Asia trip is somehow still going, with his latest stop in Beijing producing no trade deal — but plenty of showmanship. After what he called an “amazing” meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump said China will resume buying U.S. soybeans and pause export limits on rare earth minerals, while the U.S. cuts fentanyl tariffs from 20% to 10%. Missing from the talks: Taiwan, Russian oil, or China's access to Nvidia's AI chips. Also not discussed (but probably should've been): Trump's pre-meeting Truth Social post saying he's ordering the military to restart nuclear weapons testing — something no U.S. president has done since 1992. The Kremlin warned that if Washington breaks the moratorium, Moscow “will act accordingly.” Back in the US, SNAP and WIC benefits for over 40 million Americans are set to expire tomorrow as Senate Republicans blocked emergency funding, while also refusing to let Democrats use USDA contingency funds to keep the programs alive. Meanwhile, coffee might finally get cheaper — Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Rand Paul introduced a bipartisan bill to repeal Trump's coffee tariffs. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker asked ICE to pause raids in Chicago over Halloween weekend after agents fired tear gas near a kids' parade. The administration also announced it'll cap refugee admissions at 7,500 next year — down from 125,000 — prioritizing white South Africans. The DOJ has reopened an investigation into Black Lives Matter leaders over alleged donor fraud from 2020, despite a prior review finding no wrongdoing. In corporate circus news, OpenAI is reportedly preparing to go public at a trillion-dollar valuation (sure, why not), five more suspects were arrested in the $100 million Louvre jewel heist, and King Charles has officially stripped Prince Andrew of his royal title and booted him from royal property — so long, “Prince” Andrew. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: What Trump and Xi did and didn't agree upon in their meeting PBS News: Trump appears to suggest the U.S. will resume testing nuclear weapons for first time in 30 years NOTUS: Senate Republicans Block Democratic Effort to Fund SNAP During the Shutdown ALX Now: Warner urges Trump administration to use USDA funds to prevent SNAP benefits from expiring KOLO: Cortez Masto, Rand Paul push to repeal Trump tariffs on coffee Axios: Immigration enforcement will continue over Halloween in Chicago, Noem says AP News: Trump administration live updates: Refugees limited mostly to white South Africans CNN: Justice Department investigating fraud allegations in Black Lives Matter movement, AP sources say Reuters: Exclusive: OpenAI lays groundwork for juggernaut IPO at up to $1 trillion valuation CNN: Five new suspects arrested over Louvre heist – but still no sign of looted jewels WSJ: Prince Andrew Stripped of Royal Title by King Charles 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: Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean just as feared, leaving dozens dead and catastrophic damage across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti before weakening to a Category 1 on its way to the Bahamas. Nearly 80% of Jamaica is still without power, and hundreds remain missing across the islands. In Gaza, Israel resumed airstrikes that killed around 100 people after a soldier was shot in Rafah — but quickly announced the ceasefire was back on. Hamas says it's delaying the return of hostage remains in response to the strikes. Trump, meanwhile, is still globe-trotting — now in South Korea, where he announced the U.S. will share sensitive nuclear submarine technology, one of the country's most tightly guarded military secrets. This comes months after North Korea bragged about its own nuclear-powered sub. Back home, a new Pentagon memo ordered all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories to form “quick reaction forces” — over 23,000 National Guard troops trained for riot control — to respond to potential unrest. The administration also indicted its first Gen Z political figure: 26-year-old Illinois Democrat Kat Abughazaleh, charged with assaulting an ICE officer during a protest — charges that could carry up to 14 years in prison. On the money front, the Senate symbolically voted against Trump's 50% tariffs on Brazil (which won't actually change anything), the Fed cut interest rates another 0.25%, and the shutdown continues as millions risk losing food aid. The Dow hit a record 48,000 — mostly thanks to AI stocks — even as layoffs surge at UPS, Nestlé, and Amazon. And in some good news for once, philanthropist Mackenzie Scott donated $60 million to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and another $38 million to Alabama State University — the largest gift in the HBCU's 158-year history. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Hurricane Melissa impacts southeastern Bahamas, after dozens killed across Caribbean AP News: Israel's military says ceasefire is back on as death toll from Gaza strikes reaches 104 AP News: Live updates: Donald Trump is meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping The Guardian: Revealed: Pentagon orders states' national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces' for ‘crowd control' | US military MSNBC: Kat Abughazaleh indicted over protests outside Chicago-area ICE facility Politico: Senate votes against Trump's 50 percent tariff on Brazil - Live Updates Axios: Fed cuts rates again, but signals December cut uncertain Yahoo Finance: Layoffs hit Amazon, UPS, Target, and more — what's fueling the cuts NYT: MacKenzie Scott Backs Disaster Recovery in Marginalized Communities  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 fragile Gaza ceasefire is officially over after 18 days, with Israel launching new airstrikes in Rafah after claiming Hamas fired rockets and mishandled the return of hostage remains. Hamas still holds the bodies of 13 hostages, and the stalled recovery effort is blocking the next phase of negotiations — including disarmament and postwar governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. carried out deadly strikes on boats off Colombia's coast, killing 14 people; Mexico's president condemned the attack as a breach of international law. Back home, Trump's legal team is appealing his 34 felony convictions from the hush money case, arguing the trial violated his supposed immunity. A federal judge extended an order blocking the administration from firing federal employees during the shutdown, which continues to drag on. ICE is seeing a wave of leadership purges as the White House pushes for higher deportation numbers, and Trump just greenlit over 1.5 million acres of Alaska's Arctic refuge for oil drilling, reversing Biden-era protections and alarming conservationists. Globally, the U.N. warned that the world will “inevitably” overshoot the 1.5°C warming target, while Bill Gates called for a “strategic pivot” away from limiting warming toward reducing poverty and disease instead. Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm — one of the strongest in Atlantic history — and Trump's Truth Social is launching Truth Predict, a crypto betting platform for everything from sports to elections, because of course it is. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Gaza ceasefire tested as Israel and Hamas exchange fire and blame AP News: US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 Axios: Trump appeals felony conviction citing Supreme Court immunity Axios: Trump indefinitely barred from firing federal workers during shutdown Axios: Trump administration purges ICE field officials The Guardian: White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska's national wildlife refuge The Guardian: Afternoon Update: 1.5C climate target missed; Queensland puberty blocker ban overturned; and is period blood a ‘medical miracle'? AP News: Bill Gates calls for climate fight to shift focus from curbing emissions to reducing human suffering AP News: Live updates: Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica with historic 185-mph winds Wired: Donald Trump's Truth Social Is Launching a Polymarket Competitor 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 kicked off his Asia trip with stops at the ASEAN Summit and meetings with China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, bragging that a trade deal with China is “close” while hinting—again—that he might go for a third term. He also casually revealed he had an MRI and dementia test at Walter Reed that somehow didn't make it into his official health report (but don't worry, he says the scan was “perfect”). Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the U.S. of staging a “military provocation” after a U.S. warship docked in Trinidad and Tobago—an accusation that started sounding less wild after Lindsey Graham said Trump is considering “land strikes” against Venezuela and Colombia. A new study found that major chatbots—including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok—have been echoing Russian propaganda from sanctioned media outlets, while another report revealed that a leaked database exposed personal data from over 450 Americans with top secret clearances tied to Democratic House offices. The government shutdown drags on, threatening food benefits for nearly 50 million people and hiking health insurance premiums nationwide. In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun called a special session to fast-track a redistricting plan that could add two GOP House seats. Elsewhere, Hurricane Melissa is bearing down on Jamaica after killing several people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Amazon is reportedly laying off 30,000 workers in its biggest job cut ever, and—because it's apparently 1975 again—the Trump administration just ordered the FBI to dig through its files for anything related to Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Trump's China Deal May Avert a Crisis of His Own Making Axios: Trump underwent previously undisclosed MRI during Walter Reed visit Axios: Venezuela calls U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago military exercises a "provocation" Axios: Graham predicts Trump's war on "narco-terrorists" will expand to land strikes Wired: Chatbots Are Pushing Sanctioned Russian Propaganda Wired: Hundreds of People With ‘Top Secret' Clearance Exposed by House Democrats' Website The Guardian: Food benefits set to expire for 41 million people as US shutdown continues Axios Indianapolis: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calls special redistricting session Axios: Jamaica braces for direct hit from potentially "catastrophic" Hurricane Melissa CNBC: Amazon to announce largest layoffs in company history, source says CNN: Amazon to announce largest layoffs in company history, source 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: Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada and tacked on another 10% tariff after learning about a Canadian ad that used Reagan audio to mock his trade policy. Don Jr., meanwhile, invested in a startup building drone-packed mini aircraft carriers that somehow already snagged a Pentagon contract. An appeals court upheld E. Jean Carroll's $83 million defamation win against Trump, and new inflation numbers show prices up 3% year-over-year — beef alone up 15%. The Justice Department will monitor polling sites in six counties in California and New Jersey as part of Trump's broader push to tighten control over elections, while Steve Bannon floated a “plan” for Trump to run for a third term. The government remains shut down, with billionaire Timothy Mellon donating $130 million to “pay the troops” — roughly $100 per service member. In Congress, two GOP reps called for investigating Rep. Zohran Mamdani's citizenship, Eleanor Holmes Norton was scammed out of $4,000 by fake cleaners, Illinois police confirmed an antisemitic gel-blaster attack on Jewish kids, and two suspects were caught after trying to flee with the stolen Louvre crown jewels. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Trump Announces Tariff Increase on Canada Over Reagan Ad Spat NYT: Trump's Son Is Poised to Profit From Pentagon Drone Proposal PBS: Appeals court upholds E. Jean Carroll's $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump ABC News: Inflation climbs to highest level since January, beef prices soar CNN: Justice Department to monitor polling sites in six counties in California and New Jersey You Tube:Steve Bannon: Trump will have a third term NYT: Timothy Mellon Is Donor Who Gave $130 Million to Pay Troops During Shutdown The Guardian: ‘Islamophobia is endemic,' Mamdani says of Republicans' push to deport him NBC: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton scammed at home by group claiming to be cleaning crew ABC 7: Investigators classify teen's shooting of 'gel blaster' at Shawnee Park in Skokie, Illinois as antisemitic hate crime: police AP News: Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris' Louvre museum 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 Donald Trump has officially finished demolishing the East Wing of the White House — without filing any plans, naturally — to make way for a $300 million “Marie Antoinette” ballroom. He also pardoned Binance founder “CZ” Zhao, who pleaded guilty for enabling money laundering (aka crypto's whole vibe) and just happens to be a Trump donor and business partner. Meanwhile, Trump's attempt to indict Rep. Adam Schiff for mortgage fraud has stalled for lack of, well, evidence. And former special counsel Jack Smith wants to testify publicly before Congress to correct “mischaracterizations” about his Trump probes — but only if DOJ promises not to punish him. The government shutdown drags on, and SNAP benefits may not go out in November, leaving millions of families without food assistance. Over at DHS, Trump's new “election integrity” chief Heather Honey told all 50 states the 2020 election was fraudulent and hinted Trump could declare a national emergency to control future elections. Meanwhile, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat's Terry Rozier were arrested in a mafia-linked betting scandal, and a pro-MAGA crypto site that promised to “expose Charlie Kirk's murderers” vanished after scamming its donors. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: See the White House's East Wing demolition from satellite images WSJ: Trump Pardons Convicted Binance Founder AOL: The Adam Schiff criminal probe has stalled, sources say CNN: Jack Smith asks Congress and the Justice Department to allow him to testify publicly USA Today: Will SNAP benefits be sent in November? 'Inflection point' is near, USDA says NYT: Trump Empowers Election Deniers, Still Fixated on 2020 Grievances Politico: Indiana Republicans don't have votes to back Trump's redistricting, Senate leader spox says ABC 11: NC House takes up Senate-approved voting maps as hundreds protest NYT: U.S. Charges N.B.A. Coach and Players in Gambling Schemes - The New York Times The Daily Beast: MAGA Site Took Money to Unmask Charlie Kirk Critics—Then Vanished 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: Senator Jeff Merkley just pulled a 22-hour Senate marathon to warn that Trump is “shredding the Constitution” and that the U.S. faces its biggest threat since the Civil War. Over in the GOP, Indiana's Sen. Todd Young wants answers on the administration's Venezuela boat strikes, which have killed 32 people so far—though Trump has already posted the explosions on Truth Social, so technically, Congress has been briefed. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson still refuses to swear in Arizona's congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva, blocking her from becoming the 218th vote to force release of the Epstein files. Arizona's AG is now suing him for disenfranchising 813,000 voters. Trump also announced major sanctions on Russia's oil giants, even as one of Putin's envoys pitched Elon Musk on building a “Putin-Trump Tunnel” linking Alaska and Russia. Trump called the idea “interesting,” which means he's 80% of the way to commissioning a gold plaque for it. On the America First economy beat, the U.S. and big banks are reportedly preparing a second $20 billion bailout for Argentina, this time framed as a “loan” while we import their beef instead of our own. In domestic chaos, Trump is demolishing the White House East Wing, and the Education Department is being gutted, with special ed services being shuffled to other agencies in what's basically a slow-motion abolition of the department itself. And for a cherry on top, Don Jr., Laura Ingraham, and Chamath Palihapitiya are teaming up to launch a $260 million SPAC, though no one knows what it's actually for—probably vibes and nepotism. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley delivers marathon floor speech to protest Trump's ‘grave threats' Axios: Exclusive: Congress needs to hear more about Venezuela operation, GOP senator says NBC News: Arizona AG sues to force House Speaker Johnson to seat Democrat Adelita Grijalva WSJ: U.S. Imposes Substantial New Sanctions on Russian Oil Giants WaPo: Putin envoy pitches Elon Musk on a tunnel connecting Russia and Alaska WSJ: U.S. Banks Are Hunting for Collateral to Back $20 Billion Argentina Bailout NYT: U.S. Banks Are Hunting for Collateral to Back $20 Billion Argentina Bailout WaPo: Trump administration seeks to move special education program to new agency Bloomberg: Trump Jr. Firm Taps Palihapitiya, Influencers for SPAC 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: Donald Trump has apparently been demanding $230 million from the Justice Department since 2023—yes, taxpayer money—to “compensate” him for federal investigations into his conduct, including the Russia probe. He filed formal claims alleging his rights were violated, because of course he did. Meanwhile, his much-hyped meeting with Vladimir Putin is officially off, after both sides admitted the gap between Russia and Ukraine is too wide to bridge. In other Trump-adjacent chaos, a pardoned January 6th rioter was arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after texting about his plans. Luckily, the person he texted tipped off the police. Elsewhere, ICE's weapons budget has exploded—up 700% from last year, now topping $70 million on guns, armor, chemical weapons, and even guided missile parts. Because nothing says “immigration enforcement” like missile warheads. Over at the Pentagon, War Secretary Pete Hegseth just issued a new rule requiring staff to get his approval before talking to Congress—an unprecedented move critics say is meant to muzzle oversight.  The FTC quietly scrubbed blog posts about AI from its website—pieces written by former chair Lina Khan that warned about consumer risks and praised open-source models. No explanation given. And finally, in the week's least expected crossover, Travis Kelce is teaming up with a hedge fund to take over Six Flags, buying a 9% stake worth around $200 million. The self-proclaimed theme park superfan sent shares soaring 18%. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases Axios: In a shift, White House says no plan for Trump-Putin summit Axios: Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter charged with plotting Jeffries' assassination Popular Information: ICE boosts weapons spending 700% - by Judd Legum Axios: Hegseth: Pentagon staff now needs approval to interact with Congress Wired: The FTC Is Disappearing Blog Posts About AI Published During Lina Khan's Tenure WSJ: Travis Kelce Teams Up With Investor for Activist Campaign at Six Flags 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: Police in Atlanta arrested a man outside the city's international airport after his family alerted authorities that he was on his way to “shoot up the airport.” Officers found an assault rifle and ammo in his truck, preventing what could've been a mass shooting. Meanwhile, new reporting revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the transfer of nine MS-13 leaders—including some who were FBI informants—back to El Salvador at President Bukele's request, in exchange for access to his infamous CECOT prison. In related news, Dutch intelligence is now limiting what information they share with the United States over human rights concerns. In Trump's world, demolition crews began tearing down part of the White House for his new “Marie Antoinette Ballroom,” despite no formal approval from the federal agency that oversees government property—because apparently that rule doesn't apply to “demolition.” In the courts, an appeals court ruled that Trump can take command of the Oregon National Guard (though he can't deploy them yet), and the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on whether marijuana users can legally own guns—the same charge Hunter Biden was convicted of. Elsewhere, a massive Amazon Web Services outage temporarily took down much of the internet—including Reddit, Zoom, and Venmo—after a technical failure disrupted about a third of the world's online traffic. And to top it off, a lithium battery caught fire midair on an Air China flight, forcing an emergency landing. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Man who planned to shoot up Atlanta's airport is arrested in a terminal following a tip, police say WaPo: Rubio promised to betray U.S. informants to get Trump's El Salvador prison deal NL Times: Dutch intelligence services cut back on sharing information with U.S AP News: Trump directs demolition on part of White House for ballroom despite lacking construction approval AP News: US appeals court says Trump can take command of Oregon troops though deployment blocked for now AP News: Supreme Court will consider whether people who regularly smoke pot can legally own guns Axios: AWS outage spotlights the global economy's fragile foundations NYT: Lithium Battery Fire Aboard Air China Flight Forces Emergency Landing 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: About 7 million Americans joined No Kings marches across all 50 states — no arrests, no chaos — but Trump responded with an AI video of himself flying over protesters and pooping on them. He also commuted George Santos's sentence after 84 days, freeing him straight back to society. Meanwhile, the 19-day government shutdown drags on, freezing courts and doubling insurance premiums as the fight over Obamacare subsidies expires. ICE amps up surveillance with new spyware contracts to track faces and phones without warrants — and even ticketing legal residents for not carrying papers. ProPublica found 170+ U.S. citizens detained by ICE, some pregnant, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem just bought $172M in private jets “for safety.” Elsewhere, five top universities rejected Trump's shady funding deal, the White House partnered with EMD Serono for IVF drugs at an 84% discount, and California's CalRx will sell insulin for $11 a pen. In Florida, whooping cough cases jumped 81% after vaccination rates collapsed. Overseas, Trump's meeting with Zelensky fell apart, the Gaza ceasefire collapsed, and Trump's strike on a Venezuelan boat led Colombia to accuse the U.S. of murder. Prince Andrew gave up his royal titles amid new Epstein revelations — and thieves stole the French crown jewels in four minutes flat. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live updates: ‘No Kings' protesters rally against Trump administration across country NYT: How George Santos Won His Freedom Politico: It's ‘too late' to extend ACA subsidies without major disruptions, some states and lawmakers say Axios: Federal courts to run out of money, begin furloughs as shutdown drags on WaPo: ICE amps up its surveillance powers, targeting immigrants and antifa Yahoo: ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him ProPublica: We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents NYT: Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million NYT: University of Virginia Won't Join White House's Compact for Colleges Axios: Trump announces plan to lower cost of IVF drugs CBS: Gov. Gavin Newsom announces California will start selling low-cost insulin in 2026 Semafor: Whooping cough surges in Florida as vaccine rates plummet BBC: Zelensky fails to secure Tomahawk missiles at talks with Trump Reuters: Israel says ceasefire and aid to resume after airstrikes kill 26 in Gaza NYT: Colombia's Leader Accuses U.S. of Murder, Prompting Trump to Halt Aid NBC News: U.S. has 2 survivors in custody after strike on alleged Venezuelan cartel boat AP News: One scandal too many forces UK monarchy to sideline Prince Andrew after years of tabloid fodder Miami Herald: Epstein had dinners with a top Florida prosecutor on his case, docs show https://apnews.com/article/france-louvre-museum-robbery-a3687f330a43e0aaff68c732c4b2585b 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: Donald Trump's Nobel campaign tour continues: he's meeting Zelensky at the White House today, fresh off a “productive” call with Putin and plans to see him soon in Budapest. Meanwhile, former national security adviser John Bolton was indicted on 18 counts for allegedly keeping and sharing over a thousand pages of classified info with relatives — which were later hacked by Iran-linked actors. The Wall Street Journal says Trump's next target is the IRS, with plans to redirect its muscle toward investigating left-leaning groups and major Democratic donors. Shutdown side effects keep piling up — the New York Times found $28 billion in federal project funding frozen in blue districts versus just $739 million in red ones.In other news, Harvard reported a $113 million operating loss, its first in years, after federal funding fell and costs rose (though donor gifts hit a record $629 million and its endowment swelled to $57 billion). Trump also wined and dined corporate giants like Palantir, Meta, and Google to raise $250 million for his new White House ballroom, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker casually declared $1.4 million in blackjack winnings. And in Madagascar, Gen Z protesters ousted their president, who fled to Dubai, leaving a military colonel promising elections “within two years.” Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Trump Says He Will Meet With Putin in Budapest to Discuss End to Ukraine War AP News: Donald Trump's former adviser John Bolton indicted WSJ: Trump Team Plans IRS Overhaul to Enable Pursuit of Left-Leaning Groups NYT: Trump Halts Billions in Grants for Democratic Districts During Shutdown Axios: Harvard posts biggest operating loss in 14 years as Trump cuts bite WSJ: Trump Hosts Corporate Ballroom Donors at Glitzy White House Dinner WSJ: Billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker Recounts $1.4 Million Las Vegas Blackjack Win Economist: Gen Z revolution or military coup in Madagascar? 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 now on day 16 of the government shutdown, and Republican leaders are hinting it could drag on until Thanksgiving — casually blaming holiday travel chaos while admitting they're not even thinking about reopening the government. Meanwhile, OMB Director Russell Vought says the administration plans to fire 10,000 federal workers, though a federal judge just ruled they can't do that during a shutdown. While public employees go unpaid, the administration is finding cash for others — promising a “clever and generous” $10 billion bailout for farmers hit by the trade war with China once the shutdown ends, and another $20 billion to prop up Argentina's crumbling economy. Priorities! At the Pentagon, dozens of journalists turned in their press badges rather than sign Pete Hegseth's “state media” pledge requiring them to only report what the Defense Department approves — a move even Fox wouldn't touch. Over at the Supreme Court, justices heard a major case that could gut the Voting Rights Act by striking down race-based map protections — potentially flipping a dozen Democratic House seats in the South right before the 2026 midterms. Meanwhile, an Ohio GOP congressman's office was found to have a flag featuring a swastika intertwined with the American flag visible on a Zoom call. He blamed it on “vandalism,” because apparently random Nazi décor just appears in people's offices now. And finally, the yacht formerly known as the Lady Ghislaine — once owned by Robert Maxwell (yes, Ghislaine's dad) and now Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife's — caught fire in D.C. yesterday. Officials say it was electrical. Okay then.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Thanksgiving travel looms as shutdown risk, GOP leaders say - Live Updates Axios:  Federal firings could reach 10,000 during shutdown, Vought says AP News: Live updates: Judge blocks Trump administration from firing during shutdown Axios: Exclusive: "Clever and generous" farm bailout coming, Hassett says WaPo: Bessent says bailout for Argentina will double to boost U.S. influence in region The Wrap: Pentagon Reporters Turn In Press Badges as Pete Hegseth Restrictions Take Effect – but 'the Work Continues' NYT: Justices Seemed Open to Further Limiting the Voting Rights Act NBC News: Republican congressman calls flag with swastika displayed in his office 'vile' and says it's under investigation Telegraph: Yacht named after Ghislaine Maxwell catches fire in Washington DC 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: Hamas returned the bodies of four more Israeli hostages after Israel accused them of dragging their feet on the peace deal and threatened to slash humanitarian aid. Two American hostages' remains are still missing. Trump's foreign policy victory lap took a turn when he threatened to cut aid to Argentina if voters don't reelect his ally Javier Milei—right after the U.S. basically bailed out Argentina's economy. Meanwhile, the U.S. military struck another “drug boat” off Venezuela, killing six, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried (and failed) to force journalists to sign gag agreements for Pentagon access—OANN was the only one to comply. Over at DHS, Secretary Kristi Noem produced an airport PSA blaming Democrats for the government shutdown, violating the Hatch Act so hard that airports are refusing to air it. Trump posthumously gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, then revoked visas for six foreigners who allegedly mocked his death. A leak of 28,000 messages from Young Republican leaders exposed months of racist, antisemitic, and violent rants—including one participant who works in the Trump administration. In Pennsylvania, the man who set Governor Josh Shapiro's house on fire pleaded guilty to attempted murder and arson. And in Alaska, a typhoon killed at least one and displaced over 1,400 people, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT will now allow erotica for verified adults. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Torment Goes On for Families of Hostages Fighting to Get Bodies Back - WSJ AP News: Trump threatens to pull support for Argentina if its politics move leftward AP News: US kills 6 people in strike on boat accused of carrying drugs near Venezuela, Trump says AP News: News organizations, including Hegseth's former employer Fox, reject new Pentagon reporting rules AP News: Some airports refuse to play Noem video on shutdown impact, saying it's political Politico: ‘I love Hitler': Leaked messages expose Young Republicans' racist chat NBC News: Man pleads guilty in arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence CNN: 1 killed, dozens rescued after storm slams western Alaska leaving thousands displaced Axios: OpenAI's Sam Altman says ChatGPT will add erotica for adult users 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 last 20 living Israeli hostages were reunited with their families yesterday as Israel and Hamas completed their biggest prisoner exchange yet—250 prisoners and 1,700 detainees released to Gaza. President Trump marked the moment by urging Israel's president to pardon Bibi before heading to the Egypt peace summit, where Pakistan's PM nominated him for next year's Nobel Peace Prize. Sure, why not. The ceasefire deal came just days after Trump gave Qatar the green light to build a U.S. Air Force base in Idaho and guaranteed its national security—something we've never done for a non-NATO ally. Meanwhile, he's threatening 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports starting November 1st, sending crypto prices crashing (but making one mystery trader $200 million richer). Next on his Nobel campaign tour, Trump meets Zelensky on Friday, floated giving Ukraine Tomahawk missiles. In other news, the DOJ is expected to charge his ex-adviser John Bolton for mishandling classified documents, the government shutdown hit day 11 with over 4,000 federal workers laid off—including teams from Education, HUD, and the CDC—while military families are turning to food pantries and Philly just lost its only rape crisis center. And finally, Dominion Voting Systems—the company Fox paid $800M for lying about—has been bought by a Missouri firm run by a former GOP election official. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Live updates: All living Israeli hostages released from Gaza; Trump, world leaders sign peace deal in Egypt CNN: US announces it will allow Qatar to build an Air Force facility in Idaho Axios: Trump, Zelensky to discuss Tomahawks for Ukraine at White House Friday WaPo: China vows to retaliate if Trump makes good on 100 percent tariff threat Yahoo: Trump tariffs live updates: Trump downplays China tensions; Goldman sees US consumers paying 55% of costs Coin Central: How One Trader Made $160 Million Shorting Crypto Before Trump's China Tariff Bombshell MSNBC: Criminal charges against Bolton expected as early as next week WaPo: Trump administration begins laying off federal workers amid shutdown Axios: CDC purge hits 600 workers in key offices despite reversals The Guardian: Majority of special education staff in US education department laid off – report | Trump administration Time: Shutdown Causes ‘Unprecedented' Spike in Military Families Using Food Pantries Inquirer: Philadelphia's only rape crisis center is pausing services indefinitely amid state budget impasse. It's a ‘colossal loss.' Axios: Scoop: Dominion Voting sold to company run by ex-GOP election official 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 ceasefire in Gaza officially took effect after Israel's security cabinet approved the deal brokered in Egypt — Israel and Hamas agreed on mutual pullbacks and a hostage-prisoner swap, while aid groups are already mobilizing for Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump's longtime nemesis, New York AG Letitia James, has been indicted for allegedly fudging a mortgage document to help her niece buy a house — federal prosecutors previously passed on the case, and James insists it's a paperwork mistake, not a crime. In Chicago, a judge just blocked the Trump administration from sending in the National Guard for its immigration crackdown — which, if history is any guide, will only make Trump want to do it more. At the Pentagon, nearly 300 employees are under investigation for online comments about Charlie Kirk after his death — part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new “don't speak ill of Charlie” policy. Also confirmed by the Senate: the same NOAA chief who presided over Trump's infamous “Sharpiegate” hurricane stunt. So… good luck getting accurate forecasts, ladies — the pressure's in your barometer breasts now. Economically speaking, it's a spooky season — Moody's says 22 states are either in or near recession thanks to tariffs, federal job cuts, and immigration slowdowns (sound familiar?), while cocoa prices have doubled and candy inflation is up 8%. Guess no one's getting those full sized bars this Halloween. Overseas, the U.S. just bailed out Argentina with $20 billion after its libertarian president Milei crashed the economy. In return, China's buying Argentina's soybeans instead of ours, screwing over Iowa farmers — so Trump's now considering a $10–14 billion bailout for them, too. And finally, Pope Leo dropped his first major document as pontiff, urging compassion for migrants and reminding Catholics that “the poor are part of our family.” In a world full of Stephen Millers, be a Pope Leo. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza ceasefire plan NYT: What Are the Charges in Letitia James's Indictment? Axios: Judge blocks Trump's deployment of National Guard to Chicago WaPo: Hegseth's hunt for Charlie Kirk critics spans nearly 300 investigations NYT: Senate Confirms Neil Jacobs, ‘Sharpiegate' Meteorologist, to Lead NOAA Axios: 22 states are in a recession or close to it, new analysis finds Axios: Halloween scare: Candy costs are soaring Axios: The U.S. bought Argentine pesos, Bessent says WSJ: Trump Explores Bailout of at Least $10 Billion for U.S. Farmers Axios: Pope Leo's first encyclical: Faith means defending migrants 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 pled not guilty to charges of obstruction and making false statements, with his trial now set for January 5th. Meanwhile, Trump's picking new enemies, calling for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to be jailed for “failing to protect ICE officers.” Both fired back, with Johnson saying it's not the first time Trump's tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. Adding to that authoritarian flavor, new data shows nearly a quarter of FBI agents are now focused primarily on immigration enforcement — a number that hits 40% in some major field offices. Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have finally agreed on the first phase of their ceasefire plan — Israel will pull back troops, hostages will go home, and prisoners will walk free. Qatar and Hamas added that the deal also opens the gates for aid to enter Gaza. At the same time, his administration quietly inked an executive agreement giving Qatar near–NATO-level security guarantees — a move that normally requires Senate approval, but apparently we're skipping that part now. In economic news, gold prices just hit a record high of $4,000 an ounce — the strongest rally since 1979 — while the dollar is down more than 9% this year, signaling a crisis of confidence in U.S. institutions. A 29-year-old Florida man was arrested for starting the January wildfires that destroyed over 17,000 homes in Malibu and Palisades, killing 30 people. And to end on a rare uplifting note, 64-year-old immunologist Fred Ramsdell won the Nobel Prize in Medicine — learning the news only after returning from an off-the-grid Montana vacation. Truly the anti-Trump. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Comey Pleads Not Guilty and Will Seek to Dismiss Charges as Vindictive Axios: Trump baselessly calls for Pritzker, Chicago mayor to be jailed WaPo: A quarter of FBI agents are assigned to immigration enforcement, per FBI data WSJ: Trump Says Middle East Deal Is ‘Very Close,' May Travel to Region This Week Axios: U.S. security guarantee for Qatar sparks jealousy and confusion Axios: Gold's rally signals investors' eroding trust in the U.S. AP News: Authorities charge man with sparking deadly January wildfire that leveled LA neighborhoods Wired:Scientist Who Was Offline 'Living His Best Life' Stunned by Nobel Prize Win 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: White House hardliner Stephen Miller is out here saying the quiet part out loud — during a CNN interview about National Guard deployments, he claimed the president has “plenary authority,” aka limitless power, before mysteriously freezing mid-interview. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi doubled down on that energy in her Senate testimony, stonewalling lawmakers on everything from the Epstein files to alleged FBI bribery and whether government officials actually have to follow court orders. The FBI just cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center — two longtime watchdogs for extremism — after complaints from Trump allies that the groups were “biased.” In policy plotting news,  the administration is reportedly eyeing a partial selloff of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio to private buyers, and it's refusing to guarantee back pay for federal workers during the ongoing shutdown, apparently to pressure Democrats on Obamacare tax credits. At the Supreme Court, justices seemed ready to strike down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy after hearing arguments from a Christian therapist claiming free speech violations. A federal judge also blocked the administration's attempt to force teen pregnancy prevention programs to comply with its anti–“gender ideology” policies. And finally, six former U.S. surgeons general are warning that HHS Secretary RFK Jr. 's health policies are an “unprecedented threat” to public safety — citing his anti-vaccine rhetoric and pseudoscience as proof the nation's top health post has gone completely off the rails. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: CNN Show Transcripts Axios: Bondi dodges senators' questions on Comey, Epstein probes WBRC: FBI cuts ties with Southern Poverty Law Center, Anti-Defamation League following complaints Politico: Trump administration considers sale of federal student loan debt WSJ: White House Says Federal Workers' Back Pay During Shutdown Isn't Guaranteed NBC News: Supreme Court skeptical of state bans on conversion therapy aimed at LGBTQ kids AP News: A judge has blocked a Trump administration effort to change teen pregnancy prevention programs Axios: "Unprecedented threat": Six former surgeons general sound alarm on RFK Jr. 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 marked the second anniversary of Hamas' October 7th attack by telling reporters he thinks there's a “really good chance” Israel and Hamas will finalize their ceasefire deal “within days.” Illinois and the city of Chicago sued to block Trump's move to federalize the National Guard, but a judge has so far declined to stop him, giving the administration until tomorrow night to respond. That's in contrast with a Trump-appointed judge in Oregon who blocked similar deployments in Portland, calling Trump's rationale “untethered from reality.” Stephen Miller responded by accusing the court of a “left-wing legal insurrection.” Meanwhile, ICE is reportedly gearing up to expand its surveillance powers — buying tools to track people via phone data and social media to help target deportations. And the administration plans to slash refugee admissions from 125,000 to just 7,500 this year, prioritizing (checks notes) white South Africans for resettlement. The White House is also cooking up a rule that would make it harder for older Americans to qualify for Social Security disability benefits by raising the age threshold from 50 to 60 — a move that could cut off payments for hundreds of thousands of people. And in Trump's ongoing campaign against his perceived enemies, the FBI is reportedly planning a “showy” arrest of former director James Comey — complete with tactical gear and cameras — after suspending an agent who refused to take part. Meanwhile, a top prosecutor in Virginia is reportedly resisting pressure to charge New York AG Letitia James with mortgage fraud, because, in her words, there's “no probable cause.” In other news, the Supreme Court rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal of her sex trafficking conviction so back to the country club prison it is. Finally, a major Cambridge study found autism likely represents multiple distinct conditions, not one single disorder. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Amid talks in Egypt, Trump says there's "a really good chance" for a Gaza deal NPR: Federal judge declines to immediately block National Guard deployment in Illinois CNN: Analysis: The White House claims a left-wing judicial ‘insurrection.' But many GOP and Trump nominees are rebuking the president, too Wired: ICE Wants to Build Out a 24/7 Social Media Surveillance Team AP News: Trump considers cutting US refugee intake to 7,500, focusing on white South Africans, officials say WaPo: Trump plan would limit disability benefits for older Americans CBS News: The FBI is weighing an arrest and perp walk for Comey — and suspended an agent for refusing to help, sources say MSNBC: Top prosecutor is rejecting Trump pressure to charge New York AG Axios: Supreme Court rejects Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal Wired: Autism Is Not a Single Condition and Has No Single Cause, Scientists Conclude 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's creeping authoritarianism tour continues. The White House ordered 300 Illinois National Guard troops federalized to “protect federal assets” during ongoing ICE raids in Chicago — even though a federal judge (a Trump appointee, no less) just blocked a similar deployment in Portland for being, quote, “untethered to the facts.” Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing over Trump sending his state's Guard to Portland, telling him to get his own troops. Those troops, by the way, are backing ICE's new “Operation Midway Blitz,” a dystopian raid that saw helicopters, grenades, and tear gas used on a Chicago apartment building at 1am, and the administration has since pressured Apple and Google to remove apps that warn users of ICE activity — both complied within hours. In other weird Trump administration things, the Treasury Department is reportedly considering minting a $1 coin featuring Trump's face and the slogan “Fight Fight Fight” for the U.S.'s 250th anniversary, while the longtime director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library was ousted after refusing to hand over a historic sword for Trump to gift to King Charles (yes, really). In South Carolina, a state judge and her husband barely escaped a massive house fire that's now under investigation. Abroad, Trump says a Gaza ceasefire deal is “days away,” despite Netanyahu reportedly responding to him with classic Bibi pessimism. Over 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg, were detained after the Israeli navy intercepted the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” with reports of abuse in detention. Also, Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to just over four years in prison on prostitution-related charges — and apparently had speaking gigs lined up for the same week. And finally,, the government remains shut down while Speaker Mike Johnson continues to block the swearing-in of congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC 7: Trump administration federalizing 300 National Guard members in Illinois, White House confirms Axios: Newsom to sue Trump for sending California National Guard troops to Oregon https://time.com/7323334/ice-raid-chicago-pritzker-trump/ AP News: Apple and Google block apps that crowdsource ICE sightings. Some warn of chilling effects Politico: Treasury Department considers minting a $1 Trump coin NYT: After Declining To Give Trump A Sword For King Charles, A Museum Leader Is Out  NY Post: Beachfront home of South Carolina judge, ex-senator burned to ground, injuring 3 Axios: Scoop — Trump to Netanyahu on Gaza talks: "You're always so f***ing negative" AP News: Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment while being detained in Israel NYT: Sean ‘Diddy' Combs's Future: Prison, Fine and a Shunning E!: Sean “Diddy” Combs Scheduled Speaking Events Before Receiving His Sentencing NYT: Both Parties Are Resigned to Deadlock as Government Shutdown Takes Hold  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 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