Morning Announcements

We're starting today's episode with our newest segment: Democracy Watch. Yesterday, the FDA advisory committee officially recommended Moderna booster shots for people ages 65 and older, as well as younger adults who are at high risk. Then, we move to some economic stories, the supply chain, before ending with our final headline about Robert Durst. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: "Jan. 6 panel moves against Bannon, sets contempt vote" NPR: "Experts recommend that FDA should authorize Moderna COVID vaccine booster" NY Times: "Social Security Benefits to Rise 5.9% in 2022, Most in Four Decades" NY Times: "Biden Announces Measures at Major Ports to Battle Supply Chain Woes" Washington Post: "Inflation climbs 5.4 percent in September as delta variant hurts recovery, supply chains"

We start with a new study about booster vaccines from the National Institute of Health. On Tuesday, the FDA authorized the first ever e-cigarette. Meanwhile, the chair of the Senate Homeland Security, senator Gary Peters has asked TikTok to provide information on its policies surrounding violent and extremist content. Next, we move to our new and exciting segment, Democracy Watch. To close, we end with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' memo ordering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop mass worksite raids. Plus, we have an update on the potential strike by IATSE. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: "FDA to take up Moderna, J&J Covid-19 booster questions this week" AP News: "FDA authorizes first e-cigarette, cites benefit for smokers" CNN: "Senate Homeland Security chair asks TikTok for policies on extremist content" Mother Jones: "Texas Republicans Are Pulling Out All the Stops to Dilute the Voting Power of People of Color" Washington Post: "2020 Census may have undercounted Black Americans, new analyses say" Hollywood Reporter: "IATSE Sets Oct. 18 Strike Date if Contract Talks Aren't Resolved"

We still have not quite settled the debt ceiling issue yet. New York City is giving every public school kindergartner $100 dollars in a college savings account, and California became the first state in the nation to adopt a law that will require large retail stores to provide gender-neutral toy sections. And in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine mandates by any "entity," if someone objects to the vaccine for "any reason of personal conscience. " Yesterday, a Wyoming coroner issued an update in the Gabby Petito case, and today we're going to close the Morning Announcements with a brand new segment called Democracy Watch. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: "House returns to stave off default with debt limit vote" NY Times: "Seeding Accounts for Kindergartners and Hoping to Grow College Graduates" LA Times: "California will require large retailers to provide gender-neutral toy sections" Axios: "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans COVID-19 vaccine mandates by any entity" AP News: "Coroner: Gabby Petito strangled 3-4 weeks before body found" NBC News: "Jan. 6 commission threatens criminal referrals after Steve Bannon snubs subpoena"

Happy Indigenous People's Day. We start off with the reinstatement of Texas' abortion law. Next we have an espionage story before closing with a report from Propublica about the systemic arrests of Black children in Tennessee for nonexistent crimes. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: “Biden is first president to mark Indigenous Peoples' Day” NPR: “Federal appeals court temporarily reinstates Texas' 6-week abortion ban” AP News: “Navy nuclear engineer charged with trying to pass secrets” ProPublica: “Black Children Were Jailed for a Crime That Doesn't Exist. Almost Nothing Happened to the Adults in Charge”

The debt ceiling fight is officially over (for now). Unfortunately we have to talk about the insurrection and the status of the congressional committee that is currently investigating it. Google and YouTube announced a new policy yesterday that prevents creators who post climate misinformation from being able to monetize their content on its platforms via ads or creator payments. But can you really deny climate change when at least 4 people were killed in flash floods in Birmingham Alabama and nearby areas? Finally, 8 former NBA players were charged with defrauding the NBA's health and welfare benefits in a scam that earned them about 2.5 million dollars illegally. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: "Default crisis dodged — for now — with Dem-GOP debt accord" Politico: "Trump tells 4 former aides to defy Jan. 6 committee's subpoena" Axios: "Google, YouTube to prohibit ads and monetization on climate denial content" NPR: "At least 4 people have died as flash floods swamp Alabama" NPR: "18 former NBA players are charged in a $4 million health care fraud scheme"

Our first update this morning is on the debt ceiling negotiations. Next we move to a school shooting at a high school in Arlington, Texas, the World Health Organization's official approval of the first malaria vaccine, and some unsettling news involving phone provider AT&T. Lastly, we wrap with the temporary block of Texas' controversial abortion law. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Washington Post: "Senate Democrats appear open to short-term debt ceiling reprieve from GOP" CNN: "A suspect is in custody in the Texas school shooting that left at least 4 people injured" NY Times: "First Malaria Vaccine Approved by W.H.O." Daily Beast: "We Can All Thank AT&T for the Rise of Pro-Trump One America News, Report Says" NBC News: "Federal judge temporarily blocks enforcement of Texas law banning most abortions"

Yesterday Facebook's whistleblower testified in front of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and urged them to take action against Facebook. Next, we move to Johnson & Johnson's request for authorization from the FDA for its booster dose of the COVID vaccine, and why a Texas board is recommending posthumous pardon for George Floyd. Then, we cover why Tesla has been ordered by a federal jury to pay $137 million dollars to a former contractor, before moving to a major report revealing the abuse of over 300,000 minors by the French Catholic clergy. Finally, we finish off with why Kellogg's US. cereal plant workers are going on strike and the growing devastation of the oil spill in California. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: "Ex-Facebook manager criticizes company, urges more oversight" Washington Post: "Johnson & Johnson seeks emergency authorization from FDA for coronavirus booster shot" Washington Post: "Texas board recommends posthumous pardon for George Floyd in 2004 arrest" NPR: "Tesla must pay $137 million to a Black employee who sued for racial discrimination" Washington Post: "Catholic clergy in France likely abused more than 200,000 minors, independent commission estimates" Axios: "DOJ reviewing decision not to charge FBI agents in Nassar investigation" ABC News: "Workers at all of Kellogg's U.S. cereal plants go on strike" Axios: "California declares state of emergency over oil spill"

Yesterday the world suffered through a massive outage of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Speaking of Facebook, the company's stock fell 5 percent on Monday. Next, we move to Biden's remarks on raising the debt ceiling before wrapping with an update on the potential strike by thousands of crew members who work for Hollywood's biggest streaming services and production studios. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: "Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram suffer worldwide outage" CNN: "Facebook whistleblower revealed on '60 Minutes,' says the company prioritized profit over public good" CNBC: "As Facebook suffers its worst sell-off of the year, a ‘reluctant shareholder' shares her next move" AP News: "Biden tells GOP to ‘get out of the way' on debt limit" NY Times: "Hollywood Crew Union Votes to Authorize Strike Against Studios"

Let's start the week where we left off last week and why we're still on track to run out of money by October 18th. On a slightly better note, we have some good news on the COVID front. Next, we cover the major California oil spill, new research showing the massive underreporting of police killings, before closing with our last (and scandalous) story. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: "Progressives Stand Firm on Priorities as Infrastructure Debate Continues" AP News: "Merck says COVID-19 pill cuts risk of death, hospitalization" NPR: "A massive oil spill in the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coast" Washington Post: "Pandora Papers reveal secret offshore financial system for global elites - Washington Post"

Well, we've officially averted a government shutdown (at least for the next two months). Next, we share an update on the infrastructure bill vote and why Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calls for this debt limit to be abolished. To close this news week, we share an urgent message from the CDC. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: “Senate Passes Short-Term Spending Bill to Avert Government Shutdown” Washington Post: “Debt ceiling worries prompts Treasury to ask agencies for more information about cash flow” Axios: “CDC issues urgent advisory calling on pregnant people to get COVID vaccine”

We kick off with the biggest news story on Britney Spears' conservatorship battle. Next, we have a bit of an update on the infrastructure and debt ceiling negotiations (and why it's looking like a stressful financial month). Then we move to Youtube's new set of policies around anti-vaccine content, before closing with some scandalous stories out of South Dakota regarding none other than Kristi Noem. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Washington Post: “Jamie Spears, father of Britney Spears, is suspended as her conservator” AP News: “EXPLAINER: What's behind all the drama in Congress?” Washington Post: “YouTube is banning Joseph Mercola and a handful of other anti-vaccine activists”

We start off with breaking news regarding R. Kelly's sex-trafficking trial. Next, we move to Germany's election results, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's response to border patrol agents who are at risk of losing their jobs, and Facebook's plan to halt their kids' version of Instagram. Next, the DEA just issued its first public safety alert in six years, and we close with a number of stories our of California. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NPR: “R. Kelly Found Guilty Of Racketeering And Sex Trafficking” Axios: “German elections: After close result, jockeying to replace Merkel begins” Washington Post: “Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promises beleaguered Border Patrol agents jobs” AP News: “Facebook puts Instagram for kids on hold after pushback” NPR: “The DEA Is Warning Of A Rise In Overdose Deaths From Fake Drugs Laced With Fentanyl” LA Times: “California's universal voting by mail becomes permanent” Axios: “LA County to dismiss nearly 60,000 marijuana-related convictions” Axios: “Rep. Karen Bass launches run for Los Angeles mayor” Washington Post: “Arizona judge voids state's ban on school mask mandates”

An Amtrak train derailed on Saturday, causing multiple injuries and deaths. On Friday, a federal court of appeals blocked New York City's school system from imposing a vaccine mandate for teachers and staff. Plus, New York plans to face staffing shortages ahead of its vaccine mandates. Next, we cover Germany's election results before closing with Liz Cheney's comments on gay marriage. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: “Investigators probe deadly Amtrak derailment in Montana” Washington Post: “NY hospitals, schools fear staff shortage from vaccine rules” NPR: “New York May Use The National Guard To Replace Unvaccinated Health Care Workers” NPR: “Early Results Show The German Election Is Too Close To Call” NPR: “Swiss Voters Approve Same-Sex Marriage In A Nationwide Referendum” AP News: “Liz Cheney: `I was wrong' in opposing gay marriage in past”

We close this week with your favorite — Headlines That Speak For Themselves. To start, the CDC announced its latest recommendations for who should receive Pfizer booster shots. Next, we have a few foreign policy stories this morning including the return of Taliban's executions, Airbnb's support for Afghan refugees, and a Senior U.S. diplomat's resignation over inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. On a related note, the Biden administration has suspended the use of horse patrols the Texas border. Then, we cover an upcoming potential government shutdown, the Collierville shooting, and what basically is a carbon copy of the the Texas abortion bill. Lastly, we move to NYC's historic bill offering protections to food delivery workers and the federal arrest warrant issued for Brian Laundrie. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: “Covid Live Updates: C.D.C. Panel Recommends Pfizer Boosters for Many Americans, but Not Health Workers” AP News: “Taliban official: Strict punishment, executions will return” Axios: “Airbnb co-founders double Afghan refugee program to 40,000” NY Times: “U.S. Diplomat to Haiti Resigns Over Biden Administration Policy” NPR: “The Biden Administration Will No Longer Use Horses At A Texas Border Crossing” NY Times: “House Approves Funding for Israel's Iron Dome” Washington Post: “Collierville Kroger shooting: Gunman kills 1, wounds a dozen at Tennessee Kroger” NPR: “A Florida Lawmaker Is Proposing A Restrictive Texas-Style Abortion Bill” CBS News: “Texas doctor who wrote op-ed about intentionally violating state's abortion ban sued under new law” NY Times: “N.Y.C. Food Delivery Workers Would See Better Pay Under New Bills” NBC News: “Federal arrest warrant issued for Brian Laundrie in Gabby Petito investigation”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is unfortunately building a more effective wall than Donald Trump ever could. Speaking of Texas, we cover a story about a couple who was kicked out on a restaurant for wearing face masks…but are we surprised though? Now let's talk about the debt ceiling, why the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is asking tens of thousands of entertainment industry workers to go on strike, and the latest of Trump's recent lawsuit involving his niece. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Washington Post: “Texas Gov. Abbott sends miles of cars along border to deter migrants” CNN: “A Texas couple wore face masks at a restaurant to protect their immunocompromised infant. The owner asked them to leave” NY Times: “House Passes Spending Bill and Debt Limit Increase Over G.O.P. Opposition” LA Times: “Hollywood union calls for strike authorization vote by crew workers” CNN: “Donald Trump sues niece Mary Trump, New York Times reporters over disclosure of tax documents”

We've hit once again another grim milestone in the pandemic. Next, we unpack some terrifying photos of United States ICE agents using whips to control Haitian migrants at the southern border, before covering the General Assembly gathering in NYC this week, and an update on the case of Gabby Petito. Lastly, we wrap with what you should know about the Johnson and Johnson's booster shots. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NPR: “COVID-19 Has Now Killed About As Many Americans As The 1918-19 Flu” NPR: “U.S. Border Agents Chased Migrants On Horseback. A Photographer Explains What He Saw” NY Times: “U.N. Live Updates: Biden Pledges to Work Toward ‘Peaceful, Prosperous Future For All'” CNN: “Autopsy confirms remains found in Wyoming are Gabby Petito's, FBI says” Washington Post: “Second dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine increases protection against covid-19, maker says”

We bring back your favorite segment: Headlines That Speak For Themselves. We cover Biden's plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to all Americans, a Texas doctor who challenged the abortion law, why France is still pissed with the U.S., and how the J6 rally went over this weekend. Then, it's to close with some true crime headlines. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: “US panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for seniors, high-risk” NPR: “A Texas Doctor Says He Defied The Abortion Law, Risking Lawsuits” AP News: “France recalls ambassadors to US, Australia over sub deal” Axios: “Smaller than expected “Justice for J6" rally met with large police presence” CNN: “Human remains found in Wyoming are ‘consistent' with description of Gabby Petito, FBI says” NY Times” Robert Durst Found Guilty of Murder After Decades of Suspicion” NBC News: “Colorado's Polis marries longtime partner in first same-sex marriage for a sitting governor”

We start today with a gruesome update now that we're 19 months into the pandemic. Next, we share another story about Facebook today and its harmful effects on teenage girls, testimonies in the Larry Nassar hearing, and Biden's plans to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia. Lastly, we end with the Democrat's latest revised voting rights bill. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Washington Post: “The pandemic marks another grim milestone: 1 in 500 Americans have died of covid-19” Wall Street Journal: “Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic for Teen Girls, Company Documents Show” CNN: “McKayla Maroney: FBI made ‘entirely false claims about what I said'” NPR: “Why Biden Is Taking The Rare Step Of Sharing Nuclear Submarine Tech With Australia” ABC News: “Senate Democrats introduce new voting rights bill”

The California recall election is today and we have a serious PSA for you all. Next, we cover Amy Cony Barrett's appearance at the University of Louisville's McConnell Center, the upcoming Sept. 18 Capitol rally, and why Simon Biles among other elite gymansts will be testifying before the Senate tomorrow.

On this light news morning, we bring you some COVID news headlines. We move to the Taliban's announcement that women in Afghanistan will only be allowed to study at university in gender-segregated classrooms, Britney Spear's engagement, and Emma Raducanu's outstanding win at the U.S. Open.

We end this week with some quick news, starting with why the Justice Department is suing the state of Texas before moving to Biden's new vaccine mandates that could cover 100 million Americans.

We begin with the removal of the nation's largest confederate statue, before covering the upcoming ‘Justice for J6' rally, the start of the Elizabeth Holmes trial, and a PSA for our Californian listeners.

We start with the controversial voting restriction signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbot. Then we cover Biden's site visits following the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, where abortion is now decriminalized, and the first country to accept Bitcoin as its legal currency. Lastly, we end with the Taliban's newly announced government in Afghanistan.

Our very own Sami Sage is back with the Morning Announcements, starting with a statement from US Attorney General Merrick Garland on the new Texas abortion law. We move to the unemployment benefits that are set to expire for millions of Americans, more updates on Afghanistan, before ending on yet again another coup this year.

To end this week of news, guest host Amanda Duberman takes us through a couple stories, starting with Hurricane Ida and its massive devastation in the Northeast. Next, we cover some updates on the Texas abortion law, why a Malaysian shot putter was stripped of his Paralympic medal, and what voters should know about the Newsom recall. And finally, we end with why Joe Manchin is threatening Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion reconciliation plan.

Well…the most restrictive abortion law has officially taken effect in Texas. A grand jury has indicted three former Colorado police officers and two paramedics after the 2019 killing of Elijah McClain, and the Sackler family wins sweeping immunity from all future opioid lawsuits. Plus, a Michigan man wins a case against his parents who destroyed his porn collection (yup, you heard that right). Lastly, we end with Headlines That Speak For Themselves.

We begin with the new FBI report on hate crimes in 2020. Next we cover China's online gaming ban, before covering more updates on Afghanistan and the Texas abortion law.

Let's start off with some more news on Afghanistan before moving to the US Department of Education's investigation into states for discriminating against students with disabilities. Next, we cover why Texas abortion providers are asking the U.S. supreme court to block a restrictive abortion law. Finally, we end with why The EU has just removed the U.S. from the country's safe travel list.

This week, our very own Betches Sup host Amanda Duberman takes over, starting off with the powerful storm that descended into Louisiana yesterday. Next, we turn to Afghanistan and the recent responses to the airport bombing before closing with our favorite segment: Headlines That Speak For Themselves.

Guest host Alise Morales closes off this week of Morning Announcements with a series of updates on the devastating news out of Afghanistan and the backlash Biden has received from Republicans following the Kabul blasts.

It's a quick news day brought to you by guest host Alise Morales. First off, we start with the Supreme Court's order to reinstate Trump's “Remain in Mexico” policy before moving to the House's approval of the $3.5 billion infrastructure bill.

Alise is back this week for the Morning Announcements, starting with our first story on the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Next we move to audit of the 2020 election being conducted in Arizona's Maricopa County before wrapping with Andrew Cuomo's final farewell to New York (hopefully).

We kick off this week's Morning Announcements with guest host (and not to mention Betches Sup co-host and newsletter writer) Alise Morales. To start off, we have yet again another Afghanistan headline. Next, we move to Trump's recent Alabama rally before closing with a scary weather report.

We start with once again more news on Afghanistan. Next, we move to the T-Mobile data breach, the former Purdue Pharma chair's denial over his family's role in the opioid crisis, and the latest news out of Texas. And finally, we close with an update on COVID booster shots.

Let's start with yet again another update on Afghanistan. Next, we share an update on when we will be expecting to hear about the next COVID booster shot, New Zealand's lockdown following its first single confirmed case since February, and the current state of Haiti following Tropical Storm Grace. And lastly, we have a disappointing story about Bob Dylan.

Let's start with more news from Afghanistan and what is going on with the world right now. Next, we have an update on a state Supreme Court that ruled on Governor Greg Abbott's anti-mask mandate, the investigation of Tesla's Autopilot driver-assistance system, and why North Carolina may be raising its minimum age requirement for marriage. And finally, we end with why we may just have lived through the hottest month ever recorded on Earth. 

The biggest news of today is the American exit from Afghanistan. Next, we hear some more bad news, this time regarding a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. In better news, we have some data from the first round of child tax credit payments that went out last month. Lastly, we end with a story about the suspension of the co-founder of Snopes over plagiarism

Let's start with two important COVID updates, before moving to an update on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Then, we cover Andrew Cuomo's ongoing impeachment investigation, the U.S.'s withdrawal from Afghanistan, and China's karaoke ban over “illegal content.”

New York governor Andrew Cuomo finally resigned yesterday. On the same note of relief, The Senate has finally voted on the bipartisan infrastructure deal. Now let's head over to our two most counterproductive states in the nation: Texas and Florida. Then we cover Target's announcement that they will cover 100% of college tuition for its workers before wrapping with R. Kelly's trial officially beginning in New York this week.

The United Nations released its latest assessment about the state of the climate. Next we have two important resignations as part of Governor Cuomo's harassment allegations before moving to the Pentagon's announcement on vaccination requirements for members of the U.S. military. Finally, we have a not so positive story coming out of Wyoming, Michigan.