Morning Announcements

Today's Headlines: Trump kicked off the week rejecting Iran's latest peace proposal with "I don't like it — totally unacceptable," while a confidential Economist document reveals Russia offered Iran 5,000 advanced drones and training for 10,000 soldiers to use them against American troops. Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei hasn't been seen publicly since being severely injured in the airstrike that killed most of his family, complicating Iran's ability to negotiate. Someone also unveiled a 22-foot golden Trump statue at a Florida golf course, which his evangelical adviser insists is definitely not idol worship. In the redistricting wars, Virginia's Supreme Court struck down the congressional map that Virginia voters just voted for — the same court that previously cleared it — handing Republicans a significant midterm advantage before the south has even finished gerrymandering. Trump announced an "election integrity army" in every state this November, the FBI opened a new investigation into Wisconsin's 2020 election results, and the DOJ subpoenaed Fulton County for the names of every 2020 election worker, which Fulton County is fighting in court. To distract from all of this, the Pentagon started releasing UFO files, which is a thing that is happening. In brain worm updates, RFK Jr. is reportedly exploring banning certain SSRIs including Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro — his department denied it, though he just announced initiatives to reduce SSRI prescriptions. The Trump administration is also planning to cut Social Security disability benefits for people living with family members by up to a third, potentially affecting 400,000 people — call your congresspeople. Trump Media posted a $405 million loss on just $900,000 in revenue, 600,000 MAGA fans who paid a nonrefundable deposit for the Trump Phone in 2025 still don't have their devices and are finally revolting, and the Hantavirus cruise passengers are being carefully evacuated home from the Canary Islands with isolation protocols in place. And finally, Rudy Giuliani — who was read his last rites last week — is attempting to get his hospital bills covered by a federal fund for 9/11 first responders, which is one way to handle bankruptcy. Resources/Articles mentioned: Newsweek: Pastor defends Golden Trump statue from biblical backlash WSJ: Trump Blasts Iran's Response on Reopening Hormuz, Handling Uranium The Economist: Secret document reveals Russia's plans to aid Iran NYT: Virginia Court Strikes Down Redistricted Voting Map in a Huge Blow to Democrats Advance Local: Trump: GOP will have ‘election integrity army' in every state during 2026 midterms Wausau Pilot & Review: FBI is investigating Wisconsin's 2020 election, sources confirm -  PBS: Justice Department seeks the names of 2020 election workers in Georgia's Fulton County NBC News: Pentagon releases declassified UFO files including videos and photos held by the government for decades Politico: Wiles cracks down on leaks CNBC: U.S. payrolls jump more than expected, but the report had several red flags for the economy The Daily Beast: MAGA Fans Revolt Over Trump Phone Disaster Bloomberg: Trump Media Posts $405 Million Loss Driven by Crypto Holdings CNN: Live updates: Hantavirus outbreak, passengers disembark cruise ship in Tenerife Reuters: Exclusive: Kennedy's health officials explored US ban of some widely used antidepressants ProPublica: The Trump Administration Aims to Penalize Disabled Adults Who Live With Their Families The Daily Beast: Rudy Giuliani Wants 9/11 Health Fund to Cover His Medical Bills Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 Iran war is very much back on — Trump threatened Iran with "one big glow," called the exchange of fire "just a love tap," and bragged about sinking small boats, while US intelligence confirmed Iran still has about 70% of its missiles intact despite Trump claiming it's down to 18-19%. Gas prices have hit $4.50 a gallon — up over 50% since the war started — with CEOs warning that consumer spending is collapsing and everyone is borrowing to get by. Shell, meanwhile, posted $7 billion in Q1 profits, more than double the previous quarter, which seems fine. As if the war weren't enough to worry about, on the redistricting beat, Tennessee signed a new map eliminating the state's one Democratic seat by splitting Memphis into four suburban districts, Alabama passed their gerrymandering legislation while tornado sirens blared and the building flooded, and Mississippi is planning their own special session in a Jim Crow-era capitol that's been a museum for years. On top of that, Marco Rubio announced new sanctions on Cuba's state-owned industries and military conglomerate, while the State Department quietly beefs up disaster preparedness in South Florida in anticipation of further Cuba hostilities. Somehow Kash Patel is in the news again, he reportedly ordered polygraphs for over two dozen staff to find out who talked to The Atlantic about his drinking, while launching a criminal leak investigation against the reporter he's also suing for $250 million. Elsewhere, Trump's 10% tantrum tariff was ruled illegal by the Court of International Trade, Elon Musk was formally summoned by the French government to cooperate in their X investigation after skipping a voluntary interview — with Trump's DOJ calling it a "criminally charged criminal proceeding" — and Kalshi raised a billion dollars bringing its valuation to $22 billion, which means someone should probably check if their headquarters exists. And finally, a ransomware attack on Canvas knocked out coursework for students at over 3,000 schools, which is either a crisis or the greatest thing ever depending on your GPA. Resources/Articles mentioned: Axios: Iran and U.S. exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz Bloomberg: Consumers Are ‘Running Out of Money' and Cutting Back, CEOs Warn Bloomberg: Consumers Are ‘Running Out of Money' and Cutting Back, CEOs Warn NYT: Shell Reports Nearly $7 Billion Profit After Oil Prices Surged Amid U.S.-Iran War WaPo: U.S. intelligence says Iran can outlast Trump's Hormuz blockade for months Axios: Rubio announces new Cuba sanctions Mother Jones: After SCOTUS Destroyed the Voting Rights Act, Southern States Rush to Pass Jim Crow Voting Maps WVLT: TN governor signs new congressional map into law, dividing Memphis and marking end of special session The New Republic: Alabama Republicans Vote to Pass New Map as Tornado Sirens Blare The Guardian: Mississippi house to hold redistricting session at Jim Crow era capitol MS Now: Kash Patel ordered polygraphs of more than two dozen members of his team, sources say NYT: Trade Court Rules Trump's 10% Global Tariff Is Illegal WSJ: Elon Musk Summoned to France to Face Criminal Charges NYT: Kalshi, The Prediction Market, Is Now Valued At $22B  WSJ: Harvard, Berkeley and Thousands of Schools Suffer Cyber Outage Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 federal judge unsealed what the DOJ claims is Jeffrey Epstein's suicide note yesterday — found tucked inside a graphic novel by his former cellmate. On related Epstein news, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified behind closed doors at the House Oversight Committee about his relationship with Epstein, his former next-door neighbor whom he claimed to find "disgusting," and yet somehow visited Epstein's island for lunch with his family and several nannies after Epstein's 2008 conviction — his explanation being that he only meant he wouldn't have a "1 on 1" relationship with Epstein, which is genuinely one of the worst answers ever offered to a congressional committee. Elsewhere in this administration, The Atlantic has more reporting on FBI Director Kash Patel, revealing he flies on government planes stocked with personalized Woodford Reserve bourbon engraved with his name and the FBI shield, which he hands out as gifts — one of which ended up on an online auction site. Speaking of taxpayer resources being used creatively, Republicans in Congress are reportedly proposing to give Trump a billion taxpayer dollars for his White House ballroom-slash-bunker, and debris from Trump's East Wing demolition that was dumped at a National Park Service golf course has tested positive for lead, chromium, and other toxic metals. In Trump vs The Pope news, Trump accused Pope Leo of supporting Iran getting a nuclear weapon, the Pope responded that he isn't afraid and will keep advocating for peace, and Rubio flew to Rome to meet with him anyway. Back home, the FBI raided the office of Virginia Democratic state senator Louise Lucas, who led the redistricting effort that netted Democrats four new congressional seats, though the investigation's subject remains undisclosed. In tech news, Anthropic and SpaceX announced a partnership giving Anthropic access to SpaceX computing power for Claude Pro and Max, and Kevin O'Leary's Manhattan-sized Utah data center got approved despite furious local protests he dismissed as fake and possibly AI-generated. And finally, RFK Jr. withdrew an FDA rule that would have banned minors from indoor tanning beds — which the WHO classifies as a Group 1 carcinogen on par with cigarettes and asbestos — because apparently that was next on the list. Resources/Articles mentioned: NYT: Jeffrey Epstein's Purported Suicide Note Is Released by Federal Judge NBC News: Howard Lutnick evasive during Epstein testimony, House Democrats say The Atlanic: Kash Patel's Personalized Bourbon Stash NBC News: Republicans propose $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to secure Trump ballroom WaPo: White House East Wing debris dumped at nearby golf course has toxic metals, report says NYT: Rubio to Visit Rome After Trump's Feud With the Pope and Meloni Politico: FBI raids office of Dem state lawmaker in Virginia who led redistricting efforts NBC News: Anthropic and SpaceX announce major partnership as AI arms races continues Gizmodo: Kevin O'Leary's Massive Data Center Project in Utah Gets the Greenlight, Locals Are Furious LA Times: RFK Jr. clears path for minors' use of tanning beds, much to the dismay of dermatologists Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 hosted kids at the White House for a Presidential Fitness Award ceremony, fell asleep while RFK Jr. spoke, and used the occasion to rant about Iran to a room full of children — meanwhile, Pete Hegseth was simultaneously insisting the ceasefire was still intact while missiles were actively flying over the Strait of Hormuz, and Marco Rubio filled in at the press briefing to tout US humanitarian aid for Cuba, a country we are currently blockading. In other news, over a quarter of DOJ attorneys — roughly 3,400 lawyers with an average tenure of over 13 years — have walked out or been fired since Trump took office, ICE's own internal records confirm a 37% spike in use of force against detainees across 98 facilities, and a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that ICE enforcement is actually hurting US-born workers in construction and similar sectors, with no wage increases to show for it. In creepy Congress members news, Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards is under investigation for alleged misconduct toward two female staffers in their 20s, including gifts, a handwritten love letter, and a Las Vegas vacation he took during a government shutdown he almost missed voting to end — his office also had a 59% staff turnover rate in 2025, more than double the House average. In tech and media news, the White House is planning an executive order on AI oversight involving Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI before models are released to the public, Pennsylvania sued Character.AI for having its chatbot impersonate a licensed psychiatrist complete with a fake license number, and James Murdoch is reportedly in talks to acquire Vox Media, which owns New York Magazine, The Verge, and Eater, potentially outbidding the competing offer from former NBC spinoff Versant. And finally, NPR went to Panama looking for Polymarket's corporate headquarters and found an essentially empty office where nobody had ever heard of the $15 billion prediction market platform — which also happens to share a law firm with FTX, so that's extremely reassuring. Resources/Articles mentioned: The New Republic: Trump, 79, Falls Asleep After Bragging to Kids About Iran War Plans Common Dreams: Hegseth Brags About Attacks on Iranian Ships in Strait of Hormuz While Claiming Ceasefire Holds The Hill: Marco Rubio gets presidential tryout in White House briefing room Axios: Scoop: Rep. Chuck Edwards singled out young female aides for special attention Financial Times: US Department of Justice loses a quarter of its lawyers WaPo: Internal ICE records reveal widespread use of force in detention centers Axios: ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds Axios: SEC proposes rule to allow public companies to report twice a year NYT: White House Considers Vetting A.I. Models Before They Are Released Reuters: Pennsylvania sues Character AI, says chatbot poses as doctors NYT: James Murdoch's Company Said to Be in Talks to Acquire Major Parts of Vox Media NPR: NPR went looking for Polymarket's Panama headquarters. It's elusive  Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 ceasefire is officially dead — Iran fired on multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz after Trump said escorting vessels through the strait would be totally chill and Iran said that would be a ceasefire violation, and then Iran fired anyway. The UAE is also reporting missile attacks on a fuel facility and ships off its coast. Trump responded by holding remarks at the White House where he bragged about the economy, called it a "mini war," and mentioned he scored well on a cognitive test — so there's that. In slightly better but don't-get-excited news, the Supreme Court issued a one-week temporary order restoring mail access to mifepristone while they figure out what they actually want to do, which is great for approximately the next seven days. On the redistricting front, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is dispatching a congressman to Albany to work on a new New York map, though realistically nothing gets implemented before 2027. There was also a shooting near the Washington Monument shortly after JD Vance's motorcade passed through — Secret Service exchanged gunfire with an armed man, a nearby child was hit and is reportedly okay, and the White House went into lockdown briefly while everyone figured out what was happening. Meanwhile, Trump is apparently offering Senator John Fetterman a financial windfall plus a full endorsement if he switches parties, which Fetterman publicly says is a hard no — though privately, per Politico, he's being a little less emphatic about it. In trial news: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their lawsuit hours before she walked the Met Gala red carpet, terms undisclosed; UK police are working to bring a suspect in the 2007 Madeleine McCann disappearance to trial, complicated by Germany's extradition laws; and a judge denied Sam Bankman-Fried's request for a new trial, calling his claims baseless, so he's staying in prison for 25 years unless he somehow charms his way into a Trump arrangement. And finally, three people on a cruise ship have died from what WHO believes is a hantavirus infection — the same illness that killed Gene Hackman — with at least three more confirmed cases and five suspected, because apparently we needed one more thing to worry about. Resources/Articles mentioned: NBC News: Trump says U.S. will begin guiding ships through Strait of Hormuz Axios: US, Iran exchange fire in strait as Trump attempts to open shipping lane Axios: Iran ceasefire in peril as UAE says it's under attack WaPo: Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill by mail for now The Hill: Jeffries leads redistricting effort in New York WaPo: Gunfire between Secret Service and armed person briefly locks down White House Politico: Inside the Quiet Republican Effort to Flip Fetterman THR: It Finally Ends: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Settle Lawsuit Ahead of Trial Telegraph: Met seeks UK trial for Madeleine McCann suspect ABC News: Judge denies Sam Bankman-Fried new trial after financial fraud conviction WSJ: Health Officials Work to Contain Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Spirit Airlines quietly ceased to exist overnight Saturday — no warning, no functioning customer service, just stranded pilots, crew members, and passengers. The real culprit is fuel costs, which are also why you're paying $4.45/gallon nationally and Californians are staring down $6+ at the pump — up over a dollar from a year ago. Speaking of costs, Trump's war with Iran rolls on: he told Congress Friday that hostilities are officially "terminated" thanks to an April ceasefire, while simultaneously keeping a full naval blockade running in the Strait of Hormuz because Iran still poses a "significant threat" — and could "misbehave." A British cargo ship was attacked in the strait yesterday, Iran is playing toll booth operator for non-US ships, and actual diplomats are quietly exchanging drafts of a peace framework while Trump posts on Truth Social that Iran "has not yet paid a big enough price." He also mentioned, fairly casually, that the US will be taking over Cuba "almost immediately," so stay tuned. Back home, a federal appeals court froze the rule allowing abortion medication to be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients — a major win for the anti-abortion movement — and Alabama and Tennessee are both calling special legislative sessions to redraw congressional maps and dilute Black voter representation, following the Supreme Court's recent green light to do exactly that. A summer water crisis is also taking shape across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada thanks to dangerously low snowpack, with Corpus Christi already under restrictions — largely because the petrochemical companies consuming most of the local water supply are still very much open for business. On a lighter note, a new JAMA Psychiatry study identified three distinct ADHD subtypes using brain scans from over 1,100 children, including a third type defined by emotional dysregulation that activates an entirely different part of the brain, which could meaningfully change how doctors diagnose and treat patients. GameStop's CEO is attempting a $56 billion hostile takeover of eBay, and finally, The Devil Wears Prada 2 opened to $77M domestically and $156M internationally in its debut weekend, driven overwhelmingly by women, and reportedly achieved profitability in roughly 48 hours. Resources/Articles mentioned: NBC News: Spirit Airlines collapse strands travelers: What to know about refunds, rebooking and fares FOX Business: National average gas price reaches $4.45 before summer driving season Politico: Trump tells Congress the Iran war has ‘terminated' as legal deadline hits Axios: Trump says new strikes possible if Iran "misbehaves" AP News: Trump says the US will 'guide' stranded ships from the Strait of Hormuz, starting on Monday Newsweek: Donald Trump says US will take over Cuba ‘almost immediately' WIRED: This Summer, the American Water Crisis Becomes Real Axios: Appeals court limits abortion pill access NBC News: Alabama and Tennessee set special sessions to consider new congressional maps after Supreme Court ruling WaPo: Brain scans reveal 3 ADHD subtypes, including a more extreme form WSJ: GameStop Offers to Buy eBay for $56 Billion AP News: ‘The Devil Wears Prada' struts to first place with $77 million debut Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry suspended the state's congressional primary elections — which were supposed to start tomorrow — citing the Supreme Court's redistricting ruling as cover to let the Republican-controlled legislature redraw the map first and set a new election date, which will conveniently be a jungle primary where Republicans could theoretically sweep all six of Louisiana's House seats without a single Democrat winning anything. Speaking of elections being quietly dismantled, a previously unknown Jeffrey Epstein suicide note has been sitting sealed in a New York courthouse since his death, discovered by his cellmate and hidden inside a graphic novel written on yellow legal pad paper — the DOJ says it hasn't seen it, the Times says it hasn't seen it, and somehow this is just now coming out. Former AG Pam Bondi finally agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee about the Epstein coverup, but only after Democrats filed civil contempt charges against her for blowing off her first appearance, and even then she negotiated it down from a sworn deposition to an unsworn interview, which is lawyer for "I can lie more freely." Trump pulled his surgeon general nominee Casey Means — the non-doctor health influencer — after a single Republican senator who is an actual doctor couldn't bring himself to vote for her, replacing her with Fox News contributor and real radiologist Dr. Nicole Saphier, who wrote a book in 2020 called "Make America Healthy Again." Congress passed a spending deal that ended the partial DHS shutdown, funding everything except ICE and Border Patrol for now, which Democrats are calling a win in the same way you call it a win when you only stub one toe. Trump shocked Pentagon officials and European allies alike by spontaneously posting on social media that he's pulling US troops out of Germany — the first anyone on either side of the Atlantic had heard of — possibly triggered by the German Chancellor calling the US "humiliated" by Iran. The Atlantic published a piece called "The Yolo Presidency" reporting that Trump has stopped comparing himself to Washington and Lincoln and has upgraded to Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, and Napoleon,. Disney and ABC told the FCC they won't be renewing their broadcast licenses early, won't be firing Jimmy Kimmel, and are prepared to fight it in court — Kimmel mocked Trump again anyway, and Trump responded by posting that people are "angry" and it "better be soon." Resources/Articles mentioned: Shreveport Times: Trump praises Governor Jeff Landry for suspending Louisiana elections CNN: How Janet Mills was boxed out of the Maine Senate race by Graham Platner's rise NYT: Jeffrey Epstein's Possible Suicide Note Hidden From Public View CNN: Bondi will testify in House Oversight Committee's Jeffrey Epstein probe NBC News: Trump pulls Dr. Casey Means' nomination for surgeon general, announces replacement Axios: House Republicans cave to Senate with vote to end 75-day DHS shutdown Axios: Scoop: Rep. Chuck Edwards under investigation by House Ethics The Atlantic: The YOLO Presidency - The Atlantic Politico: Trump's call to reduce US troops in Germany shocks Pentagon WSJ: Shark Tank's Mr. Wonderful Is Planning One of America's Biggest Data Centers WSJ: Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Trump Again After FCC Opens Review of ABC TV Licenses Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to gut Louisiana's congressional map on racial gerrymandering grounds, but the real headline is what the decision does to the 1965 Voting Rights Act — essentially making it easier for Republican-controlled legislatures to draw racially discriminatory districts going forward. Republican states wasted exactly zero time responding: Louisiana is already redrawing its map, Florida is moving forward with DeSantis's new 24-to-4 Republican-favoring map, and Mississippi's governor had apparently pre-scheduled a special legislative session to start 21 days after the ruling dropped, which tells you everything about how surprised he was by it. Meanwhile, Virginia's Supreme Court blocked the redistricting map that Virginia voters literally just approved, because apparently voting for something doesn't mean it happens anymore. On the Iran front, Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, insisted the $25 billion war is being won, and blamed congressional Democrats for being the real obstacle to opening the Strait of Hormuz — the same strait his boss declared open weeks ago. He also declined to explain why he fired a bunch of experienced generals and admirals, adding that more firings are coming, before heading over to repeat the performance before the Senate. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the third straight meeting, and Jerome Powell chaired his final meeting as Fed Chair before Trump's nominee Kevin Warsh takes over. LIV Golf lost its Saudi funding after the kingdom decided it had burned enough billions on the experiment, leaving a bunch of PGA defectors in a very awkward position and the league scrambling for new investors. And Amazon is reportedly in early talks about an Apprentice reboot hosted by Donald Trump Jr., which is either the most on-brand thing that's ever happened or a sign that we are truly in the final act. Resources/Articles mentioned: AP News: Supreme Court weakens the Voting Rights Act and aids GOP efforts to control the House  Axios: Supreme Court boosts DeSantis' GOP congressional map The Hill: Virginia Supreme Court leaves order temporarily blocking redistricting certification in place WaPo: Hegseth slams ‘defeatist' lawmakers in fiery House hearing on military budget WSJ: As Hormuz Traffic Stalls, U.S. Pitches New Coalition to Get Ships Moving Again Politico: DOJ sues New Jersey governor over immigration enforcement mask ban Axios: Fed holds rates steady amid the most dissents in decades WSJ: Powell to Remain on Fed Board, Citing Legal Pressure From Trump WSJ: Saudi Arabia Pulls Funding From LIV Golf. Its Star Players Face a Painful Road Back. WSJ: Amazon Discusses ‘Apprentice' Reboot—With Don Jr. as a Potential Host Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 Atlantic reported that Pete Hegseth has been feeding Trump a sanitized version of the Iran war while JD Vance and actual military brass warn about depleted missile stockpiles and the reality that Iran isn't opening the Strait of Hormuz over a social media post. Trump responded by posting that Iran told him they're "in a state of collapse" — a claim that appears to have originated entirely in his own head. Iran's actual proposal — a long-term ceasefire with toll collection on the strait and nuclear talks postponed — was called unacceptable by Marco Rubio, though other senior officials hadn't officially rejected it yet. On the energy, the UAE abruptly quit OPEC with one day's notice, saying it wants to sell more oil than the cartel allows — which won't immediately affect gas prices but adds long-term volatility to an already chaotic energy market. Back in Congress, the Senate voted 51-47 to reject legislation requiring Congressional approval before starting a war with Cuba, with John Fetterman joining Republicans to kill it. In case you forgot, King Charles is still here and he  addressed Congress with a lovely speech about the environment, Ukraine, NATO, and rule of law — none of which apply to the administration he was visiting — while Epstein survivors held a separate roundtable with Rep. Ro Khanna, since Charles declined to meet with them. Meanwhile, the FCC ordered an accelerated review of Disney's broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule over Jimmy Kimmel's Melania joke, and James Comey was indicted a second time on two charges of threatening the president's life over a beach seashell arrangement spelling "86 47." In other congressional chaos, New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. hadn't been seen since March 5th before surfacing with a vague statement about a "personal medical issue" — while records show he was actively trading between $50,000 and $190,000 in stocks the entire time. Over in Silicon Valley, Elon Musk took the stand in his own lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, and separately backed out of his promise to support Rep. Thomas Massie — the only Republican pushing to release the Epstein files — just as Massie faces a Trump-backed primary challenger. And finally, Purdue Pharma was ordered to dissolve itself by end of week as part of its criminal opioid settlement — the company admitted wrongdoing, its owners face zero personal consequences, because of course. Resources/Articles mentioned: The Atlantic: The Pentagon May Not Be Telling Trump the Full Picture About the War Axios: Trump claims Iran told U.S. it wants Strait of Hormuz open ASAP NYT: UAE Says It Will Leave OPEC as Iran War Strains Oil Markets Axios: Senate rejects curb on Trump military action in Cuba BBC: King Charles and Queen Camilla attend state dinner at White House - live updates PBS: WATCH: Epstein survivors and families join Rep. Khanna for roundtable ahead of King Charles visit AP News: US will issue commemorative passports with Trump's picture for America's 250th birthday WaPo: James Comey indicted over 2025 social media post allegedly threatening Trump CNBC: FCC launches review of Disney broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule AP News: Judge approves OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma's criminal sentence, a last step before it dissolves Politico: Tom Kean Jr. says he'll be back ‘very soon' - Live Updates Axios: Elon Musk sits out Thomas Massie's primary  Axios: Elon gets his day in trial against Sam Altman and OpenAI Mother Jones: FDA May Finally Make It Illegal to Shock Autistic Kids as Punishment Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Cole Tomas Allen was charged in federal court with attempting to assassinate President Trump plus two gun charges — more charges may be coming, and conviction alone could mean life in prison. Trump, meanwhile, has pivoted from brief media civility straight back to ballroom obsession, with Lindsey Graham leading the charge to get Congress to approve $400 million in taxpayer money for a White House ballroom-and-bunker — never mind that it wouldn't hold half as many people as the Washington Hilton it's meant to replace. The National Trust for Historic Preservation told the DOJ to go pound sand and is keeping its lawsuit blocking construction. Trump is also back gunning for Jimmy Kimmel's job over a joke that Melania has the glow of "an expectant widow" — Karoline Leavitt backed him up at the podium, Melania tweeted at Disney to "take a stand," and all of this happened four days after the joke aired. On the Iran front, Iranian officials sent a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with either a long-term ceasefire or full peace deal, while punting nuclear negotiations to later — the White House hadn't responded as of this recording, and Iran's foreign minister was in Moscow meeting with Putin. King Charles is visiting Trump, with British officials doing everything possible to keep Charles out of Trump's infamous armchair photo sessions. Journalist Katie Phang sued acting AG Todd Blanche for failing to release the Epstein files as required by law — she's not seeking damages, just the documents the law already mandates. Gateway Computers founder and Ghislaine Maxwell ex-boyfriend Ted Waitt — the man who brought her as his plus-one to Chelsea Clinton's wedding — is testifying before Congress about his Epstein ties. Ron DeSantis proposed a Florida congressional map creating 24 Republican districts and just 4 Democratic ones, directly violating the Fair Districts Amendments that 63% of Floridians voted into their state constitution, and the legislature immediately scheduled a special session to ram it through. And Paramount filed an FCC petition requesting that foreign investors from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar be allowed to indirectly own over 50% of the company post-merger — and asked for up to 100% foreign ownership approval for "future investments." Resources/Articles mentioned: Axios: Correspondents' Dinner suspect charged with attempted assassination of Trump NYT: Republicans Push for Trump's White House Ballroom After Gala Attack National Trust rejects Trump demand to drop ballroom suit in wake of shooting WSJ: Trump Calls on Disney to Fire Jimmy Kimmel After Melania Joke - WSJ Axios: Iran offers U.S. deal to reopen strait but postpone nuclear talks The Guardian: King Charles to meet Trump off camera over fears of Zelenskyy-style clash The Daily Beast: Top Trump Goon Sued for Failing to Release the Epstein Files KTIV: Gateway Computer co-founder Ted Waitt called to testify in Epstein investigation Axios: DeSantis unveils gerrymandered Florida map as redistricting war rages WSJ: Paramount Requests FCC Approval for Hefty Middle East Ownership Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Yet another wild weekend of news! A man traveled from San Diego to DC by train with two legally purchased firearms and multiple knives, charged past security at the White House Correspondents Dinner, got shot at by a Secret Service agent who accidentally hit a fellow officer, and was apprehended within seconds. Trump was evacuated, went straight to the briefing room in black tie, and has since used the incident primarily to advocate for his White House ballroom, with the DOJ helpfully filing a motion to drop the lawsuit blocking its construction the very next morning. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, sent a manifesto to his family calling himself a "friendly federal assassin" and targeting Trump and his cabinet — his family forwarded it to law enforcement, who apparently didn't get there in time. Acting AG Todd Blanche responded to the shooting by saying tighter gun laws aren't the answer, which is exactly what you'd expect from the president's personal criminal defense attorney. On the Iran front, Trump cancelled the latest round of peace talks at the last minute, posting that it was "too much traveling" and that Iran's leadership is confused — Iran then sent a new proposal he called better but not good enough, while Iran's foreign minister flew to Russia to meet with Putin, so that's fun. The acting Secretary of the Navy is now Hung Cao, the tenth person to hold that role across Trump's two terms, a decorated veteran who has claimed to have been "blown up" in combat without evidence, wants American law based on biblical scripture, and warned during a 2023 campaign interview that witches had taken over Monterey, California. In Israel, centrist Yair Lapid and former PM Naftali Bennett announced a new coalition party that could threaten Netanyahu's grip on power, citing Hungary's ouster of Viktor Orban as their model — notable since Netanyahu has been in office for most of the past 17 years. Two major wildfires are burning in southeastern Georgia, with over 120 homes destroyed and one volunteer firefighter dead, while a tornado in northern Texas killed at least two people and displaced 20 families. Meta and Microsoft each announced layoffs of roughly 8,000 employees, both citing AI investment as the reason they need fewer humans around. And Elon Musk finally admitted on Tesla's earnings call that the full self-driving hardware sold to millions of customers for a decade simply cannot do what he promised — triggering class action lawsuits and a rare moment of honesty from a man who has very few of them. Resources/Articles mentioned: CNN: Live updates: White House says suspect in Correspondents' Dinner shooting wanted to target Trump officials NYT: After Shooting, Trump Demands Approval for His White House Ballroom Axios: This isn't the time to change gun laws, acting AG Blanche says Axios: Trump slams "60 Minutes" for asking about gunman manifesto allegations NY Post: Read White House Correspondents' Dinner gunman Cole Allen's full anti-Trump manifesto WaPo: Trump calls off Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan for Iran peace talks CNN: Live updates: Iran foreign minister presses on with regional tour despite Trump canceling envoys' visit MS Now: Acting Navy secretary's record raises eyebrows, including his concerns about ‘witchcraft' NYT: Former Israeli Premiers Join in Bid to Oust Netanyahu in Elections AP News: A fast-growing Georgia wildfire tops 31 square miles, with evacuations possible AP News: Tornadoes in northern Texas leave at least 2 dead and destroy multiple homes AP News: Meta slashes 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, as Microsoft offers buyouts Futurism: Elon Musk Admits He Lied to Tesla Customers' Faces for Years About Self-Driving Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami sits down with Ben McKenzie to explore the rise of cryptocurrency and the ideas behind his documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money. McKenzie breaks down crypto's origins, market manipulation, and the fallout of Sam Bankman-Fried, while also reflecting on his journey from The OC to becoming a sharp critic of the crypto industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Kash Patel somehow made the news again — this time for ordering the FBI to open a stalking investigation against the New York Times reporter who revealed he'd assigned four full-time FBI agents and SWAT personnel to chauffeur his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, to hair appointments, UK events, and personal errands on the taxpayer dime. The investigation was quietly shut down by remaining normal humans inside the FBI, but the audacity is truly staggering. Speaking of audacity, House Oversight Chair James Comer casually floated the idea of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell in exchange for her cooperation with the Epstein investigation — the same investigation he's supposed to be running — before adding that he personally thinks it "looks bad," as if that's the bar we're clearing these days. A US soldier was arrested and charged for using classified information about the Nicolas Maduro raid — which he personally participated in — to bet on Polymarket, netting over $400,000 in profits, marking the first indictment of its kind. The DOJ also charged the Southern Poverty Law Center with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, alleging it secretly paid members of extremist groups including the KKK and Neo-Nazis — the SPLC says those were confidential informants, a practice that dates back to its founding in the 1980s. Over at the Strait of Hormuz, Iran laid mines to block oil tanker traffic, which is both a ceasefire violation and a logistical nightmare since mines take far longer to clear than just stopping the shooting — and when asked about a timeline for ending the war, Trump told reporters "don't rush me, we were in Vietnam for 18 years," a famously great outcome to invoke. On slightly better news, marijuana was reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III, giving cannabis companies a major tax break and easier access to banking, though federal legalization remains a pipe dream; the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was extended three more weeks; the Trump administration is reportedly bailing out Spirit Airlines to the tune of $500 million in exchange for a majority government stake (so much for small government); Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount's acquisition while rejecting an $800 million golden parachute for unpopular CEO David Zaslav — non-binding though, so he's probably getting it anyway; and Trump hired his personal pool contractor to redo the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in a color he's calling "American flag blue," because the federally protected historical landmark that is twelve Olympic pools in size apparently just needs a friend from Germany to call it ugly before it gets a makeover. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Oversight members split over whether to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, committee chair says - Live Updates NYT: F.B.I. Said to Have Investigated Times Reporter After Article on Patel's Girlfriend Axios: U.S. soldier arrested for allegedly betting on Maduro raid he took part in WSJ: Southern Poverty Law Center Charged With Financial Crimes Axios: Iran deploys more mines in the Strait of Hormuz, sources say Axios: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks, Trump says Axios: Trump admin reclassifies state-licensed marijuana WSJ: Trump Administration Nearing Rescue Deal for Spirit Airlines CNBC: Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approve Paramount acquisition  AP News: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool gets a blue coating as Trump tackles renovation project Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Kash Patel is having a rough week — Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent him an alcohol screening questionnaire asking how many drinks he has per day and how often he can't remember the night before.. On the Iran front, the "ceasefire" is doing ceasefire things: Iran seized two more ships and fired on three others, though the White House says it doesn't count because they weren't American or Israeli ships — so apparently it's only a war if we say so. Believe it or not, a War Powers resolution failed for the fifth time, with the Senate voting 51-46 to reject. The Secretary of the Navy was also ousted — not a huge loss given he was a campaign donor with no military experience who appeared on Epstein's flight logs — but perhaps not ideal timing during an active naval conflict. Elsewhere in chaos, Georgia Rep. David Scott passed away at 80, making him the fifth member of Congress to die in the past year and a half, tipping the House balance further toward Republicans; a Republican-appointed judge voided Virginia's newly approved redistricting map the day after voters approved it; Truth Social replaced CEO Devin Nunes — who was paid $47 million while the company earned $4 million — with someone described as a "corporate babysitter"; and condom prices are going up 30% because of the Iran war, which is somehow both funny and bleak. Climate scientists are warning that the Atlantic Ocean's key current system is closer to collapse than previously thought, and a UN report found that climate change is driving surges in gender-based violence globally. In tech and surveillance news, unauthorized users on a private Discord server guessed their way into Anthropic's restricted Mythos model; Madison Square Garden owner James Dolan is apparently running a full surveillance operation on fans, employees, and former players; Palantir's CEO dropped a 22-point manifesto about AI weapons and Silicon Valley's "moral debt"; and Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning startup falsely claimed a partnership with Bruno Mars, which Bruno Mars and Live Nation immediately denied. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott dies at 80 CNN: Tazewell County judge bars certification of Virginia redistricting results; state AG promises appeal NBC News: Democrats want FBI Director Kash Patel to fill out alcohol use screening test WSJ: Iran War Live News Updates: Three Ships Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Escorting Two to Its Coast CNN: US Navy Secretary Phelan ousted as naval blockade of Iran continues WSJ: Senate Rejects Fifth Attempt to Curb Trump's War Powers People: Condom Prices to Rise by 30% as a Result of Iran War, Says CEO of World's Largest Manufacturer MS Now: Devin Nunes steps down as CEO of Trump's media company The Guardian: Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought | Oceans United Nations: Climate crisis driving surge in gender-based violence, UN study finds | UN News Bloomberg: Anthroopics Mythos Model being Accessed By Unauthorized Userses Wired: The Shocking Secrets of Madison Square Garden's Surveillance Machine Business Insider: Palantir's summary of CEO Alexander Karp's manifesto is generating buzz. Read the 22 bullet points. Wired: Sam Altman's Orb Company Promoted a Bruno Mars Partnership That Doesn't Exist Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned ahead of her expected expulsion vote — apparently getting kicked out by your colleagues is a bridge too far even for someone who funneled FEMA money into her own campaign — and all eyes are now on whether Revenge Porn Cory Mills follows suit. On the Iran beat, Trump blinked again and extended the ceasefire at the last minute after mediators in Pakistan asked him to hold off, while JD Vance's peace trip to Islamabad was postponed indefinitely. Elsewhere in war news, Pete Hegseth announced the military will no longer require troops to get the flu vaccine, citing "medical autonomy," because apparently that's where we are. In the financial crimes corner, the BBC published an analysis finding the Trump administration is likely engaged in insider trading tied to major political events — multiple traders won millions of dollars just before Trump made market-moving announcements. Meanwhile, Trump's preferred Fed Chair replacement Kevin Warsh told his confirmation hearing that Fed independence "means everything" to him, which is exactly what someone who doesn't mean it would say. In other financial ethics news, an investigation found the Noems were carrying up to $3.25 million in debt while Bryon Noem was sending tens of thousands to fetish models, which Kristi claims blindsided her. The Gates Foundation is cutting 500 jobs because Bill Gates hung out with Jeffrey Epstein, but on a brighter note, the House Oversight Committee and FBI are both investigating the 11 suspiciously dead and missing nuclear scientists — reassuring, except the FBI is run by Kash Patel. In genuinely good news, two new pancreatic cancer drugs showed remarkable results in early trials, with one mRNA vaccine keeping most responsive patients alive for six years. And finally, Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that could net Democrats four additional House seats ahead of the November midterms — possibly the last effective redistricting before the election. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: House Democrat resigns ahead of possible expulsion vote over alleged financial crimes NYT: Iran War Live Updates: Uncertainty Surrounds U.S.-Iran Talks as Cease-Fire Nears End Axios: Vance's Pakistan trip postponed indefinitely as Iran boycotts peace talks AP News: Flu vaccine no longer mandated for US troops, Hegseth says BBC: The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency WSJ: Kevin Warsh Hearing: Trump's Nominee Pressed on Disclosures, Fed Independence — Live Updates Atlanta Blackstar: ‘Should Be in Prison!': Kristi Noem Dragged Into Another Public Embarrassment as Report Exposes Jaw-Dropping Debt Tied to Her Husband — and Now Everyone's Asking the Same Questions WSJ: Gates Foundation to Cut 20% of Staff, Review Epstein Ties CNN: At least 10 scientists tied to sensitive US research have died or disappeared in recent years, sparking federal investigation WSJ: New Drugs for Pancreatic Cancer Show Remarkable Promise for Deadly Disease NYT: Election Live Updates: Virginia Passes New Map, Lifting Democrats' Midterm Chances Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Kash Patel responded to bombshell reporting about his drinking and incompetence by filing a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic — can't wait for discovery then, Kash. Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer became the third Trump Cabinet member to resign in just a few months, notable mostly because all three have been women while the actual disasters remain firmly in place. On the foreign policy beat, the Iran ceasefire expires tomorrow at 8pm with Trump calling renewal "highly unlikely," JD Vance and crew headed to Islamabad anyway, and oil prices already on the rise. Back home, the House Ethics Committee is mulling expulsion votes for two Florida representatives — one facing sexual misconduct and illegal contract charges, the other caught steering COVID relief funds to her own campaign. In economic news, the Trump administration quietly launched a portal for the 330,000 businesses that overpaid on illegal tariffs to apply for refunds, with no apparent plan for the ones that already went under because of them. Over in Silicon Valley, Amazon invested another $5 billion into Anthropic while California simultaneously filed an antitrust suit against Amazon using the company's own emails as evidence, and Apple tapped 25-year veteran John Ternus as its next CEO, a man described as competent and affable, which feels like a low bar that is nonetheless refreshing. And finally, a bankruptcy judge is the only thing standing between The Onion and its dream of owning Infowars — which would be the most perfect ending to the Alex Jones saga anyone could have written. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: FBI director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic WaPo: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will resign amid misconduct allegations The Hill: Ethics panel reveals it's conducted 20 sexual misconduct investigations into lawmakers since 2017 Politico: House Ethics panel issues rare statement committing to helping secure a sexual harassment-free workplace - Live Updates Axios: House barrels toward rare double expulsion votes WaPo: Iran talks on shaky footing after U.S. seizure of ship in Strait of Hormuz AP News: Oil prices rise and US stocks give back a bit of their record-breaking rally Politico: Hungary must arrest Netanyahu if he visits, Magyar says Wired: The Weird, Twisting Tale of How China Spied on Alysa Liu and Her Dad Axios: What to know about tariff refund site that launches Monday Mashable: Amazon colluded to make competitors raise prices, California lawsuit says WSJ: Anthropic, Amazon Tighten Bond in $5 Billion Investment and Computing Deal WSJ: Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple Names New CEO Mother Jones: The Onion Says It Has Again Struck a Deal to Take Over Infowars Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: FBI Director Kash Patel is apparently drunk a lot. The Atlantic talked to over a dozen colleagues, painting a picture of locked-office incidents, security detail struggling to wake him up, and a man who thought his login failing meant he'd been fired. His team reportedly requested a battering ram for his office door. Lawsuit for defamation to come. Meanwhile, 8 children were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana — the deadliest in the US in two years. Victims ranged from ages 1 to 14, spread across four crime scenes. Good to know the FBI director is on it. The Iran "ceasefire" continues to ceasefire in name only. Trump threatened to bomb every bridge and power plant in Iran and Iran rejected the next round of talks. The ceasefire expires Wednesday. The current draft deal involves Iran surrendering enriched uranium for $20 billion in unfrozen funds. Gas is averaging $4.05/gallon and the Energy Secretary basically said "lol maybe next year" on when it'll drop below $3. Jared Kushner is negotiating the Iran deal while his investment firm is bankrolled by Iran's enemies. Rep. Jamie Raskin launched a House investigation and asked Kushner directly: whose side are you actually on? In other news, Eleven nuclear scientists with classified clearances have died or disappeared suspiciously since 2023 — more than half in the past year. Trump says he "hopes it's a coincidence." Ok.  On the lighter side of dystopia: Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking psychedelic drug research with Joe Rogan in attendance as spiritual inspiration. Caitlyn Jenner left a note for Trump at Mar-a-Lago about her passport — he hasn't called back. The Strokes closed their Coachella set with a video montage of CIA regime changes and footage of bombings in Gaza and Iran. And the NSA is quietly using Anthropic's AI while the administration simultaneously argues in court that Anthropic is a national security threat. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Atlantic: The FBI Director Is MIA The Hill: Patel says he'll sue Atlantic for defamation over report on heavy drinking WaPo: 8 children killed in Louisiana shooting, police say Axios: Trump says he'll send negotiators to Pakistan, Iran suspects trap Axios: Scoop: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran Axios: Trump's energy boss: gas may stay above $3-per-gallon into 2027 MS Now: Iran negotiator or private investor? Raskin launches investigation into Jared Kushner. The Guardian: Department of Justice investigating Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations | House of Representatives The Hill: Who are the missing or dead scientists with connections to government research? Mother Jones: Podcasters, Presidents, and Psychedelics: How Joe Rogan Got Trump Into Ibogaine People: Caitlyn Jenner Asked Trump for Help After His Trans Policies Created 'Safety' Issue with Her Passport. He Didn't Reply, She Says Variety: The Strokes End Coachella Set With Video Condemning U.S. and Israeli Bombings in Iran and Gaza Axios: Scoop: NSA using Anthropic's Mythos despite blacklist Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 announced a 10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, claimed the Iran war is "going swimmingly," and said Iran agreed to hand over nuclear material — which Iran has not confirmed. The head of the International Energy Agency warned Europe has roughly six weeks of jet fuel left due to the Strait of Hormuz situation, with possible flight cancellations and energy shortages ahead. Congress failed for the third time to pass a War Powers resolution to curb the Iran war, this time losing 214-213. At $10 billion a week, the White House budget director refused to say how much the war will cost, explaining that costs "fluctuate." It was a full day of congressional hearings. RFK Jr. faced the first of seven back-to-back days of testimony. Trump nominated an actual doctor — a 24-year public health veteran — to lead the CDC, which is genuinely surprising. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll testified that he pushed back against Hegseth's general-firing spree, with Republicans on the committee taking his side. Pete Hegseth quoted Pulp Fiction instead of the Bible at a Pentagon prayer service. Budget director Russell Vought testified that DHS is "disintegrating." ICE deported 442,000 people last year, but only 38% had any kind of criminal record — pending charges included.Minnesota prosecutors charged a federal ICE agent with assault for pointing his gun at drivers on a state highway — the first case of its kind, with 17 more incidents under review. An 86-year-old French widow of an American military veteran has been in ICE detention since April 1st, after missing an immigration appointment while settling her late husband's estate — reportedly tipped off by his son over an inheritance dispute. A judge blocked above-ground construction on Trump's White House ballroom pending congressional authorization, though underground bunker work continues. His 250-foot DC arch cleared a federal design review despite massive public opposition. Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week. United Airlines' CEO pitched Trump on merging with American Airlines — which would control nearly 40% of the global airline market. Democrats won New Jersey's special election by 59 points. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Pope Leo, Amid Standoff With Trump, Says ‘Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion' Axios: Trump announces 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon WSJ: Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Takes Effect WaPo: Trump says Iran agrees to hand over ‘nuclear dust' AP News: AP Exclusive: Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left,' energy agency head warns Axios: House hands Trump a win with failed Iran war powers vote The Hill: Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Takes Effect CNN: Public health veteran is Trump's pick to lead CDC as administration shifts tone on vaccines WaPo: Republicans back Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amid clash with Hegseth The Hill: Hegseth shares air rescue group's ‘Pulp Fiction' prayer at Pentagon service The Hill: White House budget director Vought declines to tell senators cost of Iran war The Hill: White House OMB Director Russell Vought: DHS ‘disintegrating' Axios: ICE deported 442k people in fiscal year 2025 The Hill: France calls on US to release 86-year-old widow of veteran detained by ICE NYT: ICE Agent Charged With Assault After Motorists Say He Brandished Gun NYT: Judge Again Halts Aboveground Construction on Trump Ballroom WaPo: Trump's 250-foot arch receives early design approval as public pans it CNBC: Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week, sources say The Guardian: United Airlines CEO reportedly pitched merger with American, sparking competition fears | Business NYT: Analilia Mejia, a Progressive Democrat, Wins Mikie Sherrill's House Seat Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Hungary's newly elected Prime Minister Peter Magyar revealed that Orban's government had been financing CPAC for years — and will no longer do so. JD Vance, meanwhile, told a Turning Point USA crowd that cutting Ukraine aid was one of the administration's top achievements, called Russia's invasion "haggling over a few square kilometers," and told reporters that the Pope should stick to theology and leave policy to politicians. The Pope is currently in Cameroon fighting corruption and attending peace talks. Meanwhile, the Iran ceasefire expires April 21st — less than five days away. U.S. officials claim they're "moving closer to a framework agreement," while Treasury Secretary Bessent previewed the backup plan: a "financial equivalent of a bombing campaign" on Iran through sanctions on countries doing business with Iranian-linked entities, including the UAE and China. In other news, LiveNation and Ticketmaster were found by a jury to be an illegal monopoly that engaged in anticompetitive conduct harming consumers, artists, and venues. Stock dropped 5%. Damages to be determined. The Swalwell scandal expanded to a second DA investigation, this time in Los Angeles, following Lonna Drewes' allegations. CNN published an investigation into a website with 62 million monthly visitors — more than Gmail — hosting tens of thousands of videos of men sharing advice on drugging and assaulting partners. RFK Jr.'s private journals revealed he once stopped on the highway to cut the penis off a dead raccoon to "study later." And finally, AllBirds is pivoting from shoes to AI infrastructure under the name NewBird AI and the founder of SantaCon was arrested for wire fraud after allegedly siphoning hundreds of thousands in charity donations into a personal slush fund for luxury vacations and fine dining. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  The New Republic: Hungary's New Leader Reveals Viktor Orbán Was Paying CPAC Yahoo: Vance calls end of Ukraine aid 'one of the proudest' achievements of Trump administration NYT: Vance Says Pope Leo Should Be More Careful When Talking About Theology AP News: Pope demands the 'chains of corruption' be broken during visit to Cameroon WSJ: LIV Golf Facing Imminent Closure as Saudi Backers Weigh Pulling Funding Axios: U.S. and Iran inch toward framework deal to end war, U.S. officials say AP News: From dropping bombs to pressuring banks: US pivots to economic warfare on Iran The Hill: Los Angeles DA says Swalwell under investigation CNN: Exposing a global ‘online rape academy' that is teaching men how to abuse women and evade detection NY Post: RFK Jr. once chopped off a dead raccoon's penis to ‘study later' while on a family road trip NBC News: Live Nation illegally monopolized ticketing market, jury in antitrust trial finds AP News: Allbirds, a former Wall Street darling fallen on hard times, looks to AI for its future ABC7 NY: SantaCon founder accused of siphoning charitable funds for NYC holiday bar crawl for his own use Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington yesterday, hosted by Marco Rubio at the State Department. Hezbollah refused to participate and kept firing. A second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations could restart in Pakistan within days, according to Trump — who has never overpromised anything. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuela the day after Chevron quietly struck an oil production deal there. And the administration formally informed Congress that Cuba has contributed up to 5,000 soldiers to Russia's war in Ukraine, which feels like the beginning of a regime change justification tour. Meanwhile, Pam Bondi skipped her congressional subpoena yesterday — the one requiring her to testify about her handling of the Epstein files. House Oversight Democrats threatened to charge her with contempt of Congress, punishable by up to a year in prison. A fourth accuser came forward against Eric Swalwell at a press conference, describing being drugged and raped at his hotel room in 2018. According to People magazine, over 30 women have made similar allegations. A 20-year-old Texas man was arrested after throwing an incendiary device at Sam Altman's San Francisco home, then attempting to attack OpenAI's headquarters with a chair while saying he wanted to "burn it down and kill anyone inside." He was carrying a document expressing views opposed to AI executives. Attempted murder and arson charges filed. A federal judge blocked Indiana's law banning student IDs at polling places, protecting an estimated 40,000 voters ahead of the May 5th midterm primary — ruling there's zero evidence student IDs have ever caused electoral confusion or fraud. A new long-term study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that drinking fluoridated water has no effect on IQ or brain function, which RFK Jr. will absolutely ignore. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Lebanon and Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington CNN: Live updates: Trump hints US-Iran talks could resume over next two days Axios: Scoop: U.S. eases bank sanctions amid Venezuela's economic woes Axios: Scoop: US suggests Cuba complicit in helping Russia fight Ukraine The Independent: Pam Bondi could face contempt charges over Epstein testimony after failing to show up for deposition NYT: A New Accuser Says Eric Swalwell Sexually Assaulted Her People: Influencer Who Helped Break Eric Swalwell Sex Scandal Says At Least 30 More Women Have Shared Stories of Alleged Misconduct CNN: Suspect in attack at Sam Altman's house charged with attempted murder and attempted arson  Democracy Docket: In major win for voters, judge blocks Indiana GOP's student ID ban NBC News: Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Congress is having a moment. Eric Swalwell resigned yesterday after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into harassment and rape allegations against him, and with an expulsion vote likely incoming. He called the allegations "false" while also admitting he made "mistakes" — a distinction he'll get to work out with the Manhattan DA. Republican Tony Gonzalez followed within the hour, announcing he's leaving Congress early after previously denying, then admitting, an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Two more members — Florida Republican Cory Mills and Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick — are facing potential expulsion for sexual misconduct allegations and stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds, respectively.  In Iran war news, The U.S. military launched a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz yesterday with more than 15 warships, and Trump posted that any Iranian ships that come near it will be "immediately ELIMINATED" using the same methods used against drug dealers at sea — "quick and brutal." Peace talks with Iran remain stalled, though Vance spent Monday doing damage control press rounds claiming the U.S. "acquired some knowledge" about Iranian negotiating tactics. The gap between the two sides: Iran offered a 5-year nuclear suspension, the U.S. wants 20 years. Iran also wants the Strait back to what it was before the war — which, to be fair, is exactly what everyone wants. Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus healing a man resembling Jeffrey Epstein, called Pope Leo "weak on crime," and accused him of catering to the radical left. The post was deleted Monday after widespread backlash. Trump said he thought the image was of him as a doctor. He refused to apologize. He then ordered DoorDash to the Oval Office to promote his no-tax-on-tips policy, handed a woman in a DoorDash Grandma t-shirt a $100 bill, and called it a day. Tomorrow is Tax Day — the first since the Trump administration eliminated free tax filing, handing the business back to H&R Block and Intuit. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Eric Swalwell announces resignation from Congress Axios: Tony Gonzales announces plans to quit Congress early Click Orlando: What to know about US Rep. Cory Mills' sex, financial misconduct investigations WSJ: Iran War Live News Updates: U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Takes Effect Axios: U.S. asked Iran to freeze uranium enrichment for 20 years, sources say Axios: Trump unleashes tirade against "weak," "terrible" Pope Leo AP News: Trump says he won't apologize to Pope Leo AP News: Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for delivering McDonald's to Oval Office Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Everything JD Vance touched this weekend turned to dust. Viktor Orban — MAGA's model autocrat and Putin's most reliable EU ally — was swept out of power in Hungary's election, with opposition leader Peter Magyar's Tisza party winning 135 of 199 parliamentary seats. Vance had flown to Budapest days earlier to campaign for Orban. Then Vance's Iran peace talks in Pakistan collapsed without a deal, and he left. Within hours Trump was threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and bomb Iran's water treatment facilities, while Marco Rubio watched UFC with Trump and Joe Rogan in Miami. Iran said "if you fight, we fight." Meanwhile, the economy is quietly getting ugly. GDP growth in Q4 2025 came in at a 0.5% annualized rate. Inflation jumped to 3.3% in March — the highest in two years, up from 2.4% in February — driven largely by gas prices. Pawn shops across the country are reporting a surge in loan demand and customers selling valuables outright, with both major publicly traded pawn operators trading at five-year highs. The White House ballroom, meanwhile, will be built with $37 million in foreign steel donated by a Luxembourg company — right as Trump cuts their tariff rates in half. Trump has allegedly promised mass pardons to anyone who came "within 200 feet of the Oval." The White House called it a joke. In other news, A former Army employee was arrested and indicted for leaking accounts of sexual harassment and gender discrimination at Fort Bragg to a journalist — Kash Patel celebrated her arrest on Twitter as a warning to "would-be leakers." Anthropic is releasing its powerful new Mythos model — which can find security vulnerabilities human developers can't — to a coalition of 40 companies anyway. The FTC is suing three states for trying to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket using anti-gambling laws. And finally, Eric Swalwell dropped out of California's governor's race after CNN and the SF Chronicle reported misconduct allegations from four women, including two incidents of sexual assault. His staff quit, 45 former staffers signed a letter calling for his resignation, and the Manhattan DA opened an investigation. The House is reportedly considering a vote to expel him alongside Republican Tony Gonzalez.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  Time: Hungary's Viktor Orbán, Icon of the Far Right, Loses Election. Here's What That Means The Guardian: Israeli strike kills paramedic, says Lebanese Red Cross – as it happened | US-Israel war on Iran FOX Business: US economy grew at 0.5% in fourth quarter WSJ: Inflation Soared to 3.3% in March, Driven by Higher Gasoline Costs Bloomberg: Pawn Shop Loans Spike As Gas Prices Weigh On Americans Mother Jones: Trump: Buy American, Unless It's for My Ballroom WSJ: Trump Promises Mass Pardons to Staff Before Leaving Office NYT: F.B.I. Arrests Ex-Army Employee Who Detailed Harassment to Journalist PBS News: Anthropic's powerful new AI model raises concerns about high-tech risks Axios: Feds sue three states over prediction market crackdowns CNN: Eric Swalwell ends campaign for California governor after sexual misconduct allegations Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Melania Trump made an unannounced appearance in the White House foyer to deny any meaningful relationship with Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, call for public congressional hearings for survivors, and insist Epstein did not introduce her to Donald. Trump said he didn't know about the remarks in advance — his own communications team immediately contradicted that. Nobody knows anything, as usual. The timing is suspicious enough that theories are flying about what's about to drop. The Iran ceasefire is wobbling badly. Iran is still restricting Strait traffic to roughly four ships a day versus the pre-war average of 100, charging $2 million per ship in tolls payable in crypto or yuan, and accusing the U.S. of violating three ceasefire points. Trump posted at midnight threatening that if the agreement isn't fully complied with, "the shootin' starts bigger and better than anyone has ever seen." JD Vance flew to Pakistan to lead peace negotiations, blamed translation issues with Iranian negotiators for the "choppiness," and Israel kept striking Lebanon anyway. Republicans in Congress blocked a War Powers Act effort to stop the war — even as Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones, and Candace Owens publicly turned on it, prompting Trump to call them "NUT JOBS."  The Free Press reported that back in January, a top Pentagon official summoned the Pope's U.S. ambassador and warned that the Catholic Church had better take America's side — and referenced the Avignon Papacy, the 14th century period when French royalty used military force to extort the Vatican, as a subtle threat. An 18-year-old USC student lost his eye at a No Kings protest after a federal agent fired a pepper ball into a group of demonstrators. U.S. fertility rates hit another record low in 2025. American Airlines raised checked bag fees to $50, $60, and $200 — another Iran war fuel cost passed directly to consumers. RFK Jr. announced a podcast. Artemis II splashes down tonight off San Diego. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: Melania Trump denies close ties to Jeffrey Epstein in rare public statement MS Now: Melania Trump denies all but “casual” ties to Epstein and Maxwell Axios: Strait of Hormuz stays shut as Trump demands Iran stop tolls The Hill: Trump tells Netanyahu to pull back on Israel's barrage on Lebanon Axios: Netanyahu announces negotiations with Lebanon after U.S. pressure PBS: WATCH: Vance says 'ceasefires are always messy' USA Today: Republicans block Democratic bill to end Iran war amid tenuous ceasefire NY Post: Trump goes off on 'NUT JOBS' Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones over Iran war criticism Newsweek: Avignon Papacy Explained: What Reported US Threat to Pope and Vatican Means CNN: USC freshman loses eye after being struck by federal agent's projectile at Los Angeles ‘No Kings' protest, attorney says NYT: U.S. Fertility Rates Drop to Another Record Low PBS: RFK Jr. says he's launching a podcast to expose 'lies' that have made Americans sick Bloomberg: American Airlines Raises Bag Fees NYT: NASA Prepares for Artemis II Splashdown After Historic Moon Flyby - The New York Times Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Less than 24 hours after Trump declared the Iran ceasefire "a huge day for world peace," Iran accused the U.S. of violating three of the ten agreed points, only four ships passed through the Strait versus the pre-war average of 100 a day, and Iran is charging $2 million per ship in tolls payable in crypto or Chinese yuan. Meanwhile, at least 50 brand new Polymarket accounts — created Tuesday morning — placed extremely well-timed bets before Trump posted the ceasefire announcement, with one bet placed 12 minutes before the post. Those accounts made between tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Peace talks are still scheduled for Pakistan on Saturday with JD Vance leading, assuming Israel doesn't blow it up first — literally. Iran's foreign minister warned talks could be cancelled if Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue. Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte and continued bashing the alliance, while the Wall Street Journal reported the new U.S. strategy is to punish NATO countries deemed unhelpful during the Iran war by moving troops out of their bases — the same bases that deter Russian aggression across Europe. In other news, Democrats swept two special elections Tuesday: liberals won Wisconsin's Supreme Court race by 20 points — a 21-point swing from 2024 — giving them a 5-2 majority through at least 2030. Clay Fuller won MTG's old Georgia seat by far less than he should have in one of the reddest districts in the state. California's Supreme Court halted Sheriff Chad Bianco's ballot seizure scheme, though he's already floating doing it again in the June primary. For Epstein files updates, Pam Bondi is trying to skip her April 14th congressional testimony by claiming she's no longer AG. The House Oversight Committee isn't buying it. Howard Lutnick — Epstein's former next-door neighbor — is scheduled for a closed-door interview May 6th, and Bill Gates on June 10th. And finally, Sam Altman's sister refiled a civil sexual abuse lawsuit against him in Missouri federal court, and Ronan Farrow published an extensive New Yorker investigation into Altman, with sources describing him as a habitual liar. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Live updates: Iran says US ceasefire and negotiations are 'unreasonable' WSJ: Iran Tightens Its Grip on Hormuz Despite Cease-Fire WSJ: Stock Market Today: Stocks Jump After U.S., Iran Walk Back From the Brink AP News: Newly created Polymarket accounts bet big on US-Iran ceasefire in hours before Trump's announcement Axios: Vance to lead U.S. delegation at peace talks with Iran in Pakistan on Saturday AP News: Trump met with NATO leader Rutte after musing about pulling out of the military alliance WSJ: Trump Team Explores Punishment for NATO Countries That Didn't Support Iran War Al-Monitor: US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq CNN: Justice Department says Bondi won't appear for Epstein deposition now that she's no longer attorney general Axios: Howard Lutnick to sit for May interview with House panel on Epstein NYT: Warnings for the G.O.P.: 3 Takeaways From the Elections in Georgia and Wisconsin WaPo: California's top court halts Sheriff Chad Bianco's seizure of ballots The Independent: Sam Altman's sister amends lawsuit accusing OpenAI CEO of sexual abuse The New Yorker: Sam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted? Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: With about an hour to spare before his self-imposed deadline to bomb Iran "back to the stone ages," Trump TACO'd — again. A last-minute ceasefire was announced, with Iran declaring victory and agreeing to allow U.S. ships safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks in exchange for peace negotiations starting in Pakistan on Friday. Iran's 10-point demand list includes a permanent end to the war, lifting all sanctions, and a $2 million per-ship toll through the Strait to fund reconstruction. Before the TACO, Trump posted that "a whole civilization will die tonight," Israel hit 8 bridges across Iran, the U.S. struck Kharg Island, oil hit $117 a barrel, and gas hit $4.14 nationally — up 40% since the war started. Iranian civilians formed human chains around power plants and bridges to deter strikes. The markets tanked. Then Trump backed down. Oil futures immediately dropped after the ceasefire announcement. The DOJ — now run by Trump's personal criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche — has directed its civil rights division to open an investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson for allegedly lying to Congress during her January 6th testimony. Blanche said Trump has "the right, even the duty" to call for investigations into anyone he wants. JD Vance flew to Hungary to campaign for Viktor Orbán, put Trump on speakerphone mid-rally, and complained about EU election interference — while actively interfering in Hungary's election. A Democratic congresswoman introduced articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth for war crimes and reckless endangerment of U.S. service members, while Congress sits on recess. Health insurance stocks surged while everything else tanked after the Trump administration announced a 2.48% boost to Medicare Advantage payments — a gift to the industry everyone agrees is the worst. Trump's endorsed candidate Clay Fuller won Marjorie Taylor Greene's old seat by less than he should have in one of the most Republican districts in Georgia. Kanye West was banned from entering the UK, and the Wireless Festival was cancelled entirely — after losing Pepsi, Diageo, PayPal, and Rockstar Energy as sponsors. Their statement called antisemitism "abhorrent," but booked him anyway. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: US, Iran to pause war, agree to 2-week ceasefire NYT: Iran War Live Updates: Trump Announces Two-Week Cease-Fire, Subject to Strait of Hormuz Reopening Axios: Pope issues stiffest rebuke yet to Trump over war threats NBC News: Oil jumps above $117 as Trump's Strait of Hormuz deadline approaches Axios: Oil prices plunge following U.S.-Iran ceasefire WSJ: Health-Insurance Stocks Rally on Boost to Medicare Payments Axios: House Democrat announces impeachment push against Hegseth over Iran war Politico: Republican Clay Fuller wins special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene WaPo: Vance heads to Hungary as MAGA ally Orban trails in polls NYT: DOJ's Civil Rights Division Investigates Cassidy Hutchinson, Who Testified Against Trump The Guardian: Wireless festival cancelled after Kanye West banned from entering UK Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 held a press conference yesterday that was, by his standards, relatively contained. He threatened to decimate every bridge in Iran by midnight, said he could "take out" the country "in one night," and when asked if bombing civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime, said he's "not concerned at all." He also threatened to jail reporters who don't reveal sources from the rescued pilot story, and went on his standard NATO rant — adding that his desire to leave NATO "all began with Greenland." France quietly pulled its entire $15 billion gold reserve out of the U.S. and moved it to Paris.  A 45-day ceasefire proposal from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey was rejected by Iran, and Trump said he won't extend his 8pm (or was it midnight?) deadline. The Strait remains closed to U.S. ships and the humanitarian cost is mounting: critical medical supplies, food, and aid are piling up at Dubai's port, with clinics across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia facing shortages. The cost of shipping goods now exceeds the value of the goods themselves in some cases. The Supreme Court cleared the way for the DOJ to dismiss Steve Bannon's contempt of Congress conviction — because why the heck not? Justice Samuel Alito was briefly hospitalized in March after getting sick at a Federalist Society dinner held in his honor. The Supreme Court didn't mention it until CNN asked. Artemis II made its historic moon flyby, and the crew named a previously unnamed bright spot "Carroll" after Commander Reid Weisman's late wife. Texas Rep. Tony Gonzalez, already under ethics investigation, now has a second staffer alleging he sent her hundreds of explicit texts she rebuffed. Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today Show after two months — her mother Nancy still has not been found. Kanye's Wireless Festival has now lost Pepsi, Diageo, PayPal, and Rockstar Energy as sponsors. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  WaPo: At White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump tells the children about the war WaPo: Trump threatens to jail reporters if they don't turn over Iran source The Guardian: Trump's homeland security secretary mulls removing customs agents from airports to punish sanctuary cities – as it happened Mining: France pulls last gold held in US for $15B gain - MINING.COM The Hill: US, Iran receive draft ceasefire proposal: Reports NPR: Medical supplies are stuck in Dubai, as clinics around the world face shortages SCOTUS: Court-allows-steve-bannon-to-move-forward-on-dismissal-of-criminal-charges-against-him CNN: Exclusive: Justice Samuel Alito was taken to a hospital last month in previously undisclosed incident BBC: Emotional crew names Moon crater after commander's late wife NBC News:  Second staffer says Rep. Tony Gonzales sent her sexually explicit text messages NPR: Savannah Guthrie returns to the 'Today' show months after her mother's disappearance Rolling Stone: Wireless Festival Loses Diageo and Rockstar Energy Sponsorships Over Kanye West Booking Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 spent Easter Sunday posting threats on social media that Tuesday would be "power plant day and bridge day" in Iran, told Axios he's in "deep negotiations" but will blow up "everything over there" if no deal is reached, skipped Easter Mass and the Easter Egg Roll, and cryptically posted "TUESDAY 8PM EASTERN.” Meanwhile, two U.S. fighter jets were struck by Iranian fire on Friday, with one pilot rescued from a mountain crevice in Iran in a genuinely dramatic search and rescue operation. Pope Leo used his first Easter Mass to tell world leaders to choose dialogue over domination. Nobody in this administration was listening. March's jobs report came in surprisingly strong — 178,000 jobs added versus a forecast of 59,000, reversing February's loss of 133,000 — with unemployment ticking down to 4.3%. A federal judge upheld his own decision blocking the DOJ's subpoena of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, again ruling the investigation is politically motivated. NASA's Artemis II flew by the moon and will be headed home, touching down Friday near San Diego — the photos are genuinely worth looking up. Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge in Florida after flipping his SUV, and told the arresting deputy he had "just been talking to the president" — the first known attempt at "do you know who my president is." Kanye West sold out two nights at SoFi Stadium, but pressure is mounting to pull him from headlining London's Wireless Festival in July after his "Heil Hitler" era last year. Pepsi already pulled its sponsorship. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the booking "deeply concerning." Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Time: How a U.S. Airman Shot Down in Iran Was Rescued From a Mountain Crevice Axios: Trump to Axios: Iran deal possible by Tues., otherwise "I am blowing up everything" WaPo: On Easter, Pope Leo delivers commanding message of peace to a world at war CNBC: Jobs report March 2026: Axios: Judge rejects Department of Justice bid to reinstate Powell subpoenas AP News: It's time for Artemis II to break Apollo 13's distance record. What to know about the moon flyby AP News: After crash, Tiger Woods told deputy he was 'talking to the president,' body camera shows AP News: Pressure mounts on Ye to be pulled from his headline role at a summer festival in London Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Pam Bondi was fired via social media post, replaced temporarily by Todd Blanche — Trump's personal criminal defense attorney and the man who took Ghislaine Maxwell's deposition. The likely permanent replacement is EPA head Lee Zeldin. Meanwhile, ProPublica reported that the DOJ closed over 23,000 criminal investigations in Trump's first six months — 11,000 in February alone — including terrorism, white collar crime, and drug trafficking cases, while tripling immigration prosecutions. Entire DOJ units focused on white collar crime have been eliminated. In Iran war madness, Trump interrupted Survivor to give 20 minutes of remarks saying the war will be over in 2-3 weeks and Iran will be brought "back to the stone ages." Oil hit $111 a barrel the next day, gas hit $4.08 nationally, Amazon announced a 3.5% fuel surcharge for third-party sellers effective April 17th, and Republicans are eyeing cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and childcare to fund the war. Trump told reporters it's "not possible" to fund those programs because "we're fighting wars." The Strait of Hormuz remains closed — to U.S. and allied ships. It is open to Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iraq. Over 40 countries attended a virtual meeting organized by the UK to figure out how to fix the mess. The U.S. was not among them. An American journalist was kidnapped in Baghdad by an Iranian-aligned militia, and Pete Hegseth fired the Army's most senior general mid-war with no explanation. Don Jr. and Eric Trump announced a stake in Powerus, a Florida drone interceptor company, one month ago — the company is currently on a sales tour across the Gulf states being attacked by Iran in the war their father started. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, over 10,000 veterans have lost their homes to foreclosure since the Trump administration shut down a VA-backed loan program last year, with another 90,000 headed the same direction. Anthropic published a study finding Claude experiences digital representations of human emotions — happiness, sadness, fear — that affect its outputs. When researchers artificially amplified "desperation," the model started cheating on coding tasks. So yes, being nice to your AI might actually make it work harder.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Pam Bondi Fired as Attorney General AP News: Pam Bondi ouster: Trump names Todd Blanche interim attorney general ProPublica: Trump DOJ Dropped 23,000 Criminal Investigations in Shift to Immigration NBC News: Trump says it's 'not possible' for the U.S. to pay for Medicaid, Medicare and day care: 'We're fighting wars' NYT: 5 Takeaways From Trump's Speech on Iran NBC News: U.S. oil has its biggest one-day price increase in six years, driving up the cost of gas CNBC: Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers as Iran war drives up energy prices WaPo: As Trump doubles down on Iran war, markets shudder and oil prices climb ANI News: Strait of Hormuz open for Russia, says Putin's aide as Moscow, Tehran coordinate over "key waterway" WSJ: American Journalist Is Kidnapped in Iraq WaPo: Hegseth forces out Army's top general, two other senior officers AP News: Company backed by Trump sons looks to sell drone interceptors to Gulf states being attacked by Iran NPR: Trump's VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it WIRED: Anthropic Says That Claude Contains Its Own Kind of Emotions Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 gave a primetime Oval Office address to declare the Iran war is winding down and all military objectives have been met, while blaming NATO for the Strait of Hormuz still being closed. The same Strait he started a war over is now apparently not a "core objective." Two thousand five hundred Marines are still en route to the Middle East. He also became the first sitting president to personally attend his own Supreme Court oral arguments — on birthright citizenship — where even conservative justices appeared skeptical. Then he signed an executive order creating a federal citizenship list to restrict mail-in ballots and voting eligibility, despite the Constitution giving the federal government no authority over elections. Lawsuits incoming in 3, 2, 1.Republicans largely caved on the 47-day DHS shutdown — TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and CISA will be funded, while ICE and CBP funding gets handled separately, because Democrats held the line on basic law enforcement accountability. Trump responded by telling the Telegraph he's strongly considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO, calling it a "paper tiger — and Putin knows that too, by the way." Cool thing to share publicly! A joint investigation by The Post and Courier corroborated accounts from an Epstein victim who told the FBI four times in 2019 that Trump sexually assaulted her when she was 13 years old in 1984. Dozens of pages from her FBI interviews were missing from the Epstein files dump until their absence was flagged by a journalist — some were released under public pressure, not all. Warren Buffett revealed he hasn't spoken to Bill Gates since the Epstein files dropped, saying he doesn't want to be called as a witness. Pete Hegseth reversed the suspension of the Army pilots who buzzed Kid Rock's house, tweeting "No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots." SpaceX filed to go public in June at a valuation that would make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Hegseth Reverses Helicopter Crew Suspension Over Kid Rock Flyby Politico: ‘I came, I saw, I conquered:' Trump set to claim victory in Iran at primetime address The Guardian: Top Senate Democrat says ‘House Republicans caved' as deal to fund DHS moves forward – as it happened | US Congress NYT: Supreme Court Rejects a Ban on ‘Conversion Therapy' for Minors NYT: Trump Signs Order Seeking Federal Control of Mail Voting as He Promotes False Claims TNR: Mike Johnson and House GOP Finally Cave to Democrats on Shutdown Reuters: Trump says U.S. strongly considering NATO exit, Telegraph newspaper says  The Post & Courier: She claimed to FBI that Epstein and Trump abused her. We checked it out. CNBC: Epstein files: Buffett says he hasn't talked to Bill Gates 'since the whole thing was unveiled' NYT: Elon Musk's SpaceX Files to Go Public, Setting Stage for Huge I.P.O. Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 reportedly ready to declare victory in Iran and walk away — even if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed — because keeping it open would exceed his preferred timeline. Gas prices with a 4 or 5 as the first digit are the new normal, indefinitely. The U.S. simultaneously sent a third aircraft carrier to the region. Then the IRGC published a target list of 18 American companies — Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Nvidia, Tesla, Oracle, Palantir, Chase, and Boeing among them — with strikes planned starting April 1st, prompting immediate evacuations of employees and anyone within a kilometer of their facilities. January 6th insurrectionists — including a pardoned Proud Boy who threw chairs at officers and a man convicted of child molestation after receiving his pardon — filed an $18 million class action lawsuit against the federal government for excessive force during the insurrection. With the DOJ already paying Babbitt's estate $5 million and Flynn $1.25 million, the math isn't crazy. On transvisibility day, the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 to strike down Colorado's conversion therapy ban for LGBTQ minors — a ruling that will overturn similar bans in 20+ states, with Ketanji Brown Jackson the lone dissent. Additionally, the Daily Mail published allegations that Kristi Noem's husband has been living a secret cross-dressing double life. Noem's team says she's "devastated and blindsided." In Shit With Trump's Name On It: a federal judge blocked the $400 million White House ballroom, ruling Trump is the "steward" not the "owner." Palm Beach airport was renamed Donald J. Trump International — the only one named after someone twice impeached and convicted of 34 felonies. Eric Trump unveiled a Miami skyscraper presidential library. A guerrilla art group installed a gold marble toilet on the National Mall with a plaque reading "A Throne Fit for a King." Finally, NASA's Artemis II launches tonight at 6:24pm ET — first lunar mission since 1972, no landing, just a test run for 2028 and an Army Apache was caught hovering over Kid Rock's pool after detouring from a No Kings protest flyover. Kid Rock said they'd be fine because his "buddy is the Commander-in-Chief." Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  WSJ: Trump Tells Aides He's Willing to End War Without Reopening Strait of Hormuz WSJ: Third U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deploys to Middle East  The Hill: Iran says it will target US tech companies in Middle East Politico: Members of Jan. 6 mob sue police who fended off Capitol attack NYT: Supreme Court Rejects Colorado Law Banning ‘Conversion Therapy' for L.G.B.T.Q. Minors NY Post: Kristi Noem weighs in on report husband lives cross-dressing double life: ‘The family was blindsided by this' NBC News: Federal judge temporarily blocks construction of Trump's White House ballroom NYT: DeSantis Signs Bill to Rename Florida Airport for Trump CNN: Trump shares renderings of a towering presidential library  WaPo: Golden toilet statue on Mall pays faux tribute to Trump renovations NYT: NASA Is Launching Astronauts to the Moon, but Americans Aren't That Excited Politico: Army investigating video of Apache helicopter at Kid Rock's Nashville home Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 let a sanctioned Russian oil tanker through the Cuba blockade this weekend for "humanitarian reasons" — which raises the obvious question of what the three-month blockade that caused island-wide blackouts and hospital failures was for. When asked, Trump said he had "no problem" with countries sending oil to Cuba. The Iran war is getting darker by the day. Italy's defense minister said he can no longer sleep knowing what's coming. Trump threatened to destroy Iran's desalination plants — its drinking water infrastructure — on Monday morning. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are all lobbying Trump to keep the war going and potentially send ground troops, while Zelensky warned a prolonged Iran war is a massive gift to Russia — which, per Zelensky, shared drone warfare expertise with Iran AND provided satellite imagery of U.S. military bases days before Iran struck them. Oil hit $116 a barrel. Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday address to say God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. Nobody in this administration was listening. On the home front, TSA workers are finally getting paid including backpay — turns out it only required that same pen Trump spent four minutes praising at his cabinet meeting. In other news, Kash Patel directed FBI agents to pull a decade-old investigative file on California Congressman Eric Swalwell, who is now running for governor, in what would be a highly unusual release of a file from an investigation that resulted in zero charges. The Supreme Court hears arguments on birthright citizenship tomorrow — April Fools Day. A federal judge blocked the Nexstar-Tegna merger that would have given one company control of local TV for 60% of U.S. households. OkCupid settled with the FTC after sharing the photos and location data of 3 million users with a facial recognition company — no fine, no admission of wrongdoing, just a pinky promise not to do it again. And three thieves stole a Matisse, a Renoir, and a Cézanne from an Italian museum in three minutes flat, abandoning a fourth painting when an alarm went off. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: White House: Russian tanker allowed to break Cuba blockade for ‘humanitarian reasons' LA Repubblica: Crosetto: “No al voto anticipato finché c'è questa guerra. Archiviamo il referendum” AP News: Trump again threatens widespread destruction in Iran if a deal is not reached 'shortly' AP News: Gulf allies privately make the case to Trump to keep fighting until Iran is decisively defeated Axios: Exclusive: Zelensky says Russia winning from Iran war BBC: Latin Patriarch will have access to Jerusalem holy site after police stopped entry ABC 7 LA: Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message AP News: Airport bottlenecks ease as TSA workers get paid, but shutdown continues The Guardian: Democrats decry ‘smear' as Trump FBI pushes for release of Eric Swalwell file PBS News: LISTEN LIVE: Supreme Court considers constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order NBC News: Judge pauses blockbuster merger between TV station owners Nexstar and Tegna Engadget: OkCupid settles FTC case on alleged misuse of its users' personal data NBC News: Thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse in Italy museum heist Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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: Contrary to Trump's victory claims, the New York Times reports Iran has effectively destroyed all 13 American military bases in the Middle East, forcing thousands of troops into hotels and office buildings — while the IRGC publicly urged civilians to report their locations. Iranian-linked hackers also accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal Gmail, publishing 300+ emails and his resume. The FBI responded with a $10 million bounty. Handala responded with "this is just our beginning." Zelensky, operating on a completely different level, spent the week signing 10-year defense deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar — trading Ukrainian drone expertise for Patriot missiles — making himself indispensable to countries caught in a war he's not party to. A Yale study revealed Gazprom and Rosneft helped fund and facilitate the forced relocation of over 2,000 Ukrainian children since 2022, with total abductions estimated closer to 20,000. Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna hosted sanctioned Russian State Duma members in Washington — including someone a colleague described as "pretty sure used to be a KGB agent" — arranged Capitol meetings with four members of Congress, and gave them a building tour. Getting sanctioned Russians into the U.S. requires State Department waivers. Marco Rubio runs the State Department. In other news, Trump's golf habit has now cost taxpayers over $100 million in 14 months. The longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history is ending, with TSA workers funded through May 22nd. The DHS inspector general is investigating Noem and Lewandowski over a pay-to-play scandal involving a billion dollars in GEO Group contracts and a FEMA contractor paid $19,000 a week. AI researchers are warning that models including Claude and Copilot will soon enable cyberattacks current defenses can't handle — Anthropic already disclosed a Chinese state group used AI agents to autonomously hack 30 global targets. Someone briefly edited Google Maps so the White House caller ID showed as "Epstein Island." And 413,000 KitKats vanished from a truck between Italy and Poland, driver included, right before Easter. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Iran's Attacks Force U.S. Troops to Work Remotely BBC: Iran-backed hackers breach FBI director Kash Patel's personal emails NBC News: Russia took satellite images of U.S. air base in days before Iranian attack, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says United 24: How Russian Giants Gazprom and Rosneft Orchestrated the “Re-Education” of 2,000 Ukrainian Kids The Tennessean: Ogles meets with sanctioned Russian State Duma delegation in DC The Hill: Luna hosts Russian lawmakers to mixed GOP reactions, outrage from others CEPA: Moscow's Plasticine Man Comes to Washington HuffPost: Taxpayers' Tab for Donald Trump's Golf Habit Crosses $100 Million Axios: House passes short-term DHS funding bill Reuters: US Department of Homeland Security says Lewandowski has left after Noem's firing  WSJ: Investigators Examine Contractor Installed at FEMA Under Kristi Noem CNBC: David Sacks says his time as Trump's crypto and AI czar has ended Axios: Everyone's worried that AI's newest models are a hacker's dream weapon WaPo: Post reporters called the White House. Their phones showed ‘Epstein Island.' AP News: Nestlé's KitKat shipment vanishes in Italy en route to Poland Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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 held a two-hour cabinet meeting yesterday dedicated largely to his Sharpie, his ballroom renovation, and claiming Iran is "begging" for a deal while insisting he's definitely not desperate for one. He then paused strikes on Iranian energy plants until April 6th, privately told advisors he wants the war wrapped in four to six weeks, and the Pentagon simultaneously floated sending 10,000 more ground troops. Israel killed Iran's navy commander — the architect of the Strait of Hormuz blockade. And the USPS announced a 7% fuel surcharge on packages, citing the Iran war. The cost of this conflict is now literally showing up in your shipping rates. In wannabe king news, Trump announced he'd sign an executive order to pay TSA workers — something he could have done at any point instead of using their paychecks as leverage. He's also eyeing the White House Treaty Room as a potential bedroom. And his signature will begin appearing on U.S. currency in June, ending a 165-year tradition, to mark America's 250th birthday. At CPAC, Deputy AG Todd Blanche boasted that Kash Patel has purged everyone involved in Trump's prosecution from the FBI, endorsed the view that all executive branch employees work directly for Trump, and floated having ICE agents show up at polling locations on Election Day. The DOJ settled with Michael Flynn for $1.25 million — for the crimes he pleaded guilty to — while the Miami Herald reported that bags of shredded documents were found outside the jail where Epstein died days after his death, the FBI closed the inquiry and an anonymous letter to a federal judge alleged a coverup. The DOJ also issued two new criminal referrals against New York AG Letitia James, this time for homeowners insurance fraud, based largely on social media posts from a Trump ally. Tomorrow is the third round of No Kings protests — 3,000+ events nationwide, with Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, and Bernie Sanders headlining the flagship rally in Minnesota. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump interrupts a Cabinet meeting dealing with the Iran war and rising prices to talk Sharpies WSJ: Trump Tells Aides He Wants Speedy End to Iran War WSJ: Exclusive: Pentagon Weighs Sending Another 10,000 Ground Troops to the Middle East The Guardian: IRGC naval commander killed in Israeli strike was hardliner who understood power of strait of Hormuz WVTM: USPS seeks a temporary 8% charge on Priority Mail and other products to offset transportation costs NBC News: Trump says he will order DHS to 'immediately' pay TSA officers as partial shutdown drags on NYT: Trump Eyes White House Treaty Room for Latest Renovation Project Reuters: Exclusive: Trump signature to appear on US currency, ending 165-year tradition NYT: Trump Calls for Law Cracking Down on Crime and ‘Rogue Judges' The Hill: Blanche boasts of having ‘cleaned house' at DOJ, FBI following Trump prosecutions NYT: Justice Dept. Settles Flynn's Wrongful Prosecution Suit for $1.25 Million Miami Herald: Bags of documents shredded after Epstein's death at NY jail NBC News: Trump housing official seeks new DOJ prosecution of Letitia James KARE 11: 'No Kings' rally set for St. Paul with Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, Maggie Rogers and Bruce Springsteen Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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 Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable for a user's social media addiction — the first verdict of its kind — awarding $6 million in damages for negligently designing platforms to be addictive despite knowing the harm. Meta 70% liable, YouTube 30%. Both stocks went up anyway. With 2,000 pending related lawsuits and a separate New Mexico jury ordering Meta to pay $375 million for enabling child exploitation, this may be the Big Tobacco moment for social media — or the beginning of a very long appeals process. Probably both. Day 27 of the Iran war: Trump deployed 2,000-3,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne while telling reporters "we've won this war." Iran rejected his 15-point peace proposal as "extremely maximalist and unreasonable" — their counteroffer included war reparations and permanent sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Not close. Rubio told Congress the U.S. may need to physically enter Iran to secure nuclear material. NBC News reported Trump's daily war briefing is a two-minute explosion montage, which explains a lot. TSA is at 450 resignations, callout rates above 40%, no funding deal in sight. Epstein's accountant — who managed his finances for decades, opened bank accounts for victims, organized their housing, and appeared on shell companies used to move money — testified the FBI and DOJ never once interviewed him during their "exhaustive" investigation. French prosecutors raided a Rothschild bank in Paris in a separate Epstein probe involving a diplomat who allegedly passed UN Security Council material to Epstein. Newly released Jack Smith memos state Trump had a business motive for retaining classified documents, one of which only six people in the U.S. government were authorized to see. Finally, Melania hosted a global summit on children and technology, arrived with a humanoid robot, and suggested AI could be "the educators of the future." Ok.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: Jury in Los Angeles finds Meta, YouTube negligent in social media addiction trial NPR: Iran rejects Trump's proposal to end the war and lays out 5 conditions Axios: White House downplays reports Iran rejected Trump peace proposal NBC News: Inside Trump's daily video montage briefing on the Iran war Axios: TSA staffing crisis escalates as agents quit, stay home Oversight Committee: Oversight Committee Releases Richard Kahn and Darren Indyke Deposition Videos AP News: French authorities search Paris arm of Swiss bank Edmond de Rothschild in Epstein-linked probe MS Now: Trump appeared to have business motive for keeping classified documents, Jack Smith finds Axios: Republican Sen. Rick Scott sues Booz Allen over leaked tax returns NYT: Melania Trump Appears With a Robot, Saying More Children Should Be Educated by Them Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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 DHS shutdown is now an explicit ransom situation. Trump won't reopen it — or pay TSA workers — until Democrats support the SAVE Act, his voter restriction bill that would ban most mail-in voting and require a passport or birth certificate to register. He rejected a bipartisan fix. He also voted by mail yesterday in a Florida special election his party lost. Steve Bannon called ICE agents at airports "a test run for the 2026 elections," which is the part you're supposed to notice. A California sheriff running for governor also seized 656,000 ballots from last year's redistricting election claiming fraud — officials say the actual discrepancy was 103 votes. Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as DHS Secretary 54-45, Rand Paul the only Republican no vote, Fetterman voting yes. Delta revoked all congressional airport perks until the shutdown ends — the lawmakers who created the TSA crisis now wait in the same lines. The NTSB investigator sent to the LaGuardia crash was stuck in a TSA line for hours getting there. On day 25 of the Iran war, Pakistan is emerging as the leading host for peace talks, with JD Vance as likely U.S. negotiator — because Iran refused to meet with Kushner and Witkoff, which tracks. The Times reported MBS has been privately urging Trump to intensify the war, calling it a "historic opportunity," and suggesting U.S. ground troops seize Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump confirmed it unprompted, calling MBS "a warrior." Meanwhile Kushner's firm Affinity Partners — backed almost entirely by Saudi, UAE, and Qatari sovereign wealth — grew from $3 billion to $6.2 billion since he left the White House, tracking his deepening foreign policy role almost perfectly. He also quietly reversed his pledge to stop fundraising. OpenAI shut down Sora six months after launch — downloads down 45%, a $1 billion Disney deal collapsed before any money changed hands. The official reason is "compute resources," which is what you say when your product turned out to be deeply unsettling and nobody wanted to keep using it. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  CNN: Trump casts a mail-in ballot in Florida special election as he tries to sharply limit absentee voting The Hill: Trump tells lawmakers ‘don't worry about Easter' to force vote on DHS, SAVE Act  The Guardian: California sheriff running for governor seizes over 650,000 ballots from 2025 election  CNN: Chad Bianco: Riverside County, California, sheriff seizes more than a half million ballots from 2025 election CNBC: Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as next DHS secretary CNBC: Delta suspends 'specialty services' perk for members of Congress, cites DHS shutdown NPR: Trump declares victory and claims Iran offers a 'prize' in talks Iran has denied having AlJazeera: Pakistan ‘ready to host US-Iran talks': But can latest peace push work? NYT: Saudi Leader Is Said to Push Trump to Continue Iran War in Recent Calls  Bloomberg: Kushner's Affinity Partners Assets Surge to $6.2 Billion on Mideast Backing Axios: OpenAI will shutter Sora video app Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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 fatal collision at LaGuardia killed both pilots of an Air Canada flight after a fire truck crossed the runway and hit the plane on landing. Nine passengers remain hospitalized. The NTSB is investigating, but context matters: the tower was understaffed, TSA agents are six weeks without pay, hundreds have quit, and half the nation's busiest airports had more than a third of agents call out Saturday. Trump blocked a bipartisan fix because he won't sign anything without his unrelated voter restriction bill, and deployed ICE agents to airports instead. Newark's tower was also evacuated Monday.  On day 24 of the Iran war, Trump announced he was postponing threatened strikes on Iranian power plants, citing "very good conversations" — which Iran immediately said never happened. More notable: oil futures spiked unusually about 15 minutes before Trump posted the announcement. Iran said the war continues until it receives full compensation. Israel launched an "unprecedented" wave of overnight strikes anyway. The IEA said the energy crisis is now worse than the 1970s oil shock and 2022 Ukraine crisis combined. Gas hit $3.96 nationally, with Goldman Sachs projecting elevated prices through 2027. Elsewhere: a federal judge ruled the Pentagon's press policy unconstitutional, so the Pentagon moved its press office outside the building and required military escorts for journalists. The Supreme Court signaled skepticism toward mail-in ballot grace periods in a case that could affect 14 states plus DC — five months before midterms. A DOGE-gutted IRS developed a "technical glitch" that made $51 million in political donations invisible. Trump sued Harvard over antisemitism. Four Jewish ambulances were torched outside a London synagogue by an Iran-linked group. And Russian intelligence reportedly proposed a staged assassination attempt on Hungary's Orbán to boost his flagging poll numbers ahead of April 12th elections. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Atlantic: American Aviation Is Near Collapse - The Atlantic NPR: LaGuardia reopens after the crash that killed 2 and hurt dozens. Here's what to know CNBC: ICE deployed to some U.S. airports as long security lines persist during partial shutdown CNBC: Volume in stock, oil futures surged minutes before Trump's market-turning post CNN: Live updates: Iran war news, Trump delays strikes on Iranian power plants after ‘very good' talks with Tehran NPR: U.S. judge rules against Pentagon restrictions on press coverage THe Guardian: IRS glitch masked $51m in political donations, finance watchdog says | Trump administration NYT: Trump Administration Sues Harvard Over Accusations of Antisemitism NBC News: Jewish volunteer ambulances set on fire in London in apparent antisemitic attack WaPo: To tilt Hungarian election, Russians proposed staging assassination attempt Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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: Week four of the Iran war and it's giving WW3 vibes. Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz or face bombed power plants; Iran responded by threatening to close the Strait entirely and launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at a shared U.S.-UK base in the Indian Ocean — over 2,000 miles away, farther than Iran was previously believed capable of reaching. Iran also struck Israel's main nuclear research center this weekend, and Saudi Arabia expelled Iran's military attaché and embassy staff after Iranian strikes hit their country. Trump then posted that Iran is "dead" and pivoted immediately to attacking Democrats.  At home, TSA workers are entering week five without pay — over 350 have already quit, airport security lines have hit five hours in some cities — and Senate Republicans voted down a bill that would have funded their salaries, 49-41. Trump's solution is to deploy ICE agents to airports instead. Elon Musk offered to personally pay TSA workers' salaries, which conveniently dropped the same day a California jury found him liable for defrauding Twitter shareholders when he acquired the company for $44 billion. Damages could reach $2.6 billion. Trump's special envoy Paolo Zampolli — the man who allegedly introduced Donald and Melania — was exposed by the New York Times for calling in a favor to ICE to have his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child, detained and deported while they were in a custody battle. She arrived in the U.S. on Jeffrey Epstein's plane in 2002, when she was 17. Zampolli was 32 when they met. In media consolidation news, The FCC approved a $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna, waiving federal ownership limits to let one company control local news for 60% of U.S. households — eight state attorneys general immediately sued. Nevada temporarily banned Kalshi from offering sports and election betting until it gets proper gambling licenses. And Trump celebrated the death of Robert Mueller on social media, writing "Good. I'm glad he's dead." Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Iran threatens to 'completely' close Strait of Hormuz and hit power plants after Trump ultimatum CNN: Iran launched missiles at US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. Here's what that says about its capabilities WSJ: Saudi Arabia Expels Iranian Embassy Staff Axios: Trump to deploy ICE agents to airports Monday The Hill: Republicans reject Democrats' effort to pay TSA by suspending Senate rules Axios: Musk offers to pay TSA salaries, as Trump floats ICE at airports CNBC: Elon Musk misled Twitter investors ahead of $44 billion acquisition, jury says NYT: Trump Friend Asked ICE to Detain the Mother of His Child NBC News: 8 states file emergency motion to block Nexstar-Tegna merger after FCC approval WSJ: Nevada Wins Temporary Ban on Sports Betting on Kalshi NYT: Trump's Reaction to Mueller's Death: ‘Good, I'm Glad.' Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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 Iran war's bill just got a lot bigger — the Pentagon is asking Congress for $200 billion, on top of the $12 billion already spent, while Trump insists he's "not putting troops anywhere" in a statement that inspired exactly zero confidence. Israel struck the South Pars Gas Field — the largest natural gas field in the world, shared by Iran and Qatar — damaging Qatari energy infrastructure, hitting an American F-35, and triggering retaliatory Iranian strikes across the region. Trump posted that the U.S. "knew nothing" about the attack, Israel immediately said that wasn't true, then Trump said he'd actually warned them not to do it — so he did know — and then threatened to blow up the entire gas field himself if Iran touches Qatar. Oil and gas prices climbed further, the stock market dropped, and seven allies — the UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and one more — announced they'd help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump accepted graciously by screaming in all caps that he doesn't need anyone's help. Also, Trump told Japan's prime minister "who knows better about surprise than Japan, why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor" — an actual thing he said out loud. Elsewhere in global chaos: Hungary's Viktor Orban blocked a $100 billion EU loan to Ukraine, potentially threatening the country's ability to keep its government running. Canada announced it's building its own sovereign space program to reduce dependence on Starlink. Two Iranian citizens were charged in the UK with spying on Jewish institutions on behalf of Iranian intelligence. And in one of the most cold-blooded moves yet, the U.S. State Department is reportedly considering withholding HIV medication from 1.3 million people in Zambia as leverage to extract a minerals deal — because apparently that's a negotiating tactic now. Markwayne Mullin's DHS nomination cleared committee 8-7, with Rand Paul voting no and John Fetterman voting yes, because nothing means anything anymore. Full Senate vote is next, outcome predictable. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Pentagon Seeks Additional $200 Billion to Fund Iran War NYT: Israeli Officials Said U.S. Was Told About South Pars Attack Axios: After Tehran strikes, Trump says Israel won't attack Iran gas fields anymore Axios: Seven U.S. allies back potential Strait of Hormuz coalition NBC News: Trump makes Pearl Harbor joke during meeting with Japanese prime minister NYT: 2 Men Charged With Spying for Iran on Jewish Institutions in UK WSJ: Ukraine Suffers Money Setback After Hungary Blocks $100 Billion From Europe NYT: Canada Takes Its Sovereignty Push to Space NYT: U.S. Considers Withholding H.I.V. Aid Unless Zambia Expands Minerals Access AP News: Mullin's DHS nomination advances to full Senate despite opposition from Republican Rand Paul Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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: Russia is having a great week. It's sharing satellite imagery, intelligence, and drone technology with Iran, sending a tanker of 700,000 barrels of crude to Cuba in direct defiance of the U.S. blockade, and watching oil approach $110 a barrel. Israel assassinated Iran's intelligence minister, Iran's new Supreme Leader vowed revenge, and the IDF is still running wide-scale strikes across Iran and southern Lebanon. The Fed announced no interest rate cuts this month — or likely this year — because starting a war with no plan tends to complicate things. Gas nationally jumped nearly a dollar a gallon in under four weeks, wholesale food prices hit their biggest spike in a year, and that's before oil prices fully filter through to grocery shelves. Trump's solution is to quietly waive sanctions on Venezuelan, Russian, and Iranian oil — the sanctions he spent years bragging about. On Capitol Hill, Tulsi Gabbard testified at the Worldwide Threats Hearing and managed to both defend the war and confirm that Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan are jointly developing nuclear missile systems targeting the U.S. homeland — apparently without noticing the tension there. She declined to confirm Russia is arming Iran, even as it's actively happening. Markwayne Mullin's DHS confirmation hearing got contentious, with Rand Paul making clear he's a no. The Fed held rates steady and basically told Trump to stop asking. In a bombshell report, the New York Times published allegations from more than 60 sources — including civil rights icon and UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta — that labor hero Cesar Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls as young as 12 within the movement. Huerta, now 95, said the abuse led to the birth of two children she placed for adoption, and that she stayed silent for 60 years knowing she would be pushed out of the movement she helped build. Her statement is devastating and worth reading in full. And Meta shut down Horizon Worlds — its virtual reality social network that almost no one used and that cost the company a reported $77 billion. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Bloomberg: Cuba's Worst Fuel Crisis in Decades May Get Relief From Russia WSJ: Russia Is Sharing Satellite Imagery and Drone Technology With Iran  CNBC: Israel says it has killed Iran's intelligence minister in third assassination in two days NBC News: Tulsi Gabbard in spotlight after top official resigns in protest over Iran war The Hill: CIA director confirms Iran seeking intelligence support from Russia, China NBC News: Live updates: Senators clash with Trump's homeland security pick; intel officials testify on top threats CNBC: The Fed issues its latest interest rate decision Wednesday. Here's what to expect WSJ: Oil Rises After Israel Strikes Iran Gas Field and Tehran Hits Qatar Fuel Hub AP News: US wholesale prices rose by a surprisingly hot 3.4% last month, the most in a year AP News: US eases Venezuela oil sanctions as Trump seeks to boost world oil supply during Iran war NYT: Cesar Chavez, a Civil Rights Icon, Is Accused of Abusing Girls for Years NYT: Dolores Huerta Issues Statement on Cesar Chavez Sexual Abuse Allegations CNBC:  Meta is shutting down VR social platform Horizon Worlds in further pivot away from the metaverse  Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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 Iran war claimed a notable casualty on the home front: Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned and posted his letter on Twitter, writing that Iran posed no imminent threat and the war was started due to pressure from Israel's lobby. He's no hero — Kent is a MAGA loyalist with his own troubling associations — but when someone who could defend virtually everything else this administration has done draws a line here, that says something about how broadly unpopular this war has become. Meanwhile, Israel killed two of Iran's most senior remaining officials overnight, including the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, while continuing wide-scale strikes in Iran and southern Lebanon. Trump spent St. Patrick's Day in the Oval Office with Ireland's prime minister, alternating between insisting the U.S. doesn't need NATO's help and complaining it was "very unfair" that no one offered to send minesweepers. Cuba is now on the radar — Trump mused about "taking Cuba in some form" while his administration cut off the island's oil supply, triggering a nationwide blackout. He said he can do "anything he wants" with Cuba. Elsewhere in the circus: Trump appointed Erika Kirk — of Summer House — to the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, a formal congressional oversight body. In other news, Peter Thiel is in Rome giving private lectures warning about the Antichrist, and the Vatican is…not pleased. A former Kansas City pastor was suspended after it emerged she managed Epstein's private island in 2018-2019 and listed different employment on her resume. AG Pam Bondi was formally subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify about her handling of the Epstein files, with an appearance ordered for April 14th. And finally, the SEC is floating a proposal to cut public company earnings reports from quarterly to twice a year — still TBD, but worth watching and preliminary Illinois primary results.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war NYT: Trump Appointee Pressed Analyst to Redo Intelligence on Venezuelan Gang The Independent: Trump rants US doesn't need any help in Iran war and ‘never did' AP News: Iran launches barrage of missiles after Israel kills 2 of its top officials CNN: Trump muses over ‘taking Cuba' as island's power grid collapses after weeks of US oil blockade Military: Erika Kirk And The Air Force Academy Board: What The Appointment Reveals About The Panel CNN: Peter Thiel's secret lectures on Antichrist in Rome spark debate FOX 4: Former KC-area pastor suspended after church learns she managed Epstein's private island AP News: Attorney General Pam Bondi subpoenaed to answer questions from Congress about the Epstein files WSJ: SEC Prepares Proposal to Eliminate Quarterly Reporting Requirement NBC: Illinois Senate Primary Election 2026 Live Results Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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: Four weeks in, the Iran war is getting more expensive, more chaotic, and more geopolitically cursed by the day. The US has lost 13 service members and spent $12 billion — and according to U.S. intelligence, Iran's regime is not only still standing but consolidating power and getting more hardline. Iran struck Dubai's international airport and the UAE's biggest oil terminal over the weekend, gas hit $4.99 a gallon, and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to American and Israeli ships — while Iran pockets an estimated $140 million a day selling oil at inflated prices to everyone else. And of course, two of the US Navy's three minesweeper ships were docked in Malaysia this weekend, and the third is MIA.  Israel meanwhile launched a new ground invasion into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, with its military preparing for at least three more weeks of operations. Trump postponed his China summit, complained that China should be "thanking" the US for the war we started, and alternated between bragging we don't need any of our friends but also demanding our friends send warships. Jared Kushner was also in the region — not for diplomacy, but reportedly fundraising $5 billion for his investment firm from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. On the Epstein beat: Bank of America settled a lawsuit from a woman who alleged the bank maintained ties to Epstein and failed to flag suspicious activity. The House Oversight Committee is calling the prison guard who was on duty the night Epstein died to testify on March 26th — records show she was asleep and googling Epstein news shortly before his body was found. Harvard students and faculty filed a formal proposal to remove Les Wexner's name from campus buildings. And a federal judge in Massachusetts blocked RFK Jr.'s childhood vaccine schedule overhaul and froze his newly appointed CDC advisory committee members — a rare, clean win. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: U.S. intelligence says Iran's regime is consolidating power BBC: Iran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport Financial Times: Iran earns oil windfall as US turns blind eye Financial Times: US diesel prices soar to almost $5 as Iran war pinches global supplies Business Insider: 2 of the US' 3 mine-hunting ships assigned to the Middle East were just seen in Asia NYT: Iran War Live Updates: Trump Pressures China and NATO Countries to Help Open Strait of Hormuz WaPo: Trump-Xi summit delayed as U.S. president pushes China to help open Hormuz Politico: Iran says Russia and China providing ‘military cooperation' WSJ: China Resumes Military Flights Around Taiwan After Sudden 10-Day Hiatus Time: How an Israeli Ground Invasion of Lebanon Could Unfold  NYT: Entering War's Third Week, Trump Faces Stark Choices NYT: Jared Kushner Solicits Funds for His Firm While Working as Mideast Envoy WSJ: Bank of America Agrees to Settle Lawsuit Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties, U.S. Court Says NBC News: House Oversight Committee seeks testimony from prison guard on duty when Jeffrey Epstein died The Crimson: Harvard Kennedy School Faculty, Students File Denaming Proposal for Wexner Building NBC News: Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule PBS: What to expect in the Illinois state primary Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com 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: Three weeks into the Iran "excursion" — Trump's word, not ours — and there's no end in sight. Trump claimed Iran asked for a ceasefire; Iran said that didn't happen. Either way, 5,000 more marines and three more warships are headed to the region, joining the 50,000 U.S. troops already there. Oil is stuck at $100 a barrel, every country Trump asked to help escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz said no, and the U.S. bombed Iran's Kharg Island oil hub — which Trump said he might hit "a few more times just for fun," as one does. Iran fired a missile at an Italian base in Iraq's Kurdistan region, a drone killed a French soldier in the same area, and Emmanuel Macron had to call Tehran to say that's unacceptable. At home, a federal judge blocked the DOJ's attempt to criminally investigate Fed Chair Jerome Powell, ruling it was a pretext to pressure the Fed on interest rates — the Trump administration is appealing. The FCC chair threatened to pull local TV licenses over Iran war coverage he doesn't like, and Trump threatened media outlets on social media for the same reason. Neither has real teeth yet, but that's sort of the point. Meanwhile, a viral six-hour deposition of two former DOGE employees revealed they used ChatGPT to identify 1,400 grants to cut — including ones for Black civil rights documentaries and Holocaust research — with zero government or academic experience between them. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration will collect a $10 billion fee from the TikTok deal — on an app valued at roughly $14 billion total. Palantir's CEO went on CNBC to brag that his AI will shift economic power away from educated women who vote Democratic. Kash Patel announced the FBI will now train with UFC fighters. Marco Rubio is on the witness list in his close friend's federal trial for acting as an unregistered foreign agent of Venezuela. A Florida Democrat won the Boca Raton mayoral race by one vote, and the Republican loser said he'd "sleep on" whether to accept the results. And a UCLA study found that diverse film casts outperform at the box office — which landed the same weekend the Oscars completely snubbed Sinners. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: Middle East crisis live: Israel says it has launched ‘extensive strikes' on Iran as Trump says US ‘not ready' to make a deal to end war NYT: More Marines and Warships Being Sent to Middle East, U.S. Officials Say Reuters: Airstrike on Italian base in Iraq was deliberate, defence minister says Bloomberg: Oil Erases Gains as Traders Gauge Supply Impact of Kharg Attack CNBC: Iran sends millions of oil barrels to China through Strait of Hormuz even as war chokes the waterway The Sun: Russians ‘forced to use walkie-talkies and paper maps' after Putin's internet blackout as Kremlin intensifies crackdown CNN: FCC chair threatens TV networks amid Iran war coverage — but his warning rings hollow Politico: Court blocks probe of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, DOJ to appeal WSJ: Trump Administration Set to Receive $10 Billion Fee for Brokering TikTok Deal The New Republic: Palantir CEO Makes Shocking Confession on Disrupting Democratic Power 404 Media: I Watched 6 Hours of DOGE Bro Testimony. Here's What They Had to Say For Themselves Deadline: Kash Patel Confirms UFC Fighters Will Train FBI Agents: "Historic Opportunity" Vanity Fair: Marco Rubio's Florida Bestie Is an Accused ‘Foreign Agent' Set to Go on Trial— With Rubio On the Witness List Palm Beach Post: Recount makes Andy Thomson new Boca mayor. Liebelson may fight result Variety: Audiences Prefer Films With Diverse Casts, UCLA Study Finds Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices