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Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 - Trump ditches G7; Dollar dips; FAA fake; Saudi journalist executed; Boelter charged & more Jun 17, 2025

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump briefly attended the G7, signed a tariff deal with the UK, defended Putin, skipped key meetings, and refused to back a joint Israel-Iran de-escalation statement before leaving early, citing Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, global exporters are increasingly rejecting U.S. dollars in favor of other currencies, signaling growing concern over the dollar’s stability. In Saudi Arabia, journalist Turki Al-Jasser was executed over tweets criticizing the regime, echoing the Khashoggi case. Back in the U.S., Minnesota shooter Vance Boelter turned himself in and now faces federal murder charges after targeting dozens of Democratic lawmakers. Trump’s FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, was exposed for falsely claiming to hold a commercial pilot license. His company, the Trump Organization, also announced a new gold smartphone and MAGA-branded phone plan called “The 47 Plan.” OpenAI secured its first Pentagon contract—$200 million to develop AI for national defense. And MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell was found liable for defamation, ordered to pay $2.3 million to a former Dominion employee.

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Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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Monday, June 16th, 2025 - Israel-Iran strikes; MN lawmaker assasination; 5M join ‘No Kings’ protests; Trump’s bday flop & crypto payday Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Headlines: Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, killing 78 and prompting deadly missile retaliation that killed at least 13 in Israel. US-Iran nuclear talks were canceled, and while the Trump administration denied prior knowledge, Trump briefly took credit before walking it back. At the G7 summit in Alberta, leaders from the EU, Ukraine, Mexico, and others gathered under the shadow of potential global conflict. In Minnesota, a far-right gunman assassinated State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounded State Senator John Huffman in politically motivated shootings. The suspect, Vance Boelter, remains at large with a hit list targeting 70 Democrats. He’s linked to extremist Christian views and ran a questionable “security” firm out of his home. Meanwhile, over 5 million joined nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday, which saw scattered violence, including a shooting in Salt Lake City and a vehicular attack in Virginia. That night, Trump’s $45 million birthday and military parade—sponsored by tech and defense giants—drew disappointing crowds. He also reversed ICE raids targeting key industries and released financial disclosures showing over $600 million in 2024 income, including massive profits from Trump-branded crypto, watches, bibles, and NFTs.

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Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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Friday, June 13th, 2025 - CA Senator removed; ICE raids rise; RFK Jr. hires anti-vaxxers; Iran Censured; Air India Crash; Weinstein trial update Jun 13, 2025

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Today’s Headlines: California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed while attempting to ask a question at a DHS press briefing in Los Angeles—though he was not arrested, the incident has sparked outrage, especially as House Speaker Mike Johnson moves to censure him. Meanwhile, ICE has reportedly ordered a surge in I-9 audits, increasing the likelihood of workplace raids. Several states, including Missouri, have activated their National Guard ahead of “No Kings Day” protests tied to Trump’s immigration crackdown. On the international front, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has censured Iran for the first time in 20 years, prompting threats from Tehran to exit the Nonproliferation Treaty amid rising U.S.–Iran tensions and fears of an Israeli strike. Elsewhere, RFK Jr. has stacked the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel with known anti-vaxxers just days after firing its previous members. In contrast, the CDC has invited over 450 previously terminated staffers back to work—though it’s unclear how many will accept. Tragedy struck India as an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing nearly all 242 on board; the cause is under investigation. And finally, Harvey Weinstein’s retrial looms, after a mistrial was declared on a rape charge due to jury dysfunction, while his guilty and not guilty verdicts on two other charges remain in place.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday, June 12th, 2025 - “No Kings Day” protests; Trump-China trade deal; Musk apology; EPA rollbacks; Iran tension;, Weinstein verdict Jun 12, 2025

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Today’s Headlines: Nationwide protests against ICE raids are ramping up ahead of “No Kings Day,” a weekend of counter-programming to Trump’s birthday military parade. Trump declared he “liberated” LA in a speech to troops, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the military deployment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed by mobilizing the state’s National Guard. Trump also announced a pending U.S.-China trade deal that would ease rare earth exports and partially lift U.S. export restrictions, though tariffs on Chinese imports will remain steep. Meanwhile, the U.S. is extending its tariff pause for other countries—contradicting earlier White House statements. Inflation rose just 0.1% in May, bringing the annual rate to 2.4%. Elon Musk publicly apologized to Trump after a reported intervention by GOP allies, seemingly ending their brief online feud. The U.S. is evacuating staff from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Trump also urged Israel to halt its Gaza offensive and threats toward Iran. Domestically, the EPA is moving to repeal major pollution regulations on coal and gas plants, including mercury emissions. And in New York, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on one charge of sexual assault, with the jury still deliberating on a third.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 - LA protests update; RFK Jr. ousts vax panel; Global growth slump; Graz shooting; EU sanctions Russia Jun 11, 2025

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Today’s Headlines: Roughly 2,700 U.S. Marines and National Guard troops have arrived in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests, though they haven’t been formally deployed. The Pentagon estimates the cost of this operation, plus a military parade, could reach $200 million by week’s end—despite the lack of proper housing for many troops. President Trump hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act. Meanwhile, over 100 LA schools are tightening graduation security due to fears of ICE activity. Nationally, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. removed all 17 CDC vaccine advisors, calling for a "clean sweep" to restore public trust—despite the committee’s nonpartisan makeup. Globally, the World Bank predicts just 2.3% economic growth this year, citing Trump-era tariffs and global instability. U.S. growth is forecasted at only 1.4%. In Austria, a former student fatally shot 10 peers in Graz, prompting national mourning. And in Brussels, the EU proposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at cutting off oil and gas revenue.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 - LA vs ICE; CA sues Trump & Hegseth; DEI ban blocked; Trump’s birthday parade; Whole Foods hacked Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Headlines: Tensions over Trump’s immigration crackdown escalated as he floated the idea of arresting California Governor Gavin Newsom, who dared ICE border czar Tom Homan to “go ahead, tough guy, arrest me.” In response, Newsom and AG Rob Bonta sued Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for unlawfully federalizing the state’s National Guard. Meanwhile, Glendale ended its ICE detention contract, a federal judge blocked enforcement of Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders (for now), and DC began prepping for Trump’s birthday military parade, complete with tanks and 7,000 troops. Also, a cyberattack hit Whole Foods’ main distributor, potentially disrupting food supplies to over 30,000 stores.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday, June 9th, 2025 - Troops in LA; Abrego Garcia charged; ICE strands migrants in a box; Starlink in the WH; Salmonella outbreak & more Jun 09, 2025

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Today’s Headlines: Protests erupted in Los Angeles after immigration raids led to 45 arrests, culminating in clashes, arrests, and Trump deploying the National Guard—without the governor's request—for the first time since 1965. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of transporting undocumented migrants, while a DOJ prosecutor resigned the same day. Separately, ICE officers and deportees were found stranded in a metal container in Djibouti, dodging malaria and rockets, after a judge blocked a deportation flight. On the Trump-Musk front, Trump declared their bromance over and warned of "consequences" if Musk funds Democrats, while concerns grew over a possible White House security breach from an unmonitored Starlink installation. The Supreme Court handed two pro-DOGE rulings—allowing access to Social Security data and shielding internal records. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Trump campaign alum was put in charge of distributing anti-terrorism funds. And finally, a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has sickened 79 people across 7 states.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday, June 6th, 2025 - Trump-Musk breakup; Musk subpoena blocked; Trump-Merz meeting; Xi talks trade; SCOTUS nixes bias & more Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Headlines: The Trump-Musk fallout escalated from a policy spat to full-blown political chaos in under 12 hours—starting with Trump slamming Musk over his opposition to the GOP budget bill, and spiraling into Musk accusing Trump of electoral dependence, Trump threatening SpaceX contracts, and Musk suggesting Trump appears in Epstein files. Bannon reportedly wants Trump to seize SpaceX and deport Musk. Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee failed to subpoena Musk over AI policy due to GOP opposition. Abroad, German Chancellor Merz met with Trump, urging stronger action on Ukraine, only to be met with bizarre WWII commentary and apathy. Trump also spoke with China’s Xi Jinping to restart trade talks and posted about “positive” progress. At home, the Supreme Court struck down a legal standard that imposed stricter proof of bias on majority-group plaintiffs, reaffirming equal treatment. In foreign affairs, Chad announced a reciprocal travel ban on U.S. visitors after Trump’s own ban, with a dignified mic drop from its president. And in a surreal courtroom twist, Diddy was nearly kicked out of his trial for making dramatic faces at the jury.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday, June 5th, 2025 - Musk vs Trump; Trump travel ban 2.0; UN Gaza ceasefire; Columbia crackdown; Biden pardon probe & more Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Headlines: Elon Musk is turning on Trump, launching a “KILL THE BILL” campaign against the president’s budget proposal, which he calls a path to “bankrupting America.” The bill adds $2.4 trillion to the deficit, mostly through tax cuts for the wealthy, while omitting EV credits and Starlink contracts—two things Musk clearly noticed. Meanwhile, private job growth plummeted to just 37,000 in May, with ADP revising April’s numbers downward and businesses reporting layoffs and price hikes due to Trump’s tariffs, even on non-tariffed goods. On the international front, Trump revealed (then deleted) details of a call with Putin about Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. At home, he reinstated a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries and tightened restrictions on 7 more, following a report on "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S. The U.S. also vetoed a UN ceasefire resolution in Gaza that had 14-1 backing, citing its failure to condemn Hamas or require disarmament. The Justice Department is investigating Biden’s last-minute pardons—specifically the use of autopen to sign off on clemencies for family and 37 federal inmates. Columbia University is now facing potential loss of accreditation, with the Education Department claiming it failed to protect Jewish students. And in Colorado, a federal judge paused deportation of the wife and children of a man charged with a federal hate crime after attacking Jewish demonstrators with a homemade flamethrower.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 - Musk blasts Trump’s Bill; MD & RI gun ban stays; DHS vs Nadler aide; FEMA head’s hurricane fail; USNS Harvey Milk rebrand Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Headlines: The Trump–Musk bromance may be ending, with Elon blasting Trump’s $2.3 trillion spending bill as a “disgusting abomination” and calling to oust lawmakers who supported it. Meanwhile, the Trump administration formally requested Congress to undo $9.4B in DOGE’s previous cuts via a rescission process, still falling far short of Musk’s promised $2T in cuts. New 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum go into effect tonight (except for the UK), but are subject to change next month. The administration also rescinded 2022 guidance protecting abortion access in emergency cases, exposing providers to prosecution in 13 states with total bans. FEMA’s acting head reportedly didn’t know the U.S. had a hurricane season, worsening concerns as meteorologists warn they’re too understaffed to predict storm paths. In other news, DHS officers handcuffed a Nadler aide, accusing his office of “harboring rioters” after staff watched ICE detain migrants. The Supreme Court declined to hear gun rights cases, leaving Maryland and Rhode Island’s bans intact. Just in time for Pride month, the Navy will rename the USNS Harvey Milk to align with a “warrior culture” vision. FInally, Russia carried out a successful hit on the strategic Crimea bridge following Ukraine’s devastating drone strikes on Russian bombers as peace talks in Istanbul have collapsed.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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