Morning Announcements Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: The New York Times revealed Hamas's secret police in Gaza, overseen by leader Yahya Sinwar, has been surveilling Palestinian civilians' political activities, online presence, and personal lives. The General Security Service, part of Hamas, acts as a government intelligence agency, using informants to monitor dissent, following individuals to check for infidelity, and censoring criticism on social media while promoting Hamas's messages. Meanwhile, President Biden signed legislation banning Russian imports of enriched uranium to cut off a significant revenue source to Russia amid the Ukraine invasion. Enriched uranium is a main fuel for US nuclear power plants, with Russia supplying about 20% of it, costing American companies around $1 billion yearly. The legislation also unlocks $2.7 billion for domestic uranium enrichment. In Defendant Donald updates, Michael Cohen testified in Donald Trump's trial about his involvement in concealing affairs. Cohen described Trump's motives and actions regarding Stormy Daniels' payment. Additionally, new reports suggest Trump could owe the IRS $100 million due to questionable tax practices. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a bill prohibiting transgender individuals from using public school bathrooms that match their gender identities. Lastly, six US airlines are suing the Biden administration over new transparency rules on flight fees, claiming they would confuse consumers.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NY Times: Secret Hamas Files Show It Spied on Everyday Palestinians - The New York Times 

WA Post: U.S. bans Russian uranium imports, key to nuclear fuel supply 

AP News: Star witness Michael Cohen says Trump was intimately involved in all aspects of hush money scheme 

ProPublica: IRS Audit of Trump Could Cost Former President More Than $100 Million


NBC News: Mississippi enacts transgender bathroom ban in public schools 

AP News: US airlines are suing the Biden administration over a new rule to make certain fees easier to spot 


Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
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Today’s Headlines: The Biden administration delayed bomb shipments to Israel to prevent civilian casualties in potential assaults on Rafah. Netanyahu criticized this, but Blinken clarified that high payload bombs are withheld due to their impact in populated areas. Israel hasn't shared post-strike civilian protection plans, raising concerns about insurgency. The US aims for a different approach to demilitarize Gaza, with $26 billion aid coming. A State Department report noted concerns about US-supplied weapons' use without concrete evidence. Israel increased humanitarian aid access. Meanwhile, a senior FBI official warned of foreign interference in US elections through disinformation spread, particularly via AI deep fakes and robocalls. A recent intelligence report noted Russia's attempts to denigrate the Democratic party and weaken support for Ukraine, while Iran aimed to exploit US social divisions. China sought to influence specific races, targeting candidates critical of China. On the Coup Beat, an appellate court upheld Steve Bannon's contempt conviction, but he's not immediately starting his sentence. Michael Cohen's testimony begins today in the ongoing hush money trial.. Additionally, Senator Bob Menendez faces federal charges again and Barron Trump was announced as a Republican delegate but declined due to prior commitments.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

​​Reuters: Israel due to get billions of dollars more in US weapons despite Biden pause


Axios: Israel has not shown U.S. plan for protecting civilians in Gaza: Blinken


The Guardian: US finds Israel’s use of weapons in Gaza ‘inconsistent’ with human rights law, but will not cut flow of arms | Biden administration


AP News: FBI warns that foreign adversaries could use AI to spread disinformation about US elections 

WA Post: Steve Bannon’s appeal of criminal conviction for Jan. 6 testimony fails


WA Post: The Trump Trials: Waiting for Cohen


WA Post: Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial, where gold bars may shine, begins Monday 

The Guardian:Barron Trump will not be a delegate at Republican National Convention after all



Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
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Today’s Headlines: In a Manhattan court, Stormy Daniels provided testimony about her sexual encounter with Donald Trump, with much of the cross-examination focusing on the details of the encounter itself rather than the hush money payment. Her lack of knowledge about Trump's business records became a notable point, highlighting the broader context of the trial, which concerns the payment made to cover up their liaison. Following Daniels, Donald's former assistant, Madeleine Westerhout, testified about communications with Michael Cohen regarding the reimbursement of the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy. These communications led to the Trump Organization sending checks to Cohen, labeled as "legal expenses'' under a "retainer agreement" that lacks recorded documentation. Despite Donald's attorney's attempts for a mistrial, Judge Juan Merchan denied the motion, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion to remove Speaker Mike Johnson from office also failed. Meanwhile, recent data shows that medical school graduates are avoiding states with abortion bans for residency positions, and the US Preventative Services Task Force recommended that mammograms for breast cancer screening should start at age 40. Lastly, the Inspector General at the Office of Veterans Affairs reported nearly $11 million in improperly paid bonuses to senior executives, and Hunter Biden's federal gun charges trial is set to proceed next month alongside separate federal tax charges in California.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

WA Post: Checks, not sex, and other takeaways from Trump's New York hush money trial


Axios: Trump denied second mistrial request, gag order change in hush money case 

AP News: House Speaker Mike Johnson survived a motion to vacate. Here's why his job is far from safe


NPR: Medical residents are starting to avoid states with abortion bans, data shows


AP News: Breast cancer is on the rise in women in their 40s. An earlier mammogram may help catch it sooner


WA Post: VA improperly approved nearly $11 million in bonuses for execs, watchdog finds 

Axios: Hunter Biden's federal gun charges to go to trial after appeal dismissed



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

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Today’s Headlines: The Biden administration halted an arms shipment to Israel amid worries about civilian casualties. The shipment contained large bombs that could cause collateral damage in densely populated areas. In the Indiana primaries, Nikki Haley, despite withdrawing from the race, managed to secure over 21% of the Republican vote, revealing a significant base of support within the party. This contrasts with Donald Trump's dominance in the state, winning 78% of the vote and all 58 delegates. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's aide, Zach Henry, was discovered to have been present at the Capitol insurrection on January 6th, raising questions about the campaign's affiliations. Furthermore, recent revelations about RFK Jr.'s health issues, including a dead worm in his brain and mercury poisoning, have drawn attention to his fitness for office. The attorneys general of six Republican-led states filed a lawsuit against Title 9 expansions, while a Catholic high school was granted the right to fire a teacher for marrying a man. Finally, record-high sea temperatures and severe storms have caused devastation in the Midwest.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Biden says US won't supply weapons for Israel to attack Rafah 

Politico: Unexpected warning signs for Trump in busy Indiana primary


NBC News: RFK Jr.'s new hire who downplayed Jan. 6 appears to have been at the Capitol during the attack 

NY Times: RFK Jr. Says Doctors Found a Dead Worm in His Brain


Axios: Six GOP states sue over Biden administration's Title IX rule change


WA Post: Catholic school can fire gay drama teacher for marrying, court rules 

Axios: Oceans' record heat streak reaches 13 months


AP News: Midwest storms: 3 tornadoes confirmed in Michigan, 1 man killed in Tennessee 


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

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Today’s Headlines: In the Middle East, ceasefire negotiations persist as Israeli forces seize control of the Rafah border crossing, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of obstructing aid delivery and flouting ICC orders, while US House Republicans draft legislation in anticipation of potential ICC arrest warrants for Israeli officials. Amid the conflict, the US delays arms shipments to Israel, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the aid. In other news, President Biden condemns antisemitism, and Stormy Daniels' testimony in Donald Trump's trial sparks courtroom tension, with Judge Juan Merchan warning Trump's attorney about potential contempt charges. Additionally, a federal judge postpones a trial over classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago, while conservative judges refuse to hire from Columbia University due to recent protests. Finally, the FAA and FDIC launch investigations into Boeing and allegations of sexual harassment, respectively.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Axios: Scoop: House GOP drafts ICC sanctions as "precaution"


Reuters: US holds up some arms to Israel, sources say 

Reuters: Biden compares Hamas attack to Holocaust in antisemitism warning


WA Post: Stormy Daniels testifies, Trump curses in an angry day in court


Axios: Trump loses bid for mistrial in hush money case


NY Times: Judge Postpones Start of Trump Documents Trial Without New Date 

Axios: 13 conservative federal judges won't hire Columbia grads over protests 

Axios: FDIC is a workplace rife with sexual harassment, independent probe alleges 

Axios: FAA opens new probe into Boeing over 787 Dreamliner inspections



Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
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Today’s Headlines: Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal yesterday, aiming to permanently end the conflict. However, Israeli officials rejected the agreement, claiming Hamas accepted a different version. Consequently, Israel launched airstrikes on Rafah, where many people sought refuge. Despite this setback, US officials are still involved, trying to salvage an agreement as both parties remain in negotiations. Meanwhile, Donald Trump was found in contempt of court for violating his gag order for the 10th time yesterday, with Judge Juan Merchan threatening jail time if the violations continue. Trump expressed his willingness to go to jail if it means he can continue attacking on Truth Social. In other news, 82-year-old Senator Bernie Sanders announced his reelection bid for a fourth term and Medicare's go-broke date was pushed back to 2036 while Social Security's trust funds are projected to run out by 2034, covering only 83% of benefits. Finally, a US soldier was detained in Russia for allegedly stealing from a woman he was romantically involved with during a visit to Vladivostok.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Live updates: Israel begins military operation in Rafah, hours after Hamas agrees to a cease-fire 

WA Post: Judge again finds Trump in contempt in hush money trial; Trump Org employees testify


CBS News: Sen. Bernie Sanders, 82, announces he will run for reelection


AP News: Medicare and Social Security go-broke dates are pushed back in a 'measure of good news'


NBC News: U.S. soldier detained in Russia and accused of stealing, officials say



Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices