Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday regarding whether Donald Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution due to his actions while president in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that anything a president does can be considered an "official act." Trump's attorney even suggested that assassinating a political rival could be an official act depending on circumstances. However, the Court didn't seem swayed by the full immunity argument, potentially opening the door for partial immunity or delaying the case. Meanwhile, in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his involvement in a hush money agreement with Stormy Daniels, revealing that the Enquirer buried the story to help Trump's presidential campaign. President Biden issued a joint statement urging Hamas to accept a hostage and ceasefire deal, while a Commerce Department report showed weaker-than-expected economic growth in the US for the first quarter of 2024. Lastly, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was overturned by a New York Appeals Court, prompting plans for a retrial.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• Axios: Trump could get partial victory after Supreme Court hears immunity case
• AP News: Trump hush money trial day 7 highlights: David Pecker cross-examination begins 
• Axios: Biden and 17 world leaders call on Hamas to release the hostages
• CNBC: q1-2024-increased-at-a-1point6percent-rate.html">GDP growth slowed to a 1.6% rate in the first quarter, well below expectations 
• AP News: Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial overturned

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

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Today’s Headlines: Congress passed a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with a TikTok ban, allowing TikTok up to a year to secure a sale to an American company. Hamas released a video of an Israeli-American hostage, increasing pressure for negotiations. In Arizona, a grand jury indicted 18 people, including Trump affiliates, for efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Idaho's abortion ban vs. federal emergency care law, showing a divided stance. Tennessee passed a law permitting concealed handguns for teachers, and the Department of Transportation issued new rules mandating automatic flight refunds. Lastly, bird flu concerns arose after FDA detection in milk samples, leading to new regulations for dairy cow transportation.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• Axios: What happens now that Biden has signed the TikTok bill 
• Axios: Qatar passed U.S. proof-of-life of Israeli-American hostage on Monday
• WA Post: Meadows, Giuliani and other Trump allies charged in Arizona 2020 election probe 
• SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court divided over federal-state conflict on emergency abortion ban
• WA Post: Tennessee passes bill to let teachers carry guns, a year after mass shooting 
• CBS News: New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know 
• Axios: U.S. expands testing for bird flu in dairy cows 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Yesterday was the second day of testimony in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, which was filled with drama. While there won't be any cameras in the courtroom, the New York State Court System announced that transcripts of each day's proceedings will be published on their website due to "unparalleled public interest." Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his role in directing favorable stories to Donald's campaign, dating back to the 2015 republican primary. Meanwhile, there's anticipation for a ruling on whether Donald will be held in contempt of court for violating his gag order. The Supreme Court heard arguments on a dispute between Idaho's near-total abortion ban and a federal law requiring emergency abortion care, while the FTC voted to ban non-compete agreements nationwide, facing potential legal challenges from pro-business lobbyists. The Justice Department reached a $139 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar, resolving claims of FBI mishandling. Lastly, the Senate was voting on a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with the TikTok ban, signaling a late-night passage.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• WA Post: Ex-publisher David Pecker details ‘catch and kill’ in Trump trial testimony
• CBS News: Supreme Court to consider clash of Idaho abortion ban with federal law for emergency care 
• The Hill: FTC votes to ban noncompete agreements
• Reuters: US reaches $138.7 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar
• CNN: Senate passes $95 billion package sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay

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

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Today’s Headlines: In this episode, the Biden administration is considering sanctioning an Israeli military unit, Netzah Yehuda, known for its far-right ideology and comprised of ultra-Orthodox Jewish soldiers. This follows reports of the unit's reactivation after it was moved out of the West Bank due to convictions for torturing Palestinian detainees. Meanwhile, classified documents reveal Russia's plan to undermine the US and NATO through various means, including a water system hack in Texas. Defendant Donald's trial advances with opening statements and witness testimonies, while the Biden administration launches the American Climate Corps to train young people in green industries.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• WSJ: Israel's Military Spy Chief Resigns Over Oct. 7 Hamas Attack
• BBC: US-Israel: Netanyahu vows to reject any US sanctions on army units
• WA Post: Secret Russian foreign policy document urges action to weaken the U.S.
• WA Post: Tex. hack may be first disruption of U.S. water system by Russia
• AP News: Trump trial: Highlights from opening statements and first witness testimony
• ACC: American Climate Corps

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

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Today’s Headlines: The House of Representatives passed $95 billion in foreign aid packages for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, with $60 billion allocated for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Taiwan, and $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Additionally, they approved a measure allowing the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund aid for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran, and a TikTok ban if not sold within 9 months. Israel conducted a retaliatory strike against Iran in Isfahan, damaging part of an air defense system, and intensified air raids on Rafah. Maine joined 16 states and Washington DC in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. On Earth Day, alarming reports revealed that wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths annually, while the Interior Department expanded protections in Alaskan wilderness and the EPA targeted hazardous "forever chemicals."

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• CBS News: House approves aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan 
• BBC: Israel Iran attack: Damage seen at air base in Isfahan
• AP News: Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, mostly children, as US advances aid package
• AP News: Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this November
• NPR: Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.
• WA Post: For the first time, U.S. may force polluters to clean up these 'forever chemicals'
• NY Times: alaska-drilling-mining-nrpa.html#:~:text=The%20administration%20has%20blocked%20a,acres%20in%20the%20North%20Slope">Biden Shields Millions of Acres of Alaskan Wilderness From Drilling and Mining

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

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Today’s Headlines: Jury selection for Donald Trump's trial progressed swiftly, with 12 jurors seated and an alternate, though two were dismissed for reasons including anti-Trump social media posts. To safeguard juror anonymity, Judge Juan Merchan barred media from reporting juror details. Additionally, Trump's civil cases related to his January 6th election efforts faced rejection for delay by a federal judge. At the UN Security Council, the US vetoed a resolution for Palestine's full UN membership, citing preference for negotiations. Over 100 students were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University, including Representative Ilhan Omar's daughter. Maine's legislature passed a significant gun safety bill, and the Kennedy family endorsed President Biden's reelection in Philadelphia, despite family member Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running as a spoiler candidate.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Judge in Trump case orders media not to report where potential jurors work
• AP News: 12 jurors have been picked for Donald Trump's hush money trial. Selection of alternates is ongoing
• NY Times: delay-jan-6-civil-cases.html">Judge Rejects Trump’s Effort to Delay Jan. 6 Civil Cases 
• Axios: U.S. vetoes Palestinian bid for full UN membership 
• NY Times: Over 100 Arrested at Columbia After Pro-Palestinian Protest 
• NPR: Maine lawmakers pass sweeping gun legislation following the Lewiston mass shooting
• NPR: The Kennedys endorse Biden, not their family member RFK Jr. 

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

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Today’s Headlines: In Congress, the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas quickly adjourned after senators deemed the articles of impeachment unconstitutional, while whistleblowers from Boeing testified before a Senate subcommittee, criticizing the company's safety culture. In the House of Representatives, a resolution in support of Ukraine passed overwhelmingly, with notable opposition from Representatives Paul Gosar, Matt Rosendale, and Thomas Massie, the latter of whom cosponsored a motion to vacate Speaker Mike Johnson. Donald Trump's criminal trial saw no additional jurors selected, while reports surfaced of his meetings with foreign leaders and plans to dine with the president of Poland. Switzerland moved to ban Nazi and racist symbols, Democrats regained a majority in the Michigan State House of Representatives, and a "rain bomb" in the UAE and Oman highlighted climate change concerns.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• NBC News: Highlights: Senate rejects impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Mayorkas
• AP News: Boeing put under Senate scrutiny during back-to-back hearings on aircraft maker's safety culture
• Rolling Stone: Thomas Massie, Long a Friend to Russia, Votes Against Resolution Supporting Ukraine 
• NY Times: foreign-leaders.html?smid=nytcore-android-share">Trump Holds Series of Meetings With Foreign Leaders
• AP News: Switzerland's lower house moves to ban use of Nazi and extremist symbols that could stir violence 
• AP News: Michigan Democrats win special elections to regain full control of state government
• Axios: Dubai's record-shattering "rain bomb" has clear climate change ties 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Israel plans retaliation against Iran's strike, despite U.S. advisement against offensive action. The U.S. announces new sanctions on Iran's missile and drone program. In Donald Trump's criminal trial, seven jurors were selected, and he labeled it a "Biden-inspired witch hunt." The Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether federal prosecutors overstepped authority in prosecuting January 6th rioters. Additionally, Speaker Mike Johnson faces increased pressure after another congressman agrees to cosponsor a motion to remove him from speakership.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Israel says it will retaliate against Iran, despite the risks
• Axios: U.S. to hit Iran with fresh sanctions after Israel attack
• NBC News: Trump trial updates: Defense argues juror bias from Facebook posts; unfit for hush money case jury
• AP News: Supreme Court questions obstruction charges brought against Jan. 6 rioters, Trump
• WA Post: Mike Johnson faces growing momentum to oust him as House speaker 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump's first criminal trial started with jury selection which is expected to last up to two weeks. Trump, present throughout, unsuccessfully sought to modify the trial schedule. Prosecutors are emphasizing election interference, supported by evidence linking "hush money" payments to the 2016 election. The judge allowed National Enquirer articles into evidence and scheduled a contempt hearing for Trump's breach of a gag order. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson plans separate funding bills for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, including a TikTok ban and aid provisions. In the Supreme Court, Idaho's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender teenagers was upheld, and a lawsuit against a Black Lives Matter activist advances. The FBI launched a criminal investigation into the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and the Justice Department is preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• WA Post: The Trump Trials: Day One is in the books. Here's some key takeaways.
• The Hill: Speaker Johnson unveils plan for Ukraine, Israel at closed-door GOP meeting
• NBC: Supreme Court allows enforcement of Idaho ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors
• PBS: Supreme Court allows lawsuit that free speech advocates warn will threaten right to protest
• WA Post: Federal criminal investigation opened into Key Bridge crash
• WSJ: Justice Department to File Antitrust Suit Against Live Nation

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

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Today’s Headlines: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of retaliation against Israel following the attack on a consulate building in Syria. They seized an Israeli-affiliated cargo ship and launched approximately 350 strikes on Israel, mostly intercepted. President Biden reportedly deterred Israeli counterattack support. The IRGC declared the matter concluded. The Biden administration forgave $7.4 billion in student loans for 275,000 borrowers through the SAVE repayment plan. Loans under $12,000 will be canceled after 10 years, and balances forgiven after 20-25 years under the IDR adjustment. The IRS introduced a free tax filing feature as part of its Direct File Pilot program. Florida banned local heat and water break requirements for outdoor workers, and Arizona enacted the "Taylor Swift Act" against ticket bots. Over 150 cancer cases potentially linked to Poe Hall at North Carolina State University emerged due to hazardous materials. Donald Trump's first criminal trial for attempting to influence the 2016 election by paying off Stormy Daniels begins today.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Israeli military says 99% of drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted 
• WA Post: Biden administration cancels another $7.4 billion in student loans
• CNBC: IRS adds ‘important update’ for free Direct File pilot
• CBS Miami: Gov. DeSantis bans local governments from protecting workers from heat, limits police oversight boards
• 12 News KPNX: Arizona governor signs 'Taylor Swift' bill, setting restrictions on buying concert tickets
• USA Today: Campus building with PCBs linked to over 150 cancer cases at NC State, more tests coming

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

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