Morning Announcements

9h ago

Today’s Headlines: It’s officially Epstein Files Friday — meaning the DOJ is legally supposed to release the files today, per the law Trump signed 30 days ago. Coincidentally, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent Congress home early for the holidays, neatly avoiding being in the building when the files are either released or… not. Meanwhile, House Democrats dropped 70 more photos from Epstein’s estate, including plans for his island, disturbing “Lolita” imagery, redacted foreign passports, and photos of high-profile figures. The Trump administration is also moving to dramatically ramp up denaturalization efforts, telling immigration officials to target up to 200 citizenship revocations per month next year — a massive escalation for a process that’s historically rare. Trump’s media company announced a surprise $6 billion merger with a nuclear fusion firm, briefly reviving its stock, while questions swirl around the recent killing of an MIT fusion scientist and the now-closed Brown University shooting case. In other news, Trump unveiled a very familiar-sounding “Patriot Games” and backed renaming the Kennedy Center after himself, RFK Jr. cut funding for major pediatric health programs while pushing new restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, the government admitted liability in the deadly January DC plane crash, and The New Yorker launched a fully digitized 100-year archive — finally ending on a high note. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The New Republic: Mike Johnson Sends Entire House Home Ahead of Epstein Files Deadline Axios: Latest Epstein photos include "Lolita" quotes written on a woman's body NYT: Trump Administration Aims to Strip More Foreign-Born Americans of Citizenship CNN: Trump’s social media business is merging with a nuclear fusion company MIT: Nuno Loureiro, professor and director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, dies at 47 WaPo: Kennedy Center board votes to rename to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ WaPo: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. NBC News: HHS moves to slash funding and access to care for transgender minors AP News: US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 in Washington New Yorker: The Entire New Yorker Archive Is Now Fully Digitized Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1d ago

Today’s Headlines: Trump escalated toward open conflict with Venezuela by labeling the country a “foreign terrorist organization,” blockading sanctioned oil tankers, and laying groundwork that looks a lot like a path to war — even as U.S. oil companies quietly signal they’re not interested in going back. Abroad, Britain’s MI6 chief warned that tech billionaires and algorithms are reshaping global power faster than politicians, while Putin doubled down on threatening Ukraine with either invasion or “negotiation,” plus some nuclear saber-rattling for flair. Back home, Trump expanded his travel ban, House Republicans briefly rebelled to pass a doomed healthcare bill, and Jack Smith told Congress he found proof Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election and obstruct justice. The FCC chair openly claimed the agency isn’t independent from the president — then removed the word “independent” from its website mid-hearing — as the Senate confirmed Elon Musk’s friend to run NASA. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino announced he’s quitting the FBI, Alan Dershowitz floated a very “it depends” take on a third Trump term, Ghislaine Maxwell moved to toss her conviction, and the DOJ is legally required to release the Epstein files tomorrow. On the crime front, the Brown University shooter is still at large, an MIT professor’s killing is now a homicide investigation, Nick Reiner appeared in court for his parents’ murders, and — in truly end-times energy — the Oscars are leaving ABC for YouTube. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Venezuela’s Navy Begins Escorting Ships as U.S. Threatens Blockade Politico: Trump administration asking US oil industry to return to Venezuela — but getting no takers I-News: MI6 chief: Tech giants are closer to running the world than politicians WSJ: Putin Warns He Will Achieve Aims in Ukraine Through Negotiation or War Axios: Trump expands travel ban to Syrians, Palestinians and others AP News: Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker Mike Johnson on ACA subsidies NBC News: Jack Smith tells Congress he could prove Trump engaged in a 'criminal scheme' to overturn 2020 election AP News: FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy Axios: Dan Bongino announces FBI exit WSJ: Trump Told by Alan Dershowitz Constitutionality of Third Term Is Unclear AP News: Imprisoned Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell seeks release, citing 'new evidence' Axios: MIT professor Loureiro shot at home: Police launch homicide investigation AP News: Rob and Michele Reiner's son appears in court on murder charges while siblings speak of their loss Hollywood Reporter: Oscars Bolts from ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029 Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2d ago

Today’s Headlines: As of Tuesday evening, the suspect in the Brown University shooting remains at large, with police releasing new footage and a timeline in hopes the public can help identify him. Meanwhile, a Vanity Fair profile of Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles revealed unusually blunt on-the-record comments, including describing Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality,” calling JD Vance a longtime conspiracy theorist, and criticizing DOJ handling of the Epstein files—remarks the White House has since dismissed. Trump also filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC over a January 6 documentary, a case now assigned to a Trump-appointed judge. In media news, Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to reject Paramount’s $108 billion bid in favor of a Netflix deal, after Jared Kushner’s firm pulled its backing from Paramount. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will not release full footage of a controversial strike on a drug boat that reportedly killed wounded survivors. In Los Angeles, Nick Reiner was charged with murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as Michelle Obama publicly defended the couple’s legacy. Finally, new data shows unemployment rose to 4.6% in November, the highest level in more than four years, with job losses in three of the past six months. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: New photo released of person of interest in Brown University shooting as manhunt enters fourth day Vanity Fair: Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) WaPo: Trump sues BBC ‘for putting words in my mouth’ WSJ: Warner Preparing to Tell Shareholders to Reject Paramount Offer CNN: Full video showing follow-up strike on alleged drug boat won’t be released to the public, Hegseth says LA Times: A famous father, a troubled son: How addiction tormented the Reiner family WSJ: U.S. Unemployment Rose in November ​Despite Job Gains Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3d ago

Today’s Headlines: As of late Sunday, the suspect in Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University — which killed two people and injured nine — remains at large. Police released new photos after clearing a briefly detained person of interest, while local officials say there’s no immediate threat. Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel falsely claimed a suspect had been caught, statements later contradicted by Providence police. In Australia, the death toll from a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney rose to 16, the country’s deadliest shooting in nearly 30 years; authorities say a father and son carried out the attack, and ISIS flags were found in their car. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pledging even stricter gun laws. Back in the U.S., California police are investigating an antisemitic attack on a Jewish family’s Hanukkah-decorated home, while federal authorities arrested four men accused of plotting a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack. In Los Angeles, the son of director Rob Reiner was arrested on suspicion of murdering Reiner and his wife; Trump blamed the deaths on “Trump derangement syndrome,” drawing backlash. Elsewhere, the administration is arguing in court against providing live ASL interpreters at White House events and against halting construction of Trump’s planned White House ballroom. A JetBlue pilot narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. military aircraft in the Caribbean, and President Zelensky says the U.S. has agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine as talks continue. Finally, Merriam-Webster named “slop” — low-quality AI-generated content — its 2025 word of the yea Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Providence Journal: Brown University mass shooting suspect new images released Axios: Brown University shooting person of interest being released, officials say NBC News: From Charlie Kirk to Brown University, Trump officials have posted inaccurate info in wake of tragedy Reuters: Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach LA Times: Attack on Jewish family's Redlands home under investigation as a possible hate crime WaPo: Justice officials say they stopped a terror plot in Southern California LA Times: Live Updates: Rob Reiner’s son arrested in fatal stabbings of the Hollywood legend and his wife CNN: Trump’s Rob Reiner post on Truth Social undercuts Republicans’ claims to civility Axios: Republican lawmakers slam Trump's "inappropriate" posts on Rob Reiner Axios: "Very bad for our country": Trump doubles down on Rob Reiner attacks Live 5: Trump administration says sign language services ‘intrude’ on Trump’s ability to control his image AP News: Trump administration says White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security WaPo: ‘Outrageous’: JetBlue pilot describes near-collision with Air Force plane off Venezuela AP News: US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks Axios: "Slop" to the top: Merriam-Webster's word of the year is here Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4d ago

Today’s Headlines: This weekend saw two devastating mass shootings just hours apart. At Brown University in Rhode Island, a 24-year-old gunman killed two students and wounded nine others inside an academic building, prompting a five-hour campus lockdown before he was arrested at a hotel south of Providence. Several of the victims had previously survived other school shootings. In Australia, a father and son opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40. One victim, a Holocaust survivor, died while shielding his wife. Authorities called it a terrorist attack and recovered explosives nearby. In other news, two U.S. troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria after an attacker—who had recently joined local security forces—opened fire. The incident is being treated as a major security failure, and Trump vowed retaliation against ISIS. Meanwhile, Chile elected its most right-wing president in decades, José Antonio Kast, while Ukraine peace talks continue. President Zelensky signaled he may forgo NATO membership in exchange for U.S. security guarantees, even as the U.S. reportedly plans to scale back European defense commitments and Republicans float leaving NATO altogether. Back in the US, House Democrats released dozens of photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate showing him with powerful figures across politics and business, with tens of thousands more images still under review. The New York Times also reported that Andrew Tate cultivated ties to Trump-world figures to help escape prosecution abroad—after which new assault allegations quickly followed. And finally, Dr. Oz has been emailing federal health workers unsolicited advice on resisting office snacks, reminding everyone that in 2025, nothing—not even cookies—is safe from wellness content. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: Person of interest in Brown University shooting is 24, from Wisconsin: live updates CNN: At least 15 killed in shooting that targeted Australia’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach NYT: Hanukkah Concerts With Israeli Military Cantor Raise Outcry in Amsterdam AP News: Attacker who killed US troops in Syria was a recent recruit to security forces, official says Reuters: Exclusive: US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say Axios: NATO chief: "Putin is in the empire-building business again" Axios: Ukraine, U.S. and Europe to debate Trump's plan on Saturday in Paris NYT: Zelensky Offers Compromise for New Round of Ukraine Peace Talks CNN: New photos released from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Bannon, Bill Clinton and other high-profile people NYT: How Andrew Tate, Manosphere Star Accused of Rape and Trafficking, Was Freed Axios: The high cost of the U.S. sports betting boom Wired: Dr. Oz Tells His Federal Employees to Eat Less Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12

Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump had a not-so-stellar day yesterday. First, Indiana’s GOP-controlled state senate actually stood up to him and rejected his pressure campaign to pass a wildly gerrymandered congressional map. So instead of all nine districts going red, only seven will — proving that sometimes his bullying doesn’t work (shocking, I know). Then Congress did its favorite thing: nothing helpful. Both parties tanked bills that would’ve extended Obamacare subsidies, meaning everyone’s insurance premiums are about to skyrocket. Over in the House, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem got grilled during the annual “worldwide threats” hearing — mostly about immigration and the administration’s messy due-process violations. She even denied ICE had detained veterans… until a deported veteran showed up…on zoom. Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia because ICE couldn’t produce a single legal document justifying why they were trying to deport him. CBP also wants to require travelers from 40 visa-waiver countries to hand over five years of social media, emails, phone numbers, and family history before visiting the U.S. And the administration is adding another militarized zone to the southern border just because. Trump also failed yet again to manufacture a criminal case against NY AG Letitia James — the second grand jury in two weeks declined to indict her for fake mortgage fraud. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new law requiring disclosure when ads use AI-generated actors and requiring consent for post-mortem likeness use. But Trump immediately tried to kneecap state AI rules with an executive order letting DOJ punish states that “restrict” AI — all part of the administration’s push for “AI neutrality” (whatever that means), including new federal guidance to ban “woke” AI. And finally, Disney struck a $1 billion deal with OpenAI to let Sora use Disney characters in AI-generated videos. So basically… they’re paying someone to copy their own IP. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Indiana Senate Republicans Reject Trump’s Redistricting Effort CNN: Live updates: Trump administration, health care vote and latest Venezuela news PBS News: WATCH: Noem defends Trump immigration policy in House hearing on security threats AP News: Foreigners allowed to travel to the US without a visa could soon face new social media screening AP News: Trump administration adds militarized zone in California along southern US border NYT: A Grand Jury Again Resists Trump’s Push to Reindict Letitia James WSJ: Trump Signs Executive Order to Curtail State AI Laws Axios: White House issues federal agency guidance against "woke" AI Axios: N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes major changes to AI bill Deadline: Disney Inks Blockbuster $1B Deal With OpenAI, Handing Characters Over To Sora Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11

Today’s Headlines: Trump had a chaotic 24 hours — bragging at 3 a.m. on Truth Social that he “aced” his third cognitive test and accusing the New York Times of being “treasonous” for reporting he looked like he was asleep in a Cabinet meeting. By midday he’d moved on to claiming the U.S. seized the “largest tanker ever” near Venezuela, while Pam Bondi posted dramatic helicopter-raid footage with zero clarity on whose oil was involved. Meanwhile, another federal judge ordered the DOJ to unseal all Epstein grand jury records, giving Trump just eight days to release the files he’s been promising for years. In other news, the Fed cut interest rates again, six states struck deals with the administration to ban SNAP users from buying junk food, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced a bill to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza after… Charlie Kirk. Over in foreign policy chaos, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a bill to pull the U.S. out of NATO entirely. Election-wise, Democrats scored more surprise wins: Albuquerque’s mayor kept his seat and a Democrat flipped a deep-red Georgia district that Trump carried by 12 points. In tech bro land, Elon Musk hinted that SpaceX is going public next year, OpenAI warned (in its own report!) that its models pose “high risk” for cyberattacks, and Australia officially began its under-16 social media ban. And finally, Marco Rubio ordered U.S. diplomats to ditch Calibri and go back to Times New Roman because vibes. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Daily Beast: Trump, 79, Boasts About Taking Three Separate Dementia Tests CNN: US seized oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, Trump says The Independent: Epstein and Maxwell grand jury docs are being unsealed as Trump’s DOJ approaches deadline to publish files CNBC: Divided Fed approves third rate cut this year, sees slower pace ahead Axios: SNAP junk food ban expands to 6 more states Axios: GOP bill would rename Black Lives Matter Plaza after Charlie Kirk Thomas Massie: Rep. Massie Introduces Bill to Remove the United States from NATO Albuquerque Journal: Mayor Keller wins third consecutive term in Albuquerque runoff election Georgia Recorder: Democrat flips northeast Georgia state House seat, pulling off special election upset Axios: Musk suggests SpaceX IPO reports are "accurate" Axios: Exclusive: New OpenAI models likely pose "high" cybersecurity risk, company says NYT: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Takes Effect AP News: Calibri font becomes the latest DEI target as Rubio orders return to Times New Roman Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10

Today’s Headlines: Trump had a busy week: he gave himself an A++++++ on the economy, and in a Politico interview, openly admitted he has “no vision for Europe” while praising autocrats like Orban in Hungary and Erdogan in Turkey. European security officials are sounding alarms too, warning that Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign—political sabotage, infrastructure attacks, energy manipulation, and propaganda—could escalate into a full-blown war by 2029. Meanwhile, Netanyahu says he speaks to Putin “regularly” to protect Israel’s borders, particularly against Syria, so the lines are already being drawn. Over in tech, Elon Musk confessed on Katie Miller’s podcast that DOGE was only “somewhat successful” and that if he could do it again, he wouldn’t. And the Pentagon, under Pete Hegseth, is rolling out Google’s Gemini AI for unclassified work like onboarding and administrative tasks—but the NYT is suing because Hegseth’s new press rules forced reporters to sign gag orders or lose access. In Florida, Miami elected its first Democratic mayor in 28 years, Eileen Higgins, a former Peace Corps director and mechanical engineer, ending decades of GOP control and running on a government efficiency platform. Let’s travel back to Taylor Swift’s October album release real quick, remember the nazi, trad wife chaos around it? Turns out, less than 4% of accounts drove 28% of the conversation, and over 73% of the inflammatory posts came from inauthentic or conspiracy-focused accounts. Basically, most of the outrage wasn’t real—it was engineered. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Full transcript: POLITICO's interview with Donald Trump Financial Times: Russia’s hybrid warfare puts Europe to the test Times Of Israel: In Knesset debate, Netanyahu says he regularly talks to Putin to safeguard Israel's 'vital interests' WSJ: New York Times Sues Hegseth, Defense Department Over New Press Rules Axios: Musk says DOGE was only "somewhat successful," wouldn't do it again Axios: U.S. military to use Google Gemini for new AI platform Politico: Miami elects first woman mayor, ends GOP’s 28-year control of City Hall Rolling Stone: Taylor Swift's Last Album Sparked Bizarre Accusations of Nazism. It Was a Coordinated Attack Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices