About this episode
Today’s Headlines: On Saturday, the IDF rescued four Israeli hostages during an operation in Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp, killing 270 Palestinians, according to Hamas's Gaza Health Ministry. The US provided intelligence support but did not participate directly. There are still about 120 hostages in Gaza, with 43 presumed dead. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu's chief political rival, Benny Gantz, announced his party's withdrawal from Netanyahu's coalition, criticizing his handling of the conflict and calling for early elections and a commission to investigate October 7th. This leaves Netanyahu's war cabinet dominated by ultra-right-wing ministers, likely leading to a more aggressive stance. In European news, far-right parties gained ground in the EU parliamentary elections in France, Germany, and Italy. Marine Le Pen's National Rally Party doubled the votes of President Macron’s party, prompting him to dissolve the lower house of parliament and announce snap elections. Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Germany's Alternative for Germany party also saw significant gains. However, the majority of the European Parliament remains with centrist parties, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In the US, the Department of Justice and FTC are investigating Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia for antitrust issues in the AI industry, part of broader scrutiny of major tech companies. Additionally, Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, pled not guilty to nine felony charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Arizona. His trial, along with that of Michael Roman, is set for October 31st. Finally, May's jobs report showed the US added 272,000 jobs, exceeding expectations. Job growth was strongest in healthcare, government, and leisure and hospitality. Average hourly earnings increased, while the unemployment rate rose slightly above 4% for the first time since January 2022. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Four Israeli hostages rescued alive; at least 210 people killed in Gaza, officials say Axios: Netanyahu preventing victory over Hamas, Gantz says as he exits coalition AP News: Far-right gains in EU election deal stunning defeats to France’s Macron and Germany’s Scholz Axios: U.S. to open broad antitrust probe into AI giants: source AP News: Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows pleads not guilty in Arizona's fake elector case CNBC: Jobs report May 2024: U.S. job gains totaled 272,000 in May 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