Friday, January 31st, 2025 - DC Crash; Trump tariffs; Cabinet hearings update; NPR & PBS probed; 2024 economy report; 8 hostages freed

Today’s Headlines: A commercial jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., killing all on board. The FAA was understaffed at the time, and no administrator was in place. Trump responded by appointing an acting FAA commissioner and ordering a review of DEI policies. Meanwhile, Trump reaffirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will begin tomorrow but left details vague. His cabinet hearings continued, with RFK Jr., Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard facing scrutiny over controversial past statements and actions. The FCC launched an investigation into NPR and PBS over alleged sponsorship violations, signaling a possible move to defund public broadcasting. The U.S. economy grew 2.3% in 2024, slightly slowing from the previous year. Finally, eight Hamas-held hostages were released in Gaza, leaving no known living female hostages in captivity. An American hostage is expected to be freed next. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Live Updates: No Survivors After Plane and Helicopter Crash Near Washington, Officials Say The Verge: The FAA is facing a major crisis without a leader because Elon Musk pushed him out NY Times: Trump Blames D.E.I. and Biden for Crash Under His Watch Axios: Trump promises tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb. 1 NBC News: RFK Jr. stumbles on Medicaid at Senate confirmation hearing NY Times: Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI Pick, Works to Persuade Senators in Confirmation Hearing NBC News: Gabbard faces tough questions from Republicans over her flip-flops on Snowden and federal surveillance program CNN: Trump’s FCC is investigating NPR and PBS stations over sponsorships Axios: U.S. economy wraps 2024 on solid footing with 2.3% growth rate Axios: Hamas releases another eight hostages as part of Gaza ceasefire deal 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