Friday, June 27th, 2025 - Trump-Bibi Gaza plan; Khamenei on US strikes; ICE death; DOJ vs MD judges; GOP budget blow & more

Today’s Headlines: President Trump is pressuring Israeli PM Netanyahu to end the Gaza war in exchange for a sweeping regional deal: hostages released, Hamas exiled, Gaza jointly governed by Arab states, and a conditional Israeli endorsement of Palestinian statehood—with Saudi Arabia and Syria joining the Abraham Accords. But the plan faces major hurdles: Hamas resists exile, Arab nations want Palestinian Authority involvement (which Netanyahu opposes), and Trump’s meddling may be tied to helping Netanyahu dodge corruption charges. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei dismissed U.S. strikes as ineffective, contradicting Trump’s claims of “obliteration,” while intel reports show only a few months' setback to Iran’s nuclear program. Elsewhere, a Canadian man died in ICE custody, and GOP Rep. Andy Ogles called for NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani to be investigated and deported over old rap lyrics referencing a terror case. In another first, the Trump DOJ is suing all 15 federal judges in Maryland for slowing down deportations. The Senate parliamentarian struck down major Republican budget cuts—like SNAP reductions and student loan crackdowns—as non-compliant with congressional rules, complicating Trump’s push to pass the bill by July 4.SCOTUS ruled states can block Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding—even for non-abortion care—while Trump considers firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell early for not slashing rates fast enough. Finally, 280+ U.S. cities broke heat records this week as a “heat dome” scorched the Midwest and East Coast, affecting nearly 130 million Americans. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Times of Israel: Netanyahu, Trump said working on plan to end Gaza war and expand Abraham Accords Axios: Netanyahu wants to meet Trump at White House after Iran war success Axios: Iran's Khamenei claims U.S. strike didn't cause major damage to nuclear facilities ABC News: Trump, Hegseth slam news coverage of US intel report on Iran attack, say B-2 pilots upset CTV News: Canada ‘urgently seeking more information’ on death of Canadian in ICE custody Newsweek: House Republican Wants Zohran Mamdani Deported Axios: "Bizarre" DOJ lawsuit fuels Trump's war against judicial branch NYT: Top Senate Official Rules Against Several Key Provisions in G.O.P. Policy Bill AP News: States can block Medicaid money for health care at Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court says WSJ: Trump Considers Naming Next Fed Chair Early in Bid to Undermine Powell Axios: Hundreds of heat records set across U.S. this week Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices