Today’s Headlines: Three new contenders, Mike Pence, Chris Christie, and Doug Burgum, have joined the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The Republican National Committee has set qualifying criteria for primary debates, while early polling shows Trump in the lead. Tensions between the US and China are escalating due to military provocations. The Supreme Court will hear a trademark case involving the phrase "Trump too small." Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Vision Pro, a VR and AR headset, with mixed reviews on its appearance. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times RNC Rules for First Debate Pose Challenge for Underfunded Candidates  ABC News: Chinese warship cuts off US Navy ship, marking 2nd military provocation in week  AP News: A man wants to trademark ‘Trump too small’ for T-shirts. Now the Supreme Court will hear the case  NBC News: Apple launches its $3,499 virtual reality headset: Apple Vision Pro  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Morning Announcements

Tuesday, June 6th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: President Biden successfully avoided a US default on its debt by signing a bill that suspends the government's debt ceiling just two days before the deadline. However, despite this agreement, the credit rating agency Fitch still maintains a negative watch on the United States' triple-A rating. On a positive note, the May jobs report exceeded expectations, with the addition of 339,000 non-farm payroll jobs in the US economy. In a significant ruling, a federal judge invalidated Tennessee's legislation that banned drag shows in public, citing violations of freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment. Unfortunately, two more anti-drag and anti-trans bills are progressing in Tennessee's state legislature. Furthermore, Floridians protested against a new immigration law that imposes restrictions on social services for undocumented immigrants and imposes penalties on employers and individuals associated with immigrants. This law may have adverse economic consequences for the state. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Reuters: Biden signs debt limit bill, avoiding U.S. default  CNBC: Payrolls rose 339,000 in May, much better than expected in resilient labor market  WA Post: Tennessee drag ban is unconstitutional, judge says LA Illuminator: ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ pronoun restriction bills in Louisiana inch closer to final approval   NPR: Why Florida's new immigration law is troubling businesses and workers alike Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Monday, June 5th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: The Senate is expected to vote on a bill to suspend the debt ceiling, preventing a potential US government default. The Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing companies to sue their own employees' union for damages caused during union activity, which could have implications for worker protections. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warned consumers against storing money on payment apps like Venmo, emphasizing the lack of government insurance and oversight. Bill Cosby is facing a new lawsuit by former Playboy model Victoria Valentino, who accuses him of sexual assault. Cosby is already facing multiple accusations from other individuals. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Senate passes debt ceiling bill, sending it to Biden to sign into law  CBS News: Supreme Court ruling deals another blow to organized labor  WA Post: Don't use Venmo, Cash App and PayPal to store money, CFPB says  WA Post: Bill Cosby is facing new sexual assault lawsuit  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Friday, June 2nd, 2023

Today’s Headlines: The House of Representatives passed a debt ceiling agreement, delaying the consequences of a potential US default until 2025. Federal prosecutors obtained a recording of Trump discussing a classified document on Iran policy. Trump waved the document, claiming it could undermine statements made by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley. Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis for adults over 21. It will take about 12 to 18 months for legal products to become available. Mike Pence is expected to launch his 2024 presidential campaign on June 7th, joining at least nine other candidates, including Chris Christie. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Hill: House passes bill to raise debt ceiling Independent: Trump caught on tape discussing classified documents he kept after leaving White House, reports say  CBS News: Gov. Tim Walz signs recreational cannabis bill into law   Wa Post: Pence, Christie to launch presidential bids next week  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Today’s Headlines: Debt ceiling deal causes division in politics, with threats to remove House Speaker. Mass shooting in Hollywood Beach leaves nine dead. Study shows increased heart attack deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among young adults. New York City sinking due to subsidence and rising sea levels. The Sackler family granted immunity in the opioid crisis, paying $6 billion for addiction programs. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Debt ceiling deal faces first hurdle in Republican-led House  AP News: Florida police search for 3 gunmen who wounded 9 at crowded beach on Memorial Day Today: Young people are more likely to die of heart attacks post-COVID, study finds. But why?  AP News: As rising oceans threaten NYC, study documents another risk: The city is sinking NY Times: Sacklers Can Be Shielded From Opioid Liability, Appeals Court Rules  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Today’s Headlines: President Biden and House Republicans have reached a deal to suspend the debt limit through 2025, preventing a federal default. The agreement includes spending limits, work requirements for SNAP recipients, and expanded benefits for veterans and others. The deal also ends the pause on student loan repayments. In Texas, the state House has impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton over bribery allegations. Turkey's President Erdogan has been reelected, and Russia has issued an arrest warrant for Senator Lindsey Graham. France threatens to block Twitter in Europe if it doesn't comply with new rules. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Debt ceiling deal: What’s in, what’s out of the bill to avert US default CBS News: Debt ceiling deal's next steps — getting it through Congress  CNBC: Treasury now says it could run out of money June 5, buying time for debt ceiling talks  Texas Tribune: Texas AG Ken Paxton impeached, suspended from duties; will face Senate trial  BBC News: Erdogan wins five more years as Turkey's president  AP News: Russia issues arrest warrant for Lindsey Graham over Ukraine comments The Wrap: France’s Digital Minister Threatens to Ban Twitter in Europe After Site Ditches Disinformation Rules  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: No agreement has been reached on raising the debt limit, with a looming June 1st deadline. Republicans are making progress on a deal involving the debt limit and spending cuts in the next budget. They want increased work requirements for food stamps and Medicaid while protecting defense spending. The possibility of a deal is low, risking a credit rating downgrade and potential job losses and a recession. Founder of the Oath Keepers, Elmer Stewart Rhodes, has been sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy. Homeland Security warns of potential violence leading up to the 2024 election, while recent charges against January 6th insurrectionists may be preventing further violence. New developments in the investigation reveal Trump's employees moving classified documents. A Texas committee unanimously recommends impeachment for Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging abuse of power. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: ⁠What Republicans want in exchange for raising the debt limit⁠ Bloomberg: ⁠US Credit Rating at Risk of Fitch Cut on Debt-Limit Impasse⁠  NY Times: ⁠Oath Keepers Leader Is Sentenced to 18 Years in Jan. 6 Sedition Case⁠  NBC News: ⁠DHS warns of attacks against government buildings, minority groups ahead of 2024 election⁠  Washington Post: ⁠Trump workers moved Mar-A-Lago boxes a day before FBI came for documents⁠  AP News: ⁠Texas lawmakers issue 20 articles of impeachment against state Attorney General Ken Paxton⁠  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Friday, May 26th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in a glitchy Twitter space conversation with Elon Musk. An elementary school in Miami-Dade County moves the poem "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman to middle school shelves after a parent complained about its content. Target faces backlash and removes certain Pride merchandise from stores due to threats to workers' safety and damage to Pride displays. January 6th insurrectionist Richard Bigo Barnette is sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for various charges, including theft of government property. No progress on a debt ceiling deal as House Republicans push for spending cuts and reject proposals to increase revenue, risking a government funding crisis by June 1st. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: DeSantis launches GOP presidential campaign in Twitter announcement plagued by glitches  NY Times: Florida School Restricts Access to Amanda Gorman's Inauguration Poem  AP News: Target becomes latest company to suffer backlash for LGBTQ+ support, pulls some Pride month clothing AP News: Capitol rioter photographed propping feet on desk in Pelosi’s office sentenced to over 4 years  GOP unites over brinkmanship over default, rejecting Biden compromises  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Thursday, May 25th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: A 19-year-old Missouri resident was arrested for driving a U-Haul truck into security barriers near the White House, facing charges related to threats, assault, and trespassing.Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about the risks of social media to young people, including self-harm, eating disorders, and cyberbullying. He recommended delaying children's social media use and establishing boundaries. An Illinois attorney general's report revealed over 450 credible abusers in the Catholic Church, with many instances of sexual abuse involving priests and lay religious figures. False reports of a Pentagon explosion spread due to an AI-generated image shared on Twitter, causing a temporary stock market dip. Harlan Crow's lawyers argue against an ethics probe into his friendship with Justice Thomas, claiming Congress lacks authority.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: 19-year-old arrested on multiple charges after crashing into barriers near the White House  NY Times: Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Harm Children and Adolescents  NY Times: Sex Abuse In Catholic Church: Over 1,900 Abused In Illinois, State Says  NPR: Fake viral images of an explosion at the Pentagon were probably created by AI  Bloomberg: Harlan Crow’s Lawyers Say Congress Doesn’t Have Authority to Investigate Supreme Court   Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: E. Jean Carroll, who previously won a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump, has filed a new lawsuit seeking additional damages due to Trump's comments about her. Trump referred to her as a "wack job" and called her story "fake and made up" on national TV. Senator Tim Scott has announced his presidential campaign, criticizing the "radical left" and emphasizing his background. TikTok has filed a lawsuit to overturn Montana's ban of the app, claiming it violates free speech. A profile on Harlan Crow, a Republican donor and friend of Justice Clarence Thomas, reveals their relationship and Crow's collection of controversial items. Russia has expanded its list of sanctioned Americans, including enemies of Donald Trump, in response to US sanctions. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: E. Jean Carroll Seeks New Damages From Trump for Comments on CNN  CBS News: Tim Scott announces he is running for president in 2024: "I am America"  AP News: TikTok files lawsuit to overturn Montana’s 1st-in-nation ban on the video sharing app  The Atlantic: Harlan Crow wants to stop talking about Clarence Thomas NY Times: Russia's Latest Sanctions on U.S. Officials Turn to Trump Enemies  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

Today’s Headlines: The US government has made limited progress in reaching an agreement to raise the debt ceiling, with a deadline approaching. President Biden criticized Republican proposals and mentioned the possibility of cutting spending and raising taxes. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to announce his presidential run, trailing behind Donald Trump in polls. The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida, accusing Governor DeSantis of attempting to erase black history. Montana has become the first state to ban TikTok, leading to a lawsuit filed by TikTok creators on grounds of freedom of speech. Concerns have been raised about TikTok's data privacy and potential cooperation with the Chinese government. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused air quality alerts in several US states. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Biden and McCarthy to meet on Monday to negotiate directly on debt ceiling  The Guardian: DeSantis says only he can beat Biden in 2024 presidential election CBS News: NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida, says state "has become hostile to Black Americans" Mashable: What does Montana's TikTok ban actually mean? AP News: TikTok content creators file lawsuit against Montana over first-in-nation law banning app Buzzfeed News: Leaked Audio From 80 Internal TikTok Meetings Shows That US User Data Has Been Repeatedly Accessed From China Washington Post: A former TikTok employee tells Congress the app is lying about Chinese spying CNN: Ex-ByteDance employee claims China had ‘supreme access’ to all data   Axios: Smoke from Canada's wildfires prompts air quality alerts across U.S.  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Monday, May 22nd, 2023

Today’s Headlines: The Texas state legislature passed a bill to ban puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors, which will be sent to Governor Greg Abbott for signing. Disney canceled its nearly $1 billion office development in Orlando, Florida, citing changing business conditions. A Florida teacher is being investigated for showing the animated Disney movie "Strange World" that features an openly gay character. The Supreme Court ruled that Twitter cannot be held liable under a federal anti-terrorism law for failing to prevent terrorist groups from using its platform. Senator Diane Feinstein suffered undisclosed complications from shingles, including facial paralysis and post-shingles encephalitis. SAG-AFTRA authorized a strike in anticipation of upcoming contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, focusing on compensation and regulating the use of artificial intelligence. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Texas Tribune: Texas expected to ban puberty blockers, hormone treatments for trans kids NY Times: Disney Pulls Plug on $1 Billion Development in Florida NBC News: Florida teacher under investigation for showing a Disney film with a gay character Reuters:US Supreme Court leaves protections for internet companies unscathed NY Times: Feinstein Suffered More Complications From Illness Than Were Publicly Disclosed SAG-AFTRA: SAG-AFTRA National Board Unanimously Agrees To Send Authorization Vote To Members Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Friday, May 19th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed four bills into law that restrict LGBTQ rights. The bills include expanding the Don't Say Gay law, banning transition-related care for minors, prohibiting trans people from using public facilities aligned with their gender identities, and restricting "adult" performances in front of minors. However, Democrats are calling for an investigation into DeSantis's use of Florida's law enforcement agency. In North Carolina, the state legislature overrode Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a 12-week abortion ban. Donald Trump claimed responsibility for "killing Roe v. Wade." The resolution to expel George Santos from Congress was referred to the House Ethics Committee. In the mayoral race of Jacksonville, Florida, Donna Deegan became the first woman to hold the position, despite DeSantis endorsing her opponent. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: DeSantis signs 'Don't Say Gay' expansion, gender-affirming care ban  NBC News: Supreme Court rejects challenge to Illinois assault weapons ban Washington Post: North Carolina bans abortion past 12 weeks overriding governor veto  NBC News: Trump: 'I was able to kill Roe v. Wade' AP NEws: Effort to expel Santos falters as Republicans vote to send measure to Ethics Committee  News 4 Jacksonville: Voters elect Donna Deegan as new Jacksonville mayor Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

Today’s Headlines:In the House of Representatives, Democrats aim to expel George Santos, but a two-thirds vote is needed. The US nears its debt limit, and Biden and Congress must find a resolution within 6-7 days. Rudy Giuliani faces allegations of misconduct, including selling pardons for $2 million, though no evidence has been provided yet. The IRS investigation reveals higher audit rates for Black taxpayers. OpenAI's CEO urges government regulation to mitigate risks in artificial intelligence, highlighting concerns about AI manipulating humans. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Democrats introduce a resolution to expel indicted Rep. George Santos from House Reuters: Biden, McCarthy hopeful on debt ceiling deal, US president cuts Asia trip short  Independent: Rudy Giuliani said he and Trump were selling pardons for $2m apiece, ex-aide claims  NPR: IRS chief says agency is 'deeply concerned' by higher audit rates for Black taxpayers AP News: ChatGPT chief says artificial intelligence should be regulated by a US or global agency Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: A man armed with a baseball bat attacked the district office of democratic representative from Virginia, Gerald E. Connolly, injuring two staff aides. The assailant faces charges of malicious wounding and is being held without bond. The motive is not yet identified, but he has a history of mental illness. Special counsel John Durham has issued a report criticizing the FBI for its investigation of Trump’s 2016 campaign and collusion with Russia, but no actual charges were made. Donald Trump spoke at Michael Flynn’s “Reawaken America Tour” and promised to bring Flynn back to power if elected. A woman has filed a lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani, alleging he coerced her into sex and owes her almost $2 million in unpaid wages. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will testify in Congress on the oversight of AI and potential risks of the technology. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Staff Members Attacked With Bat at Congressman's Virginia Office  Washington Post: Durham report sharply criticizes FBI's 2016 Trump Campaign Probe  AP News: Trump tells former adviser Michael Flynn: ‘We’re going to bring you back’  AP News: Woman sues Rudy Giuliani, saying he coerced her into sex, owes her $2 million in unpaid wages The HIll: ChatGPT CEO heads to Congress as lawmakers face AI explosion Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

Morning Announcements is a daily show brought to you by the Betches Sup, here to help you make sense of the world in the wake of 2020’s chaos. Every morning, Betches co-founder and host Sami Sage gives you quick daily updates with the most important info you need to know about politics and current events. Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz.

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Morning Announcements

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