Episodes

  • Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 - Trump’s hot mic; Security purge & Smithsonian feud; TX standoff; OK’s PragerU tests; TikTok sued; Radioactive shrimp & more

    Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 - Trump’s hot mic; Security purge & Smithsonian feud; TX standoff; OK’s PragerU tests; TikTok sued; Radioactive shrimp & more
    Aug 20 2025
    Today’s Headlines: President Trump was caught on a hot mic telling French President Emmanuel Macron that Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal,” though the Kremlin brushed it off Reports say Putin even suggested Zelensky travel to Moscow — a nonstarter, given Russia’s stance on Ukraine. Trump also ruled out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. Meanwhile, the Trump administration revoked security clearances for 37 current and former national security officials, many tied to the 2016 Russia interference assessment. Trump also escalated his attacks on “woke” institutions, directing his lawyers to target the Smithsonian museums over their exhibits. In California, Republican lawmakers are suing to block Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting legislation, while in Texas, State Rep. Nicole Collier is literally sleeping in the capitol to avoid signing a GOP loyalty paper that would otherwise allow her to leave without threat of arrest. Elsewhere, Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters announced that out-of-state teacher applicants must pass an “anti-radical” test written by PragerU and immigration authorities rolled out a new policy weighing immigrants’ “positive attributes” in citizenship applications — just as ICE moved to deport a Maine police officer accused of overstaying his visa. Finally, Minnesota joined states suing TikTok over addictive algorithms, and the FDA warned consumers to toss certain Walmart frozen shrimp after reports of possible radioactive contamination linked to an Indonesian supplier. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: BBC: Kremlin plays down Zelensky talks as Trump warns Putin may not want 'to make deal' AP News: Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials Axios: Trump says he has instructed lawyers to look into "woke" in Smithsonian museums Axios: California Republicans sue to pause Newsom's redistricting effort NBC News: Texas Democratic legislator is sleeping in the state Capitol after refusing security escort to leave AP News: Oklahoma to test ideology of teachers coming from California and New York Axios: Citizenship reviews now ask immigrants to show "positive contributions" to U.S. AP News: Maine police officer arrested by ICE agrees to voluntarily leave the country AP News: Minnesota sues TikTok, alleging it preys on young people with addictive algorithms NBC News: Walmart shrimp may have been exposed to radioactive material, FDA says Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 - ​​Trump-Zelenky meeting; Mail-in voting ban; Newsmax settlement; TX redistricting; Hamas Ceasefire & more

    Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 - ​​Trump-Zelenky meeting; Mail-in voting ban; Newsmax settlement; TX redistricting; Hamas Ceasefire & more
    Aug 19 2025
    Today’s Headlines: After Trump’s meeting with Putin, Zelensky and several spooked European leaders rushed to DC for damage control. Trump called his Oval Office chat with Zelensky their “best meeting yet” (not saying much), hinted at a three-way with Putin, and bragged Europe would “carry the burden” on Ukraine—all while admitting he’d already “spoken indirectly” with Putin. Meanwhile, Russian TV aired footage of U.S. equipment flying Russian and American flags near Zaporizhzhia. Back home, Trump announced an executive order to ban mail-in voting and attacked voting machines, echoing Putin’s lines while undermining the constitutionality of state run elections. In related news, Newsmax agreed to pay Dominion $67 million for 2020 election lies, following big settlements with Smartmatic and Fox. In Texas, Democrats are back, clearing the way for Republicans to lock in five new House seats and in other potentially corrupt news, the White House was caught keeping a loyalty “scorecard” on businesses’ support for Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” while they weigh taking a 10% stake in Intel—an unusually socialist-sounding move. Meanwhile, the DOJ is set to hand over long-delayed Epstein records, with Bill Barr insisting it was suicide despite “camera blind spots.” And reports say Trump officials helped spring an Israeli cybersecurity exec arrested in Nevada on child sex charges, flying him home before trial. Finally, Hamas has reportedly accepted a new ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, though Israel hasn’t formally responded, and Netanyahu is still vowing a Gaza City offensive as over a million Israelis strike in protest. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Live updates: Trump says he is setting up meeting for Zelenskyy and Putin to discuss Russia-Ukraine war The Daily Beast: Flag-Waving Russian Forces Troll Trump After Crumbling to Putin Axios: Trump raises end to mail-in ballots after claiming Putin questioned their security NBC News:Newsmax to pay $67M to settle defamation lawsuit from voting machine company WSJ: Texas Democrats End Walkout, Ensuring GOP Redistricting Plans Will Pass Axios: Scoop: White House loyalty rating for companies WSJ: Trump Administration Weighs 10% Stake in Intel to Help Bolster Chip Maker CNN: House Oversight Chair says Justice Department to start providing Epstein-related records on Friday Mediaite: Israeli Official Arrested in Nevada Child Sex Operation Is Released and Back in Israel Axios: Hamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal proposal Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • Monday, August 18th, 2025 - Red carpet for Putin summit; Israel national strike; Gaza visas paused; Dems bid to end DC takeover; Hurricane Erin

    Monday, August 18th, 2025 - Red carpet for Putin summit; Israel national strike; Gaza visas paused; Dems bid to end DC takeover; Hurricane Erin
    Aug 18 2025
    Today’s Headlines: The Trump–Putin “summit” in Alaska dominated the weekend, though there seemed to be more bad optics than progress. Putin demanded control of Donetsk plus recognition of Russia’s land grabs in Ukraine, while hinting China could offer Kyiv “security guarantees” instead of NATO. No deal came out of it, but plenty of eyebrow-raisers did: Russian FM Lavrov in a vintage USSR shirt, US troops literally rolling out a red carpet, Trump’s team leaving summit documents (including Putin’s lunch menu) at a hotel printer, and Putin even hopped into Trump’s car for a quick chat. Journalists said Trump’s staff looked “ashen,” a post-meeting lunch was mysteriously canceled, and the only follow-up so far is Trump planning a phone call with Zelensky and EU leaders. Elsewhere, Israel saw a massive general strike—organizers say about 10% of the country joined—to pressure the government into prioritizing a hostage deal over expanding the Gaza war. In the U.S., about 60 kids from Gaza arrived for medical care with the help of a nonprofit, sparking outrage from Laura Loomer and prompting the Trump administration to pause visitor visas from the territory. Back in DC, hundreds of National Guard troops from West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina are being deployed to the capital in Trump’s ongoing push to control city policing—though officials insist they’re not armed “at this time.” Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, are pushing a resolution to end Trump’s authority over the DC police. And finally, Hurricane Erin—the first named storm of the season—rapidly jumped to a Category 5 before downgrading slightly. It’s still expected to slam the Southeast as a major hurricane early this week. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Putin made maximalist claims to Ukrainian territory in Trump summit: Sources NBC News: Ukraine and allies left scrambling as Trump shifts toward Putin after Alaska summit NBC News: Ukraine and allies left scrambling as Trump shifts toward Putin after Alaska summit Times of Israel: Large protests held across Israel as national strike for hostages gets underway NYT: U.S. Pauses Visitor Visas for Gazans After Laura Loomer Posts WSJ: More National Guard Soldiers Head to D.C. and Prepare to Carry Weapons Axios: Democrats introduce measure to terminate Trump's D.C. takeover NYT: U.S. Pauses Visitor Visas for Gazans After Laura Loomer Posts Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Friday, August 15th, 2025 - Trump-Putin in AK; Newsom’s “Liberation Day”; Inflation fears; PBS out, right-wing PragerU in; Ivanka’s back, Hunter talks Epstein & more

    Friday, August 15th, 2025 - Trump-Putin in AK; Newsom’s “Liberation Day”; Inflation fears; PBS out, right-wing PragerU in; Ivanka’s back, Hunter talks Epstein & more
    Aug 15 2025
    Today’s Headlines: Trump and Putin are meeting today in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Cold War-era Elmendorf-Richardson base — which Russian media is treating like a five-star historic landmark. Ukraine’s Zelensky wasn’t invited to the land-talks party. Trump says he’s optimistic about a deal, with a joint press conference possible if things go smoothly (or solo remarks if they don’t). Meanwhile, investigators say Russia-backed hackers broke into the federal courts’ sealed records system, which holds national security cases and other sensitive files. In politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom marked “Liberation Day” by announcing a ballot measure to take redistricting power from his state’s independent commission, while Texas keeps fighting over its own maps. Border Patrol showed up at Newsom’s LA event, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to call it “provocative.” Inflation’s back in the spotlight as wholesale prices saw their biggest jump since 2022. PBS is still defunded, and conservative group PragerU is being floated as a replacement. And in family news: Ivanka Trump’s back to plan a White House UFC fight for America’s 250th birthday, while Hunter Biden claims Jeffrey Epstein introduced Donald and Melania Trump — something Melania’s lawyers want retracted, but Hunter says he’s not backing down. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Russians hail historic Alaska ties ahead of Trump-Putin summit on Ukraine CNN: Live updates: Trump says Putin will make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting NYT: Russia Is Suspected to Be Behind Breach of Federal Court Filing System The Hill: Watch: Newsom outlines plan to combat Trump, GOP redistricting NYT: ICE shows up to Governor Newsom's press Conference CNBC: Wholesale prices rose 0.9% in July, much more than expected The Grio: Potential PBS replacement network says slavery was 'no big deal' in video The Daily Beast: Trump Gives MIA Ivanka New White House Gig Axios: Hunter Biden said he won't apologize to Melania Trump amid lawsuit threat Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Thursday, August 14th, 2025 - Trump rants… again; TX gerrymandered map; Norway blames Russia; Mexico extradites 26 cartel bosses & more

    Thursday, August 14th, 2025 - Trump rants… again; TX gerrymandered map; Norway blames Russia; Mexico extradites 26 cartel bosses & more
    Aug 14 2025
    Today’s Headlines: Trump turned what should’ve been a straightforward Kennedy Center honoree reveal — shoutout to Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and Michael Crawford — into another marathon rant. He floated extending National Guard deployments in DC, promised to clear homeless encampments without saying where people will go, and unveiled a pricey 600-troop “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” for nationwide protest crackdowns. Down in Texas, Republicans rammed through a gerrymandered congressional map after Trump demanded a special session, while Democrats are still hiding out of state. On the foreign front, Trump is gearing up for his Putin meet-and-greet at an Anchorage military base, warning of “severe consequences” if there’s no Ukraine ceasefire. Norway is blaming Russian hackers for sabotaging a dam in April. Trump also nominated former Fox News face Tammy Bruce as deputy ambassador to the UN — even though both the deputy and main gig are currently empty. Oh, and Mexico just extradited 26 alleged cartel bosses after Trump’s tariff threats, with the DOJ promising no death penalties. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump names Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host the awards show NBC News: Trump says he will seek 'long-term extension' of Washington police takeover Axios: "Unheard of and ominous": Trump's D.C. homelessness crackdown perplexes advocates WaPo: Pentagon plan would create National Guard ‘reaction force’ for civil unrest Texas Tribune: Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state WSJ: Trump Agrees on Ukraine Red Lines With Europe Before Putin Summit AP News: Norwegian police say pro-Russian hackers were likely behind suspected sabotage at a dam CBS News: Trump nominates Tammy Bruce as deputy representative to the U.N. Axios: Mexico extradites 26 suspected top cartel leaders to U.S. Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 - SC asked to overturn same-sex marriage; Trump’s history makeover; Harvard’s $500M deal; Israel strikes press & more

    Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 - SC asked to overturn same-sex marriage; Trump’s history makeover; Harvard’s $500M deal; Israel strikes press & more
    Aug 13 2025
    Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could overturn its 2015 Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage — courtesy of Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk jailed for refusing gay marriage licenses. She’s appealing a $360K judgment, claiming First Amendment protection and arguing marriage equality was wrongly decided. Meanwhile, the White House plans to audit the Smithsonian to make sure exhibits fit Trump’s “unifying” version of American history — which critics say means erasing inconvenient facts. Harvard is reportedly near a $500M settlement with the Trump administration to end multiple investigations, restore research funding, and avoid federal oversight — while maintaining its admissions independence. Trump mocked Goldman Sachs’ chief economist after tariff warnings, telling the CEO (a hobbyist DJ) to “focus on being a DJ.” He also nominated Heritage Foundation economist EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics after firing the last commissioner over jobs numbers. An Israeli strike killed Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, four colleagues, and two others; Israel claims he was a Hamas operative. And convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has been moved to a cushier prison with possible work release. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Supreme Court formally asked to overturn landmark same-sex marriage ruling WSJ: White House to Vet Smithsonian Museums to Fit Trump’s Historical Vision NYT: Harvard Nears a Deal With the Trump Administration to Restore Funding CNBC: Trump tells Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to replace bank's economist over tariff predictions NYT: Trump Names EJ Antoni New BLS Commissioner AP News: Israel targets and kills Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif in Gaza as journalist toll grows Yahoo: Trump’s Child Sex Trafficker Friend Ghislaine Maxwell May Be Eligible For Work Release Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 - DC National Guard; US-China tariff truce; Aussies back Palestine; TX Target shooting; Scary weather report & more

    Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 - DC National Guard; US-China tariff truce; Aussies back Palestine; TX Target shooting; Scary weather report & more
    Aug 12 2025
    Today’s Headlines: In maybe another Epstein distraction tactic, Trump held a fiery presser to announce he’s taking control of DC’s police and sending 800 National Guard troops for 30 days — despite crime being at a 30-year low. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called it “unlawful” and noted Congress could’ve given her Guard control years ago. Trump also hyped his upcoming Alaska meeting with Putin to discuss “land swaps” for ending the Ukraine war. Zelensky isn’t invited, but Trump hinted at a follow-up meeting, while European leaders scramble to meet him first. A judge blocked the DOJ’s push to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records, calling it a distraction. The US and China extended their tariff truce for 90 days, and the US will now take 15% of Nvidia and AMD’s China AI chip sales for export licenses. Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September, joining Canada and France. At home, a gunman killed 3 people outside an Austin Target, and explosions at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed 1 and left another missing. Severe storms in the Midwest caused deadly flooding in Milwaukee, shut down the Wisconsin State Fair, and left 14 million people under flood alerts. Forecasters are also tracking tropical storm Erin in the Atlantic and Hurricane Henriette in the Pacific. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Live Updates: Trump Orders National Guard to Washington and Takeover of Capital’s Police NBC News: Ahead of Putin sitdown, Trump says he hopes to get 'prime territory' back for Ukraine WSJ: European Leaders Plan to Meet Trump Before Putin Talks NBC News: Judge denies DOJ bid to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records Axios: US, China extend tariff pause another 90 days WSJ: Nvidia, AMD to Give U.S. 15% Cut on AI Chip Sales to China Axios: Australia will recognize a Palestinian state, PM Albanese says AP News: Shooter kills 3 in a Target parking lot in Austin, Texas, before being captured, police say AP News: Explosion at US Steel plant in Pennsylvania leaves 1 dead, 1 missing, 10 injured NBC News: Severe storms knock out power and close roads in Midwest as flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair AP News: Forecasters say Tropical Storm Erin could become 1st Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • Monday, August 11th, 2025 - Trump-Putin summit in AK; Nuke reactor race; CDC shooting; FBI purge, IRS commissioner axed; Vegas slump & more

    Monday, August 11th, 2025 - Trump-Putin summit in AK; Nuke reactor race; CDC shooting; FBI purge, IRS commissioner axed; Vegas slump & more
    Aug 11 2025
    Today’s Headlines: Trump’s rolling out the red carpet for Putin on Friday — the first U.S. invite outside the UN since 2007 — with no Ukraine concessions, just Putin demanding eastern Ukraine in exchange for “ending” the war (and no guarantee he wouldn’t restart it). Zelensky responded by saying that would be against Ukraine’s constitution. Meanwhile, NASA’s in a tight race with China and Russia to land a nuclear reactor on the Moon’s resource-rich South Pole by 2030. In Atlanta, a gunman killed a police officer near the CDC before dying in a CVS shootout; authorities suspect COVID vaccine conspiracy motives. The FBI fired at least three senior officials tied to Jan. 6 and Trump ally cases, while Trump axed the IRS commissioner and sent him to Iceland. Trump also hid Obama’s and both Bushes’ portraits in a stairwell, wants to merge Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under ticker “MAGA,” and is eyeing billions from a gov stake sale. Vegas visitor numbers are down 11% this year, with international tourism spending in the U.S. projected to drop $12.5 billion. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo; Russians cheer Putin’s Alaska invitation, envision no concessions on Ukraine WIRED: Why the US Is Racing to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon CNN: CDC leaders call shooting targeted and deliberate as rattled staff say they felt like ‘sitting ducks’ WaPo: FBI fires former acting head, two other officials at odds with Trump administration NBC News: Trump removes IRS boss, Treasury Secretary Bessent takes over for now CNN: Trump moves Obama, Bush portraits to hidden stairwell Axios: Trump suggests "MAGA" stock listing for mortgage giants Fannie, Freddie Axios: Sin City tourism slump signals wider economic slowdown Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 mins