Morning Announcements

Morning Announcements

5 minutes 57 seconds

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 - Immigration arrests; Fed health agencies silenced; DEI rollback; Jan. 6 & Silk Road pardons
Today’s Headlines:The second Trump administration is wasting no time shaking things up. ICE has already arrested 308 undocumented immigrants, calling them "threats to public safety." Federal health agencies have been ordered to pause all external communications until February 1, including scientific reports and health advisories—just as bird flu concerns grow. In a major rollback, Trump revoked the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which banned workplace discrimination, and ordered federal workers to report any hidden DEI programs. Over at the DOJ, 15 top immigration officials were fired or reassigned. Trump also pardoned all January 6th participants, including far-right militia leaders, and hinted they might have a role in future politics. And in a surprising move, he pardoned Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, who was serving a life sentence for running a massive online black market.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
- National Review: Trump's Mass Deportation Operation Begins with Over 300 Criminal Aliens Rounded Up on Day One
- CNN: Trump administration directs federal health agencies to pause communications
- Natural Law Review: President Trump's Executive Order Rescinds Affirmative Action
- WA Post: Justice Dept. removes senior career officials from key positions
- NBC News: Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio back home after Trump's Jan. 6 clemency
- The Independent: Trump suggests Proud Boys and Oath Keepers might have a place in the ‘political conversation’ after Jan 6 pardons
- Rreuters: Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht for online drug scheme | Reuters
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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23 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 27 seconds

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 - Trump EO update; $500B AI project; Mass deportation lawsuits; New Hegseth allegations; Winter storm hits Southeast
Today’s Headlines: President Trump has already reversed 75 Biden policies, brought back the death penalty, and signed an order trying to end birthright citizenship—which has already sparked lawsuits. Immigration agents can now arrest people in schools, churches, and hospitals. Trump also announced a massive $500 billion AI project with OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth’s cabinet nomination is in trouble after abuse allegations surfaced. At an inaugural prayer service, a bishop urged Trump to show compassion for immigrants and LGBTQ people, while Pope Francis called his deportation plans a disgrace. Finally, a record-breaking winter storm is hammering the Southeast.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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22 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 24 seconds

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 - Trump’s first moves: tariffs, pardons, & power plays; Biden’s final acts; German warning on big tech
Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president, outlining plans for his second term, including a southern border emergency, 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, ending DEI initiatives, and pardoning 1,500 January 6 rioters. He also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and WHO, designated cartels as terrorist organizations, and dismissed pending January 6 cases. Former President Biden issued pardons for January 6 Committee members, Dr. Fauci, General Milley, and his family. Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and Vivek Ramaswamy was ousted from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency after a clash with Elon Musk.A leaked German memo warns of Trump consolidating power with big tech, reshaping U.S. governance.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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21 January 2025, 11:00 am
8 minutes 58 seconds

Monday, January 20th, 2025 - Israel-Hamas ceasefire; TikTok ban; Trump inauguration; Cancer trends; CA price gouging
Today’s Headlines: The Israel-Hamas ceasefire began Sunday, with 3 Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners released. Aid is flowing into Gaza, but Israel warns fighting may resume. Back in the US, TikTok briefly went offline after a Supreme Court ban but returned following Trump’s 90-day reprieve and plans for U.S. ownership. Trump’s inauguration today will include signing orders on immigration, environmental rollbacks, and more. He also launched a cryptocurrency over the weekend reportedly earning billions. Meanwhile, a cancer report shows higher survival rates but rising diagnoses in young women, with racial disparities in mortality. In California, rent gouging was declared illegal by the state AG. Finally, Biden exits office after commuting 2,500 sentences and declaring the ERA valid, though without legal force.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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20 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 57 seconds

Friday January 17th, 2025 - Israel-Hamas deal & Cabinet hearings updates; FL AG to fill Rubio’s seat; Johnson’s House rules; SpaceX crash and more
Today’s Headlines: Israel and Hamas' ceasefire deal remains unapproved as Israeli strikes continue amidst disagreements over prisoner exchanges. Trump’s cabinet hearings spotlighted Scott Bessent's opposition to raising the $7.25 minimum wage. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis named Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson barred proxy voting for pregnant members and replaced House Intel Chair Mike Turner with Rick Crawford, aligning with Trump’s foreign policy. TikTok CEO Shou Chew will attend Trump’s inauguration, fueling speculation about TikTok’s future, while NYC Mayor Eric Adams quietly visited Mar-a-Lago. Lastly, a SpaceX rocket failed mid-flight, resulting in a "rapid unscheduled disassembly."
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
17 January 2025, 11:00 am
8 minutes 7 seconds

Thursday, January 16th, 2025 - Israel-Hamas deal; South Korea arrest; Biden farewell; TikTok ban; Bondi hearing; FAA vs. Southwest; FDA Red dye ban
Today’s Headlines: srael and Hamas reached a phased ceasefire and hostage deal starting January 19, with major obstacles ahead. South Korea’s impeached president was arrested for alleged rebellion and abuse of power. Biden’s farewell address warned of oligarchy and tech power threatening democracy. TikTok plans a U.S. shutdown pending a Supreme Court ruling on its ban, as Trump considers delaying enforcement. Pam Bondi faced grilling over DOJ independence in her AG confirmation, while Rubio, Ratcliffe, and Wright had smoother hearings. The Department of Transportation sued Southwest Airlines for delays, and the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in consumables, effective by 2027.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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16 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 12 seconds

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 - LA wildfires & Hegseth hearing updates; Military gender care ban; Trump report released; Musk SEC Suit
Today’s Headlines: Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for defense secretary began, with his focus on restoring a "warrior culture" to the Pentagon; key opposition Senator Joni Ernst now supports his confirmation. Meanwhile, the House passed a defense bill banning gender-affirming care for service members’ children and ending DEI programs. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s 2020 election interference concluded a trial sooner might have led to conviction. The SEC sued Elon Musk for alleged securities violations in his 2022 Twitter acquisition, though its future under the new administration is uncertain. In Los Angeles, wildfires prompted red flag warnings, potential evacuations for 84,000 more residents, and unsafe water advisories due to fire-related contamination.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
15 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 36 seconds

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 - LA wildfires; Hegseth hearing; TikTok delay; Greenland deal; DOJ v RealPage; Israel-Hamas talks
Today’s Headlines: The Los Angeles wildfire death toll has risen to 24, with a Particularly Dangerous Situation advisory in effect due to high winds, while lawsuits claim Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, which has burned over 14,000 acres. In Congress, Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces confirmation hearings amid controversy, and Senator Markey proposes delaying the TikTok sale deadline, with reports of Elon Musk being considered to acquire its U.S. operations. A House bill seeks to allow Trump to negotiate acquiring Greenland, as Denmark signals openness to increased U.S. military presence there. The DOJ expanded its antitrust lawsuit against major landlords and RealPage for alleged rent price-fixing. Meanwhile, President Biden’s final foreign policy address highlighted U.S. alliances and progress toward a potential Israel-Hamas hostage and ceasefire deal.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
14 January 2025, 11:00 am
6 minutes 50 seconds

Monday, January 13th, 2025 - LA wildfires; Trump & Menendez sentencing updates; NATO’s Trump-proofing; Job gains; Meta DEI cut
Today’s Headlines: Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 16 lives, damaged over 10,000 structures, and forced 100,000 residents to evacuate, with curfews and nearly 30 arrests aimed at curbing looting. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to fast-track rebuilding and extend price gouging protections. President-elect Trump received an unconditional discharge in his felony case, while DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith resigned ahead of Trump’s inauguration as NATO shifted Poland’s air defenses to prepare for the upcoming Trump administration. European strategies. December job gains exceeded forecasts, lowering unemployment to 4.1% but possibly delaying Fed rate cuts. Meta ended its DEI programs following Supreme Court rulings, and prosecutors recommended 15 years for Senator Bob Menendez after his bribery conviction.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
13 January 2025, 11:00 am
5 minutes 9 seconds

Friday, January 10th, 2025 - LA fires & Trump sentencing updates; Carter honored; Union giants merge; Title IX ruling; Vatican’s 1st female leader
Today’s Headlines: Wildfires in Los Angeles continue to devastate the region, forcing 180,000 evacuations as federal aid is deployed. Jimmy Carter’s state funeral was held in D.C., with President Biden delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Donald Trump faces sentencing in his New York case today after failed legal maneuvers, while a phone call with Justice Alito raises ethical concerns. The AFL-CIO and SEIU announced a powerful union merger, and a federal judge struck down expanded Title IX protections for transgender students. Finally, Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla to lead a major Vatican office, marking a historic first for women in the Church.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
10 January 2025, 11:00 am
5 minutes 20 seconds

Thursday, January 9th, 2025 - LA wildfires devastate; Trump fights court battles; NC justice blocked; Santos delays sentencing for podcast funds
Today’s Headlines: Massive wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 5 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and forced 80,000 evacuations, with 0% containment as hurricane-force winds fuel the flames. Meanwhile, Trump’s legal maneuvers continue as he seeks Supreme Court intervention to block sentencing for his 34 felony convictions and delays the DOJ's 2020 election interference report. In North Carolina, the Republican-majority Supreme Court blocked certification of a Democratic justice’s election, citing disputed ballots. Lastly, George Santos asked to delay his sentencing to fundraise via his podcast and other ventures, facing fines and possible prison time.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
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
9 January 2025, 11:00 am
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