Today’s Headlines: In a series of developments, the United States, alongside the UK and 12 other nations, issued a joint statement urging Iran-backed Houthi rebels to cease their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Responding to the increased attacks, the US led a military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen, marking a significant escalation aimed at curbing assaults in the Red Sea. President Biden confirmed the strikes' success but withheld details on casualties. Meanwhile, in the ongoing civil fraud trial, former President Donald Trump, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise, delivered a 6-minute statement in court, creating courtroom drama. The trial's conclusion on January 31st will reveal whether Trump faces business bans and a $370 million penalty, as suggested by New York Attorney General Letitia James. In another political development, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces discontent from hard-right Republicans for agreeing to a topline budget deal with Senate Democrats, with potential threats to his speakership if he doesn't renegotiate the terms. Additionally, the FAA announced an investigation into Boeing following an incident where an airplane door flew off, while an Ohio grand jury declined to indict a woman prosecuted for alleged corpse abuse after a miscarriage. Finally, a preliminary FDA review found no evidence linking semaglutide drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, to a higher instance of suicidal thoughts, though regulators continue to examine the issue.

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Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz

Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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