Monday, March 25th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: The attack in Moscow was perpetrated by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), an offshoot of the Islamic State, aiming to establish an Islamic caliphate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. At least 137 people were killed and 60 injured in the concert hall attack. Russian security services apprehended 11 individuals, including the four shooters, identified as foreign nationals from Tajikistan, confirming ISIS-K's responsibility for the assault. Congress has averted a government shutdown by passing a $1.2 trillion spending package for the second half of the federal budget for 2024, signed by President Biden. Notably, military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel was not included. While this provides temporary stability, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson faces challenges from the far right of his party for compromising on the bill. Additionally, Senator Lisa Murkowski hinted at leaving the Republican Party due to its support for Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump faces a deadline to cover a civil fraud penalty, but despite financial difficulties with his company Truth Social, an IPO valued at $5.7 billion has been approved, potentially offering a solution.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

BBC: What we know about the attack on a Moscow concert hall 

Reuters: President Biden signs $1.2 trillion US spending bill | Reuters

Axios: Mike Johnson faces right-wing fury over spending bill 

Axios: Sen. Lisa Murkowski not ruling out splitting with GOP

NY Times: Could Trump’s Properties Really Be Seized? - The New York Times 

Reuters: Investors greenlight Trump’s $5.7 billion Truth Social deal | Reuters

Inquirer: Jeffrey Yass' firm invested in company that merged with Trump's Truth Social 

NY Times: Trump’s Deal With R.N.C. Prioritizes PAC Paying His Lawyers 

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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