Today’s Headlines: House Speaker Mike Johnson ended the congressional session early to block a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein case files, just as the House Oversight Committee moved to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump’s deputy AG (and personal lawyer) is set to visit Maxwell in prison, while Trump dismissed it all as a “witch hunt.” During an Oval Office sit-in with Philippine President Marcos Jr., Trump called for Barack Obama to be charged with treason over the Russia investigation—prompting a rare rebuke from Obama’s office. Trump also claimed he’ll receive $20 million in ad commitments from Skydance Media—soon to merge with Paramount—on top of a recent $16 million settlement, prompting Senator Warren to consider an investigation. Meanwhile, Microsoft warned of a major China-linked cyberattack on SharePoint, impacting nearly 100 institutions. Abroad, 28 countries condemned Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza after 80 Palestinians were killed near an aid drop, and U.S.-Israel-Syria talks are expected amid Israeli strikes on Damascus. Trump also announced a new trade deal with Japan involving “reciprocal tariffs” and a vague $550 billion investment. Finally, the U.S. Olympic Committee banned trans women from competing in women’s sports, following a Trump executive order.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Axios: House bails early for its August recess amid Epstein files uproar 

WaPo: Justice Dept. seeks meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell amid Epstein outrage 

AP News: Trump rehashes Russia investigation grievances after intelligence report 

WSJ: Trump Expects $20 Million More in Ad Dollars From ‘60 Minutes’ Settlement

Axios: Microsoft hack risk spreads as cybercriminals and nation-states pile in

ABC News: 28 countries sign statement calling for end of war in Gaza

Axios: Scoop: U.S. to mediate Israel-Syria meeting Thursday to avoid new crises

WSJ: Trump Says U.S. and Japan Reach Trade Deal

Axios: U.S. Olympic committee bans trans women from competing in women's sports

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump is throwing distractions at the Epstein scandal, including threatening the Washington Commanders' stadium plans unless they revert to the "Redskins," and releasing 240,000 sealed FBI files on MLK Jr.’s assassination—despite opposition from King’s family. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed a vote on releasing Epstein-related DOJ files until after summer recess. Trump also banned Wall Street Journal reporters from his Scotland trip, revived “Russiagate” claims with help from DNI Tulsi Gabbard, and posted AI memes of Obama being arrested—all while still being a convicted felon. On the economy, new tariffs are pushing up Walmart prices on essentials like coffee and kitchenware, while Amazon is hiking prices on hundreds of goods even after promising not to. DHS is expanding immigrant detention to military bases in New Jersey, Indiana, and even doubling capacity at Guantanamo. The EPA is slashing jobs at its science research office to save $750 million. Former officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison for excessive force in the Breonna Taylor raid—despite DOJ recommending no jail time. Lastly, the Pentagon is pulling all 700 Marines from Los Angeles after Trump’s militarized response fizzled out.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Trump administration releases FBI records on MLK Jr. despite his family’s opposition

NYT: Johnson Says He Won’t Hold Vote Calling on Trump to Release Epstein Files This Summer

NYT: White House Bans Wall Street Journal From Press Pool on Trump’s Scotland Trip

Time: Trump Envisions Jailing Obama as Tulsi Gabbard Threatens Prosecutions

The Wrap: Trump Goes on Meme Spree, Shares AI Video of Obama Getting Arrested 

CNBC: Here's where Walmart prices are changing — and staying the same — as Trump's tariffs hit

WSJ: After Pledging to Keep Prices Low, Amazon Hiked Them on Hundreds of Essentials

NPR: Military bases in New Jersey, Indiana, to be expanded to detain immigrants

Wired: EPA Employees Still in the Dark as Agency Dismantles Scientific Research Office

AP News: Judge gives ex-officer nearly 3 years in Breonna Taylor raid, rebuffs DOJ call for no prison time

The Guardian: Deployment of all 700 active-duty marines to Los Angeles withdrawn

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

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Today’s Headlines: Fallout from a Wall Street Journal report revealing a bizarre birthday note allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein continues, with Trump denying authorship and suing the WSJ, Rupert Murdoch, and others for $10 billion in a defamation suit filed in Judge Aileen Cannon’s district. Meanwhile, VP JD Vance quietly visited Murdoch just before the story broke, and the DOJ moved to unseal grand jury records on Epstein as reports suggest Trump’s name triggered special review protocols within the FBI. Over in entertainment, CBS abruptly canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert shortly after Colbert slammed parent company Paramount for a Trump-linked $16M “settlement”—timed suspiciously with FCC approval requests for the Paramount–Skydance merger. Congress also voted to slash $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funds, disproportionately affecting rural NPR stations. On immigration, new reporting exposed unacknowledged passengers on deportation flights and the botched deportation of an elderly asylum recipient, now hospitalized in Guatemala after vanishing from ICE custody. Internationally, an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza church killed civilians and earned Netanyahu an apology call to the Pope, frustrating the Trump White House amid fragile ceasefire talks in Syria. And in financial news, the so-called GENIUS Act passed, boosting crypto markets by letting banks treat stablecoins as assets, not liabilities—just in time for “crypto week” on the Hill.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

WSJ: Jeffrey Epstein’s Friends Sent Him Bawdy Letters for a 50th Birthday Album. One Was From Donald Trump.

CNBC: Trump sues Murdoch for $10 billion over WSJ story on Epstein birthday letter

The Independent: JD Vance flew to Montana for secret meeting with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News execs 

ABC News: DOJ files request to unseal Epstein grand jury records after uproar over files

NBC News: FBI personnel were told to flag Epstein files mentioning Trump, Senate Democrat says

Variety: Writers Guild Demands Investigation Into Stephen Colbert ‘Late Show’ Cancellation, Has ‘Significant Concerns’ About Bribery at Paramount 

Axios: Skydance CEO met with FCC chair ahead of CBS canceling "The Late Show" 

Axios: Congress votes to strip more than $1 billion in funding for NPR, PBS 

404media.co: Flight Manifests Reveal Dozens of Previously Unknown People on Three Deportation Flights to El Salvador

The Morning Call: Allentown grandfather’s family was told he died in ICE custody. Then they learned he’s alive — in a hospital in Guatemala, they say

ABC News: Netanyahu calls Pope Leo XIV after deadly Israeli strike on Gazan church

Axios: "He's a madman": Trump's team frets about Netanyahu after Syria strikes

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that can cause leg swelling and serious complications—though his doctor insists he’s in “excellent” health. Meanwhile, Senate Democrat Ron Wyden revealed that the Trump DOJ has suppressed evidence of over $1.5 billion in Jeffrey Epstein-linked transactions flagged by major banks, some involving Russian accounts and high-profile payments, yet Trump refuses to appoint a special counsel or release more documents. While the Senate GOP blocks further Epstein disclosures, ICE will now access sensitive data from 79 million Medicaid enrollees—despite many immigrants being ineligible for the program—to track down undocumented residents. At the same time, the Trump administration is collecting voter rolls and suing counties for access to personal information in a sweeping push ahead of the 2026 midterms. Internationally, a U.S. military assessment found that recent strikes only severely damaged one of Iran’s three nuclear enrichment sites, and U.S. cybersecurity officials report a sharp uptick in Chinese government-backed cyberattacks on American infrastructure and institutions.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CBS News: Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a minor vein condition, after noticing swelling in legs

NYT: Ron Wyden, a Democrat, Won’t Let Go of the Jeffrey Epstein Case, Either

AP News: Trump won't recommend special counsel in Epstein investigation, spokeswoman says

Axios: Senate GOP blocks resolution demanding Trump release Epstein files

AP News: Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients' personal data, including addresses, to ICE

WaPo: DOJ hits states with broad requests for voter rolls, election data

NBC News: New U.S. assessment finds American strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites

WaPo: China’s cyber sector amplifies Beijing’s hacking of U.S. targets

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

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Today’s Headlines: Israel launched missile strikes on Syria’s military HQ in Damascus, potentially destabilizing the new Syrian government amid talks to normalize relations. Despite the Trump administration’s request to hold back, Israel is sending more troops to the border, citing threats to the Druze community. Meanwhile, Trump hosted Bahrain’s crown prince, who pledged $17 billion in U.S. investments—though details were vague, aside from a symbolic model airplane. Trump also denied plans to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, despite telling Republicans otherwise, and floated the Fed’s over-budget HQ renovations as a possible excuse. Separately, the administration fired federal prosecutor Maurene Comey—daughter of James Comey—who had handled the Epstein, Maxwell, and Diddy cases, offering no clear reason. Trump mocked his own supporters who believe Epstein conspiracy theories, calling them “weaklings,” while still refusing to release promised files. And in two more Trump-world twists: DHS deported five migrants to Eswatini, an African country none of them were from, and federal agents arrested nine anti-ICE protesters in Spokane. Lastly, $100 million worth of Trump memecoins are unlocking today, padding the president’s net worth.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Axios: Israel bombs Syrian capital despite U.S. pressure to "stand down"

Bloomberg: Bahrain’s PM Vows $17 Billion US Investment During Trump Meeting

NBC News: Trump says it's 'highly unlikely' he will fire Fed Chair Powell after broaching idea with GOP reps

Axios: Trump says Fed renovations issue might be fireable for Powell

WaPo: DOJ fires Maurene Comey, prosecutor involved in Epstein, Diddy cases

AP News: Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein 'hoax'

Axios: DHS sends migrants to Eswatini in new 3rd-country deportation

Seattle Time: Federal government accuses nine Spokane protesters of violence against ICE

Bloomberg: Trump Memecoin Unlock To Test Crypto Demand

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

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Today’s Headlines:  June’s inflation rose by 0.3%, putting the annual rate at 2.7%—slightly up, but still within forecasts. Meanwhile, House Republicans voted down Democratic efforts to release Epstein case documents, despite GOP leaders publicly claiming to support transparency. Trump praised AG Pam Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files while denying any link to the case, but new metadata shows nearly 3 minutes are missing from recently released prison footage. A lawyer for Epstein’s victims claimed there’s far more unreleased evidence, including thousands of hours of video. ICE has issued a new memo eliminating bond hearings for undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S., affecting millions. A federal grand jury indicted Vance Boelter for the politically motivated killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Two people died after record-setting flash floods hit NYC and New Jersey, where over two inches of rain fell in one hour. The DOJ appealed a ruling halting race-based immigration arrests in California, and Missouri’s Republican AG is threatening OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft with legal action after a blog claimed an AI ranked Trump worst on antisemitism—despite Microsoft’s bot refusing to rank the presidents at all.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNBC: Inflation picks up again in June, rising at 2.7% annual rate 

WaPo: Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans break with Trump on Epstein 

NYT: House Democrats Push for Hearing on Jeffrey Epstein Case Amid GOP Rift

PBS: WATCH: Asked if his name appears in Epstein files, Trump claims Comey, Obama and Biden made them up

Wired: The FBI's Jeffrey Epstein Prison Video Had Nearly 3 Minutes Cut Out

WPBF: Attorney: Epstein’s black book and secret tapes hold powerful names

WaPo: ICE declares millions of undocumented immigrants ineligible for bond hearings

Axios: Vance Boelter indicted on six federal charges for Melissa Hortman's killing

NYT: Two Dead After Heavy Rains Swamp Roads and Rails in New York Region

The Verge: A Republican state attorney general is formally investigating why AI chatbots don’t like Donald Trump

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump announced a plan to send weapons to Ukraine via NATO and threatened 100% tariffs on Russia—or “secondary tariffs” on countries buying Russian oil—if a ceasefire isn't reached in 50 days. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s xAI secured a $200M Defense Department contract days after Grok declared itself “MechaHitler” and spewed antisemitic content. The Supreme Court paused an order blocking 1,400 layoffs at the Education Department, just as 24 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over $7B in frozen education funds. The administration is also appealing a court order banning immigration arrests without probable cause, even as ICE agents express deep dissatisfaction with the politically driven deportation focus. In Congress, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez proposed giving the ethics office power to review lawmakers’ cognitive fitness. And in New York, Andrew Cuomo—undeterred by his primary loss—launched an independent bid for mayor, joining a crowded field for November’s ballot.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNN: Trump announces novel plan to send weapons to Ukraine and gives Russia new deadline to make peace

The Verge: US government announces $200 million Grok contract a week after ‘MechaHitler’ incident

AP News: How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling

WaPo: States sue to force feds to release $7 billion in education funding

Axios: Trump admin to appeal order barring race-based immigration arrests alleged in LA area

The Atlantic: Trump Loves ICE. Its Workforce Has Never Been So Miserable.

Axios: House Democrat floats radical solution to Congress' age problem

WSJ: Andrew Cuomo Will Run in NYC Mayor’s General Election as an Independent

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump spent the weekend firing off social media rants, watching FIFA with a celebrity entourage (including Melania and Pam Bondi), and threatening Rosie O'Donnell’s citizenship. Behind the scenes, tensions rose within the DOJ as FBI deputy Dan Bongino considered resigning over internal clashes about the Epstein investigation, and new reports revealed Kash Patel’s FBI is forcing agents to take polygraphs over disloyalty suspicions. Elsewhere, a deadly shooting in Kentucky left four dead, and two major wildfires destroyed historic structures at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. More flash flood warnings hit already-devastated parts of Texas, where FEMA is under fire for letting a flood-prone summer camp avoid safety requirements. Globally, a Palestinian-American was killed by Israeli settlers, as Israel-Hamas talks remain stalled and airstrikes intensify. Trump threatened more tariffs—including 200% on pharmaceuticals—while hinting at a major Russia-related announcement today. NATO’s new chief will visit DC this week, just as the State Department undergoes 15% staff cuts. Meanwhile, House Republicans kick off “Crypto Week” ahead of a key vote on the GENIUS Act.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Axios: Trump threatens Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship: "She is a Threat to Humanity" 

AP News: Trump marks one-year anniversary of assassination attempt at the FIFA Club World Cup final 

NBC News: Dan Bongino weighs resigning from FBI after heated confrontation with Pam Bondi over Epstein files

NYT: The F.B.I. Is Using Polygraphs to Test Officials’ Loyalty

NBC News: Three dead, including gunman, in Kentucky shootings at church and airport

NBC News: Wildfire destroys historic Grand Canyon Lodge, forces North Rim closure for the season

TPR: Flood watch extended through 9 a.m. Monday: Recovery operations expected to restart in Kerr County later Monday

NPR: Camp Mystic asked to remove buildings from government flood maps despite risk

WSJ: U.S. Citizen Among Two Palestinians Killed in Israeli Settler Attack

NPR: At least 30 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza as war deaths top 58,000, officials say

WSJ: Where Things Stand With Trump’s Tariffs

Yahoo: Trump to make major Russia address Monday 

NYT: King Charles to Host President on State Visit in September

NPR: Hundreds laid off in State Department overhaul

Axios: House "crypto week" could change how Americans use, save money

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

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Today’s Headlines: Flash floods hit Durham, North Carolina for the third time this week, killing six people after the Eno River surged to 26 feet; residents say they received no emergency alerts, and many lack flood insurance. A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship order, applying a narrow loophole allowed by the Supreme Court to protect children affected while legal challenges proceed. Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging false imprisonment during recent protests. The Catholic bishop of San Bernardino has suspended the obligation to attend Mass amid fear of immigration raids on church property. Meanwhile, six Secret Service agents were suspended after last year’s Trump rally shooting due to security failures, including unmonitored rooftops and poor communication with local police. A federal court has blocked the FTC’s “click-to-cancel” rule—meant to simplify subscription cancellations—over a procedural misstep, even though the FTC claims the rule wouldn’t have had a major economic impact. In Denmark, lawmakers are advancing groundbreaking legislation to give people legal ownership over their face, voice, and body, allowing them to demand removal of unauthorized AI-generated content and penalize noncompliant tech platforms.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

News Observer: Durham’s Old Farm residents navigate flooding aftermath and an uncertain future 

Axios: Trump's birthright citizenship order blocked by judge despite SCOTUS ruling 

AP News: Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration

NBC News: Southern California bishop suspends Mass obligation due to immigration fears

WaPo: Six Secret Service agents suspended in connection with Trump shooting in Butler

AP News: 'Click-to-cancel' rule, intended to make canceling subscriptions easier, is blocked 

Vice: Denmark Is Fighting AI by Giving Citizens Copyright to Their Own Faces 

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

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Today’s Headlines: At least three people were killed in New Mexico after monsoon rains triggered flash floods in areas already vulnerable from past wildfires. President Trump’s self-imposed deadline for 90 trade deals came and went with no new agreements, but eight more countries — including Brazil, which faces a 50% tariff — received tariff letters. Trump’s Pentagon paused aid to Ukraine without informing the White House, a move orchestrated by top defense officials citing supposed weapons shortages. The Supreme Court blocked a harsh Florida immigration law for now, reaffirming that federal law takes precedence. The Trump administration escalated its campaign against Harvard, issuing a subpoena for immigration-related records and challenging its accreditation over alleged civil rights violations. Meanwhile, the DOJ has launched criminal investigations into former FBI Director James Comey and CIA Director John Brennan, both previously fired by Trump. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House physician, was subpoenaed and refused to say if he had misrepresented Biden’s health while in office. Measles cases in the U.S. have surged to a 33-year high, largely due to declining vaccination rates. And finally, Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino resigned — notably following a string of disturbing antisemitic and sexually inappropriate outputs from the platform’s AI assistant Grok, which recently began referring to itself as “MechaHitler.”

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Flash flooding that killed 3 leaves New Mexico village heartbroken, anxious as cleanup begins

AP News: A look at the countries that received Trump's tariff letters

WSJ: Stock Market Today: Dow Edges Higher; Trump Threatens More Tariffs — Live Updates

AP News: Trump caught off guard by Pentagon's abrupt move to pause Ukraine weapons deliveries, AP sources say

NYT: Supreme Court Won’t Revive Aggressive Florida Immigration Law

WSJ: Trump Administration Attacks Harvard’s Accreditation

FOX News: John Brennan, James Comey being investigated by FBI: DOJ sources

Axios: Biden's doctor invokes Fifth Amendment in House probe of ex-president's health

Axios: U.S. measles cases hit 33-year high, CDC says

Wired: Linda Yaccarino Tried to Tame X. Now She’s Out as CEO 

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

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