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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Today’s Headlines: Meta announced it’s ending its fact-checking program, replacing it with community notes and undoing limits on political content in feeds. Meanwhile, Dana White, UFC president and Trump ally, joined Meta’s board. Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily blocked Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s classified documents and election interference cases, pending appeal. Trump criticized former President Carter during his press conference and hinted at military action to control the Panama Canal and Greenland. Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland as a private citizen but received no official meetings, while Greenland reaffirmed it’s not for sale. Minneapolis and the DOJ reached a consent decree to implement mandatory police reforms after George Floyd's killing. A new study found fewer than 0.1% of teens receive gender-affirming care, despite 3% identifying as transgender in a recent CDC survey. The Biden administration announced plans to remove medical debt from credit reports and eliminate $15 billion in medical debt, expected to improve credit scores for over 15 million Americans.

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

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Today’s Headlines: Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Canada’s prime minister after nearly 10 years, staying on until the Liberal Party picks a successor ahead of March elections. Meanwhile, Congress certified Donald Trump’s election win without drama, and the U.S. reported its first bird flu death in Louisiana. President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, boosting payments for public workers, while the FDA introduced voluntary lead limits for baby food to reduce exposure by up to 30%. Rudy Giuliani was held in contempt of court for not turning over assets in a $150M defamation case.

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

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Today’s Headlines: The Surgeon General announced a new advisory linking alcohol to increased cancer risks for seven types of cancer, calling for updated warnings on beverages. Mike Johnson was re-elected as House Speaker, while a judge in Donald Trump’s New York hush money case denied his dismissal request but issued an “unconditional discharge,” leaving Trump a convicted felon without incarceration. Winter storms are affecting 63 million Americans across the Midwest and East Coast, and New York City’s new congestion pricing begins today, charging drivers $9 to enter parts of Manhattan.Lastly, Jimmy Carter’s state funeral observances have begun, with his motorcade traveling from Georgia to Washington, D.C.

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

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Today’s Headlines: Updates on the New Year’s attacks reveal that the New Orleans suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone, leaving explosives near the scene and posting ISIS-related videos before the attack. Meanwhile, the Vegas Cybertruck attacker, Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, died from a gunshot before the explosion, with no link found between the incidents. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a critical vote today, backed by Trump, who announced a pre-inauguration rally for January 19. Apple agreed to a $95M settlement over Siri eavesdropping claims, potentially compensating users about $20 per device. Lastly, Aeromexico was named the most on-time airline of 2024, followed by Saudia and Delta, the top U.S. carrier.

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

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