Today’s Headlines: During his Middle East trip, President Trump announced over $240 billion in economic deals with Qatar, including a $96 billion Boeing aircraft order, claiming the agreements could ultimately reach a trillion dollars. Meanwhile, Iran proposed a joint nuclear-enrichment venture with regional Arab countries and U.S. investment, though the U.S. envoy denied discussing it. In domestic security news, U.S. officials discovered rogue communication devices in Chinese-made solar inverters, raising concerns about potential threats to the power grid. On the diplomatic front, both Putin and Trump declined to attend Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, though lower-level discussions will proceed. In U.S. politics, Democrat John Ewing Jr. secured a surprise victory in Omaha's mayoral race, unseating longtime Republican Mayor Jean Stothert. Meanwhile, Minnesota prepares for possible unrest if Trump pardons Derek Chauvin for his federal conviction, though his state sentence would still stand. Lastly, Trump advocates for reinstating baseball legend Pete Rose, who was banned from MLB in 1989 for betting on games, after Rose’s passing last year.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

Bloomberg: US Announces More Than $243 Billion in Deals With Qatar

NY Times: Iran Proposes Novel Path to Nuclear Deal With U.S. 

Reuters: Insight: Rogue communication devices found in Chinese solar power inverters 

The Guardian: Putin will not travel to Istanbul for peace talks with Zelenskyy, Kremlin confirms 

NE Examiner: Ewing sends Stothert packing, gives heart of ‘blue dot’ a Democratic mayor 

KSTP: Minneapolis and state leaders prepare for possible Derek Chauvin pardon 

NBC News: Pete Rose reinstated by MLB and is eligible for Baseball Hall of Fame 

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump kicked off his Middle East trip in Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and announcing the removal of sanctions on Syria, citing MBS’s request. Trump also revealed a $600 billion Saudi investment in the US and a $142 billion arms deal, while suggesting Iran should negotiate its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is blocking DOJ nominees over concerns about Trump's acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar. In domestic news, the Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status for 9,000 Afghans, clearing the way for deportation. April’s inflation report showed positive signs, with a 0.2% rise in CPI and the annual rate dropping to 2.3%. UnitedHealthcare’s CEO resigned following a class-action lawsuit and financial fallout related to Medicare Advantage overcharges. Lastly, P Diddy’s sex trafficking trial began, with his ex Cassie Ventura testifying about years of abuse and exploitation, alleging that her music career was sidelined for Diddy’s personal demands.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

WA Post: Trump says U.S. will end sanctions on Syria ‘to give them a chance at greatness’ 

NBC News: Chuck Schumer says he is placing a hold on Trump DOJ nominees amid questions on Qatar's luxury jet gift

Politico: DHS terminates temporary protected status program for Afghans 

CNBC: Annual inflation rate hit 2.3% in April, less than expected and lowest since 2021 

WSJ: UnitedHealth CEO Is Out, Sending Shares Plummeting

NBC News: Cassie testifies at Diddy's sex trafficking trial of abuse and humiliation from 'freak offs'

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

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Today’s Headlines: Following two days of trade negotiations in Switzerland, the US and China have agreed to a 90-day pause to finalize a long-term trade deal. In the interim, tariffs on Chinese imports will drop from 145% to 30%, while tariffs on US imports to China will decrease from 125% to 10%. However, small packages from China will still face a significant tariff of 120% or a flat fee. Meanwhile, President Trump signed an executive order pushing pharmaceutical companies to reduce prescription drug prices within 30 days or face potential regulation tying prices to international rates. Trump also prepares for a Middle East trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, reportedly aiming to announce trillion-dollar deals. This trip coincides with the release of American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza after 19 months, facilitated by US-Hamas talks. In domestic politics, Trump appointed Todd Blanche, his former defense attorney, as the acting Librarian of Congress after ousting the previous librarian amid DEI policy changes. Additionally, tensions between Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have surfaced, partly due to recent US negotiations with Hamas and shifting policies in the Middle East.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNBC: China sees the U.S. trade deal as a huge win for Beijing 

Axios: Despite China trade deal, Trump maintains 120% tariff on cheap goods

AP News: Trump signs executive order setting 30-day deadline for drugmakers to lower prescription drug costs

NY Times: Trump Heads to the Middle East Focused on Business Deals, Not Diplomacy 

WA Post: Hamas frees U.S. hostage Edan Alexander in goodwill gesture to Trump 

WA Post: Trump repeatedly bypasses Netanyahu, stoking dismay among Israelis

Axios: Trump naming his former defense attorney as acting Librarian of Congress

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

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Today’s Headlines: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing while protesting outside an ICE facility, despite video evidence showing he was in a public area; charges against three Democratic congress members present are still possible. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering suspending habeas corpus, citing an "invasion" of migrants. In related news, around 60 white South Africans are being resettled in the US as refugees, a move criticized as politically motivated. Additionally, Trump is set to receive a luxury jet from Qatar’s royal family, which will eventually be transferred to his presidential library foundation. The House passed an amendment allowing the sale of federal lands in Nevada and Utah for affordable housing. The USDA is also demanding states’ personal data of SNAP recipients, raising surveillance concerns. Lastly, Trump announced an India-Pakistan ceasefire, but both countries downplayed US involvement, and reports indicate potential violations already.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NY Times: 3 Lawmakers Involved in Newark ICE Protest Could Be Arrested, DHS Says

AP News:  Trump team mulls suspending the constitutional right of habeas corpus to speed deportations. Can it?

WA Post: Trump shut out refugees but is making White South Africans an exception

ABC News: Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources

NPR: House Republicans approve amendment authorizing the sale of federal lands

NPR: USDA, DOGE demand states hand over personal data about food stamp recipients 

CNN: India-Pakistan ceasefire raises hopes that the worst fighting in decades is over. Here’s what to know 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing service to marginalized communities while maintaining conservative views on LGBTQ issues. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a tentative trade deal with the UK, lowering tariffs on certain goods, while also pushing foreign countries to approve contracts with Elon Musk’s Starlink during trade negotiations. Trump also nominated wellness influencer Casey Means as Surgeon General and appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim US Attorney for DC. In domestic news, homicide rates in major US cities have dropped by 21% in early 2025, and three former police officers were acquitted on state charges related to the death of Tyre Nichols. Additionally, 80 pro-Palestinian activists were arrested at Columbia University after occupying a campus library to protest Israeli policies.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NY Times: Who Is Robert Francis Prevost, the New Pope? What to Know About Leo XIV 

WSJ: U.S. and U.K. Unveil Framework for Trade Deal

WA Post: Nations facing tariffs pushed to approve Elon Musk's Starlink, cables show 

Axios: Homicides in big cities kept declining in Q1 of 2025, stats show

WSJ: Trump Picks Casey Means, a ‘MAHA’ Movement Leader, for Surgeon General

WSJ: Trump Picks Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro as Washington, D.C.’s Top Federal Prosecutor

NY Times: Tyre Nichols Trial Verdict: 3 Former Memphis Officers Found Not Guilty in Fatal Beating

NY Times: About 80 Pro-Palestinian Activists Arrested in Columbia Library Takeover 

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

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Today’s Headlines: The US and China are set to meet this weekend to discuss trade relations, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meeting Chinese officials for what could be just a preliminary discussion about de-escalation. Meanwhile, the EU and China appear to be warming up diplomatically, with European leaders signaling a potential reset, while the EU accelerates trade talks with Southeast Asian nations. Back in the US, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain steady but warns that ongoing trade conflicts could lead to stagflation if not resolved. In aviation news, Newark Airport faces safety concerns after two instances of losing radar and radio contact, prompting some air traffic controllers to take medical leave. Reagan National Airport has also suspended Blackhawk helicopter flights after recent landing issues. Overseas, the US Navy loses two fighter jets in the Red Sea, both crashing during carrier landings, though the pilots were safely recovered. Domestically, controversy arises as a federal judge blocks the deportation of Southeast Asian immigrants to Libya, after reports that ICE coerced detainees into signing deportation agreements. Additionally, the sudden removal of the vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board raises questions amid ongoing investigations. Lastly, intelligence efforts increase concerning Greenland, as the US explores potential support for taking over the territory.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNBC: China says U.S. asked for trade meeting in Switzerland 

Euronews: Signs of EU-China reset intensify as Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow for Victory Day 

France: EU trade chief says accelerating free trade talks with Asia

CNBC: Fed meeting recap: Powell rules out a preemptive rate cut to blunt any tariff impact

NY Times: How Lost Radar and Silent Radios Have Upended Newark Air Travel 

Live & Let’s Fly: United Airlines CEO Says Newark Airport Is Safe—But There’s Just One Problem 

WA Post: Army suspends helicopter flights to Pentagon after airliners abort landings 

Yahoo: Vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board is unexpectedly removed from position 

CNN: Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier 

NBC News:Judge blocks deportation flight of Asian migrants to Libya 

WSJ: Exclusive | U.S. Orders Intelligence Agencies to Step Up Spying on Greenland  

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade, where Carney affirmed Canada’s status as the U.S.'s largest trading partner despite Trump’s contrary claims. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that the U.S. has yet to start formal trade talks with China, even as Trump downplayed the impact of not trading. In Asia, China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN formed a financial stability agreement, while India launched missile strikes in Kashmir following a massacre of Hindu tourists, escalating tensions with Pakistan. Domestically, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash over his use of Signal for sensitive communications amid reports of a government archiving tool hack. Hegseth also announced cuts to senior military ranks, reducing four-star officers by 20%. In a surprising move, the Trump administration sought to dismiss a lawsuit limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to temporarily allow Trump’s transgender military ban, affecting over 4,000 service members. Meanwhile, the Vatican conclave began, as 133 cardinals gathered to elect a new Pope, needing a two-thirds majority to win.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNN: Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Carney didn’t reach Zelensky-level tension. But it wasn’t all neighborliness

Fox: US has yet to launch trade negotiations with China, Treasury secretary says

Reuters: Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN enhance regional financial safety net 

The Guardian: Kashmir crisis live: India missile attack kills eight; Pakistan official says two Indian fighter jets shot down

WSJ: Hegseth Used Multiple Signal Chats for Official Pentagon Business

Axios: Signal archiving tool Trump officials used suspends services after hack claims 

NY Times: Trump Administration Asks Court to Dismiss Abortion Pill Case

NBC News: Supreme Court allows Trump to implement transgender military ban

Reuters: Cardinals enter seclusion ahead of secret conclave to elect new pope 

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

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Today’s Headlines: After a weekend in Palm Beach and what might have been a PBS movie marathon, President Trump announced plans to reopen Alcatraz as a functioning prison and to impose 100% tariffs on films produced outside the U.S. Trump also introduced a new voluntary self-deportation initiative offering $1,000 and travel expenses to undocumented immigrants who leave the country using a government app. Elsewhere, a Newark air traffic controller is warning travelers to avoid the airport entirely, citing dangerous staffing shortages that have led to major flight cancellations. The FAA is now offering $5,000 bonuses to attract new recruits. In other news, the Department of Education has resumed sending student loan borrowers in default to collections, threatening wage garnishment for millions after a five-year freeze on penalties. Abroad, Israel's government has approved a plan to reoccupy Gaza and displace its population if no hostage and ceasefire deal is reached by mid-May—timed with Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit. Meanwhile, 19 state attorneys general and Washington, DC have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, claiming that deep budget and staffing cuts have dismantled vital programs related to disease control, maternal health, and substance abuse, just as a measles outbreak takes hold.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

The Independent: Trump announced Alcatraz reopening just hours after ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ aired on a South Florida PBS station 

NY Times: Trump Called for Movie Tariffs After a Meeting With Jon Voight 

AP News: Highlights from the Trump administration

Yahoo: Air Traffic Controller Warns Major Airport Unsafe for Travel: ‘Avoid Newark at All Costs’ 

Axios: With millions in default on student loan payments, collections resume   

Axios: Israel plans to occupy and flatten all of Gaza if no deal by Trump's trip 

AP News: 20 attorneys general ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Australia re-elects center-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, rejecting right-wing challenger Peter Dutton in a move echoing Canada’s anti-Trump voter shift. In the U.S., the April jobs report beats expectations with 177,000 jobs added—though gains were dampened by federal layoffs. A federal judge strikes down Trump’s retaliatory executive order against Perkins Coie, a law firm tied to Democrats, while Microsoft ditches a pro-Trump firm and hires one ready to challenge the administration in court. Meanwhile, Trump allies sue Chief Justice John Roberts in an attempt to give the president authority over the judiciary. Also, the Trump administration backs down in its feud with Maine, restoring $3 million in school funding after a clash over trans athlete policies. A new executive order strips NPR and PBS of federal funding, raising alarm over attacks on public media. The DOJ ends a decades-old desegregation order in Louisiana, claiming it’s no longer needed—despite over 130 still in effect. Plans are underway for a massive military parade on Trump’s birthday, and jury selection begins in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNN: Australia votes in national election seen as latest test of global anti-Trump sentiment

WSJ: Employers Added 177,000 Jobs in April Despite Tariff Uncertainty

CNN: Judge permanently blocks Trump’s executive order targeting Democratic-tied law firm Perkins Coie 

NY Times: Microsoft Drops Law Firm That Made a Deal With Trump From a Case 

TPM: Trump Allies Sue John Roberts To Give White House Control Of Court System

NY Times: Trump Administration Settles With Maine to Restore Frozen Funds Over Trans Athlete Feud 

Ap News: Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR

AP News: Justice Department ends school desegregation order in Louisiana

AP News: Army plans for a potential parade on Trump's birthday call for 6,600 soldiers, AP learns

ABC News: Sean 'Diddy' Combs rejects plea deal ahead of sex trafficking trial - ABC News 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Trump just made his first big personnel move of term two—National Security Adviser Michael Waltz is headed to the UN, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now juggling three top jobs, including acting national security adviser. On immigration, a Trump-appointed judge just blocked mass deportations of Venezuelan migrants, saying the president can’t claim an “invasion” without evidence. The White House disagrees and is pushing the Supreme Court to strip protections from 350,000 Venezuelans. Meanwhile, Florida carried out its largest immigration raid ever—over 1,100 people arrested in a joint state-federal operation. Elsewhere in the federal government: the Education Department has canceled over $1 billion in school mental health grants, citing a civil rights technicality; RFK Jr.’s health department wants new placebo testing rules for all future vaccines; and Trump’s latest trade war salvo threatens sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil—a not-so-subtle warning to China. Also: General Motors expects tariffs to wipe out a third of its profits this year, while Apple says it’s shifting production to India and Vietnam to avoid a projected $900 billion tariff bill.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NY Times: Trump Moves Michael Waltz to U.N. and the Latest Immigration News: Live Updates

WA Post: Judge rules Trump’s use of wartime act for deportations is illegal 

WA Post: Live updates: Trump gives commencement address at University of Alabama

AP News: Trump administration asks Supreme Court to strip legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelan migrants 

WA Post: More than 1,100 arrested in 6-day Florida immigration sweep, officials say

NPR: Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health 

NPR: RFK Jr. to require placebo-controlled studies for new vaccines : Shots - Health News

Axios: Trump threatens massive new China sanctions over Iranian oil 

Axios: GM expects up to $5B tariff hit, even after recent relief

Bloomberg: Apple Says Tariffs Will Add $900 Million in Costs This Quarter

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

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