Today’s Headlines: Trump has halted new weapons sales to Ukraine and may freeze existing shipments. Social Security benefits could be disrupted within 30–90 days due to DOGE-related issues, with thousands of employees already laid off. Meanwhile, Trump announced a “Crypto Strategic Reserve” to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, briefly boosting prices after a major market drop. The Dow fell 650 points as new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China took effect. Former WWE exec Linda McMahon was confirmed as Education Secretary, tasked with dismantling the department. FBI NY chief James Dennehy resigned under pressure after clashing with the DOJ over January 6th cases. Tonight, Trump delivers his joint address to Congress, outlining his agenda. Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ health has worsened after two episodes of acute respiratory failure.

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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: Ukrainian President Zelensky’s White House visit went completely off the rails on Friday after a press conference with Trump and VP Vance derailed a planned minerals deal. Things got heated when Zelensky explained why diplomacy doesn’t work with Putin — prompting Vance to falsely claim Zelensky had never thanked the U.S. for military aid. Trump then jumped in, warning of World War 3 and rambling about Hunter Biden. The closed-door meeting was canceled, and Zelensky was sent packing. Meanwhile, Russia ramped up attacks on Ukraine, the U.S. quietly shut down cyber operations against Russia, and Republican leaders suggested Zelensky should step down — even as he received a hero’s welcome in the UK, where PM Keir Starmer announced a new $4 billion aid package. Elsewhere, Trump signed an executive order making English the official U.S. language, Andrew Cuomo launched a NYC mayoral comeback campaign, and Lauren Sanchez will lead an all-female Blue Origin space flight with Gayle King and Katy Perry — which sounds like quite the group chat.

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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: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Trump at the White House, urging him not to abandon Ukraine, while Trump expressed confidence in Putin’s promises. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court kept USAID funds frozen, and a federal judge ruled against mass terminations of probationary federal employees. In healthcare, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. canceled the FDA’s flu vaccine advisory meeting, leaving the U.S. unrepresented in global vaccine planning. Elsewhere, Andrew and Tristan Tate returned to the U.S. after reported pressure from the Trump administration, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear they’re “not welcome.” Attorney General Pam Bondi is demanding the FBI release Epstein case documents, though the much-hyped first “phase” of files distributed to influencers turned out to be old, publicly available information. Finally, Trump is raising tariffs on China by 10% and moving forward with 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, citing drug trafficking concerns—though without presenting new data.

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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: Israel and Hamas have agreed to maintain the ceasefire, exchanging hostages’ remains for Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Trump’s AI-generated Gaza hotel video is making the rounds online. Elon Musk dominated Trump’s first cabinet meeting, boasting about DOGE’s cost-cutting, though a third of its contract cancellations produced no savings. Meanwhile, Starlink is poised to replace Verizon for FAA air traffic control, despite Musk’s exaggerated safety concerns. At the FDA, 300 laid-off staffers—including Neuralink reviewers—are being rehired, while Trump’s son’s hunting buddy is now overseeing 80% of the U.S. food supply. Speaking of food, egg prices may spike 41% due to bird flu. Texas reported its first measles death since 2015 amid a growing outbreak, and HHS Secretary RFK Jr. shrugged off concerns. Meanwhile, Trump is launching a registry for undocumented immigrants and a “gold card” visa selling citizenship for $5 million. Lastly, the Washington Post’s opinion editor resigned after Jeff Bezos mandated a pro-free market, personal liberty focus—excluding dissenting views.

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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 House passed Trump’s budget, cutting trillions from Medicaid and food stamps while slashing taxes for the wealthy. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is doubling down on tracking federal workers’ productivity, even as agencies tell employees they don’t have to comply. Adding to the turmoil, 21 DOGE staffers resigned in protest, and the White House finally named an administrator—who, ironically, is on vacation in Mexico. In other legal battles, Pennsylvania won a lawsuit unfreezing $2.1 billion in blocked federal funds while Marco Rubio ordered visa bans for transgender athletes, escalating restrictions on international travel. And lastly, Trump says Zelensky will sign a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal on Friday, while Russia is offering the U.S. a stake in minerals from occupied Ukrainian land.

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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: Elon Musk’s AI-driven plan to evaluate federal workers hit a snag after the Trump administration’s HR office said employees didn’t actually have to respond. Meanwhile, a judge blocked federal agencies from sharing personal data with DOGE, citing privacy violations. In other news, Trump appointed right-wing commentator Dan Bongino as Deputy FBI Director, a role that doesn’t require Senate confirmation. The U.S. aligned with Russia and North Korea by voting against a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine—though the measure still passed. While visiting D.C., French President Macron called for security guarantees for Ukraine, while Trump remained focused on getting a cut of Ukraine’s mineral resources. A judge declined to block the White House from restricting AP’s press access, and Trump endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for Florida governor—perhaps won over by his now-infamous “Daddy’s back” comment.

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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: Today marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and Trump is setting conditions for U.S. support in peace talks—namely, demanding $500 billion in rare earth minerals as "payback" for U.S. aid. Zelensky is not having it. Meanwhile, Russia just launched its biggest air attack yet. Over in Israel, the next round of hostage swaps is on hold as Israel demands less "humiliating" releases. Germany just voted, with conservatives winning and the far-right making gains. Back in the U.S., Trump fired the top military officer and replaced him with a loyalist lacking standard experience, while also purging Pentagon officials. Meanwhile, Elon Musk emailed 2.3 million government workers demanding proof of productivity—non-response = resignation. The Justice Department quietly deleted a misconduct database for federal police officers and Pope Francis remains in critical condition. Finally, the White House just limited DOGE’s access to personal taxpayer data... after having it for two weeks.

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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: Hamas returned the bodies of three Israeli hostages but paraded them on stage before a cheering crowd. They claimed to have returned another, but the remains were not a hostage. The U.S. labeled eight drug cartels as terrorist organizations, prompting Mexico’s president to propose stricter gun trafficking rules. Trump plans to fire USPS leadership and place it under Commerce Department control. DHS revoked TPS for Haitians, affecting half a million people. A judge ruled Trump is defying a court order on foreign aid, while another allowed federal layoffs to proceed. Governor Hochul will impose sanctions on NYC Mayor Adams instead of removing him. Kash Patel was narrowly confirmed as FBI director. Mitch McConnell announced he won’t seek reelection, and CPAC began with Elon Musk wielding a chainsaw gifted by Argentina’s president.

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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: Trump blames Zelensky for Russia’s invasion after a Saudi meeting that excluded Ukraine, calling him a dictator and urging elections. Meanwhile, Trump asserts more control over federal agencies with executive orders on legal authority, IVF access, and blocking NYC’s congestion pricing plan (complete with a crown photo). Medicaid faces $880 billion in cuts as part of a GOP budget designed to fund $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy. Over at the Pentagon, Trump ordered defense spending cuts, while the IRS begins laying off 6,000 workers. Hamas plans to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two children, as the ceasefire continues. And in Mexico, President Sheinbaum threatens to sue Google over its maps labeling the “Gulf of America”.

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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: Denise Cheung, a longtime federal prosecutor, stepped down after refusing a request to freeze funds from a Biden administration environmental grant without any evidence—something she felt could violate constitutional rights. A judge ruled that Elon Musk’s DOGE team can continue making decisions at federal agencies for now, though the case isn’t over. Meanwhile, the USDA accidentally fired key officials handling the bird flu outbreak, and the FDA food division chief resigned after mass layoffs gutted his team. Trump is reportedly pushing Romania to lift travel restrictions on Andrew Tate, who’s in prison facing serious charges. Flooding in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Georgia has claimed at least 14 lives, and more rough weather is on the way. Lastly, Pope Francis remains in the hospital with pneumonia.

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

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