Today’s Headlines: President Trump hinted the U.S. might bomb Iran, while evacuations from Israel continue and tensions rise with Iran warning of “irreparable damage.” European diplomats plan to meet with Iran as military buildup in the region grows. Back home, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady amid signs of slower growth, and Trump mocked Chair Powell, suggesting he could run the Fed himself. Meanwhile, the Senate passed the GENIUS Act, allowing banks to treat crypto stablecoins as assets. The Pentagon deployed 2,000 more National Guard troops to L.A. with little explanation. The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, while a separate ruling preserved the right of trans and nonbinary Americans to request accurate passport markers. Finally, new federal dietary guidelines are expected to drop previous limits on daily alcohol intake, despite cancer risks.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Iran's leader rejects calls to surrender and warns that intervention would harm the US 

CNBC: Fed decision recap: Central bank signals stagflation fears, Powell says Fed ‘well positioned to wait’ on rates

CNBC: Trump says 'Too Late' Powell must lower interest rates after weak ADP jobs report 

Axios: Senate passes GENIUS Act despite crypto corruption concerns

CBS News: 2,000 more National Guard troops being deployed to Los Angeles, Pentagon says

NBC News: Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on transgender youth medical care

AP News: Judge says government can't limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people

Reuters: Exclusive: US to drop guidance to limit alcohol to one or two drinks per day, sources say

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

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Today’s Headlines: Missile strikes between Israel and Iran have continued for six days, with President Trump escalating tensions online by demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and revealing the U.S. knows the ayatollah’s location. Amid warnings from global powers and regional evacuations, Trump faces pushback at home, including a bipartisan congressional resolution requiring approval for U.S. involvement. Meanwhile in New York, Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by ICE during a volunteer shift, prompting outrage, as Trump calls for more deportations in Democratic cities—despite his administration reversing course multiple times on where raids should occur. Elsewhere, Elon Musk’s AI startup is reportedly seeking $4.3 billion in new funding after burning through its previous rounds, and Senate Republicans are proposing to sell 3.3 million acres of federal land in 11 Western states to raise revenue.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNN: June 17, 2025 – Israel-Iran conflict 

Axios: Congress dodges preemptive confrontation with Trump over Iran 

NYT: Brad Lander, NYC Mayoral Candidate, Arrested by ICE Agents at Immigration Courthouse

Axios: Trump orders ICE to hit Democrat-run cities with deportation blitz 

WaPo: Trump officials reverse guidance exempting farms, hotels from immigration raids 

CBS News: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem brought to hospital due to allergic reaction 

Bloomberg: Elon Musk's xAI in Talks to Raise $4.3B in Equity Funding

WAPo: Senate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public land

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

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Today’s Headlines: President Trump briefly attended the G7, signed a tariff deal with the UK, defended Putin, skipped key meetings, and refused to back a joint Israel-Iran de-escalation statement before leaving early, citing Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, global exporters are increasingly rejecting U.S. dollars in favor of other currencies, signaling growing concern over the dollar’s stability. In Saudi Arabia, journalist Turki Al-Jasser was executed over tweets criticizing the regime, echoing the Khashoggi case. Back in the U.S., Minnesota shooter Vance Boelter turned himself in and now faces federal murder charges after targeting dozens of Democratic lawmakers. Trump’s FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, was exposed for falsely claiming to hold a commercial pilot license. His company, the Trump Organization, also announced a new gold smartphone and MAGA-branded phone plan called “The 47 Plan.” OpenAI secured its first Pentagon contract—$200 million to develop AI for national defense. And MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell was found liable for defamation, ordered to pay $2.3 million to a former Dominion employee.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CNN: Trump does not intend to sign joint G7 statement on Iran

Bloomberg: Many Exporters No Longer Want Dollars, US Bank Executive Says

ABC News: Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars

AP News: Suspect in shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers targeted 2 others that night, prosecutors say

Politico: Trump’s FAA pick has claimed ‘commercial’ pilot license he doesn’t have

CNBC: OpenAI wins $200 million U.S. defense contract

CNBC: Trump Organization announces mobile plan, $499 smartphone

AP News: Jury finds MyPillow founder defamed former employee for a leading voting equipment company | AP News

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

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Today’s Headlines: Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, killing 78 and prompting deadly missile retaliation that killed at least 13 in Israel. US-Iran nuclear talks were canceled, and while the Trump administration denied prior knowledge, Trump briefly took credit before walking it back. At the G7 summit in Alberta, leaders from the EU, Ukraine, Mexico, and others gathered under the shadow of potential global conflict. In Minnesota, a far-right gunman assassinated State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounded State Senator John Huffman in politically motivated shootings. The suspect, Vance Boelter, remains at large with a hit list targeting 70 Democrats. He’s linked to extremist Christian views and ran a questionable “security” firm out of his home. Meanwhile, over 5 million joined nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday, which saw scattered violence, including a shooting in Salt Lake City and a vehicular attack in Virginia. That night, Trump’s $45 million birthday and military parade—sponsored by tech and defense giants—drew disappointing crowds. He also reversed ICE raids targeting key industries and released financial disclosures showing over $600 million in 2024 income, including massive profits from Trump-branded crypto, watches, bibles, and NFTs.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

CBS News: Iran and Israel exchange airstrikes for third day after nuclear talks called off 

AP News: Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran's supreme leader, US official tells AP 

Axios: What to know about the G7 summit that Trump is attending

CNN: Live updates: Minnesota manhunt for suspect Vance Boelter in killing of lawmaker Melissa Hortman

Axios: "No Kings" anti-Trump protests attract millions, organizers say

NYT: Close Trump Allies Sponsored the Military Parade, Raising Ethical Concerns

Axios: Inside Trump's backtrack on immigration

Trump reports more than $600 million in income from crypto, golf, licensing fees

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

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Today’s Headlines: California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed while attempting to ask a question at a DHS press briefing in Los Angeles—though he was not arrested, the incident has sparked outrage, especially as House Speaker Mike Johnson moves to censure him. Meanwhile, ICE has reportedly ordered a surge in I-9 audits, increasing the likelihood of workplace raids. Several states, including Missouri, have activated their National Guard ahead of “No Kings Day” protests tied to Trump’s immigration crackdown. On the international front, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has censured Iran for the first time in 20 years, prompting threats from Tehran to exit the Nonproliferation Treaty amid rising U.S.–Iran tensions and fears of an Israeli strike. Elsewhere, RFK Jr. has stacked the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel with known anti-vaxxers just days after firing its previous members. In contrast, the CDC has invited over 450 previously terminated staffers back to work—though it’s unclear how many will accept. Tragedy struck India as an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing nearly all 242 on board; the cause is under investigation. And finally, Harvey Weinstein’s retrial looms, after a mistrial was declared on a rape charge due to jury dysfunction, while his guilty and not guilty verdicts on two other charges remain in place.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

WAPo: Live updates: Sen. Padilla removed from Noem’s news conference on L.A. protests 

Forbes: JUST IN: Mike Johnson Calls For The Censure Of Alex Padilla Following Incident With Sec. Kristi Noem 

WaPo: Live updates: Sen. Padilla removed from Noem’s news conference on L.A. protests

WSJ: Iran Says It Will Open Secret New Enrichment Site After U.N. Atomic Agency Censure

NYT: Iran Is Breaking Rules on Nuclear Activity, U.N. Watchdog Says 

WaPo: ICE sets quotas to deliver on immigration crackdown on employers 

NBC News: RFK Jr. taps eight new members for CDC's vaccine advisory panel

WaPo: White House accuses Newsom and Bass of fanning flames, siding with criminals

WaPo: Air India crash: One survivor, 241 passengers dead on the London-bound plane

Hollywood Reporter: Harvey Weinstein Gets Mistrial on Rape Charge After Threats to Jury Foreperson 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Nationwide protests against ICE raids are ramping up ahead of “No Kings Day,” a weekend of counter-programming to Trump’s birthday military parade. Trump declared he “liberated” LA in a speech to troops, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the military deployment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed by mobilizing the state’s National Guard. Trump also announced a pending U.S.-China trade deal that would ease rare earth exports and partially lift U.S. export restrictions, though tariffs on Chinese imports will remain steep. Meanwhile, the U.S. is extending its tariff pause for other countries—contradicting earlier White House statements. Inflation rose just 0.1% in May, bringing the annual rate to 2.4%. Elon Musk publicly apologized to Trump after a reported intervention by GOP allies, seemingly ending their brief online feud. The U.S. is evacuating staff from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Trump also urged Israel to halt its Gaza offensive and threats toward Iran. Domestically, the EPA is moving to repeal major pollution regulations on coal and gas plants, including mercury emissions. And in New York, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on one charge of sexual assault, with the jury still deliberating on a third.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

PBS: WATCH: Trump speaks at Fort Bragg while facing criticism for deploying military at Los Angeles protests

Axios: No Kings Day: Gov. Abbott deploys National Guard 

NYT: Trump Hails Progress With China, but Details Are Sketchy

Yahoo Finance: Bessent, asked about Fed chair job, says 'I would like to stay' Treasury secretary until 2029

BBC: Trump's tariffs 'not going away', top adviser says 

Axios: Inflation slowed in May despite tariffs, Consumer Price Index shows

CNN: Musk called Trump Monday night before expressing regret for harshest criticism of the president

Axios: U.S. evacuating personnel from Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran

CNN: Trump tells Netanyahu to end Gaza war and stop Iran threats, source says, as US ramps up pressure on Israel

CNN: Trump EPA proposes repealing major air pollution and emissions limits for power plants

The Guardian: Harvey Weinstein found guilty on one charge in New York sex crimes retrial

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

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Today’s Headlines: Roughly 2,700 U.S. Marines and National Guard troops have arrived in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests, though they haven’t been formally deployed. The Pentagon estimates the cost of this operation, plus a military parade, could reach $200 million by week’s end—despite the lack of proper housing for many troops. President Trump hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act. Meanwhile, over 100 LA schools are tightening graduation security due to fears of ICE activity. Nationally, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. removed all 17 CDC vaccine advisors, calling for a "clean sweep" to restore public trust—despite the committee’s nonpartisan makeup. Globally, the World Bank predicts just 2.3% economic growth this year, citing Trump-era tariffs and global instability. U.S. growth is forecasted at only 1.4%. In Austria, a former student fatally shot 10 peers in Graz, prompting national mourning. And in Brussels, the EU proposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at cutting off oil and gas revenue.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Live updates: Newsom asks court to block Trump's use of military to support LA immigration raids 

AP News: RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory committee

Axios: World Bank says global economy "running into turbulence"

NYT: At Least 10 Dead After Austria School Shooting, Police Say

CNN: Europe heaps harsh sanctions on Russia, saying ‘strength is the only language’ Moscow understands 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Tensions over Trump’s immigration crackdown escalated as he floated the idea of arresting California Governor Gavin Newsom, who dared ICE border czar Tom Homan to “go ahead, tough guy, arrest me.” In response, Newsom and AG Rob Bonta sued Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for unlawfully federalizing the state’s National Guard. Meanwhile, Glendale ended its ICE detention contract, a federal judge blocked enforcement of Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders (for now), and DC began prepping for Trump’s birthday military parade, complete with tanks and 7,000 troops. Also, a cyberattack hit Whole Foods’ main distributor, potentially disrupting food supplies to over 30,000 stores.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NBC News: California Gov. Gavin Newsom unfazed by threats of arrest from Trump administration official

AG Bonta: Attorney General Bonta, Governor Newsom Challenge Trump Order Seeking to Federalize California National Guard

KTLA: Glendale terminates ‘divisive’ detainee holding contract with ICE

AP News: Judge blocks Trump administration from enforcing anti-DEI executive orders

CNN: Army preparing for largest military parade on the capital’s streets in decades, featuring 7 million pounds of hardware

Axios: Whole Foods' distributor faces apparent cyberattack 

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

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Today’s Headlines: Protests erupted in Los Angeles after immigration raids led to 45 arrests, culminating in clashes, arrests, and Trump deploying the National Guard—without the governor's request—for the first time since 1965. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national accused of transporting undocumented migrants, while a DOJ prosecutor resigned the same day. Separately, ICE officers and deportees were found stranded in a metal container in Djibouti, dodging malaria and rockets, after a judge blocked a deportation flight. On the Trump-Musk front, Trump declared their bromance over and warned of "consequences" if Musk funds Democrats, while concerns grew over a possible White House security breach from an unmonitored Starlink installation. The Supreme Court handed two pro-DOGE rulings—allowing access to Social Security data and shielding internal records. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Trump campaign alum was put in charge of distributing anti-terrorism funds. And finally, a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has sickened 79 people across 7 states.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Protests intensify in Los Angeles after Trump deploys hundreds of National Guard troops

ABC News: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, newly returned to US, appears in court on charges of trafficking migrants

The Guardian: Federal prosecutor reportedly quit over concern Ábrego García indictment was politically motivated – as it happened | Trump administration

WaPo: ICE officers stuck in Djibouti shipping container with deported migrants

NBC News: Trump says Elon Musk will face 'very serious consequences' if he funds Democratic candidates

WAPo: White House security staff warned Musk’s Starlink is a security risk 

NYT: Justices Grant DOGE Access to Social Security Data and Let the Team Shield Records

ProPublica: Thomas Fugate, the 22-Year-Old Leading Trump’s Terrorism Prevention Hub 

AP News: Salmonella outbreak tied to eggs sickens people in 7 states

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

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Today’s Headlines: The Trump-Musk fallout escalated from a policy spat to full-blown political chaos in under 12 hours—starting with Trump slamming Musk over his opposition to the GOP budget bill, and spiraling into Musk accusing Trump of electoral dependence, Trump threatening SpaceX contracts, and Musk suggesting Trump appears in Epstein files. Bannon reportedly wants Trump to seize SpaceX and deport Musk. Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee failed to subpoena Musk over AI policy due to GOP opposition. Abroad, German Chancellor Merz met with Trump, urging stronger action on Ukraine, only to be met with bizarre WWII commentary and apathy. Trump also spoke with China’s Xi Jinping to restart trade talks and posted about “positive” progress. At home, the Supreme Court struck down a legal standard that imposed stricter proof of bias on majority-group plaintiffs, reaffirming equal treatment. In foreign affairs, Chad announced a reciprocal travel ban on U.S. visitors after Trump’s own ban, with a dignified mic drop from its president. And in a surreal courtroom twist, Diddy was nearly kicked out of his trial for making dramatic faces at the jury.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

AP News: Trump and Musk's relationship flames out just as intensely as it started

Axios: GOP blocks Democrats' latest effort to subpoena Musk 

AP News: Trump says it may be better to let Ukraine, Russia 'fight for a while' as Merz blames Putin for war

Reuters: Trump and Xi agree to more talks as trade disputes brew | Reuters 

WaPo: Supreme Court sides with woman claiming anti-straight job discrimination

AP News: Chad announces suspension of visas to US citizens in response to Trump travel ban

NBC News: Judge in Diddy trial warns he may be removed from courtroom after jury interactions

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

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