Today’s Headlines: Tensions appear to be rising between Trump and Putin, with Trump acknowledging for the first time that Putin may not want peace in Ukraine. Trump warned that Putin is “playing with fire,” prompting a veiled threat from a top Russian official referencing World War III. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly warned Israeli PM Netanyahu not to sabotage U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, fearing unilateral action from Israel. In Canada, King Charles delivered a pointed speech defending democracy and international cooperation, widely interpreted as a jab at Trump. Trump later suggested Canada should become a U.S. state to benefit from his proposed (and likely fictional) “golden dome” missile shield. Trump also issued several controversial pardons, including for reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley and Florida nursing home exec Paul Walczak—whose mother donated $1M to Trump and attended a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser. In other news, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced that COVID vaccines will no longer be recommended for pregnant women and healthy children, despite no supporting data and warnings from medical experts. Lastly, the Trump administration suspended all international student visa processing, citing plans to expand social media screening—just days after trying to block international enrollment at Harvard.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

The Independent: Donald Trump grows angrier as Vladimir Putin exposes his impotence 

Axios: Trump cautioned Netanyahu to avoid steps that undermine Iran nuclear talks 

WSJ: King Charles Defends Canada’s Sovereignty From Trump 

NBC News: Trump to pardon reality TV couple convicted on federal fraud charges

NY Times: Trump Pardoned Tax Cheat After Mother Attended $1 Million Dinner 

CNN: RFK Jr. says Covid-19 shot will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women

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

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