Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump has apparently been demanding $230 million from the Justice Department since 2023—yes, taxpayer money—to “compensate” him for federal investigations into his conduct, including the Russia probe. He filed formal claims alleging his rights were violated, because of course he did. Meanwhile, his much-hyped meeting with Vladimir Putin is officially off, after both sides admitted the gap between Russia and Ukraine is too wide to bridge. In other Trump-adjacent chaos, a pardoned January 6th rioter was arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after texting about his plans. Luckily, the person he texted tipped off the police. Elsewhere, ICE’s weapons budget has exploded—up 700% from last year, now topping $70 million on guns, armor, chemical weapons, and even guided missile parts. Because nothing says “immigration enforcement” like missile warheads. Over at the Pentagon, War Secretary Pete Hegseth just issued a new rule requiring staff to get his approval before talking to Congress—an unprecedented move critics say is meant to muzzle oversight.  The FTC quietly scrubbed blog posts about AI from its website—pieces written by former chair Lina Khan that warned about consumer risks and praised open-source models. No explanation given. And finally, in the week’s least expected crossover, Travis Kelce is teaming up with a hedge fund to take over Six Flags, buying a 9% stake worth around $200 million. The self-proclaimed theme park superfan sent shares soaring 18%.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

NYT: Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases

Axios: In a shift, White House says no plan for Trump-Putin summit

Axios: Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter charged with plotting Jeffries' assassination

Popular Information: ICE boosts weapons spending 700% - by Judd Legum

Axios: Hegseth: Pentagon staff now needs approval to interact with Congress

Wired: The FTC Is Disappearing Blog Posts About AI Published During Lina Khan’s Tenure

WSJ: Travis Kelce Teams Up With Investor for Activist Campaign at Six Flags

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

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