Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: President Donald Trump claims Iran has stopped killing protesters and is reportedly delaying potential U.S. military strikes after warnings from Israel and other allies. Instead, the administration announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief and 18 others tied to its shadow banking network. The U.S. Coast Guard seized a sixth oil tanker accused of violating sanctions on Venezuelan oil, while opposition leader María Corina Machado visited the White House, saying she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize — despite the Nobel Committee’s reminder that prizes aren’t transferable. In a Reuters interview, Trump touted his economy as the strongest in history, dismissed polling opposing U.S. control of Greenland as “fake,” brushed off criticism of his investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and questioned midterm elections. Tensions escalated in Minneapolis after an ICE agent shot a man during an attempted arrest. DHS says the man entered the U.S. from Venezuela in 2022 and tried to flee, though details remain unclear. As protests grow, Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military. The Washington Post also reports that the death of immigrant detainee Geraldo Lunas Campos at a Texas border detention camp will be ruled a homicide, with witnesses alleging he was choked by guards. ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan resigned to run for Congress in Ohio, saying Trump “deserves a Congress that stands firmly behind his agenda.” Elsewhere, the EEOC is suing the University of Pennsylvania over antisemitism complaints and demanding lists of Jewish-affiliated groups and faculty — raising alarms about the creation of a centralized registry. A federal appeals court also cleared the way for the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. And finally, the Congressional Budget Office estimates rebranding the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” could cost up to $125 million. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Venezuela Opposition Leader Machado Gives Trump Her Nobel Peace Prize: Live Updates AP News: Live updates: Venezuela’s Machado presents Trump her Nobel Peace Prize Reuters: Five takeaways from the Reuters interview of President Trump WaPo: ICE agent shoots man in leg as Minneapolis protests flare Axios: Trump threatens Insurrection Act for Minnesota WaPo: Medical examiner believes death of man in ICE custody was homicide, recording says Axios: ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan resigns to launch GOP campaign for Congress in Ohio  Inquirer: Jewish students and faculty at Penn ask that their names not be turned over in federal antisemitism investigation CNN: Appeals court reverses decision that freed Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil Axios: Trump's "Department of War" rebrand could cost $125 million Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: We’re starting in Iran, where airspace has been shut down as the US appears to be preparing for a possible strike — even though Trump says (with zero real verification) that the regime has stopped killing protesters. The internet remains mostly offline, US troops are being evacuated from bases across the Middle East, and Iran is threatening retaliation if Trump gives the green light. Meanwhile, JD Vance and Marco Rubio met with Danish and Greenland officials about Trump’s ongoing obsession with Greenland, walking away with “fundamental disagreements” and a new working group that solved nothing. Several European countries responded by sending troops, aircraft, and ships to Greenland. Back in the US, DHS claims the ICE agent who killed Renee Good is suffering from “internal bleeding,” as Stephen Miller announced via DHS that ICE agents have federal immunity and that interfering with them is a felony. The First Amendment also had a rough day: the FBI searched the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson and seized her devices as part of a leak investigation — while insisting she’s not the target — and the Trump administration opened an investigation into Senator Elissa Slotkin for appearing in a video urging troops to resist illegal orders.The State Department is suspending immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries deemed likely to need public assistance, while also quietly expanding scrutiny of non-immigrant visas. The administration also canceled up to $2 billion in mental health and addiction treatment grants. Elsewhere, the Ford worker who called Trump a “pedophile protector” during a factory visit was suspended, Verizon users endured a widespread outage, and finally, some actual good news: US cancer survival rates are at an all-time high. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump claims killing of Iran protesters 'has stopped' even as Tehran signals executions ahead Axios: U.S. evacuates troops from Middle East bases as Trump weighs Iran strikes Newsweek: Jonathan Ross Update: ICE Agent Suffered Internal Bleeding After Renee Good Shooting The New Republic: Stephen Miller Delivers Chilling Message to ICE as Violence Grows WaPo: FBI executes search warrant at Washington Post reporter’s home Trump administration is investigating Sen. Slotkin for Democrats' video urging troops to resist 'illegal orders' AP News: US will suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns Axios: Trump admin abruptly cancels mental health grants WaPo: Trump makes obscene gesture, mouths expletives at Detroit factory  NBC News: Widespread Verizon outage prompts emergency alerts in Washington, New York City US News: U.S. Cancer Survival Rates Reach Record High, Report Says Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned after the DOJ pushed them to investigate the widow of Renee Good — while still refusing to treat the ICE officer who killed Good as a civil rights case. The DOJ is now probing alleged ties between Good’s wife and local ICE protest groups, a move prosecutors called a blatant inversion of justice. At the same time, Rep. Jamie Raskin is pressing DHS over reports that ICE is recruiting pardoned January 6 participants, asking how many now have guns, masks, and badges. That scrutiny comes as more than 50 House Democrats roll out articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for obstruction, civil rights violations, and alleged self-dealing. Trump escalated things in Detroit, announcing he’ll cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities and states starting February 1 — targeting 11 states and D.C. labeled as sanctuary jurisdictions. Abroad, Iran’s regime crackdown has reportedly killed more than 2,000 protesters. Trump says he’s canceled talks with Tehran, urged protesters to “take over your institutions,” slapped new tariffs on countries doing business with Iran, and — as the regime jams Starlink — the White House has reportedly held quiet talks with exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi. In Epstein news, Bill and Hillary Clinton refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein, instead sending an eight-page letter arguing the subpoenas are invalid and noting they already submitted sworn statements the committee accepted from others. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court heard arguments on state bans targeting transgender athletes, with signs the justices are unlikely to strike them down. And civil rights trailblazer Claudette Colvin, whose defiance on a Montgomery bus at 15 helped ignite the civil rights movement, has died at 86. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Six Prosecutors Quit Over DOJ Push to Investigate Renee Good’s Widow Axios: "Who's behind the masks": Raskin seeks answers on Jan. 6 defendants hired by ICE Axios: Scoop: Over 50 House Dems sign onto Kristi Noem impeachment articles Politico: White House to end funding to sanctuary cities and states on Feb. 1 AP News: Trump pressures Iran with tariffs that could raise prices in the US WaPo: Iran jams Starlink, protesters’ lifeline. Trump, Musk say that won’t stand. Axios: Scoop: Trump's envoy secretly met Iran's exiled crown prince WaPo: Supreme Court appears skeptical of arguments against bans of trans athletes AP News: Claudette Colvin, who refused to move seats on a bus at start of civil rights movement, dies at 86 NYT: Bill and Hillary Clinton Refuse to Testify in Epstein Inquiry - The New York Times TMZ:   President Trump Filmed Flipping Off Ford Worker Who Yells 'Pedophile Protector' at Him Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: After a year of publicly badgering Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not bending interest rates to his personal preferences, the Trump administration is now having the DOJ investigate Powell over his testimony about renovations to the Fed’s DC headquarters. Powell responded with a rare straight-to-camera video accusing Trump of using the probe as retaliation for not manipulating rates. Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced it’s taking a $150 million preferred equity stake in ATALCO, the only major U.S. producer of gallium — a critical mineral used in military radar and satellites — in a move that looks a lot like soft nationalization but for national security. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly is suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Hegseth tried to strip him of his Navy captain rank and retirement benefits, a fight that is very much still unfolding. Trump’s EPA also announced it will stop factoring in lives saved and health benefits when setting air pollution regulations, which feels like an interesting new definition of “cost-benefit analysis.” In labor news, roughly 15,000 nurses at major NYC hospitals went on strike demanding safer staffing ratios, better pay, and improved security — aka the bare minimum to keep hospitals functioning. On the tech-politics crossover beat, Meta named Dina Powell McCormick — former Trump deputy national security adviser and wife of GOP Sen. David McCormick — as its new president and vice chair, a hire Trump was thrilled to personally endorse online. Elsewhere, a 19-year-old appeared in federal court on arson charges for allegedly setting fire to Mississippi’s historic Beth Israel Congregation synagogue, and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola announced she’s running for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026, giving Dems at least one race to daydream about. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: U.S. Prosecutors Are Investigating Fed Chair Jerome Powell Bloomberg: Trump Administration Takes Stake in Critical Mineral Firm ATALCO Axios: Mark Kelly hits Hegseth with lawsuit over Navy rank demotion threats NYT: E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved by Limiting Air Pollution NYT: Nearly 15,000 Nurses Go on Strike at Major New York City Hospitals Alaska Public: Mary Peltola enters Alaska U.S. Senate race NYT: New York Seeks Ban on A.I.-Generated Images of Candidates CNBC: Meta names former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick as president, vice chair Clarion Ledger: Hearing set for Madison County man accused of setting fire at Beth Israel in MS Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: After two weeks of nationwide protests, Iran looks closer than ever to a regime collapse. The government shut down the internet all weekend, blamed the U.S. and Israel, and threatened retaliation — while Trump publicly backed protesters online, which historically only makes things messier. In the U.S., a 160-year-old synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi was set on fire early Saturday. No one was hurt, a suspect is in custody, and the congregation — which survived a KKK bombing in 1967 — says it will rebuild. Trump also sat down with the New York Times and said the only thing restraining him is “my own morality,” claimed owning Greenland is “psychologically needed for success,” and suggested NATO could be optional. Around the same time, references to his impeachments quietly disappeared from his Smithsonian portrait label. In Minneapolis, tensions escalated after video showed ICE officer Jonathan Ross switching hands to draw his gun before killing Renee Good. Instead of de-escalating, DHS announced hundreds more federal agents, ICE plans to hire 10,000 more officers, and JD Vance promised “door-to-door” deportations, as a Washington Post report detailed ICE’s push to churn out violent arrest videos for social media. Trump also failed to convince oil companies to reinvest in Venezuela, then declared a national emergency anyway to shield $2.5 billion in Venezuelan oil revenue, calling it a U.S. national security issue. Finally, courts blocked Trump from freezing $10 billion in welfare funds to blue states and from cutting NIH research grants, while December jobs numbers showed modest growth — data Trump leaked early on social media because, apparently, impulse control is optional. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Atlantic: Is the Iranian Regime About to Collapse? Axios: Trump says U.S. is ready to help Iranians get freedom AP News: Suspect arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire damages a historic Mississippi synagogue NYT: An Interview With Donald Trump AP News: Reference to Trump's impeachments is removed from the display of his Smithsonian photo portrait NBC News: New cellphone video shows victim interacting with ICE officer moments before fatal shooting in Minneapolis NYT: ‘Hundreds More’ Federal Agents to be Deployed to Minneapolis After ICE Shooting USA Today: Immigration enforcement ramp-up has only just begun, VP Vance promises WAPo: Inside ICE’s social media machine creating viral arrest videos Politico: ‘Uninvestable’: Trump pitch to oil execs yields no promises Axios: Trump declares national emergency to shield Venezuelan oil cash Texas Tribune: Texas hands over complete list of registered voters to Trump administration Politico: Judge blocks Trump’s $10B welfare fund freeze Seattle Times: Judges block Trump plan to cut research money, including $120M for WA AP News: Trump brushes off early posting of confidential jobs figures Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: In Portland, Customs and Border Patrol agents shot two people during a vehicle stop — both were hospitalized, the FBI is now on scene, and DHS says it was “targeted.”  In Minneapolis, the Trump administration continues to fully defend the ICE officer who killed Renee Good. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the FBI is taking over the investigation, cutting Minnesota out of access to its own evidence, while insisting the officer followed his training. Governor Tim Walz pushed back hard, accusing ICE of raiding a nearby school and using chemical agents on school grounds, forcing closures and prompting him to warn protesters to stay peaceful as the administration appears eager to escalate. Vice President JD Vance then took the podium to claim the ICE officer has absolute immunity, shame the media for portraying Good as innocent, and argue the officer’s past injury explains his behavior. Public pressure is starting to land: Avelo Airlines is cutting ties with ICE and shutting down its Arizona base, while Hilton dropped a Minneapolis-area franchise after it refused to host ICE agents. The Epstein saga keeps unraveling, with House Oversight approving subpoenas for Les Wexner and Epstein’s estate executors, and lawmakers pushing for a special master to force DOJ compliance on the files. On Venezuela, Trump has sidelined intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, Senate Republicans advanced a War Powers resolution to curb further military action, and Trump responded by calling for those senators to be voted out. Elsewhere in chaos, Trump floated buying $200 billion in mortgage bonds, Warner Bros. rejected Paramount again in favor of Netflix, the White House may add an entire story to the West Wing for “symmetry,” and the UK is openly considering banning X over Grok-generated deepfake porn. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: ABC News: Man, woman shot by federal agent in Portland during 'targeted' vehicle stop: Officials WSJ: FBI Blocks State Law Enforcement From ICE Shooting Investigation KARE 11: Walz speaks with press after ICE agent shoots, kills woman PBS: WATCH: Vance blames victim of fatal ICE shooting at White House briefing Axios: Key airline used by Trump for deportations cuts ties with ICE Reuters: Hilton drops Minneapolis hotel over cancelled ICE bookings NBC News: House committee votes to issue more subpoenas related to Jeffrey Epstein WSJ: Tulsi Gabbard Sidelined From Venezuela Planning Axios: These Republicans broke from Trump in rare split over Venezuela war powers Axios: House passes ACA subsidies extension CNN: Trump orders ‘my representatives’ to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in effort to lower housing costs Reuters: Paramount again tells Warner Bros its offer trumps Netflix's WSJ: White House Ballroom Architect Says a West Wing Addition Is Under Consideration Telegraph: Elon Musk’s X could be banned in Britain over AI chatbot row The Atlantic: Fast Times at Immigration and Customs Enforcement - The Atlantic Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Officials identified Renee Nicole Good — a U.S. citizen — as the woman shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis after he fired three rounds into her car at close range. Video shows Good waving agents around her stopped vehicle before they approached on foot. Despite the footage, Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeled her a “domestic terrorist,” a claim Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called “bullshit” while telling ICE to leave the city. Meanwhile, the administration says the U.S. will take over selling Venezuela’s blockaded oil “indefinitely,” with proceeds routed through offshore accounts overseen by Trump — though Energy Secretary Chris Wright insists the money will eventually benefit Venezuelans. Trump also bragged that the U.S. seized a massive Russian-flagged oil tanker and, when asked what happens to the oil, replied: “We keep it, I guess.” On Greenland, leaders in Greenland and Denmark are rejecting any U.S. move to acquire the territory and have requested emergency NATO talks — warning it could destabilize the alliance. European partners are now prepping contingency defense plans of their own. In other news, Trump floated banning large investors from buying single-family homes (details TBD… allegedly coming “in two weeks”), while also publicly pressuring defense contractors to cap executive pay and ramp up production — singling out Raytheon as not sufficiently obedient. And in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling a special session to gerrymander.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis identified as Renee Nicole Good WSJ: U.S. to Control Venezuelan Oil Sales Indefinitely AP News: Trump says US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela The Guardian: Marco Rubio says he will meet Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week Kyivpost: Germany Could Join Multinational Force From Outside Ukraine, Merz Says CNBC: Trump says U.S. to ban large investors from buying homes Axios: Trump threatens to nix Raytheon's defense contracts AP News: Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for special session in April to redraw Florida's congressional districts Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Venezuela’s getting even more chaotic as interim leader Delcy Rodríguez cracks down hard on any shows of support for Maduro’s ouster — with arrests, detained journalists, and armed gangs patrolling Caracas in the name of “order.” Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado went on Hannity to shower Trump with praise and offer to “share” her Nobel Peace Prize… which is extra awkward given reports that Trump-world thinks she would’ve become president if she’d literally handed that prize to him.Trump’s also insisting he consulted U.S. oil execs around the operation — the execs say “absolutely not,” and also that Venezuelan oil wouldn’t be profitable for a decade — but he’s now promising taxpayer-backed reimbursements anyway and claims up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil will be turned over, with the revenue controlled by… him. Obviously nothing concerning there. Feeling bold, the White House is floating military-backed options to acquire Greenland for “Arctic security,” because why not escalate imperial cosplay while we’re here. On the fifth anniversary of January 6th, the administration launched a new government website rewriting the riot — denying officer deaths and blaming Democrats, Capitol Police, and Mike Pence — while the memorial plaque for officers quietly vanished and the Proud Boys marched again. House Democrats held their own hearing, where “MAGA Granny” Pamela Hemphill rejected her pardon and warned against Trump rewriting history. And in Minnesota, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seriously weighing a run for governor to replace Tim Walz, though she hasn’t decided yet. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: Fear grips Caracas as a new wave of repression is unleashed in Venezuela WaPo: Venezuela’s Machado gushes over Trump while calling for new elections BOE Report: Trump administration has not consulted US oil majors about Venezuela, oil execs say NBC News: Trump says the U.S. may reimburse oil companies for rebuilding Venezuela's infrastructure Axios: Trump: Venezuela to turn over 30-50 million barrels of oil to U.S. Reuters: Trump discussing how to acquire Greenland, US military always an option, White House says NYT: Trump Administration Posts False Jan. 6 Narrative on Riot’s 5th Anniversary PBS News: WATCH: House Democrats hold special Jan. 6th hearing on five-year anniversary Politico: ‘A unique moment for Minnesota’: Dems await Klobuchar’s future move Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Trump’s Venezuela operation keeps getting weirder. Nicolás Maduro and his wife pled not guilty in Manhattan court and Maduro insists he’s “still president” — despite currently living at the detention center. Trump walked back his claim that Marco Rubio would “run Venezuela,” and is now elevating Stephen Miller to help oversee things with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez — while warning he’ll launch more strikes if she doesn’t cooperate. Meanwhile, Trump allies say opposition leader María Corina Machado blew her shot at power by… not giving Trump her Nobel Prize. To make things…more chaotic, Trump has started floating similar threats toward Cuba, Mexico, Colombia — and Greenland — prompting Greenland’s prime minister to remind him that their country is “not an object of superpower rhetoric.” Congress only got briefed on the Venezuela strikes after the fact, because Trump says lawmakers “leak,” though somehow oil companies heard before and after. Also suspicious: someone made $400k on Polymarket betting Maduro would be deposed in January. Abroad, protests in Iran continue, and a British intel report says Ayatollah Khamenei has a “Plan B” escape route to Moscow if things collapse. In other news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth censured Sen. Mark Kelly in the first step toward possible rank demotion — all because Kelly appeared in a video noting it’s legal to refuse illegal military orders. The administration also slashed the number of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11 — a move that could reshape insurance coverage and access next year and Arizona’s Supreme Court building was evacuated after a suspicious package containing homemade explosive material was found. Lastly, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced he won’t seek a third term following months of harassment fueled by Trump and right-wing trolls resurfacing an old Somali daycare fraud case. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Live updates: Maduro arrives at New York courthouse for first court appearance since capture in Venezuela The New Republic: Trump Wants Stephen Miller to Have a Terrifying New Role in Venezuela WaPo: U.S. plan to ‘run’ Venezuela clouded in confusion and uncertainty Newsweek: Cuba’s ‘Days Are Numbered’—Lindsey Graham Yahoo: Greenland's Prime Minister Just Delivered A Brutal Reality Check To Donald Trump The Independent: Gunfire heard near Venezuelan presidential palace The Times: Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if Iran unrest intensifies AP News: Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly after Democrats' video urging troops to resist unlawful orders PBS: Trump administration cuts number of vaccines it recommends for every child The Guardian: Arizona supreme court evacuated after package tests positive for explosives AP News: Walz, Democrats' 2024 VP pick, drops bid for third term as Minnesota governor; Klobuchar considers Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Looks like there's no easing into this new year. Trump dramatically escalated his Venezuela fixation this weekend, launching major strikes in Caracas and having Nicolás Maduro pulled from his home and flown to federal detention in Brooklyn. Maduro was re-indicted on familiar narcotrafficking charges, while Trump bragged that the U.S. is effectively “running Venezuela now” alongside American oil companies. But instead of installing Trump’s preferred opposition figure, Venezuela’s Supreme Court tapped Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Before all that, the U.S. had spent weeks chasing a Venezuela-bound oil tanker — until Russia swooped in on New Year’s Eve, added it to its registry, and painted a Russian flag on the side to shield it from seizure. Trump also hosted President Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago with Stephen Miller, Jared Kushner, and Pete Hegseth, claiming “progress” while simultaneously echoing outrage on Putin’s behalf after a friendly call with him. Abroad, Switzerland’s army chief warned the country couldn’t withstand a major attack, protests in Iran turned deadly as Trump threatened to “intervene,” and Trump ordered Christmas Day strikes on ISIS militants in Nigeria. On the home front, Trump froze all childcare payments nationwide after citing a Minnesota welfare fraud case involving a small group of Somali immigrants — while simultaneously moving to garnish wages from millions of student loan borrowers in default starting in January. One notable check on his power: the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 against his National Guard deployments to several U.S. cities. Meanwhile, the newly released Jack Smith testimony says he had evidence Trump committed multiple felonies that could rise to treason before his cases were shut down — and the massive Epstein document dump is already under scrutiny for delays, missing records, and questionable redactions, including internal DOJ emails noting Trump flew on Epstein’s plane more than previously known. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Maduro arrives in New York after capture in Venezuela NYT: How Trump Fixed On a Maduro Loyalist as Venezuela’s New Leader NYT: Russia Asks United States to Stop Pursuit of Fleeing Oil Tanker NBC News: Trump and Zelenskyy project optimism about prospects for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal despite 'thorny issues' The Daily Beast: Putin Burns Trump With Embarrassing Details of Phone Chat Reuters: Army chief says Switzerland can't defend itself from full-scale attack PBS: Trump threatens to intervene in Iran if regime continues to kill protesters NYT: U.S. Strikes ISIS in Nigeria After Trump Warned of Attacks on Christians NYT: Trump and Netanyahu Exchange Praise After Meeting, Showing Few Signs of Strain CNN: Israel becomes first country to formally recognize Somaliland as independent state AP News: Trump's attacks on Minnesota's Somali community cast a spotlight on fraud cases The Guardian: Trump administration reportedly freezes all childcare payments to all states CNBC: Trump administration to start seizing pay of defaulted student loan borrowers in January WaPo: Trump ends effort to keep National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland PBS: Read Jack Smith's full deposition on the decision to indict Trump Axios: Mike Pence's think tank poaches top Heritage staff as MAGA rift grows NBC News: Justice Department is reviewing 5.2 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein files NBC News: The president, the plane and the prince: Top takeaways from the 3rd Epstein files release Des Moines Register: Democrat wins Iowa Senate election, holding off GOP supermajority CNBC: USPS changes may delay postmark dates. What it means for your tax returns, ballots, bills and more Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: CBS News is in full self-own mode after killing a 60 Minutes segment on El Salvador’s CECOT megaprison—right before airtime—because leadership said it didn’t “advance the story” or sufficiently platform the administration, despite months of reporting and unanswered requests for comment. Predictably, the backlash ensured way more people now care about the story than ever would have otherwise. Meanwhile, a federal judge let former CECOT detainee, Kilmar Abrego-Garcia remain free while his case continues, openly questioning whether ICE can be trusted to follow court orders at all. The DOJ, in the spirit of never taking a hint, is also appealing the dismissal of Trump’s revenge prosecutions against James Comey and Letitia James, insisting Halligan was totally legit, therefore the indictment stands. At the FBI, Director Kash Patel is reportedly cruising around in a custom armored BMW with massage seats—purchased at his request—because Suburbans apparently don’t scream “covert.” Elsewhere, the US is chasing another Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters (Venezuela calls it piracy), Trump is back to casually trying to acquire Greenland via a part-time envoy who is also the governor of Louisiana, and the administration is pulling dozens of career diplomats from posts around the world for reasons it will not explain. Dems seek to find Bondi in contempt, because actual accountability isn’t a thing anymore. And finally, Trump capped off 2025 by announcing plans for new “Trump Class” Navy warships, which feels spiritually correct as a closing note. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: ‘I ultimately had to comply’: ‘60 Minutes’ EP faces fallout after Bari Weiss shelves story PBS: Abrego Garcia can remain free while judge considers arguments for returning him to immigration custody Politico: DOJ appeals ruling that tanked Comey, James criminal cases MS Now: Kash Patel’s new ride of choice: An armored luxury BMW Axios: U.S. pursuing third oil tanker as Venezuela hostilities intensify Axios: Denmark summons US ambassador over Trump's renewed Greenland push Politico: Trump ousts more Biden-era ambassadors WaPo: Two lawmakers seek to find Bondi in contempt over Epstein files NYT: Trump Administration Live Updates: President Announces Plans for New ‘Trump Class’ Battleships Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: The Epstein files were legally due to drop on Friday — and instead, the DOJ punted. Rather than releasing everything as required, the department said it’ll roll documents out gradually because it “ran out of time,” and posted about 13,000 heavily redacted files. Some documents then mysteriously vanished from the DOJ website, including a photo from Epstein’s apartment that showed Donald Trump, prompting Democrats to demand a timeline and an explanation for what’s now very likely an illegal partial release. DOJ leadership insists nothing — and no one — is being protected. Meanwhile, the New York Times filled in some gaps the DOJ didn’t, publishing extensive reporting that describes Trump and Epstein as close friends, citing more than 30 former employees, victims, and witnesses. The report alleges Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell introduced Trump to at least six women who later accused him of grooming or abuse, including one who was a minor at the time. Trump has denied the allegations. In other news, authorities say the suspect in last weekend’s Brown University shooting — now deceased — may have targeted MIT fusion researcher Nuno Loureiro, whom he reportedly knew from an academic program in Portugal. The motive remains unclear, but the case has raised eyebrows amid Trump Media’s sudden merger with a nuclear fusion company and new reporting that Putin heavily influenced Trump’s Ukraine envoy. Add in fresh revelations about Stephen Miller pushing for military strikes wherever he could find a target, murky inflation data thanks to shutdown gaps, Trump rescheduling marijuana (and nodding off while doing it), and Elise Stefanik abruptly dropping out of New York’s governor race — and yes, it was another very normal news week. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: What to Know on the Initial Release of Materials From the Epstein Files CNBC: Epstein files: A number of documents, including Trump photo, reportedly removed from DOJ release site Yahoo: Trump’s FBI Spent Nearly $1 Million on Redacting Epstein Files The Independent: Epstein files live: Whistleblowers could hold key, says Democrat, while Bondi tweet provokes fierce backlash ABC News: Top DOJ official denies there's any effort to redact mentions of President Trump from Epstein files NYT: ‘Don’s Best Friend’: How Epstein and Trump Bonded Over the Pursuit of Women WaPo: Brown, MIT Professor Shootings linked, suspects found dead The Guaardian: Why is Truth Social owner Trump Media merging with a fusion energy firm? | Mergers and acquisitions Substack: The Russia-adjacent “connective tissue” points that are real, documentable, and potentially problematic if Trump Media (TMTG / Truth Social) is merging with TAE. WSJ: How Putin Got His Preferred U.S. Envoy: Come Alone, No CIA WaPo: Stephen Miller's hard-line Mexico stragtegy morphed into deadly boat strikes WSJ: The Data Problems in Thursday’s Inflation Report Will Linger for Months CBS News: Trump signs executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug NBC News: Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Elise Stefanik drops bid Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: It’s officially Epstein Files Friday — meaning the DOJ is legally supposed to release the files today, per the law Trump signed 30 days ago. Coincidentally, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent Congress home early for the holidays, neatly avoiding being in the building when the files are either released or… not. Meanwhile, House Democrats dropped 70 more photos from Epstein’s estate, including plans for his island, disturbing “Lolita” imagery, redacted foreign passports, and photos of high-profile figures. The Trump administration is also moving to dramatically ramp up denaturalization efforts, telling immigration officials to target up to 200 citizenship revocations per month next year — a massive escalation for a process that’s historically rare. Trump’s media company announced a surprise $6 billion merger with a nuclear fusion firm, briefly reviving its stock, while questions swirl around the recent killing of an MIT fusion scientist and the now-closed Brown University shooting case. In other news, Trump unveiled a very familiar-sounding “Patriot Games” and backed renaming the Kennedy Center after himself, RFK Jr. cut funding for major pediatric health programs while pushing new restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, the government admitted liability in the deadly January DC plane crash, and The New Yorker launched a fully digitized 100-year archive — finally ending on a high note. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The New Republic: Mike Johnson Sends Entire House Home Ahead of Epstein Files Deadline Axios: Latest Epstein photos include "Lolita" quotes written on a woman's body NYT: Trump Administration Aims to Strip More Foreign-Born Americans of Citizenship CNN: Trump’s social media business is merging with a nuclear fusion company MIT: Nuno Loureiro, professor and director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, dies at 47 WaPo: Kennedy Center board votes to rename to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ WaPo: American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr. NBC News: HHS moves to slash funding and access to care for transgender minors AP News: US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 in Washington New Yorker: The Entire New Yorker Archive Is Now Fully Digitized Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Trump escalated toward open conflict with Venezuela by labeling the country a “foreign terrorist organization,” blockading sanctioned oil tankers, and laying groundwork that looks a lot like a path to war — even as U.S. oil companies quietly signal they’re not interested in going back. Abroad, Britain’s MI6 chief warned that tech billionaires and algorithms are reshaping global power faster than politicians, while Putin doubled down on threatening Ukraine with either invasion or “negotiation,” plus some nuclear saber-rattling for flair. Back home, Trump expanded his travel ban, House Republicans briefly rebelled to pass a doomed healthcare bill, and Jack Smith told Congress he found proof Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election and obstruct justice. The FCC chair openly claimed the agency isn’t independent from the president — then removed the word “independent” from its website mid-hearing — as the Senate confirmed Elon Musk’s friend to run NASA. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino announced he’s quitting the FBI, Alan Dershowitz floated a very “it depends” take on a third Trump term, Ghislaine Maxwell moved to toss her conviction, and the DOJ is legally required to release the Epstein files tomorrow. On the crime front, the Brown University shooter is still at large, an MIT professor’s killing is now a homicide investigation, Nick Reiner appeared in court for his parents’ murders, and — in truly end-times energy — the Oscars are leaving ABC for YouTube. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Venezuela’s Navy Begins Escorting Ships as U.S. Threatens Blockade Politico: Trump administration asking US oil industry to return to Venezuela — but getting no takers I-News: MI6 chief: Tech giants are closer to running the world than politicians WSJ: Putin Warns He Will Achieve Aims in Ukraine Through Negotiation or War Axios: Trump expands travel ban to Syrians, Palestinians and others AP News: Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker Mike Johnson on ACA subsidies NBC News: Jack Smith tells Congress he could prove Trump engaged in a 'criminal scheme' to overturn 2020 election AP News: FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy Axios: Dan Bongino announces FBI exit WSJ: Trump Told by Alan Dershowitz Constitutionality of Third Term Is Unclear AP News: Imprisoned Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell seeks release, citing 'new evidence' Axios: MIT professor Loureiro shot at home: Police launch homicide investigation AP News: Rob and Michele Reiner's son appears in court on murder charges while siblings speak of their loss Hollywood Reporter: Oscars Bolts from ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029 Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: As of Tuesday evening, the suspect in the Brown University shooting remains at large, with police releasing new footage and a timeline in hopes the public can help identify him. Meanwhile, a Vanity Fair profile of Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles revealed unusually blunt on-the-record comments, including describing Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality,” calling JD Vance a longtime conspiracy theorist, and criticizing DOJ handling of the Epstein files—remarks the White House has since dismissed. Trump also filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC over a January 6 documentary, a case now assigned to a Trump-appointed judge. In media news, Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to reject Paramount’s $108 billion bid in favor of a Netflix deal, after Jared Kushner’s firm pulled its backing from Paramount. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will not release full footage of a controversial strike on a drug boat that reportedly killed wounded survivors. In Los Angeles, Nick Reiner was charged with murdering his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as Michelle Obama publicly defended the couple’s legacy. Finally, new data shows unemployment rose to 4.6% in November, the highest level in more than four years, with job losses in three of the past six months. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: New photo released of person of interest in Brown University shooting as manhunt enters fourth day Vanity Fair: Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) WaPo: Trump sues BBC ‘for putting words in my mouth’ WSJ: Warner Preparing to Tell Shareholders to Reject Paramount Offer CNN: Full video showing follow-up strike on alleged drug boat won’t be released to the public, Hegseth says LA Times: A famous father, a troubled son: How addiction tormented the Reiner family WSJ: U.S. Unemployment Rose in November ​Despite Job Gains Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: As of late Sunday, the suspect in Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University — which killed two people and injured nine — remains at large. Police released new photos after clearing a briefly detained person of interest, while local officials say there’s no immediate threat. Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel falsely claimed a suspect had been caught, statements later contradicted by Providence police. In Australia, the death toll from a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney rose to 16, the country’s deadliest shooting in nearly 30 years; authorities say a father and son carried out the attack, and ISIS flags were found in their car. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pledging even stricter gun laws. Back in the U.S., California police are investigating an antisemitic attack on a Jewish family’s Hanukkah-decorated home, while federal authorities arrested four men accused of plotting a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack. In Los Angeles, the son of director Rob Reiner was arrested on suspicion of murdering Reiner and his wife; Trump blamed the deaths on “Trump derangement syndrome,” drawing backlash. Elsewhere, the administration is arguing in court against providing live ASL interpreters at White House events and against halting construction of Trump’s planned White House ballroom. A JetBlue pilot narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. military aircraft in the Caribbean, and President Zelensky says the U.S. has agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine as talks continue. Finally, Merriam-Webster named “slop” — low-quality AI-generated content — its 2025 word of the yea Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Providence Journal: Brown University mass shooting suspect new images released Axios: Brown University shooting person of interest being released, officials say NBC News: From Charlie Kirk to Brown University, Trump officials have posted inaccurate info in wake of tragedy Reuters: Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach LA Times: Attack on Jewish family's Redlands home under investigation as a possible hate crime WaPo: Justice officials say they stopped a terror plot in Southern California LA Times: Live Updates: Rob Reiner’s son arrested in fatal stabbings of the Hollywood legend and his wife CNN: Trump’s Rob Reiner post on Truth Social undercuts Republicans’ claims to civility Axios: Republican lawmakers slam Trump's "inappropriate" posts on Rob Reiner Axios: "Very bad for our country": Trump doubles down on Rob Reiner attacks Live 5: Trump administration says sign language services ‘intrude’ on Trump’s ability to control his image AP News: Trump administration says White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security WaPo: ‘Outrageous’: JetBlue pilot describes near-collision with Air Force plane off Venezuela AP News: US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks Axios: "Slop" to the top: Merriam-Webster's word of the year is here Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: This weekend saw two devastating mass shootings just hours apart. At Brown University in Rhode Island, a 24-year-old gunman killed two students and wounded nine others inside an academic building, prompting a five-hour campus lockdown before he was arrested at a hotel south of Providence. Several of the victims had previously survived other school shootings. In Australia, a father and son opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40. One victim, a Holocaust survivor, died while shielding his wife. Authorities called it a terrorist attack and recovered explosives nearby. In other news, two U.S. troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria after an attacker—who had recently joined local security forces—opened fire. The incident is being treated as a major security failure, and Trump vowed retaliation against ISIS. Meanwhile, Chile elected its most right-wing president in decades, José Antonio Kast, while Ukraine peace talks continue. President Zelensky signaled he may forgo NATO membership in exchange for U.S. security guarantees, even as the U.S. reportedly plans to scale back European defense commitments and Republicans float leaving NATO altogether. Back in the US, House Democrats released dozens of photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate showing him with powerful figures across politics and business, with tens of thousands more images still under review. The New York Times also reported that Andrew Tate cultivated ties to Trump-world figures to help escape prosecution abroad—after which new assault allegations quickly followed. And finally, Dr. Oz has been emailing federal health workers unsolicited advice on resisting office snacks, reminding everyone that in 2025, nothing—not even cookies—is safe from wellness content. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: Person of interest in Brown University shooting is 24, from Wisconsin: live updates CNN: At least 15 killed in shooting that targeted Australia’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach NYT: Hanukkah Concerts With Israeli Military Cantor Raise Outcry in Amsterdam AP News: Attacker who killed US troops in Syria was a recent recruit to security forces, official says Reuters: Exclusive: US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say Axios: NATO chief: "Putin is in the empire-building business again" Axios: Ukraine, U.S. and Europe to debate Trump's plan on Saturday in Paris NYT: Zelensky Offers Compromise for New Round of Ukraine Peace Talks CNN: New photos released from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Bannon, Bill Clinton and other high-profile people NYT: How Andrew Tate, Manosphere Star Accused of Rape and Trafficking, Was Freed Axios: The high cost of the U.S. sports betting boom Wired: Dr. Oz Tells His Federal Employees to Eat Less Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Donald Trump had a not-so-stellar day yesterday. First, Indiana’s GOP-controlled state senate actually stood up to him and rejected his pressure campaign to pass a wildly gerrymandered congressional map. So instead of all nine districts going red, only seven will — proving that sometimes his bullying doesn’t work (shocking, I know). Then Congress did its favorite thing: nothing helpful. Both parties tanked bills that would’ve extended Obamacare subsidies, meaning everyone’s insurance premiums are about to skyrocket.  Over in the House, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem got grilled during the annual “worldwide threats” hearing — mostly about immigration and the administration’s messy due-process violations. She even denied ICE had detained veterans… until a deported veteran showed up…on zoom. Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia because ICE couldn’t produce a single legal document justifying why they were trying to deport him. CBP also wants to require travelers from 40 visa-waiver countries to hand over five years of social media, emails, phone numbers, and family history before visiting the U.S. And the administration is adding another militarized zone to the southern border just because. Trump also failed yet again to manufacture a criminal case against NY AG Letitia James — the second grand jury in two weeks declined to indict her for fake mortgage fraud. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new law requiring disclosure when ads use AI-generated actors and requiring consent for post-mortem likeness use. But Trump immediately tried to kneecap state AI rules with an executive order letting DOJ punish states that “restrict” AI — all part of the administration’s push for “AI neutrality” (whatever that means), including new federal guidance to ban “woke” AI. And finally, Disney struck a $1 billion deal with OpenAI to let Sora use Disney characters in AI-generated videos. So basically… they’re paying someone to copy their own IP. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Indiana Senate Republicans Reject Trump’s Redistricting Effort CNN: Live updates: Trump administration, health care vote and latest Venezuela news PBS News: WATCH: Noem defends Trump immigration policy in House hearing on security threats AP News: Foreigners allowed to travel to the US without a visa could soon face new social media screening AP News: Trump administration adds militarized zone in California along southern US border NYT: A Grand Jury Again Resists Trump’s Push to Reindict Letitia James WSJ: Trump Signs Executive Order to Curtail State AI Laws Axios: White House issues federal agency guidance against "woke" AI Axios: N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes major changes to AI bill Deadline: Disney Inks Blockbuster $1B Deal With OpenAI, Handing Characters Over To Sora Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Trump had a chaotic 24 hours — bragging at 3 a.m. on Truth Social that he “aced” his third cognitive test and accusing the New York Times of being “treasonous” for reporting he looked like he was asleep in a Cabinet meeting. By midday he’d moved on to claiming the U.S. seized the “largest tanker ever” near Venezuela, while Pam Bondi posted dramatic helicopter-raid footage with zero clarity on whose oil was involved. Meanwhile, another federal judge ordered the DOJ to unseal all Epstein grand jury records, giving Trump just eight days to release the files he’s been promising for years. In other news, the Fed cut interest rates again, six states struck deals with the administration to ban SNAP users from buying junk food, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced a bill to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza after… Charlie Kirk. Over in foreign policy chaos, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a bill to pull the U.S. out of NATO entirely. Election-wise, Democrats scored more surprise wins: Albuquerque’s mayor kept his seat and a Democrat flipped a deep-red Georgia district that Trump carried by 12 points. In tech bro land, Elon Musk hinted that SpaceX is going public next year, OpenAI warned (in its own report!) that its models pose “high risk” for cyberattacks, and Australia officially began its under-16 social media ban. And finally, Marco Rubio ordered U.S. diplomats to ditch Calibri and go back to Times New Roman because vibes. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Daily Beast: Trump, 79, Boasts About Taking Three Separate Dementia Tests CNN: US seized oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, Trump says The Independent: Epstein and Maxwell grand jury docs are being unsealed as Trump’s DOJ approaches deadline to publish files CNBC: Divided Fed approves third rate cut this year, sees slower pace ahead Axios: SNAP junk food ban expands to 6 more states Axios: GOP bill would rename Black Lives Matter Plaza after Charlie Kirk Thomas Massie: Rep. Massie Introduces Bill to Remove the United States from NATO Albuquerque Journal: Mayor Keller wins third consecutive term in Albuquerque runoff election Georgia Recorder: Democrat flips northeast Georgia state House seat, pulling off special election upset Axios: Musk suggests SpaceX IPO reports are "accurate" Axios: Exclusive: New OpenAI models likely pose "high" cybersecurity risk, company says NYT: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Takes Effect AP News: Calibri font becomes the latest DEI target as Rubio orders return to Times New Roman Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Trump had a busy week: he gave himself an A++++++ on the economy, and in a Politico interview, openly admitted he has “no vision for Europe” while praising autocrats like Orban in Hungary and Erdogan in Turkey. European security officials are sounding alarms too, warning that Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign—political sabotage, infrastructure attacks, energy manipulation, and propaganda—could escalate into a full-blown war by 2029. Meanwhile, Netanyahu says he speaks to Putin “regularly” to protect Israel’s borders, particularly against Syria, so the lines are already being drawn. Over in tech, Elon Musk confessed on Katie Miller’s podcast that DOGE was only “somewhat successful” and that if he could do it again, he wouldn’t. And the Pentagon, under Pete Hegseth, is rolling out Google’s Gemini AI for unclassified work like onboarding and administrative tasks—but the NYT is suing because Hegseth’s new press rules forced reporters to sign gag orders or lose access. In Florida, Miami elected its first Democratic mayor in 28 years, Eileen Higgins, a former Peace Corps director and mechanical engineer, ending decades of GOP control and running on a government efficiency platform. Let’s travel back to Taylor Swift’s October album release real quick, remember the nazi, trad wife chaos around it? Turns out, less than 4% of accounts drove 28% of the conversation, and over 73% of the inflammatory posts came from inauthentic or conspiracy-focused accounts. Basically, most of the outrage wasn’t real—it was engineered. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Full transcript: POLITICO's interview with Donald Trump Financial Times: Russia’s hybrid warfare puts Europe to the test Times Of Israel: In Knesset debate, Netanyahu says he regularly talks to Putin to safeguard Israel's 'vital interests' WSJ: New York Times Sues Hegseth, Defense Department Over New Press Rules Axios: Musk says DOGE was only "somewhat successful," wouldn't do it again Axios: U.S. military to use Google Gemini for new AI platform Politico: Miami elects first woman mayor, ends GOP’s 28-year control of City Hall Rolling Stone: Taylor Swift's Last Album Sparked Bizarre Accusations of Nazism. It Was a Coordinated Attack Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices