Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: The Senate unanimously passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but Trump still hasn’t signed it — and with new “active investigations” conveniently launched by AG Pam Bondi, there’s a built-in excuse to redact whatever he wants. And again: Trump could release the files anytime, so the delay is… telling. Trump’s politically motivated case against James Comey is unraveling after it came out the grand jury never saw the actual final indictment. On Ukraine, Trump is floating a plan that would hand Russia more eastern territory in exchange for a U.S. “security guarantee” for Ukraine — which seems like a great way to encourage more Russian aggression. At the U.S.–Saudi investment forum, Trump publicly trashed his own Fed chair and threatened his Treasury Secretary over interest rates. Totally stable behavior. And finally, Nicki Minaj is now functioning as Trump’s unofficial diplomat, giving a U.N. speech about alleged anti-Christian extremism in Nigeria — a claim contradicted by actual data and Nigeria’s own government, but politically useful for the administration, so here we are. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: Senators push for probe into Trump-linked crypto firm over token sales tied to North Korea and Russia AP News: New hurdle in Comey case as Trump's Justice Department faces questions about the grand jury process Axios: Scoop: Trump plan asks Ukraine to cede additional territory for security guarantee Axios: Trump on Fed Chair Powell: "I'd love to fire his ass" Rolling Stone: 'Faith Is Under Attack': Nicki Minaj Spreads Misleading Information at the United Nations 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 House finally voted on releasing the Epstein files, and it was a blowout: 427–1, with Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins as the lone no vote. Speaker Mike Johnson is still trying to get the Senate to redact names (interesting), but survivors held a powerful press conference beforehand urging Trump to stop playing politics and just release the files himself. Meanwhile, the first real accountability domino fell: Larry Summers is stepping back from Harvard and the Center for American Progress over his deep Epstein ties — though OpenAI’s board is staying suspiciously quiet about whether he’s out there too. Over in the Oval Office, Trump hosted Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for what was supposed to be a big investment-and-F-35s photo op, but it immediately derailed when reporters asked about Epstein and, awkwardly, MBS’s role in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Trump waved that off with a casual “things happen,” then snapped at ABC’s Mary Bruce for asking why he hasn’t released the Epstein files, calling her a “terrible reporter” and demanding ABC lose its broadcast license. Very normal, very innocent behavior. In foreign policy news, the UK has reportedly stopped sharing intel on drug smuggling boats over concerns about recent U.S. strikes — something Secretary of State Marco Rubio swears is absolutely not happening because “it didn’t come up once.” The courts were also busy. A federal judge said the DOJ’s case against James Comey may have been tainted by “profound investigative missteps,” another court blocked Texas’s new gerrymandered congressional map for 2026 (pending the inevitable SCOTUS appeal), and a bankruptcy judge finally approved a $7 billion Purdue Pharma settlement after six years of legal trench warfare — money that will go to families, governments, hospitals, and tribes devastated by the opioid crisis. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live updates: Trump presidency, Epstein files release heads to House for vote AP News: Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers steps down from public commitments after Epstein emails ABC News: Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing, threatens ABC News in White House meeting – as it happened | Mohammed bin Salman People: Donald Trump Lashes Out at ABC Reporter over Another Epstein Question, Saying 'Your Crappy Company' Should Lose Its FCC License NBC News: U.K. withholds intelligence on alleged drug boats over U.S. strikes, sources say CNN: Judge says James Comey indictment may be tainted by ‘profound investigative missteps’ Democracy Docket: Federal Court Blocks Texas Gerrymander - Democracy Docket Financial Times: Judge rules Purdue Pharma must pay $7bn in bankruptcy settlement 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 did a full-speed-reverse on Sunday night, suddenly telling House Republicans to go ahead and vote for releasing the Epstein files—after spending months trying to stop exactly that. By Monday he was even claiming he’d sign a bill to release them, adding the very believable disclaimer: “but don’t talk about it too much.” To change the subject, he floated a new promise: $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks for middle-income Americans next year—right around the midterms. Nothing says “stop asking about sexual misconduct” quite like a surprise government check. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel’s country singer girlfriend has been assigned her own FBI security detail—yes, on your dime—which is unusual even by this administration’s standards. Airports should be mostly back to normal this week now that FAA restrictions are lifted with the end of the shutdown. At FEMA, acting director David Richardson resigned after a rough seven months and a disastrously mishandled Texas flood response. Karen Evans, FEMA’s current chief of staff, will take over. Markets took a nosedive, with the major indexes seeing their worst day since Liberation Day. The AI bubble might finally be bursting, especially after new filings showed Peter Thiel’s fund and SoftBank both dumped their Nvidia stakes. Finally, a new mental health study found that social media creators are burning out at alarming rates—1 in 10 have had suicidal thoughts tied directly to their work, two-thirds say their self-worth drops when posts underperform, and nearly 70% say their income is totally unpredictable. The Internet economy is thriving; its workers are not. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Trump does Epstein U-turn as House Republicans prepare to spurn him Axios: Trump says he would sign law to release Epstein documents Axios: Trump promises $2,000 tariff checks by mid-2026 Forbes: FBI Director Patel’s Girlfriend Has FBI Security Detail, Report Says NBC: FAA has lifted emergency flight reductions used to ease staffing pressure during government shutdown WSJ: FEMA Chief David Richardson Resigns WSJ: Market Rout Intensifies, Sweeping Up Everything From Tech to Crypto to Gold Reuters: Peter Thiel's fund offloaded Nvidia stake in third quarter, filing shows Fast Company: Creators are suffering from a mental health crisis, new study shows 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 House is gearing up for a major vote on Wednesday to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files—and suddenly a lot more Republicans are ready to say “yes” now that it’s happening in public. Rep. Thomas Massie says they could have 100+ GOP votes and maybe even build a veto-proof majority. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, calling on AG Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, and JP Morgan—even though Donald Trump himself is the single most mentioned person across those emails.  Trump also found time to wage war on Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene”. MTG went on CNN to say she’s “humbly sorry” for toxic politics and wants the Epstein files released, which… we’ll believe when we see it. In other Epstein-adjacent news, several employees at Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison were reportedly fired after a whistleblower exposed how much special treatment she’s been getting. The DOJ is also in settlement talks with Michael Flynn, who’s somehow demanding $50 million in damages for being prosecuted for lying to the FBI back in 2017. As for another distraction tactic, Trump implemented a major rollback of tariffs on beef, coffee, fruits, nuts, spices. He’s also rattling sabers with Venezuela as the USS Gerald Ford arrived in the Caribbean. Meanwhile ICE is expanding its aggressive raid tactics to Charlotte and New Orleans. And finally, Indiana lawmakers delivered Trump another L by refusing to redraw their state maps, despite his team begging them to come to the Oval Office so he can “convince” them. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Many House Republicans will back a bill to release Epstein files, leaders of the effort say CNN: Trump says he’s asking Justice Department to investigate Epstein’s ties to slew of high-profile figures CNN: Trump administration news as Epstein files vote approaches CNN: Prison employees have been terminated after Ghislaine Maxwell’s email messages were shared, her lawyer says The New Republic: Justice Department Prepares to Pay Trump Ally Michael Flynn Millions WSJ: Trump Implements Major Rollback of Food Tariffs NBC News: U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in the Caribbean Sea in major buildup near Venezuela Axios: The cities Trump is targeting with ICE crackdowns next Politico: Indiana redistricting push likely dead despite White House pressure 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 internet is still digging through the 20,000 Epstein estate documents, but the big takeaways so far: Trump and Epstein were apparently still in contact during Trump’s first term, Epstein seemed to know Trump’s flight schedule, and he even told journalist Michael Wolff he had the dirt to “take Trump down,” including alleged details about Trump’s finances and money laundering for a Russian oligarch. Meanwhile, new NYT reporting revisits the Matt Gaetz scandal, centering on the 17-year-old girl he paid for sex. She describes how she was homeless, trying to afford braces, and ended up connected to Gaetz through his associate Joel Greenberg. She later became the key witness in the DOJ’s trafficking investigation—which ultimately went nowhere. On the political-retaliation tour, the Trump administration just referred Democrat Eric Swalwell to the DOJ for possible mortgage and tax fraud, courtesy of Trump ally Bill Pulte (the 50-year-mortgage guy). And the DOJ is also probing former CIA Director John Brennan under a theory that he and Obama were part of a long-running “deep state” plot against Trump. Elsewhere, 1,000 Starbucks workers went on strike on Red Cup Day, and after 232 years, the U.S. Treasury is finally killing off the penny—because spending 3 cents to make 1 cent is just bad math. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NPR: House committee releases over 20,000 documents from Epstein estate NYT: How a 17-Year-Old Girl Became Enmeshed in the Matt Gaetz Scandal NBC News: Trump official refers Rep. Eric Swalwell for a federal criminal probe over alleged mortgage fraud NYT: Trump Loyalists Push ‘Grand Conspiracy’ as New Subpoenas Land CNBC: Starbucks workers union launches strike in more than 40 cities on chain's key holiday sales day NYT: U.S. Mint Presses Final Penny After More Than 200 Years - The New York Times 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: Congress finally voted to reopen the government and the public got a big (and messy) taste of the Epstein files. It started when House Democrats released three emails from Epstein’s estate showing him telling Ghislaine Maxwell in 2011 that Trump “knew about the girls.” Hours later, Oversight Chair James Comer just went full chaos mode and dumped 20,000 emails online. The messages include Epstein calling Trump “borderline insane” and “the worst person he knows,” bragging about knowing Trump’s schedule during his presidency, and even offering a European official insight into Trump before the 2018 Putin meeting. Meanwhile, Rep. Adelita Grijalva was finally sworn in after being blocked for seven weeks—literally so she couldn’t sign the petition forcing a vote to release the Epstein files. Now that she’s in, the vote’s happening next week. Trump reportedly begged Lauren Boebert to pull her name from the petition, which, shocker, didn’t go over well. Even if the House votes yes, the whole thing could still die in the Senate or under Trump’s veto. Also yesterday, a judge ordered ICE to release over 300 immigrants who were illegally detained in Illinois, and the White House said October’s inflation and jobs reports will never be released—apparently because the government shutdown broke the data pipeline. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: House Oversight Committee: House Oversight Committee Releases Jeffrey Epstein Email Correspondence, Raising Questions About White House Coverup of Epstein Files NBC News: Bipartisan duo secures signatures to force a House vote to release Epstein files The New Republic: Trump Begs Lauren Boebert to Take Her Name Off Epstein Files Petition Politico: Epstein files vote happening next week, Johnson says - Live Updates Axios Chicago: Federal judge orders release of over 300 immigrants detained by ICE WSJ: White House Says October Jobs, Inflation Reports Unlikely to Be Released 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 government’s still shut down—but hey, the Senate finally passed a funding package, which now heads to the House so they can, you know, maybe reopen the country. The deal only funds things until January and gives Democrats a pinky promise to hold a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies next month. Meanwhile, hidden inside the bill is a clause letting senators sue the government for $500,000 if their phone records were searched in the January 6th probe. There’s also a proposal to recriminalize THC and hemp-derived products, which would basically nuke a $30 billion industry overnight. The Supreme Court just extended the Trump administration’s ability to block SNAP payments through Thursday, so… no rush on feeding people. Elsewhere, the House is finally about to have enough signatures to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files once Adelita Grijalva finally gets sworn in today. But don’t get too excited—it probably won’t happen until December, if ever. Trump, meanwhile, is asking the Supreme Court to toss out the $5 million he owes E. Jean Carroll, and one of his pardoned Jan. 6 guys just got re-arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault. So that’s going great. Overseas, the BBC is melting down after an independent report found major bias issues and a Hamas-adjacent narrator situation. Two execs have already resigned, and Trump’s threatening to sue them for $1 billion because a documentary made him look bad (like, worse than usual). And in D.C., plastic surgeons say “Mar-a-Lago face” is the latest cosmetic trend—apparently, looking filler-blind is in. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Senate passes package to end record government shutdown MSNBC: Republicans use spending bill to empower themselves to sue over phone records searches The Hill: Federal THC ban send hemp companies scrambling CBS News: Democrat Adelita Grijalva to be sworn in 7 weeks after winning House election Axios: Trump asks Supreme Court to toss $5 million E. Jean verdict NY Post: Former Jan. 6 defendant who shot gun in air during Capitol riot charged with kidnapping and sexual assault? Telegraph: US may deny visas for fat foreigners Telegraph: BBC’s bias ‘pushed Hamas lies around the world’ WSJ: BBC Director General and News Chief Resign After Criticism of Editorial Practices Axios: DC plastic surgeons getting "Mar-a-Lago face" requests from Trump insiders 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 government shutdown drags on, and Trump’s threatening to dock pay for absent air traffic controllers while offering $10K bonuses to the ones still working. Meanwhile, over 3,000 flights were delayed, and courts once again ruled that the administration has to pay full SNAP benefits (even after Trump told states to undo them). In his downtime, Trump pardoned Rudy Giuliani and 76 other allies tied to the 2020 election plot, and a whistleblower claims Ghislaine Maxwell is getting “concierge treatment” in prison while seeking a commutation. Elsewhere, Trump met with Syria’s new president—once labeled a terrorist—and lifted sanctions, all while his defense secretary bragged about more U.S. strikes. The Supreme Court shut down Kim Davis’s attempt to overturn marriage equality, a judge blocked Trump’s National Guard deployments to Portland protests, and a grand jury subpoenaed former intel officials from the Mueller era. Trump also ordered the DOJ to investigate meatpacking monopolies as beef prices spike 13%, Italy’s pasta exporters are ditching the U.S. over 107% tariffs (justice for spaghetti), and TikTok Shop just hit $19 billion in sales—matching eBay. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Trump Threatens to Dock Pay of Absent Air-Traffic Controllers Axios: Democrats fold on biggest government shutdown demand Axios: Trump pardons Giuliani, 76 others accused of bid to overturn 2020 election NBC News: Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell plans to seek commutation from Trump, whistleblower says NYT: Syria’s President Meets Trump at White House for First Time NYT: U.S. Military Kills 6 in Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats, Hegseth Says AP News: Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide NYT: Judge Permanently Blocks National Guard Deployments to Portland for ICE Protests CBS News: Grand jury subpoenas former CIA chief Brennan and 2 ex-FBI officials linked to Trump-Russia probe, source says Axios: Trump orders Justice Department probe of meatpackers over prices WSJ: Italian Pasta Is Poised to Disappear From American Grocery Shelves Wired: TikTok Shop Is Now the Size of eBay 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 government shutdown just passed 40 days, but there’s finally a flicker of hope: the Senate reached a tentative deal to reopen the government through January, with at least 10 Democrats agreeing to back a short-term funding bill in exchange for a vote next month on extending Obamacare tax credits—a proposal many Democrats previously called “laughable.” Meanwhile, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court’s order requiring the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits, and Trump’s USDA quickly told states to stop processing payments. Trump also floated a flurry of financial gimmicks over the weekend—like 50-year mortgages, direct cash “subsidies,” and a $2,000 tariff dividend—while his own Treasury Secretary contradicted him on national TV. Abroad, Trump met with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, granting him a sanctions exemption on Russian oil in exchange for $600 million in U.S. gas contracts. The shutdown is also stalling weapons sales to Ukraine and NATO allies and causing massive flight delays ahead of Thanksgiving. Elsewhere, Cornell struck a controversial deal with the administration to restore funding after discrimination probes, Florida sued Planned Parenthood over abortion pill safety (again, against all science), and in Virginia, a 19-year-old college student beat his former high school teacher in a local election—proving democracy sometimes delivers sequels no one saw coming. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Deal to end government shutdown in reach Axios: Democrats name their price on ending government shutdown AP News: Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments Axios: Trump administration orders states to "undo" full SNAP benefits Axios: Trump again promises $2,000 tariff dividend as SCOTUS decision looms Axios: Tariffs aren't meant for revenue and will shrink over time, Bessent says NYT: Trump Gives Hungary a Reprieve on Sanctions After Meeting With Orban Axios: Scoop: Weapons sales to NATO allies stalled by government shutdown Axios: Duffy: Air travel will slow to a "trickle" before Thanksgiving NYT: Cornell Reaches Deal With Trump Administration to Restore Research Funds Mother Jones: Florida Takes On Planned Parenthood NYT: Virginia Teen Narrowly Defeats His Former Civics Teacher in County Election 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: House Democrats want no-longer-Prince Andrew to testify about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement, with California Sen. Scott Wiener emerging as the establishment pick — though AOC’s ex–campaign manager Saikat Chakrabarti plans to run too. A federal judge ruled again that Trump must fully fund SNAP benefits by today, but the DOJ is appealing. Trump also struck a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to cap Ozempic-style drugs at $50 for Medicare and Medicaid patients next year. In smaller but iconic justice news, the D.C. “sandwich guy” who threw a sub at an ICE agent was found not guilty of assault. The Heritage Foundation is in “open revolt” after its president defended Tucker Carlson for hosting white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Staffers, including members of its antisemitism task force, have quit. Meanwhile, FIFA announced a mysterious new “peace prize” ahead of the World Cup draw in D.C., which insiders say Trump demanded after missing out on a Nobel. And Tesla’s board is set to hand Elon Musk a $1 trillion compensation deal. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: House Oversight Democrats call on embattled royal Andrew Windsor to testify - Live Updates Politico: California’s attorney general endorses Scott Wiener to succeed Pelosi NYT: Judge Orders Trump Administration to Fully Fund SNAP Benefits This Month WaPo: Trump, long fixated on ‘fat drug,’ announces deal to lower its price WaPo: Jury finds D.C. ‘sandwich guy’ not guilty of assaulting officer WaPo: Heritage staff in open revolt over leader’s defense of Tucker Carlson Axios: Trump teased as possible first FIFA Peace Prize winner CNBC: Elon Musk expected to prevail in Tesla shareholder vote over CEO's $1 trillion pay plan  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: More election results are in, and Democrats are mostly keeping their momentum from Tuesday. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was re-elected, fending off a challenge from democratic socialist Ahmed Fatah. In Maine, voters approved a new red flag gun law and Colorado passed a statewide measure to fund free school lunches for all kids—because Colorado stays ahead of the curve. Meanwhile, California Republicans have already filed a federal lawsuit to block the new congressional map voters approved under Prop 50, claiming it violates the 14th and 15th Amendments. And in Maine, Democratic Rep. Jared Golden—one of the few Dems who could win a red district—announced he won’t seek reelection, citing threats made against his family. The government shutdown officially hit day 37, breaking Trump’s own previous record. The Transportation Department says it’ll start cutting air traffic by 10% if the standoff doesn’t end by Friday. Trump’s still calling for Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster to end it, but a bipartisan group is reportedly working on a short-term fix that would reopen the government and roll in some of the annual funding bills. Translation: they could’ve solved this if they wanted to. At the Supreme Court, justices heard three hours of arguments over whether Trump can unilaterally impose tariffs. Judging by their questions, they’re not exactly buying it. And finally, investigators say the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville that killed nine people began when the left wing caught fire and an engine fell off just after takeoff—sending debris and explosions half a mile downrange. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: California Republicans sue over new US House map approved by voters Bangor Daily News: Jared Golden: I won’t seek reelection. Here’s why. WSJ: Lawmakers See Hope for Ending Record-Setting Shutdown WSJ: Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Trump’s Tariffs AP News: 12 dead after engine fell off UPS plane that crashed and exploded in Kentucky 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: Democrats had a massive Election Day sweep nationwide — flipping or holding major seats at every level. At the Supreme Court, justices are hearing Trump’s unprecedented tariff case — deciding whether he can impose tariffs on his own under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that the administration has “lots of other options” if they lose… but, of course, they won’t. Meanwhile, Trump announced there will be no SNAP payments until the government reopens, despite multiple court orders requiring partial payouts. The shutdown is dragging on, and the Transportation Secretary warned that the FAA may have to shut down airspace next week due to thousands of unpaid, overworked air traffic controllers. In global security news, European officials say Russia tried to smuggle explosives onto cargo planes in Germany and the UK this summer — part of a wider sabotage campaign targeting Western aviation. Four people have been arrested so far. Stateside, a UPS plane crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, killing three and injuring at least 11. The FBI also arrested two people in connection with an intentional explosion at a Harvard University medical building over the weekend. And finally, former Vice President Dick Cheney — architect of the Iraq War and self-proclaimed “defender of democracy,” depending on who you ask — died yesterday at 84. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: Bessent says U.S. has 'lots' of options to use on tariffs if it loses Supreme Court case Axios: Trump says SNAP will only get paid after shutdown, defying multiple court orders ABC News: Department of Transportation might be forced to shut down some airspace next week: Duffy  WSJ: Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S.-Bound Planes NBC News: Three dead, at least 11 injured in UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky NBC News: 2 men arrested in explosion at Harvard University and accused of setting off firework in medical building, FBI says Axios: Former Vice President Cheney, architect of Iraq War, dies at 84 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 Election Day for nearly half the country, with record early turnout in New York City — over 735,000 voters — and key races for governors in New Jersey and Virginia, plus major ballot questions in California and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, a small bipartisan group in Congress is maybe edging toward a deal to end the weeks-long government shutdown, which has crippled air travel and left millions unsure when they’ll receive SNAP benefits. After two court orders, the Trump administration says it’ll partially fund food assistance, though payments could still be delayed for weeks. Trump’s team is also reportedly drawing up plans for a potential U.S. military mission in Mexico targeting drug cartels (because what could go wrong?). The Department of Homeland Security wants states to hand over driver’s license data to help identify noncitizens on voter rolls, sparking privacy alarms. In California, ICE shot a 25-year-old U.S. citizen who’d stopped to warn officers that children would soon arrive nearby — the second ICE shooting there this week. Elsewhere, a watchdog report revealed that most donors to Trump’s new ballroom are government contractors who’ve scored $279 billion in deals despite ongoing investigations for labor and environmental violations. OpenAI just inked a $38 billion deal to rent Amazon’s computing power. And rounding out the chaos, Rep. Nancy Mace reportedly went off on TSA agents at a South Carolina airport, she of course claims it’s all fake news. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: House Dems and GOP float compromise plan to end shutdown Axios: Bessent says SNAP payments "could be" made this week NBC News: Flight delays pile up as government shutdown enters second month NBC News: Trump administration is planning new mission in Mexico against cartels, current and former U.S. officials say LA Times: U.S. citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents about children gathering at bus stop, lawyers say ProPublica: DHS asked Texas to hand over driver's license data for citizenship checks WaPo: Report: Donors to Trump’s White House ballroom have $279B in federal contracts WSJ: OpenAI, Amazon Sign $38 Billion Cloud Deal Wired: Nancy Mace Curses, Berates Confused Cops in Airport Meltdown: Police Report 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: Sudan’s civil war took a dark turn after the paramilitary RSF captured El Fasher, giving them full control of Darfur’s major cities. The group is accused of killing hundreds and filming their own war crimes as hundreds of thousands flee. Meanwhile, Trump’s threatening to send the U.S. military “guns-a-blazing” into Nigeria to “protect cherished Christians” from Boko Haram, declaring the country a “state of particular concern.” Nigerian officials politely said thanks but no thanks—they’re still, you know, a sovereign nation. In Venezuela, the U.S. carried out yet another boat strike (the 15th since September), as reports suggest Trump’s team is prepping direct hits on Venezuelan military targets linked to drug trafficking. In local matters, Trump’s demanding Senate Republicans ditch the filibuster to end the government shutdown while partying at Mar-a-Lago as SNAP benefits expire. A judge ordered the USDA to pay SNAP recipients “as soon as possible,” but leaked emails show the agency told grocery stores not to offer discounts to hungry families. Very on-brand. In other news, the White House fired the entire Commission of Fine Arts to make way for friendlier faces on upcoming construction projects, the FBI may have overhyped a supposed Michigan “terror plot” that might’ve just been teenage gamers, and newly released records show JP Morgan flagged over $1 billion in suspicious Epstein-related transactions—names like Dershowitz, Wexner, and Leon Black—while both the bank and Trump’s first administration looked the other way. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: Sudan’s brutal civil war escalates as paramilitary forces go on killing rampage NBC News: Trump tells Defense Department to 'prepare for possible action' in Nigeria NYT: Latest U.S. Military Boat Strike in Caribbean Sea Kills 3, Pete Hegseth Says Miami Herald: U.S. ready to strike military targets inside Venezuela The Independent: Venezuela claims to have captured ‘CIA backed cell plotting false flag attack’ as tensions with US grow WSJ: Trump Urges Republicans to End the Filibuster to Reopen Government X: USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts People: USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts ABC News: White House fires members of commission that is to weigh in on Trump’s construction projects NBC News: FBI foiled a 'potential terrorist attack' in Michigan planned for Halloween weekend, Director Kash Patel says AP News: Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed NYT: JPMorgan Alerted U.S. to Epstein Transfers Involving Wall St. 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: Trump’s Asia trip is somehow still going, with his latest stop in Beijing producing no trade deal — but plenty of showmanship. After what he called an “amazing” meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump said China will resume buying U.S. soybeans and pause export limits on rare earth minerals, while the U.S. cuts fentanyl tariffs from 20% to 10%. Missing from the talks: Taiwan, Russian oil, or China’s access to Nvidia’s AI chips. Also not discussed (but probably should’ve been): Trump’s pre-meeting Truth Social post saying he’s ordering the military to restart nuclear weapons testing — something no U.S. president has done since 1992. The Kremlin warned that if Washington breaks the moratorium, Moscow “will act accordingly.” Back in the US, SNAP and WIC benefits for over 40 million Americans are set to expire tomorrow as Senate Republicans blocked emergency funding, while also refusing to let Democrats use USDA contingency funds to keep the programs alive. Meanwhile, coffee might finally get cheaper — Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Rand Paul introduced a bipartisan bill to repeal Trump’s coffee tariffs. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker asked ICE to pause raids in Chicago over Halloween weekend after agents fired tear gas near a kids’ parade. The administration also announced it’ll cap refugee admissions at 7,500 next year — down from 125,000 — prioritizing white South Africans. The DOJ has reopened an investigation into Black Lives Matter leaders over alleged donor fraud from 2020, despite a prior review finding no wrongdoing. In corporate circus news, OpenAI is reportedly preparing to go public at a trillion-dollar valuation (sure, why not), five more suspects were arrested in the $100 million Louvre jewel heist, and King Charles has officially stripped Prince Andrew of his royal title and booted him from royal property — so long, “Prince” Andrew. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: What Trump and Xi did and didn't agree upon in their meeting PBS News: Trump appears to suggest the U.S. will resume testing nuclear weapons for first time in 30 years NOTUS: Senate Republicans Block Democratic Effort to Fund SNAP During the Shutdown ALX Now: Warner urges Trump administration to use USDA funds to prevent SNAP benefits from expiring KOLO: Cortez Masto, Rand Paul push to repeal Trump tariffs on coffee Axios: Immigration enforcement will continue over Halloween in Chicago, Noem says AP News: Trump administration live updates: Refugees limited mostly to white South Africans CNN: Justice Department investigating fraud allegations in Black Lives Matter movement, AP sources say Reuters: Exclusive: OpenAI lays groundwork for juggernaut IPO at up to $1 trillion valuation CNN: Five new suspects arrested over Louvre heist – but still no sign of looted jewels WSJ: Prince Andrew Stripped of Royal Title by King Charles 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: Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean just as feared, leaving dozens dead and catastrophic damage across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti before weakening to a Category 1 on its way to the Bahamas. Nearly 80% of Jamaica is still without power, and hundreds remain missing across the islands. In Gaza, Israel resumed airstrikes that killed around 100 people after a soldier was shot in Rafah — but quickly announced the ceasefire was back on. Hamas says it’s delaying the return of hostage remains in response to the strikes. Trump, meanwhile, is still globe-trotting — now in South Korea, where he announced the U.S. will share sensitive nuclear submarine technology, one of the country’s most tightly guarded military secrets. This comes months after North Korea bragged about its own nuclear-powered sub. Back home, a new Pentagon memo ordered all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories to form “quick reaction forces” — over 23,000 National Guard troops trained for riot control — to respond to potential unrest. The administration also indicted its first Gen Z political figure: 26-year-old Illinois Democrat Kat Abughazaleh, charged with assaulting an ICE officer during a protest — charges that could carry up to 14 years in prison. On the money front, the Senate symbolically voted against Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazil (which won’t actually change anything), the Fed cut interest rates another 0.25%, and the shutdown continues as millions risk losing food aid. The Dow hit a record 48,000 — mostly thanks to AI stocks — even as layoffs surge at UPS, Nestlé, and Amazon. And in some good news for once, philanthropist Mackenzie Scott donated $60 million to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and another $38 million to Alabama State University — the largest gift in the HBCU’s 158-year history. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Hurricane Melissa impacts southeastern Bahamas, after dozens killed across Caribbean AP News: Israel's military says ceasefire is back on as death toll from Gaza strikes reaches 104 AP News: Live updates: Donald Trump is meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping The Guardian: Revealed: Pentagon orders states’ national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’ | US military MSNBC: Kat Abughazaleh indicted over protests outside Chicago-area ICE facility Politico: Senate votes against Trump’s 50 percent tariff on Brazil - Live Updates Axios: Fed cuts rates again, but signals December cut uncertain Yahoo Finance: Layoffs hit Amazon, UPS, Target, and more — what's fueling the cuts NYT: MacKenzie Scott Backs Disaster Recovery in Marginalized Communities  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 fragile Gaza ceasefire is officially over after 18 days, with Israel launching new airstrikes in Rafah after claiming Hamas fired rockets and mishandled the return of hostage remains. Hamas still holds the bodies of 13 hostages, and the stalled recovery effort is blocking the next phase of negotiations — including disarmament and postwar governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. carried out deadly strikes on boats off Colombia’s coast, killing 14 people; Mexico’s president condemned the attack as a breach of international law. Back home, Trump’s legal team is appealing his 34 felony convictions from the hush money case, arguing the trial violated his supposed immunity. A federal judge extended an order blocking the administration from firing federal employees during the shutdown, which continues to drag on. ICE is seeing a wave of leadership purges as the White House pushes for higher deportation numbers, and Trump just greenlit over 1.5 million acres of Alaska’s Arctic refuge for oil drilling, reversing Biden-era protections and alarming conservationists. Globally, the U.N. warned that the world will “inevitably” overshoot the 1.5°C warming target, while Bill Gates called for a “strategic pivot” away from limiting warming toward reducing poverty and disease instead. Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm — one of the strongest in Atlantic history — and Trump’s Truth Social is launching Truth Predict, a crypto betting platform for everything from sports to elections, because of course it is. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Gaza ceasefire tested as Israel and Hamas exchange fire and blame AP News: US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 Axios: Trump appeals felony conviction citing Supreme Court immunity Axios: Trump indefinitely barred from firing federal workers during shutdown Axios: Trump administration purges ICE field officials The Guardian: White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge The Guardian: Afternoon Update: 1.5C climate target missed; Queensland puberty blocker ban overturned; and is period blood a ‘medical miracle’? AP News: Bill Gates calls for climate fight to shift focus from curbing emissions to reducing human suffering AP News: Live updates: Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica with historic 185-mph winds Wired: Donald Trump’s Truth Social Is Launching a Polymarket Competitor 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 kicked off his Asia trip with stops at the ASEAN Summit and meetings with China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, bragging that a trade deal with China is “close” while hinting—again—that he might go for a third term. He also casually revealed he had an MRI and dementia test at Walter Reed that somehow didn’t make it into his official health report (but don’t worry, he says the scan was “perfect”). Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the U.S. of staging a “military provocation” after a U.S. warship docked in Trinidad and Tobago—an accusation that started sounding less wild after Lindsey Graham said Trump is considering “land strikes” against Venezuela and Colombia. A new study found that major chatbots—including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok—have been echoing Russian propaganda from sanctioned media outlets, while another report revealed that a leaked database exposed personal data from over 450 Americans with top secret clearances tied to Democratic House offices. The government shutdown drags on, threatening food benefits for nearly 50 million people and hiking health insurance premiums nationwide. In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun called a special session to fast-track a redistricting plan that could add two GOP House seats. Elsewhere, Hurricane Melissa is bearing down on Jamaica after killing several people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Amazon is reportedly laying off 30,000 workers in its biggest job cut ever, and—because it’s apparently 1975 again—the Trump administration just ordered the FBI to dig through its files for anything related to Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Trump’s China Deal May Avert a Crisis of His Own Making Axios: Trump underwent previously undisclosed MRI during Walter Reed visit Axios: Venezuela calls U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago military exercises a "provocation" Axios: Graham predicts Trump's war on "narco-terrorists" will expand to land strikes Wired: Chatbots Are Pushing Sanctioned Russian Propaganda Wired: Hundreds of People With ‘Top Secret’ Clearance Exposed by House Democrats’ Website The Guardian: Food benefits set to expire for 41 million people as US shutdown continues Axios Indianapolis: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calls special redistricting session Axios: Jamaica braces for direct hit from potentially "catastrophic" Hurricane Melissa CNBC: Amazon to announce largest layoffs in company history, source says CNN: Amazon to announce largest layoffs in company history, source 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: Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada and tacked on another 10% tariff after learning about a Canadian ad that used Reagan audio to mock his trade policy. Don Jr., meanwhile, invested in a startup building drone-packed mini aircraft carriers that somehow already snagged a Pentagon contract. An appeals court upheld E. Jean Carroll’s $83 million defamation win against Trump, and new inflation numbers show prices up 3% year-over-year — beef alone up 15%. The Justice Department will monitor polling sites in six counties in California and New Jersey as part of Trump’s broader push to tighten control over elections, while Steve Bannon floated a “plan” for Trump to run for a third term. The government remains shut down, with billionaire Timothy Mellon donating $130 million to “pay the troops” — roughly $100 per service member. In Congress, two GOP reps called for investigating Rep. Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship, Eleanor Holmes Norton was scammed out of $4,000 by fake cleaners, Illinois police confirmed an antisemitic gel-blaster attack on Jewish kids, and two suspects were caught after trying to flee with the stolen Louvre crown jewels. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Trump Announces Tariff Increase on Canada Over Reagan Ad Spat NYT: Trump’s Son Is Poised to Profit From Pentagon Drone Proposal PBS: Appeals court upholds E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump ABC News: Inflation climbs to highest level since January, beef prices soar CNN: Justice Department to monitor polling sites in six counties in California and New Jersey You Tube:Steve Bannon: Trump will have a third term NYT: Timothy Mellon Is Donor Who Gave $130 Million to Pay Troops During Shutdown The Guardian: ‘Islamophobia is endemic,’ Mamdani says of Republicans’ push to deport him NBC: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton scammed at home by group claiming to be cleaning crew ABC 7: Investigators classify teen's shooting of 'gel blaster' at Shawnee Park in Skokie, Illinois as antisemitic hate crime: police AP News: Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris' Louvre museum 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: President Donald Trump has officially finished demolishing the East Wing of the White House — without filing any plans, naturally — to make way for a $300 million “Marie Antoinette” ballroom. He also pardoned Binance founder “CZ” Zhao, who pleaded guilty for enabling money laundering (aka crypto’s whole vibe) and just happens to be a Trump donor and business partner. Meanwhile, Trump’s attempt to indict Rep. Adam Schiff for mortgage fraud has stalled for lack of, well, evidence. And former special counsel Jack Smith wants to testify publicly before Congress to correct “mischaracterizations” about his Trump probes — but only if DOJ promises not to punish him. The government shutdown drags on, and SNAP benefits may not go out in November, leaving millions of families without food assistance. Over at DHS, Trump’s new “election integrity” chief Heather Honey told all 50 states the 2020 election was fraudulent and hinted Trump could declare a national emergency to control future elections. Meanwhile, NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier were arrested in a mafia-linked betting scandal, and a pro-MAGA crypto site that promised to “expose Charlie Kirk’s murderers” vanished after scamming its donors. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: See the White House’s East Wing demolition from satellite images WSJ: Trump Pardons Convicted Binance Founder AOL: The Adam Schiff criminal probe has stalled, sources say CNN: Jack Smith asks Congress and the Justice Department to allow him to testify publicly USA Today: Will SNAP benefits be sent in November? 'Inflection point' is near, USDA says NYT: Trump Empowers Election Deniers, Still Fixated on 2020 Grievances Politico: Indiana Republicans don’t have votes to back Trump’s redistricting, Senate leader spox says ABC 11: NC House takes up Senate-approved voting maps as hundreds protest NYT: U.S. Charges N.B.A. Coach and Players in Gambling Schemes - The New York Times The Daily Beast: MAGA Site Took Money to Unmask Charlie Kirk Critics—Then Vanished Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices