Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: A judge just tossed the Trump administration’s cases against James Comey and Letitia James because prosecutor Lindsey Halligan wasn’t legally appointed. The cases could technically come back… except the statute of limitations already expired for Comey. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is now investigating Senator Mark Kelly for “sedition” over that video telling troops not to follow illegal orders — and they can only target him because he’s the only veteran in the group who’s formally retired. In MAGA meltdown news, Punchbowl is reporting more House Republicans are eyeing the exits as they brace for a midterm wipeout and the likely end of Mike Johnson’s speakership. DOGE — Elon and Trump’s short-lived Department of Government Efficiency — has also mysteriously vanished eight months early after accomplishing…well, nothing. Speaking of Elon, Twitter/X’s new transparency feature instantly exposed a bunch of “patriotic American” MAGA accounts as being run from places like Russia, Nigeria, and Portugal. The feature was turned off, then on again, like someone panicking with a light switch. In actual public health news, Gallup says nearly 1 in 10 Americans have been diagnosed with cancer — the highest yet — even though death rates have improved. Age is still the #1 risk factor. And finally, Xi Jinping called Trump to pitch his “Taiwan belongs to China” position. Trump later bragged that Xi invited him to Beijing but conveniently forgot to mention Taiwan at all. Shocking no one, it doesn’t seem to be his favorite geopolitical toy. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Federal judge dismisses indictments against Letitia James and James Comey, saying Lindsey Halligan appointment was unlawful AP News: Pentagon says it's investigating Sen. Mark Kelly over video urging troops to defy 'illegal orders' Punchbowl: What MTG got right Yahoo: Musk’s DOGE Quietly Killed Off After Delivering Almost Nothing NBC News: X's new location transparency feature unleashes questions about origins of MAGA accounts Axios: Nearly 1 in 10 Americans report a cancer diagnosis WSJ: China’s Xi Calls Trump in Unusual Move to Discuss Taiwan, Ukraine 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 Coast Guard spent five minutes trying to downgrade swastikas and nooses to “divisive” before the backlash hit so hard they panic-reversed the policy before Friday’s episode even aired. In overseas chaos, a so-called 28-point “peace plan” for Ukraine turned out to be a Russian document, handed off to Don Jr. in Miami. It demands Ukraine give up more land or lose U.S. protection, and Trump wants Zelensky to sign it by Thursday.Also, a Welsh politician got 10 years for taking Russian bribes, Venezuela thinks the U.S. might overthrow Maduro, and American troops “accidentally” put up U.S. military warning signs on a Mexican beach. Argentina’s giant bailout deflated into a tiny loan and MTG is resigning (right after locking in her pension). Trump also had a bizarrely wholesome meeting with NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. In domestic chaos, we still don’t have the Epstein files and Ghislaine Maxwell will be pleading the Fifth. DOJ is investigating whether Trump’s own appointees used fake “federal investigators” to dig up dirt on Adam Schiff, and Border Patrol has a secret program scanning millions of U.S. drivers because “border” apparently now means “everywhere.” And finally, a Texas official overseeing the Alamo was forced out after the site’s Twitter posted both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day messages for being “woke”. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: The Coast Guard planned to change how it described swastikas and nooses. Then came the outcry and an updated policy NBC News: U.S. and Ukraine hold peace deal talks as lawmakers and allies voice concerns over Russian 'wish list' Axios: Zelensky agrees to negotiate on Trump's peace plan for Ukraine CNN: Former key figure in UK populist party Reform jailed for taking bribes to make pro-Russia statements BBC: Venezuelan official says 'no doubt' Trump wants to overthrow government Newsweek: Did U.S. troops accidentally invade Mexico beach? What to know WSJ: U.S. Banks Shelve $20 Billion Bailout Plan for Argentina NBC News: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign in January CNN: New Yorkers praise Zohran Mamdani’s charm offensive on Trump, say they remain cautiously optimistic Politico: Ghislaine Maxwell will plead Fifth in House Epstein probe, Comer says - Live Updates Axios: Justice Department investigating own handling of Adam Schiff probe: reports AP News: Border Patrol is monitoring US drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns WaPo: Republicans overseeing Alamo renovation ousted 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 Trump finally announced that he signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act — though we still haven’t actually seen the signature. AG Pam Bondi now has 30 days to release the files. Then, in true Trump escalation fashion, he hopped back online to call for the arrest and death penalty for several Democratic lawmakers — all military or intel veterans — after they released a video reminding service members not to follow illegal orders. Trump labeled it “seditious behavior, punishable by death!” The White House later tried to clean it up, insisting Trump does not want to execute Democrats. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard quietly rewrote its policies so that swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags are no longer “hate symbols” but merely “potentially divisive.” Nothing says troop readiness like officially pretending racism is a quirky personality trait. In New York, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is meeting Trump at the White House today — a meeting Mamdani’s team requested, even as Trump is withholding $18 billion in federal funding for NYC infrastructure. Immigration crackdowns continue: A federal judge ruled Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to D.C. illegal — though the ruling is paused for 21 days so the administration can appeal. Meanwhile, the immigration sweep in North Carolina wrapped up with over 250 arrests, and the next wave of 250 federal agents is headed for New Orleans. The Department of Education also dropped its new student loan rules, recategorizing a bunch of very real, very necessary professions — nursing, social work, counseling, cybersecurity, engineering, OT, PA, teaching — as not professional degrees. The result, lower lifetime borrowing caps for the people we literally need the most. And lastly, the CDC’s vaccine safety page has now been rewritten to align with RFK Jr.’s long-debunked conspiracy theories about vaccines and autism. Science is cancelled, apparently. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Trump signs bill to release Jeffrey Epstein case files after fighting it for months WSJ: Trump Calls for Arrest of Democrats Who Urged Troops to Disobey Illegal Orders Axios: House Dem leaders contact Capitol Police after Trump "death threats" WaPo: Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols Axios: Trump, White House coy on unfreezing NYC funds before Mamdani meeting AP News: Judge orders Trump administration to end National Guard deployment in DC AP News: Charlotte immigration crackdown goes on, Homeland Security says, despite sheriff saying it ended AAU: Proposal to Implement Loan Caps Threatens Access to Professional Degree Programs AP News: CDC website changed to contradict scientific conclusion that vaccines don't cause autism 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 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