• Friday, November 14th, 2025 - Epstein drop receipts; Gaetz scandal re-enters the chat; Trump’s retaliation tour; Starbucks strike; Penny gets cancelled
    Nov 14 2025
    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
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    6 mins
  • Thursday, November 13th, 2025 - Congress votes to reopen; 20k Epstein bombshells; Grijalva sworn in; ICE ordered to release 300 detainees & more
    Nov 13 2025
    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
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    6 mins
  • Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 - Gov’t STILL shutdown; Weed outlawed again; , Epstein files on deck…maybe; Trump sues BBC
    Nov 12 2025
    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
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    9 mins
  • Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 - Dems fold; Trump pardons pals, stops SNAP; Pasta tariffs; Maxwell seeking commutation & more
    Nov 11 2025
    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
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    8 mins
  • Monday, November 10th, 2025 - Shutdown talks; SCOTUS blocks SNAP payments; Trump rambles on, meets with Orbán; FL vs. Planned Parenthood & more
    Nov 10 2025
    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
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    8 mins
  • Friday, November 7th, 2025 - Pelosi to retire; SNAP update; Heritage Foundation chaos; FIFA’s “Peace Prize”; Elon’s $1T payday
    Nov 7 2025
    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
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    7 mins
  • Thursday, November 6th, 2025 - Dems keep momentum; Shutdown breaks record; SCOTUS hears tariff arguments; UPS crash probe
    Nov 6 2025
    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
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    6 mins
  • Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 - Democrats sweep elections; Trump won’t pay SNAP; Air space shutdown; Dick Cheney dies at 84 & more
    Nov 5 2025
    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
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    7 mins