Morning Announcements

• Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 - US-China tariff truce; Trump’s Middle East tour; Drug prices EO; Hostage release, Israel-US tensions & more

  Today’s Headlines: Following two days of trade negotiations in Switzerland, the US and China have agreed to a 90-day pause to finalize a long-term trade deal. In the interim, tariffs on Chinese imports will drop from 145% to 30%, while tariffs on US imports to China will decrease from 125% to 10%. However, small packages from China will still face a significant tariff of 120% or a flat fee. Meanwhile, President Trump signed an executive order pushing pharmaceutical companies to reduce prescription drug prices within 30 days or face potential regulation tying prices to international rates. Trump also prepares for a Middle East trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, reportedly aiming to announce trillion-dollar deals. This trip coincides with the release of American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza after 19 months, facilitated by US-Hamas talks. In domestic politics, Trump appointed Todd Blanche, his former defense attorney, as the acting Librarian of Congress after ousting the previous librarian amid DEI policy changes. Additionally, tensions between Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have surfaced, partly due to recent US negotiations with Hamas and shifting policies in the Middle East. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: China sees the U.S. trade deal as a huge win for Beijing  Axios: Despite China trade deal, Trump maintains 120% tariff on cheap goods AP News: Trump signs executive order setting 30-day deadline for drugmakers to lower prescription drug costs NY Times: Trump Heads to the Middle East Focused on Business Deals, Not Diplomacy  WA Post: Hamas frees U.S. hostage Edan Alexander in goodwill gesture to Trump  WA Post: Trump repeatedly bypasses Netanyahu, stoking dismay among Israelis Axios: Trump naming his former defense attorney as acting Librarian of Congress 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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• Monday, May 12th, 2025 - Newark Mayor arrested; Habeas Corpus in danger; Trump gifted $400M jet; White refugees welcome; India-Pakistan ceasefire & more

  Today’s Headlines: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing while protesting outside an ICE facility, despite video evidence showing he was in a public area; charges against three Democratic congress members present are still possible. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering suspending habeas corpus, citing an "invasion" of migrants. In related news, around 60 white South Africans are being resettled in the US as refugees, a move criticized as politically motivated. Additionally, Trump is set to receive a luxury jet from Qatar’s royal family, which will eventually be transferred to his presidential library foundation. The House passed an amendment allowing the sale of federal lands in Nevada and Utah for affordable housing. The USDA is also demanding states’ personal data of SNAP recipients, raising surveillance concerns. Lastly, Trump announced an India-Pakistan ceasefire, but both countries downplayed US involvement, and reports indicate potential violations already. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: 3 Lawmakers Involved in Newark ICE Protest Could Be Arrested, DHS Says AP News:  Trump team mulls suspending the constitutional right of habeas corpus to speed deportations. Can it? WA Post: Trump shut out refugees but is making White South Africans an exception ABC News: Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources NPR: House Republicans approve amendment authorizing the sale of federal lands NPR: USDA, DOGE demand states hand over personal data about food stamp recipients  CNN: India-Pakistan ceasefire raises hopes that the worst fighting in decades is over. Here’s what to know  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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• Friday, May 9th, 2025 - American Pope; UK trade deal & Starlink push; Trump appointees; Crime Drop; Tyre Nichols verdict; Columbia protests

  Today’s Headlines: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing service to marginalized communities while maintaining conservative views on LGBTQ issues. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a tentative trade deal with the UK, lowering tariffs on certain goods, while also pushing foreign countries to approve contracts with Elon Musk’s Starlink during trade negotiations. Trump also nominated wellness influencer Casey Means as Surgeon General and appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim US Attorney for DC. In domestic news, homicide rates in major US cities have dropped by 21% in early 2025, and three former police officers were acquitted on state charges related to the death of Tyre Nichols. Additionally, 80 pro-Palestinian activists were arrested at Columbia University after occupying a campus library to protest Israeli policies. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Who Is Robert Francis Prevost, the New Pope? What to Know About Leo XIV  WSJ: U.S. and U.K. Unveil Framework for Trade Deal WA Post: Nations facing tariffs pushed to approve Elon Musk's Starlink, cables show  Axios: Homicides in big cities kept declining in Q1 of 2025, stats show WSJ: Trump Picks Casey Means, a ‘MAHA’ Movement Leader, for Surgeon General WSJ: Trump Picks Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro as Washington, D.C.’s Top Federal Prosecutor NY Times: Tyre Nichols Trial Verdict: 3 Former Memphis Officers Found Not Guilty in Fatal Beating NY Times: About 80 Pro-Palestinian Activists Arrested in Columbia Library Takeover  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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• Thursday, May 8th, 2025 - US-China meeting ; EU-China reset; Flight scares & fighter jet losses; Greenland intel push & more

  Today’s Headlines: The US and China are set to meet this weekend to discuss trade relations, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meeting Chinese officials for what could be just a preliminary discussion about de-escalation. Meanwhile, the EU and China appear to be warming up diplomatically, with European leaders signaling a potential reset, while the EU accelerates trade talks with Southeast Asian nations. Back in the US, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain steady but warns that ongoing trade conflicts could lead to stagflation if not resolved. In aviation news, Newark Airport faces safety concerns after two instances of losing radar and radio contact, prompting some air traffic controllers to take medical leave. Reagan National Airport has also suspended Blackhawk helicopter flights after recent landing issues. Overseas, the US Navy loses two fighter jets in the Red Sea, both crashing during carrier landings, though the pilots were safely recovered. Domestically, controversy arises as a federal judge blocks the deportation of Southeast Asian immigrants to Libya, after reports that ICE coerced detainees into signing deportation agreements. Additionally, the sudden removal of the vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board raises questions amid ongoing investigations. Lastly, intelligence efforts increase concerning Greenland, as the US explores potential support for taking over the territory. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: China says U.S. asked for trade meeting in Switzerland  Euronews: Signs of EU-China reset intensify as Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow for Victory Day  France: EU trade chief says accelerating free trade talks with Asia CNBC: Fed meeting recap: Powell rules out a preemptive rate cut to blunt any tariff impact NY Times: How Lost Radar and Silent Radios Have Upended Newark Air Travel  Live & Let’s Fly: United Airlines CEO Says Newark Airport Is Safe—But There’s Just One Problem  WA Post: Army suspends helicopter flights to Pentagon after airliners abort landings  Yahoo: Vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board is unexpectedly removed from position  CNN: Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier  NBC News:Judge blocks deportation flight of Asian migrants to Libya  WSJ: Exclusive | U.S. Orders Intelligence Agencies to Step Up Spying on Greenland   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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• Wednesday, May7th, 2025 - Carney in the WH; Zero China deals; Kashmir strikes; Hegseth military cuts; SC trans ban ruling; Conclave starts

  Today’s Headlines: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade, where Carney affirmed Canada’s status as the U.S.'s largest trading partner despite Trump’s contrary claims. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that the U.S. has yet to start formal trade talks with China, even as Trump downplayed the impact of not trading. In Asia, China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN formed a financial stability agreement, while India launched missile strikes in Kashmir following a massacre of Hindu tourists, escalating tensions with Pakistan. Domestically, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash over his use of Signal for sensitive communications amid reports of a government archiving tool hack. Hegseth also announced cuts to senior military ranks, reducing four-star officers by 20%. In a surprising move, the Trump administration sought to dismiss a lawsuit limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to temporarily allow Trump’s transgender military ban, affecting over 4,000 service members. Meanwhile, the Vatican conclave began, as 133 cardinals gathered to elect a new Pope, needing a two-thirds majority to win. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Carney didn’t reach Zelensky-level tension. But it wasn’t all neighborliness Fox: US has yet to launch trade negotiations with China, Treasury secretary says Reuters: Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN enhance regional financial safety net  The Guardian: Kashmir crisis live: India missile attack kills eight; Pakistan official says two Indian fighter jets shot down WSJ: Hegseth Used Multiple Signal Chats for Official Pentagon Business Axios: Signal archiving tool Trump officials used suspends services after hack claims  NY Times: Trump Administration Asks Court to Dismiss Abortion Pill Case NBC News: Supreme Court allows Trump to implement transgender military ban Reuters: Cardinals enter seclusion ahead of secret conclave to elect new pope  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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