Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: srael and Hamas reached a phased ceasefire and hostage deal starting January 19, with major obstacles ahead. South Korea’s impeached president was arrested for alleged rebellion and abuse of power. Biden’s farewell address warned of oligarchy and tech power threatening democracy. TikTok plans a U.S. shutdown pending a Supreme Court ruling on its ban, as Trump considers delaying enforcement. Pam Bondi faced grilling over DOJ independence in her AG confirmation, while Rubio, Ratcliffe, and Wright had smoother hearings. The Department of Transportation sued Southwest Airlines for delays, and the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in consumables, effective by 2027. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Reuters: Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war in Gaza  AP News: South Korean authorities take impeached President Yoon to detention center after questioning NY times: President Biden's farewell address  Axios: What will happen to TikTok on Jan. 19  WA Post: Trump considers executive order hoping to ‘save TikTok’ from ban or sale in U.S. law AP News: Pam Bondi doesn't rule out probes of Trump foes as attorney general NY Times: U.S. Sues Southwest Airlines Over Chronic Delays NBC News: FDA bans Red No. 3, artificial coloring used in beverages, candy and other foods Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for defense secretary began, with his focus on restoring a "warrior culture" to the Pentagon; key opposition Senator Joni Ernst now supports his confirmation. Meanwhile, the House passed a defense bill banning gender-affirming care for service members’ children and ending DEI programs. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s 2020 election interference concluded a trial sooner might have led to conviction. The SEC sued Elon Musk for alleged securities violations in his 2022 Twitter acquisition, though its future under the new administration is uncertain. In Los Angeles, wildfires prompted red flag warnings, potential evacuations for 84,000 more residents, and unsafe water advisories due to fire-related contamination. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Key takeaways from Pete Hegseth's fiery confirmation hearing NBC News: House passes massive defense bill with ban on gender-affirming care for transgender kids Ap News: Special counsel report says Trump would've been convicted for Jan. 6 'unprecedented criminal effort' NY Times: S.E.C. Sues Elon Musk Over Twitter-Related Securities Violations AP News: Los Angeles wildfires live updates: Forecasts, evacuation alerts, fire containment  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: The Los Angeles wildfire death toll has risen to 24, with a Particularly Dangerous Situation advisory in effect due to high winds, while lawsuits claim Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, which has burned over 14,000 acres. In Congress, Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces confirmation hearings amid controversy, and Senator Markey proposes delaying the TikTok sale deadline, with reports of Elon Musk being considered to acquire its U.S. operations. A House bill seeks to allow Trump to negotiate acquiring Greenland, as Denmark signals openness to increased U.S. military presence there. The DOJ expanded its antitrust lawsuit against major landlords and RealPage for alleged rent price-fixing. Meanwhile, President Biden’s final foreign policy address highlighted U.S. alliances and progress toward a potential Israel-Hamas hostage and ceasefire deal. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Wildfires death toll rises to 24 as L.A. area faces fresh threats  Reuters: Southern California Edison faces lawsuits over Los Angeles wildfires MSN: Edison energy company investigated over possible LA fire link The WA Post: Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, faces tough confirmation test Senator Markey: Senator Markey to Introduce Bill to Extend Deadline for TikTok Ban, Takes to Senate Floor in Support of Vibrant Online Communities Bloomberg: China Discusses Sale of TikTok US to Musk as One Possible Option Axios: House GOP crafts bill to let Trump purchase Greenland ProPublica: Justice Department Sues Six of the Nation's Largest Landlords in Effort to Stop Alleged Price-Fixing in Rental Markets NBC News: Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas 'on the brink of coming to fruition,' Biden says Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Headlines: Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 16 lives, damaged over 10,000 structures, and forced 100,000 residents to evacuate, with curfews and nearly 30 arrests aimed at curbing looting. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to fast-track rebuilding and extend price gouging protections. President-elect Trump received an unconditional discharge in his felony case, while DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith resigned ahead of Trump’s inauguration as NATO shifted Poland’s air defenses to prepare for the upcoming Trump administration. European strategies. December job gains exceeded forecasts, lowering unemployment to 4.1% but possibly delaying Fed rate cuts. Meta ended its DEI programs following Supreme Court rulings, and prosecutors recommended 15 years for Senator Bob Menendez after his bribery conviction. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: LA Times: Live updates: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire CBS NEws: 29 arrested in Los Angeles-area fire zones, including burglary suspect "dressed like a fireman," sheriff says Gov Newsom: Governor Newsom signs executive order to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger  AP News: Trump can still vote after sentencing, but can't own a gun and will have to turn over DNA sample NBC News: Special counsel Jack Smith resigns CNN: NATO takes control from US of air defenses in Poland crucial to supporting Ukraine days before Trump takes office Reuters: Strong US job growth raises doubts about further Fed rate cuts Axios: Read: Meta's memo to employees rolling back DEI programs NY Times: Prosecutors Seek 15-Year Sentence for Menendez’s Bribery Conviction  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices