American Fever Dream

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

Today’s Headlines: Wildfires in Los Angeles continue to devastate the region, forcing 180,000 evacuations as federal aid is deployed. Jimmy Carter’s state funeral was held in D.C., with President Biden delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Donald Trump faces sentencing in his New York case today after failed legal maneuvers, while a phone call with Justice Alito raises ethical concerns. The AFL-CIO and SEIU announced a powerful union merger, and a federal judge struck down expanded Title IX protections for transgender students. Finally, Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla to lead a major Vatican office, marking a historic first for women in the Church. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Los Angeles wildfires live updates: At least 10,000 structures have burned in the fires WA Post: Jimmy Carter returns to Plains, Georgia, for final burial  CNN: Eyes on US Supreme Court as NY’s highest court rejects Trump’s bid to postpone sentencing in hush money case  WA Post: Trump asks appeals court to block entire special counsel report  WA Post: Trump call to Alito sparks demands for justice to recuse from sentencing case  Axios: Two powerful labor groups combining ahead of the Trump administration NY Times: Judge Rejects Biden’s Title IX Rules, Scrapping Protections for Trans Students  AP News: Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, choosing an Italian nun  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson