Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: Trump’s transition team has announced key cabinet picks, including Dr. Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid, Howard Lutnick for Commerce, and former reality TV star Sean Duffy for Transportation. Dr. Oz plans to cut Medicaid budgets, Lutnick will oversee tariff policies, and Duffy would manage Elon Musk's federally contracted companies. Meanwhile, Trump is aggressively pushing Matt Gaetz for attorney general despite renewed scrutiny over allegations involving a minor and leaked depositions. In Congress, House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are targeting trans rights with a bathroom resolution aimed at newly elected Representative Sarah McBride. On a brighter note, homicides have dropped by up to 40% in major U.S. cities this year, signaling significant progress in public safety. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump names Dr. Mehmet Oz to head Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services  AP News: Trump to nominate professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be education secretary CNN: Trump picks former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as next Transportation secretary  The Guardian: Trump reportedly doubts senators will back Matt Gaetz but still lobbies hard  The Bulwark: Donald Trump Is Dead Serious About Getting Matt Gaetz to DOJ  NY Times: Hacker Is Said to Have Gained Access to File With Damaging Testimony About Gaetz  WA Post: N.Y. prosecutors appear open to years-long delay in Trump hush money case  AP News: House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender member Axios: Big cities' homicide rates keep falling, data show  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Today’s Headlines: Following Biden’s approval of Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, the Kremlin responded with its largest attack on Ukraine in months, crippling parts of the country’s electric grid and warning that Biden’s move “adds fuel to the fire.” Meanwhile, Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency for mass deportations and named Brendan Carr, a critic of net neutrality and DEI policies, as his pick for FCC chair. In Ohio, a neo-Nazi march drew widespread condemnation from leaders, including President Biden and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Lastly, Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy but reassured customers it will continue operating, despite ongoing financial struggles. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Moscow warns the US over allowing Ukraine to hit Russian soil with longer-range weapons ABC News: Trump confirms plan to declare national emergency, use military for mass deportations Axios: What to know about Brendan Carr, Trump's pick for FCC chair WA Post: Biden and Ohio governor condemn Neo-Nazi march in Columbus  CNBC: Budget travel icon Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy protection after mounting losses  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson