• Monday, April 27th, 2026 - WHCD Shooting, Trump Cancels Iran Talks, Elon Musk Admits Tesla Self-Driving Lie, Meta and Microsoft Layoffs
    Apr 27 2026
    Today's Headlines: Yet another wild weekend of news! A man traveled from San Diego to DC by train with two legally purchased firearms and multiple knives, charged past security at the White House Correspondents Dinner, got shot at by a Secret Service agent who accidentally hit a fellow officer, and was apprehended within seconds. Trump was evacuated, went straight to the briefing room in black tie, and has since used the incident primarily to advocate for his White House ballroom, with the DOJ helpfully filing a motion to drop the lawsuit blocking its construction the very next morning. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, sent a manifesto to his family calling himself a "friendly federal assassin" and targeting Trump and his cabinet — his family forwarded it to law enforcement, who apparently didn't get there in time. Acting AG Todd Blanche responded to the shooting by saying tighter gun laws aren't the answer, which is exactly what you'd expect from the president's personal criminal defense attorney. On the Iran front, Trump cancelled the latest round of peace talks at the last minute, posting that it was "too much traveling" and that Iran's leadership is confused — Iran then sent a new proposal he called better but not good enough, while Iran's foreign minister flew to Russia to meet with Putin, so that's fun. The acting Secretary of the Navy is now Hung Cao, the tenth person to hold that role across Trump's two terms, a decorated veteran who has claimed to have been "blown up" in combat without evidence, wants American law based on biblical scripture, and warned during a 2023 campaign interview that witches had taken over Monterey, California. In Israel, centrist Yair Lapid and former PM Naftali Bennett announced a new coalition party that could threaten Netanyahu's grip on power, citing Hungary's ouster of Viktor Orban as their model — notable since Netanyahu has been in office for most of the past 17 years. Two major wildfires are burning in southeastern Georgia, with over 120 homes destroyed and one volunteer firefighter dead, while a tornado in northern Texas killed at least two people and displaced 20 families. Meta and Microsoft each announced layoffs of roughly 8,000 employees, both citing AI investment as the reason they need fewer humans around. And Elon Musk finally admitted on Tesla's earnings call that the full self-driving hardware sold to millions of customers for a decade simply cannot do what he promised — triggering class action lawsuits and a rare moment of honesty from a man who has very few of them. Resources/Articles mentioned: CNN: Live updates: White House says suspect in Correspondents’ Dinner shooting wanted to target Trump officials NYT: After Shooting, Trump Demands Approval for His White House Ballroom Axios: This isn't the time to change gun laws, acting AG Blanche says Axios: Trump slams "60 Minutes" for asking about gunman manifesto allegations NY Post: Read White House Correspondents’ Dinner gunman Cole Allen’s full anti-Trump manifesto WaPo: Trump calls off Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan for Iran peace talks CNN: Live updates: Iran foreign minister presses on with regional tour despite Trump canceling envoys’ visit MS Now: Acting Navy secretary’s record raises eyebrows, including his concerns about ‘witchcraft’ NYT: Former Israeli Premiers Join in Bid to Oust Netanyahu in Elections AP News: A fast-growing Georgia wildfire tops 31 square miles, with evacuations possible AP News: Tornadoes in northern Texas leave at least 2 dead and destroy multiple homes AP News: Meta slashes 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, as Microsoft offers buyouts Futurism: Elon Musk Admits He Lied to Tesla Customers' Faces for Years About Self-Driving Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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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    12 mins
  • Special Report: Ben McKenzie on Crypto Scams, the Rise of Digital Currency, and Life After The OC
    Apr 26 2026
    Sami sits down with Ben McKenzie to explore the rise of cryptocurrency and the ideas behind his documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money. McKenzie breaks down crypto’s origins, market manipulation, and the fallout of Sam Bankman-Fried, while also reflecting on his journey from The OC to becoming a sharp critic of the crypto industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Friday, April 24th, 2026 - GOP Floats Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon, Kash Patel Targets NYT Reporter, Strait of Hormuz Mines
    Apr 24 2026
    Today's Headlines: Kash Patel somehow made the news again — this time for ordering the FBI to open a stalking investigation against the New York Times reporter who revealed he'd assigned four full-time FBI agents and SWAT personnel to chauffeur his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, to hair appointments, UK events, and personal errands on the taxpayer dime. The investigation was quietly shut down by remaining normal humans inside the FBI, but the audacity is truly staggering. Speaking of audacity, House Oversight Chair James Comer casually floated the idea of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell in exchange for her cooperation with the Epstein investigation — the same investigation he's supposed to be running — before adding that he personally thinks it "looks bad," as if that's the bar we're clearing these days. A US soldier was arrested and charged for using classified information about the Nicolas Maduro raid — which he personally participated in — to bet on Polymarket, netting over $400,000 in profits, marking the first indictment of its kind. The DOJ also charged the Southern Poverty Law Center with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, alleging it secretly paid members of extremist groups including the KKK and Neo-Nazis — the SPLC says those were confidential informants, a practice that dates back to its founding in the 1980s. Over at the Strait of Hormuz, Iran laid mines to block oil tanker traffic, which is both a ceasefire violation and a logistical nightmare since mines take far longer to clear than just stopping the shooting — and when asked about a timeline for ending the war, Trump told reporters "don't rush me, we were in Vietnam for 18 years," a famously great outcome to invoke. On slightly better news, marijuana was reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III, giving cannabis companies a major tax break and easier access to banking, though federal legalization remains a pipe dream; the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was extended three more weeks; the Trump administration is reportedly bailing out Spirit Airlines to the tune of $500 million in exchange for a majority government stake (so much for small government); Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved Paramount's acquisition while rejecting an $800 million golden parachute for unpopular CEO David Zaslav — non-binding though, so he's probably getting it anyway; and Trump hired his personal pool contractor to redo the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in a color he's calling "American flag blue," because the federally protected historical landmark that is twelve Olympic pools in size apparently just needs a friend from Germany to call it ugly before it gets a makeover. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Politico: Oversight members split over whether to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, committee chair says - Live Updates NYT: F.B.I. Said to Have Investigated Times Reporter After Article on Patel’s Girlfriend Axios: U.S. soldier arrested for allegedly betting on Maduro raid he took part in WSJ: Southern Poverty Law Center Charged With Financial Crimes Axios: Iran deploys more mines in the Strait of Hormuz, sources say Axios: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks, Trump says Axios: Trump admin reclassifies state-licensed marijuana WSJ: Trump Administration Nearing Rescue Deal for Spirit Airlines CNBC: Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approve Paramount acquisition AP News: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool gets a blue coating as Trump tackles renovation project Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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
  • Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 - Kash Patel Alcohol Test, VA Redistricting Drama, Iran Keeps Seizing Ships, Condoms Are Getting Pricier
    Apr 23 2026
    Today's Headlines: Kash Patel is having a rough week — Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent him an alcohol screening questionnaire asking how many drinks he has per day and how often he can't remember the night before.. On the Iran front, the "ceasefire" is doing ceasefire things: Iran seized two more ships and fired on three others, though the White House says it doesn't count because they weren't American or Israeli ships — so apparently it's only a war if we say so. Believe it or not, a War Powers resolution failed for the fifth time, with the Senate voting 51-46 to reject. The Secretary of the Navy was also ousted — not a huge loss given he was a campaign donor with no military experience who appeared on Epstein's flight logs — but perhaps not ideal timing during an active naval conflict. Elsewhere in chaos, Georgia Rep. David Scott passed away at 80, making him the fifth member of Congress to die in the past year and a half, tipping the House balance further toward Republicans; a Republican-appointed judge voided Virginia's newly approved redistricting map the day after voters approved it; Truth Social replaced CEO Devin Nunes — who was paid $47 million while the company earned $4 million — with someone described as a "corporate babysitter"; and condom prices are going up 30% because of the Iran war, which is somehow both funny and bleak. Climate scientists are warning that the Atlantic Ocean's key current system is closer to collapse than previously thought, and a UN report found that climate change is driving surges in gender-based violence globally. In tech and surveillance news, unauthorized users on a private Discord server guessed their way into Anthropic's restricted Mythos model; Madison Square Garden owner James Dolan is apparently running a full surveillance operation on fans, employees, and former players; Palantir's CEO dropped a 22-point manifesto about AI weapons and Silicon Valley's "moral debt"; and Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning startup falsely claimed a partnership with Bruno Mars, which Bruno Mars and Live Nation immediately denied. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott dies at 80 CNN: Tazewell County judge bars certification of Virginia redistricting results; state AG promises appeal NBC News: Democrats want FBI Director Kash Patel to fill out alcohol use screening test WSJ: Iran War Live News Updates: Three Ships Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Escorting Two to Its Coast CNN: US Navy Secretary Phelan ousted as naval blockade of Iran continues WSJ: Senate Rejects Fifth Attempt to Curb Trump’s War Powers People: Condom Prices to Rise by 30% as a Result of Iran War, Says CEO of World’s Largest Manufacturer MS Now: Devin Nunes steps down as CEO of Trump’s media company The Guardian: Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought | Oceans United Nations: Climate crisis driving surge in gender-based violence, UN study finds | UN News Bloomberg: Anthroopics Mythos Model being Accessed By Unauthorized Userses Wired: The Shocking Secrets of Madison Square Garden’s Surveillance Machine Business Insider: Palantir's summary of CEO Alexander Karp's manifesto is generating buzz. Read the 22 bullet points. Wired: Sam Altman’s Orb Company Promoted a Bruno Mars Partnership That Doesn't Exist Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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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    11 mins
  • Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 - Congress Keeps Resigning, Iran Ceasefire Extended, BBC Report Alleges Trump Insider Trading, FBI Launches Nuclear Scientists Probe
    Apr 22 2026
    Today's Headlines: Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned ahead of her expected expulsion vote — apparently getting kicked out by your colleagues is a bridge too far even for someone who funneled FEMA money into her own campaign — and all eyes are now on whether Revenge Porn Cory Mills follows suit. On the Iran beat, Trump blinked again and extended the ceasefire at the last minute after mediators in Pakistan asked him to hold off, while JD Vance's peace trip to Islamabad was postponed indefinitely. Elsewhere in war news, Pete Hegseth announced the military will no longer require troops to get the flu vaccine, citing "medical autonomy," because apparently that's where we are. In the financial crimes corner, the BBC published an analysis finding the Trump administration is likely engaged in insider trading tied to major political events — multiple traders won millions of dollars just before Trump made market-moving announcements. Meanwhile, Trump's preferred Fed Chair replacement Kevin Warsh told his confirmation hearing that Fed independence "means everything" to him, which is exactly what someone who doesn't mean it would say. In other financial ethics news, an investigation found the Noems were carrying up to $3.25 million in debt while Bryon Noem was sending tens of thousands to fetish models, which Kristi claims blindsided her. The Gates Foundation is cutting 500 jobs because Bill Gates hung out with Jeffrey Epstein, but on a brighter note, the House Oversight Committee and FBI are both investigating the 11 suspiciously dead and missing nuclear scientists — reassuring, except the FBI is run by Kash Patel. In genuinely good news, two new pancreatic cancer drugs showed remarkable results in early trials, with one mRNA vaccine keeping most responsive patients alive for six years. And finally, Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that could net Democrats four additional House seats ahead of the November midterms — possibly the last effective redistricting before the election. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WaPo: House Democrat resigns ahead of possible expulsion vote over alleged financial crimes NYT: Iran War Live Updates: Uncertainty Surrounds U.S.-Iran Talks as Cease-Fire Nears End Axios: Vance's Pakistan trip postponed indefinitely as Iran boycotts peace talks AP News: Flu vaccine no longer mandated for US troops, Hegseth says BBC: The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency WSJ: Kevin Warsh Hearing: Trump's Nominee Pressed on Disclosures, Fed Independence — Live Updates Atlanta Blackstar: ‘Should Be in Prison!’: Kristi Noem Dragged Into Another Public Embarrassment as Report Exposes Jaw-Dropping Debt Tied to Her Husband — and Now Everyone’s Asking the Same Questions WSJ: Gates Foundation to Cut 20% of Staff, Review Epstein Ties CNN: At least 10 scientists tied to sensitive US research have died or disappeared in recent years, sparking federal investigation WSJ: New Drugs for Pancreatic Cancer Show Remarkable Promise for Deadly Disease NYT: Election Live Updates: Virginia Passes New Map, Lifting Democrats' Midterm Chances Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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
  • Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 - Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic, Iran Ceasefire Nears Collapse, The Onion Buys Infowars
    Apr 21 2026
    Today's Headlines: Kash Patel responded to bombshell reporting about his drinking and incompetence by filing a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic — can’t wait for discovery then, Kash. Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer became the third Trump Cabinet member to resign in just a few months, notable mostly because all three have been women while the actual disasters remain firmly in place. On the foreign policy beat, the Iran ceasefire expires tomorrow at 8pm with Trump calling renewal "highly unlikely," JD Vance and crew headed to Islamabad anyway, and oil prices already on the rise. Back home, the House Ethics Committee is mulling expulsion votes for two Florida representatives — one facing sexual misconduct and illegal contract charges, the other caught steering COVID relief funds to her own campaign. In economic news, the Trump administration quietly launched a portal for the 330,000 businesses that overpaid on illegal tariffs to apply for refunds, with no apparent plan for the ones that already went under because of them. Over in Silicon Valley, Amazon invested another $5 billion into Anthropic while California simultaneously filed an antitrust suit against Amazon using the company's own emails as evidence, and Apple tapped 25-year veteran John Ternus as its next CEO, a man described as competent and affable, which feels like a low bar that is nonetheless refreshing. And finally, a bankruptcy judge is the only thing standing between The Onion and its dream of owning Infowars — which would be the most perfect ending to the Alex Jones saga anyone could have written. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: FBI director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic WaPo: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will resign amid misconduct allegations The Hill: Ethics panel reveals it’s conducted 20 sexual misconduct investigations into lawmakers since 2017 Politico: House Ethics panel issues rare statement committing to helping secure a sexual harassment-free workplace - Live Updates Axios: House barrels toward rare double expulsion votes WaPo: Iran talks on shaky footing after U.S. seizure of ship in Strait of Hormuz AP News: Oil prices rise and US stocks give back a bit of their record-breaking rally Politico: Hungary must arrest Netanyahu if he visits, Magyar says Wired: The Weird, Twisting Tale of How China Spied on Alysa Liu and Her Dad Axios: What to know about tariff refund site that launches Monday Mashable: Amazon colluded to make competitors raise prices, California lawsuit says WSJ: Anthropic, Amazon Tighten Bond in $5 Billion Investment and Computing Deal WSJ: Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple Names New CEO Mother Jones: The Onion Says It Has Again Struck a Deal to Take Over Infowars Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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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    10 mins
  • Monday, April 20th, 2026 - Drunk FBI Director, Shreveport Mass Shooting, Iran War Confusion, Coachella Goes Political
    Apr 20 2026
    Today's Headlines: FBI Director Kash Patel is apparently drunk a lot. The Atlantic talked to over a dozen colleagues, painting a picture of locked-office incidents, security detail struggling to wake him up, and a man who thought his login failing meant he'd been fired. His team reportedly requested a battering ram for his office door. Lawsuit for defamation to come. Meanwhile, 8 children were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana — the deadliest in the US in two years. Victims ranged from ages 1 to 14, spread across four crime scenes. Good to know the FBI director is on it. The Iran "ceasefire" continues to ceasefire in name only. Trump threatened to bomb every bridge and power plant in Iran and Iran rejected the next round of talks. The ceasefire expires Wednesday. The current draft deal involves Iran surrendering enriched uranium for $20 billion in unfrozen funds. Gas is averaging $4.05/gallon and the Energy Secretary basically said "lol maybe next year" on when it'll drop below $3. Jared Kushner is negotiating the Iran deal while his investment firm is bankrolled by Iran's enemies. Rep. Jamie Raskin launched a House investigation and asked Kushner directly: whose side are you actually on? In other news, Eleven nuclear scientists with classified clearances have died or disappeared suspiciously since 2023 — more than half in the past year. Trump says he "hopes it's a coincidence." Ok. On the lighter side of dystopia: Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking psychedelic drug research with Joe Rogan in attendance as spiritual inspiration. Caitlyn Jenner left a note for Trump at Mar-a-Lago about her passport — he hasn't called back. The Strokes closed their Coachella set with a video montage of CIA regime changes and footage of bombings in Gaza and Iran. And the NSA is quietly using Anthropic's AI while the administration simultaneously argues in court that Anthropic is a national security threat. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Atlantic: The FBI Director Is MIA The Hill: Patel says he’ll sue Atlantic for defamation over report on heavy drinking WaPo: 8 children killed in Louisiana shooting, police say Axios: Trump says he'll send negotiators to Pakistan, Iran suspects trap Axios: Scoop: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran Axios: Trump's energy boss: gas may stay above $3-per-gallon into 2027 MS Now: Iran negotiator or private investor? Raskin launches investigation into Jared Kushner. The Guardian: Department of Justice investigating Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations | House of Representatives The Hill: Who are the missing or dead scientists with connections to government research? Mother Jones: Podcasters, Presidents, and Psychedelics: How Joe Rogan Got Trump Into Ibogaine People: Caitlyn Jenner Asked Trump for Help After His Trans Policies Created 'Safety' Issue with Her Passport. He Didn't Reply, She Says Variety: The Strokes End Coachella Set With Video Condemning U.S. and Israeli Bombings in Iran and Gaza Axios: Scoop: NSA using Anthropic's Mythos despite blacklist Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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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    11 mins
  • Friday, April 17th, 2026 - EU’s Jet Fuel Crisis, War Powers Vote Fails Again, ICE Agent Assault Charges, Dems Win NJ Special Election
    Apr 17 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Trump announced a 10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, claimed the Iran war is "going swimmingly," and said Iran agreed to hand over nuclear material — which Iran has not confirmed. The head of the International Energy Agency warned Europe has roughly six weeks of jet fuel left due to the Strait of Hormuz situation, with possible flight cancellations and energy shortages ahead. Congress failed for the third time to pass a War Powers resolution to curb the Iran war, this time losing 214-213. At $10 billion a week, the White House budget director refused to say how much the war will cost, explaining that costs "fluctuate." It was a full day of congressional hearings. RFK Jr. faced the first of seven back-to-back days of testimony. Trump nominated an actual doctor — a 24-year public health veteran — to lead the CDC, which is genuinely surprising. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll testified that he pushed back against Hegseth's general-firing spree, with Republicans on the committee taking his side. Pete Hegseth quoted Pulp Fiction instead of the Bible at a Pentagon prayer service. Budget director Russell Vought testified that DHS is "disintegrating." ICE deported 442,000 people last year, but only 38% had any kind of criminal record — pending charges included.Minnesota prosecutors charged a federal ICE agent with assault for pointing his gun at drivers on a state highway — the first case of its kind, with 17 more incidents under review. An 86-year-old French widow of an American military veteran has been in ICE detention since April 1st, after missing an immigration appointment while settling her late husband's estate — reportedly tipped off by his son over an inheritance dispute. A judge blocked above-ground construction on Trump's White House ballroom pending congressional authorization, though underground bunker work continues. His 250-foot DC arch cleared a federal design review despite massive public opposition. Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week. United Airlines' CEO pitched Trump on merging with American Airlines — which would control nearly 40% of the global airline market. Democrats won New Jersey's special election by 59 points. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Pope Leo, Amid Standoff With Trump, Says ‘Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion’ Axios: Trump announces 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon WSJ: Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Takes Effect WaPo: Trump says Iran agrees to hand over ‘nuclear dust’ AP News: AP Exclusive: Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left,' energy agency head warns Axios: House hands Trump a win with failed Iran war powers vote The Hill: Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Takes Effect CNN: Public health veteran is Trump’s pick to lead CDC as administration shifts tone on vaccines WaPo: Republicans back Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amid clash with Hegseth The Hill: Hegseth shares air rescue group’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer at Pentagon service The Hill: White House budget director Vought declines to tell senators cost of Iran war The Hill: White House OMB Director Russell Vought: DHS ‘disintegrating’ Axios: ICE deported 442k people in fiscal year 2025 The Hill: France calls on US to release 86-year-old widow of veteran detained by ICE NYT: ICE Agent Charged With Assault After Motorists Say He Brandished Gun NYT: Judge Again Halts Aboveground Construction on Trump Ballroom WaPo: Trump’s 250-foot arch receives early design approval as public pans it CNBC: Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week, sources say The Guardian: United Airlines CEO reportedly pitched merger with American, sparking competition fears | Business NYT: Analilia Mejia, a Progressive Democrat, Wins Mikie Sherrill’s House Seat Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com 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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    12 mins