Today’s Headlines: Tensions are rising in Amsterdam as targeted attacks against Jewish communities continue. Rioters set a tram on fire, prompting police to arrest eight suspects and designate “risk zones” across the city to increase security. In U.S. political news, President-elect Trump has announced new cabinet picks, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, John Ratcliffe for CIA Director, Kristi Noem for Homeland Security, and Pete Hegseth for Defense. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has also been tapped as ambassador to Israel. Trump introduced a new initiative, the “Department of Government Efficiency,” to be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, focused on slashing government waste and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, House Republicans are fast-tracking a bill to allow the Treasury to strip tax-exempt status from nonprofits deemed to support terrorism—a move critics worry could stifle free speech. And in Louisiana, a federal judge has blocked a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, ruling it unconstitutional.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:
AP News: Amsterdam warns of new calls for unrest after violence around Israeli match)
AP News: Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far)
AP News: What to know about John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick for CIA director)
WA Post: Trump picks Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as homeland security secretary)
NY Times: Trump Picks Pete Hegseth, a Veteran and Fox News Host, for Defense Secretary)
WA Post: Trump chooses Mike Huckabee to be U.S. ambassador to Israel)
NBC News: Trump says Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head a new department to reduce federal bureaucracy)
NBC News: Trump declares Senate majority candidates should allow him to make recess appointments)
The Intercept: Congress Is About to Gift Trump Sweeping Powers to Crush His Political Enemies)
NPR: Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments)
Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
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