Friday, September 1st, 2023

Today’s Headlines: In recent updates, former President Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty in the Georgia criminal case centered on allegations of interfering with the 2020 election. This move was coupled with his waiver of arraignment, along with 18 co-defendants. Meanwhile, Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp firmly declined calls to commence impeachment proceedings against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the prosecutor handling Trump's case, reiterating his dedication to responsible public service rather than political theatrics. In another development, two former leaders of the extremist group Proud Boys, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, received sentences of 15 and 17 years for their roles in the January 6th insurrection, while the sentencing of other Proud Boys members, including their leader Enrique Tarrio, is anticipated. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell obtained medical clearance to resume his routine after experiencing a recent health incident. Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services called for a reclassification of marijuana to a less restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act, potentially affecting its legal status and commercial taxation. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Trump, Waiving Arraignment, Pleads Not Guilty in Georgia Case  AP News: Two ex-Proud Boys leaders get some of longest sentences in Jan. 6 Capitol attack AP News: Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell can continue with his work schedule, congressional physician says Bloomberg: US Health Officials Urge Moving Pot to Lower-Risk Category CNN: Clarence Thomas officially discloses private trips on GOP donor Harlan Crow’s plane Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices