Monday, April 22nd, 2024

Today’s Headlines: The House of Representatives passed $95 billion in foreign aid packages for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, with $60 billion allocated for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Taiwan, and $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Additionally, they approved a measure allowing the sale of frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to fund aid for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran, and a TikTok ban if not sold within 9 months. Israel conducted a retaliatory strike against Iran in Isfahan, damaging part of an air defense system, and intensified air raids on Rafah. Maine joined 16 states and Washington DC in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. On Earth Day, alarming reports revealed that wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths annually, while the Interior Department expanded protections in Alaskan wilderness and the EPA targeted hazardous "forever chemicals." Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CBS News: House approves aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan  BBC: Israel Iran attack: Damage seen at air base in Isfahan AP News: Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, mostly children, as US advances aid package AP News: Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this November NPR: Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. WA Post: For the first time, U.S. may force polluters to clean up these 'forever chemicals' NY Times: Biden Shields Millions of Acres of Alaskan Wilderness From Drilling and Mining Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices