Monday, February 5th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: Over the weekend, the US and UK launched significant airstrikes, targeting at least 85 sites affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Syria and Yemen. The strikes primarily focused on drone and munitions facilities, resulting in the death of almost 40 militia members. This move is considered serious but a somewhat restrained escalation in response to the drone strike in Jordan. New financial sanctions aim to limit funding for these militias, yet they persist. Iran warned against targeting specific cargo ships, suggesting a continuation of their targeting of ships in the Red Sea. In other news, President Biden won South Carolina's Democratic primary by a landslide, securing all 55 delegates. The Department of Labor released a robust jobs report, with the US economy adding 350,000 jobs in January, exceeding expectations. Unfortunately, Judge Tanya Chutkan postponed the start of Donald Trump's DC trial for election interference, awaiting the Supreme Court's ruling on his immunity claim. Additionally, Trump's donors are covering legal fees for associates, and California faces extreme rain, flooding, and snow, with a state of emergency declared in eight counties due to an atmospheric river system. Evacuations have already taken place, and over half a million people are experiencing power outages. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: US warns of further retaliation if Iran-backed militias continue their attacks NY Times: Biden Wins His First Primary in South Carolina, Where His 2020 Victory Began CNBC: Jobs report January 2023: Payrolls grew by 353,000, much better than expected The Guardian: US judge delays Trump's federal 2020 election subversion trial SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court to decide whether insurrection provision keeps Trump off ballot  AP News: Trump spent $76 million over last two years on attorneys as legal troubles mount ahead of election  Accuweather: 37 million at risk for flooding from blockbuster California rainstorm 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