Monday, January 8th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: The week starts on a positive note as the Senate announces a 2024 spending and budget deal, avoiding a government shutdown just over 10 days before the deadline. While the topline spending number has been agreed upon, the full budget details, including approximately $775 billion in non defense discretionary spending for 2024, still need to be allocated by Congress. Notably, the agreement excludes ongoing negotiations regarding border funding, immigration policy, and aid for Ukraine and Israel. On the political front, Illinois introduces a pledge against supporting government overthrow for Republican primary ballot access, drawing attention to former President Trump's refusal to sign, despite doing so in 2016 and 2020. Meanwhile, Capitol police officer Harry Dunn, known for his testimony about the January 6th insurrection, announces his run for the House of Representatives in Maryland. In a tragic turn, the family of the late Eddie Bernice Johnson files a wrongful death lawsuit against Baylor Scott & White Health Institute, alleging negligence during her recovery, leading to a fatal infection. Finally, the Federal Aviation Administration orders a temporary grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes for inspection after a significant incident during an Alaska Airlines flight, emphasizing the importance of ensuring aircraft safety. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Congress reaches a deal on how much to spend for 2024 as shutdown deadline nears AP News: Medical negligence caused death of former Texas US Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, attorney says WA Post: Trump skips Illinois loyalty oath promising not to overthrow government AP News: Harry Dunn, officer who defended the US Capitol on Jan. 6, is running for Congress in Maryland CNBC: FAA grounds more than 170 Boeing 737 Max 9s after section of Alaska Airlines plane blows out 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