Episode Details

Today’s Headlines: In the ongoing conflict since October 7th, Israel has expanded its military campaign into Gaza's second-largest city, Khan Younis, marking a new phase of the war. The Israeli military has urged Gazan civilians to evacuate, even as bombardment continues in designated shelter areas. The IDF's campaign has resulted in nearly 16,000 deaths, with 70% being women and children, and more than 42,000 people wounded. Despite the Gaza Health Ministry not distinguishing between civilians and militants, the IDF claims to have eliminated over 5,000 Hamas militants. On the diplomatic front, the Biden administration is set to impose visa bans on Israeli settlers and Palestinians involved in violence in the West Bank. This decision follows a surge in settler violence, displacing nearly 1,000 Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to vote on a $106 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and southern border funding. Republican senators are likely to vote against it, and the House Speaker insists on coupling aid for Ukraine with funding for Trump-era immigration policies. New Speaker Mike Johnson plans to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden over unproven bribery claims. Lastly, the chairman of the Florida Republican Party, Christian Ziegler, faces a rape accusation, denies it, and refuses to resign, attributing the allegations to being "loud political voices" along with his wife, a co-founder of the conservative group Moms For Liberty.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Netanyahu says Israel will retain open-ended control of security in Gaza long after war with Hamas
• NY Times: U.S. to Deny Visas to Violent Israeli Settlers and Some West Bank Palestinians 
• AP News: Zelenskyy to address US senators by video as White House pushes Congress to support aid for Ukraine
• NY Times: Johnson Plans Vote on Impeachment Inquiry, Predicting Unanimous G.O.P. Support - The New York Times
• NBC News: Gold bars featured in Sen. Bob Menendez bribery case are linked to a 2013 robbery, records show
• AP News: Florida Republican chairman won't resign over rape allegation, saying he is innocent 

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz

Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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