Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024

Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court ruled to largely immunize Donald Trump from prosecution in the 2020 election interference case, with a 6-3 majority granting former presidents broad immunity for "official acts." Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted only Trump's calls to state officials about fake electors might be unofficial. This decision likely delays Trump's trial past the November election as Judge Tanya Chutkan must now assess which acts are official, potentially leading to further appeals. In response, Trump’s lawyers are seeking to dismiss his Manhattan felony convictions and delay sentencing, arguing some payments made during his presidency should be considered official acts. President Biden condemned the ruling, asserting it allows presidents to ignore legal accountability, thus undermining public trust. Meanwhile, the Trump Organization signed a deal with a Saudi real estate company for a high-rise project in Jeddah, highlighting ongoing financial ties with Saudi interests. The FDA gained new regulatory powers over cosmetics under the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, though compliance may be affected by the Supreme Court's recent decision. A Florida judge released transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2006 prosecution, revealing prosecutorial misconduct and insufficient charges against Epstein. Lastly, Warren Buffett plans to create a charitable trust for his Berkshire Hathaway shares, worth over $127 billion, managed by his three children, raising questions about its true philanthropic intent.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial
• CBS News: Biden condemns Supreme Court's ruling on Trump immunity case
• Axios: "New era" of cosmetics' regulation: FDA wields new powers over makeup companies
• Miami Herald: They were secret for 16 years. Now a judge has released the Epstein grand jury records
• Axios: Warren Buffett pledges $100 billion for nothing in particular

Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

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