Today’s Headlines: In a significant development, Maine's state Supreme Court has ruled to remove Donald Trump from the state's Republican primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from becoming president. This follows a similar ruling by the Colorado state Supreme Court. Currently, at least 35 states are considering challenges to Trump's candidacy related to his actions surrounding the January 6th events. Notably, two Republican candidates, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, pledged to pardon Trump if elected president and he is convicted of the numerous felony charges he faces. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli military operations persisting despite a death toll exceeding 20,000. Investigative reports reveal disturbing acts of sexual violence against hostages held by Hamas, leading to calls for accountability. Additionally, South Africa has initiated a case at the UN accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Internationally, the conflict in the Red Sea involving Iran-funded Houthi rebels continues, with the US Navy destroying three boats after an attempted attack on a container ship. In the US, notable state-specific headlines include California's new law banning firearms in most public places, Illinois implementing laws on semi-automatic weapons and book bans, and Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine vetoing a bill restricting transgender healthcare for minors. Ending on a positive note, the homicide rate in the United States dropped by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year, despite public perception indicating otherwise.
Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

The Guardian: Maine disqualifies Trump from presidential primary ballot, citing insurrection clause | Donald Trump | The Guardian


Axios: Where efforts to disqualify Trump from 2024 ballot stand 

WA Post: DeSantis, Haley pledge to pardon Trump if he's convicted


ABC News: Nikki Haley doesn't cite slavery as cause of the Civil War after question at campaign stop


AP News: Israeli strikes in central Gaza kill at least 35 as Netanyahu says war will continue for months


NY Times: 'Screams Without Words': How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7


NY Times: Mia Schem, an Israeli Hostage, Shares Harrowing Details of Gaza Captivity


WA Post: Investigating the assault on al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital 

PBS: South Africa launches case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza


Politico: US Navy sinks Houthi rebel boats after Red Sea attack on container ship


AP News: California law banning most firearms in public is taking effect as the legal fight over it continues


AP News: Laws banning semi-automatic weapons and library censorship will take effect in Illinois


Axios: Ohio Gov. DeWine vetoes ban on gender-affirming care, transgender athletes in girls sports


ABC News: Homicide numbers poised to hit a record decline nationwide. But most Americans think murder is on the rise



Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Amanda Duberman and Bridget Schwartz
Edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson
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