Monday, May 13th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: The Biden administration delayed bomb shipments to Israel to prevent civilian casualties in potential assaults on Rafah. Netanyahu criticized this, but Blinken clarified that high payload bombs are withheld due to their impact in populated areas. Israel hasn't shared post-strike civilian protection plans, raising concerns about insurgency. The US aims for a different approach to demilitarize Gaza, with $26 billion aid coming. A State Department report noted concerns about US-supplied weapons' use without concrete evidence. Israel increased humanitarian aid access. Meanwhile, a senior FBI official warned of foreign interference in US elections through disinformation spread, particularly via AI deep fakes and robocalls. A recent intelligence report noted Russia's attempts to denigrate the Democratic party and weaken support for Ukraine, while Iran aimed to exploit US social divisions. China sought to influence specific races, targeting candidates critical of China. On the Coup Beat, an appellate court upheld Steve Bannon's contempt conviction, but he's not immediately starting his sentence. Michael Cohen's testimony begins today in the ongoing hush money trial.. Additionally, Senator Bob Menendez faces federal charges again and Barron Trump was announced as a Republican delegate but declined due to prior commitments.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• ​​Reuters: Israel due to get billions of dollars more in US weapons despite Biden pause
• Axios: Israel has not shown U.S. plan for protecting civilians in Gaza: Blinken
• The Guardian: US finds Israel’s use of weapons in Gaza ‘inconsistent’ with human rights law, but will not cut flow of arms | Biden administration
• AP News: FBI warns that foreign adversaries could use AI to spread disinformation about US elections 
• WA Post: Steve Bannon’s appeal of criminal conviction for Jan. 6 testimony fails
• WA Post: The Trump Trials: Waiting for Cohen
• WA Post: Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial, where gold bars may shine, begins Monday 
• The Guardian:Barron Trump will not be a delegate at Republican National Convention after all

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

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