Thursday, October 12th, 2023

Today’s Headlines: In a week marked by escalating horrors, the US State Department confirmed the American death toll in Israel has reached at least 22 people, with 17 more unaccounted for, some of whom are among the estimated 150 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The US has shown support by sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region, deploying a second aircraft carrier, and actively seeking safe passage for American civilians out of Gaza. Meanwhile, Gaza's power station stopped operating due to a lack of fuel, causing a shortage of safe drinking water for over 600,000 people following Israel's blockade and military actions. The war further intensified as Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group, fired anti-tank missiles into northern Israel, prompting an Israeli response and calls for restraint from the UN. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a surprising move, agreed to form an emergency unity government with liberal-centrist ex-Defense Minister Benny Gantz, signaling dire circumstances. In the US, House Republicans nominated Representative Steve Scalise for Speaker of the House, with uncertainty surrounding whether he can secure a majority vote, in a development that challenges Donald Trump's endorsement of Representative Jim Jordan for the same role. The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow, but the timing of the vote remains uncertain. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Biden calls Hamas attacks the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust as US death toll ticks up CNN: Gaza’s sole power station stops working as fuel runs out, after Israel orders ‘complete’ blockade Reuters: Israel bombs south Lebanon after Hezbollah rocket fireIsrael bombs south Lebanon after Hezbollah rocket fire Axios: Israel's Netanyahu forms unity government with ex-Defense Minister Gantz Axios: Steve Scalise wins internal vote to become GOP's speaker nominee 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