Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 - Prez debate; Foreign disinfo updates; State elections; Biden’s new mental health coverage rules

Today’s Headlines: The presidential debate is tonight on ABC News at 9pm ET. In disinformation news, Iran has escalated its efforts to interfere in U.S. elections, particularly through phishing attacks aimed at Donald Trump’s advisor Roger Stone and attempts on the Biden and Harris campaigns. The goal appears to be sowing discord and undermining American democracy, especially amid the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, the DOJ has charged former Trump advisor Dimitri Simes and his wife with money laundering for a sanctioned Russian broadcaster. Trump has claimed he will jail political adversaries if re-elected and opposition candidate to Venezuelan dictator, Maduro has fled to Spain to seek political asylum. In state-level news, Florida voters are being questioned by police for signing a petition to protect abortion rights, while Missouri faces legal battles over a similar amendment. North Carolina’s election start may be delayed due to legal disputes over RFK Jr.'s candidacy. Texas is suing to gain access to medical records of women traveling for abortions, and the Biden administration introduced new rules to improve mental health care coverage under private insurance. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NY Times: Iran Emerges as a Top Disinformation Threat in U.S. Presidential Race Reuters: US charges Russian TV contributor Dimitri Simes with sanctions violations Axios: Trump threatens lawyers, donors with prison for 'unscrupulous' election behavior AP News: Opposition presidential candidate González flees Venezuela for asylum in Spain ABC News: Police are questioning Florida voters about signing an abortion rights ballot petition The Hill: Missouri abortion measure invalid, judge rules CNN: RFK Jr. ballot challenge further delays start of voting in North Carolina NY Times: Texas Sues for Access to Records of Women Seeking Out-of-State Abortions Reuters: Biden administration finalizes rule to strengthen mental health parity law Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices