Thursday, June 19th, 2025 - US-Iran tensions update; Fed freeze; Crypto bill; SCOTUS trans ban; HHS new boozier guidelines

Today’s Headlines: President Trump hinted the U.S. might bomb Iran, while evacuations from Israel continue and tensions rise with Iran warning of “irreparable damage.” European diplomats plan to meet with Iran as military buildup in the region grows. Back home, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady amid signs of slower growth, and Trump mocked Chair Powell, suggesting he could run the Fed himself. Meanwhile, the Senate passed the GENIUS Act, allowing banks to treat crypto stablecoins as assets. The Pentagon deployed 2,000 more National Guard troops to L.A. with little explanation. The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, while a separate ruling preserved the right of trans and nonbinary Americans to request accurate passport markers. Finally, new federal dietary guidelines are expected to drop previous limits on daily alcohol intake, despite cancer risks.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• AP News: Iran's leader rejects calls to surrender and warns that intervention would harm the US 

• CNBC: Fed decision recap: Central bank signals stagflation fears, Powell says Fed ‘well positioned to wait’ on rates

• CNBC: Trump says 'Too Late' Powell must lower interest rates after weak ADP jobs report 

• Axios: Senate passes GENIUS Act despite crypto corruption concerns

• CBS News: 2,000 more National Guard troops being deployed to Los Angeles, Pentagon says

• NBC News: Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on transgender youth medical care

• AP News: Judge says government can't limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people

• Reuters: Exclusive: US to drop guidance to limit alcohol to one or two drinks per day, sources say

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

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