Wednesday, August 5th, 2025 - Epstein subpoenas; 2016 “Russia Hoax” probe; Record hate crimes; Tech bros defense deals & more

Today’s Headlines: House Republicans are flipping the Epstein story, subpoenaing the Clintons, former AGs, and ex-FBI chiefs — but skipping the guy who gave Epstein his sweetheart plea deal, Alex Acosta. A NYT look inside Epstein’s NYC mansion turned up creepy art, hidden cameras, and celeb pics with everyone from Bill Gates to Donald and Melania. The Trump team’s also dusting off the “Russia hoax” playbook, launching a grand jury probe into Obama’s handling of the 2016 election interference investigation. In other Epstein distraction news, Trump popped up on the White House roof and joked about nukes. He also made himself head of the 2028 LA Olympics task force (with a side of anti-trans comments). The State Department floated visa bonds up to $15K while the FBI says 2024 had the second-highest hate crime numbers ever. Lastly, Palantir got a $10B Army contract and Elon Musk’s xAI scored $200M from the Pentagon.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• NBC News: House committee subpoenas the Clintons and several top former DOJ officials for testimony about Jeffrey Epstein

• NY Times: Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan Townhouse: Birthday Letters, First Edition ‘Lolita’ and More

• Axios: Trump "happy to hear" DOJ launched grand jury probe of Obama officials

• ABC News: Trump takes unusual stroll on White House roof

• CNN: Trump says he wants strong testing to keep transgender athletes out of women’s sports at 2028 Olympics

• AP News: State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US

• Axios: Hate crimes hit second largest record in 2024: FBI

• Axios: Palantir's $10 billion Army contract continues its D.C. win streak

• Axios: Musk's xAI announces $200 million contract with Pentagon

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

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