Thursday, December 5th, 2024 - United Healthcare CEO dead; Hegseth out?; Narrow GOP majority; France’s PM to resign

Morning Announcements

Today’s Headlines: United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel yesterday morning before an investor conference. The masked shooter, who fled on a Citibike, remains at large. Thompson had reportedly received threats related to insurance disputes. Donald Trump is considering replacing Pete Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his Secretary of Defense pick, citing DeSantis’ better chances of Senate confirmation. Meanwhile, Trump tapped billionaire Jared Isaacman, a SpaceX enthusiast, to lead NASA despite his lack of government experience. Republicans narrowly retained control of the House with 220 seats to Democrats' 215, though three GOP members will leave for Trump’s cabinet. This results in a net Democratic gain and a slimmer majority for Speaker Mike Johnson. In France, Prime Minister Michael Barnier and his cabinet are resigning after a no-confidence vote, marking the country’s first such political crisis since 1962.

Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:

• Ap News: Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street
• WA Post: Hegseth defiant as Trump considers replacing him as defense secretary pick
• NBC News: Trump picks billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA
• WA Post: Trump and the GOP will have a historically tiny House majority. What that means.
• NBC News: French government is toppled in no-confidence vote

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

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