Tuesday, April 22
Luigi Mangione, once a celebrated Gilman School valedictorian with aspirations in AI, is now a person of interest in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest, involving a manifesto, ghost gun, and fake IDs, has shocked his former school community, leaving them grappling with the stark contrast between his promising past and his current predicament.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the 14-month Gaza war, rejecting ceasefire efforts. He stated that halting the war would allow Hamas to regroup and attack again. Netanyahu acknowledged the changing regional dynamics with the fall of Assad in Syria, potentially opening doors for a hostage deal, but cautioned against premature optimism.
The announcement of TIME's 2024 Person of the Year is eagerly awaited and will be made on Thursday. This annual tradition, which began in 1927, celebrates individuals, groups, or ideas that have had the greatest influence—positive or negative—on global events over the past year. Last year, the title went to music sensation Taylor Swift. Past recipients include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine” in 2022, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2021, Ebola fighters in 2014, and former U.S. President Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012.
Elon Musk wants to spearhead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize outdated federal IT systems. Musk highlighted the systems' inability to track taxpayer money effectively, citing a 2019 report revealing significant maintenance costs and security risks. DOGE aims to reduce government waste and improve accountability, with a focus on entitlement program inefficiencies.
Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse faces scrutiny following an investigation into her conduct. While cleared of sexual harassment and retaliation, the investigation confirmed a romantic relationship with her former aide, Allyn Hershey, violating ethical guidelines. Clouse also borrowed money and accepted gifts from Hershey, further breaching ethical standards.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Christopher Landau as Deputy Secretary of State. Landau, a former ambassador to Mexico and experienced lawyer, will collaborate with Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio on implementing an "America First" foreign policy focused on border security, economic growth, and strategic military alliances.
Donald Trump asked Prince William about his father King Charles and wife Princess Kate. "And I asked him about his wife and he said she’s doing well. And I asked him about his father and his father is fighting very hard, and he loves his father and he loves his wife, so it was sad. We had a great talk for half an hour, a little more than half an hour. We had a great, great talk," Trump said. There was apparently no chat about William's estranged brother Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
Meghan Markle is viewed as a symbol of resilience by many in the US as she navigates the complexities of her post-royal life. Her openness, along with Prince Harry's mental health advocacy, resonates with Americans who value breaking free from constraints and addressing personal struggles. Harry's memoir and television appearances have further highlighted his journey with anxiety and agoraphobia.
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has sparked scrutiny of health insurance practices, particularly the "delay, deny, defend" allegations. The privatization of Medicaid and Medicare, along with rising prior authorization denials, are fueling the debate. The future of ACA subsidies remains uncertain, with potential coverage losses under a Trump administration.
