France's National Assembly ousted the nation's government after lawmakers voted in favor of a no-confidence motion.  |
- France's National Assembly ousted the nation's government after lawmakers voted in favor of a no-confidence motion.
- The chief executive of UnitedHealth's insurance unit was shot and killed in what New York City police officials say was a targeted attack outside a hotel in New York City. Here's what we know so far.
- The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments over Tennessee's ban on transgender procedures for minors. The justices appeared skeptical of the challenge to the ban.
- South Korean opposition parties submitted a bill to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he imposed a short period of martial law, during which troops were ordered to secure the parliament building.
- Shakespeare's "Henry V" features five timeless lessons on leadership. Story after the news.
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Good morning. It's Thursday. Thank you for reading Morning Brief. Send me a line. |
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| Ivan Pentchoukov
National Editor |
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People protest as the Supreme Court hears a case over banning gender procedures for minors in Washington on Dec. 4, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) |
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday over Tennessee's ban on transgender procedures for minors, teeing up a potentially game-changing decision for precedent on this issue. |
- American Civil Liberties Union attorney Chase Strangio and U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar asked the court to remand or send Tennessee's law back to a lower court for reconsideration.
- Prelogar said the law represented a form of sex-based discrimination that should be scrutinized more heavily under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
- Tennessee Solicitor General Matthew Rice told the court that the law didn't create a classification based on sex but instead was focused on the purpose of cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers.
- The equal protection clause, he said, doesn't require states to "blind themselves to medical reality." He compared the medical community's acceptance of gender procedures to previous acceptance of eugenics and lobotomies.
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Justices raised concerns about the evolving nature of debate in this area, as well as the level of scrutiny that courts should apply to laws such as Tennessee's. Some justices seemed hesitant about applying the Constitution in the way that Prelogar suggested the court should, while others indicated that they believed that the law was drawing a line based on sex. Justice Clarence Thomas asked why the court shouldn't see the law as an age-based classification rather than a sex-based classification. He also asked whether there was a difference between the effects of testosterone on a female versus a male. More Politics |
- House Republicans will have a narrow three-seat majority in the next Congress after the final federal race of the 2024 election was called in California.
- President Joe Biden wrapped up his trip to Africa on Dec. 4 that sought to lay the groundwork for a new U.S. strategy toward Africa that will endure beyond his presidency.
- On his final day in Angola, President Biden traveled to the coastal town of Catumbela on Dec. 4 to visit a port terminal, a key site for his signature infrastructure project aimed at securing U.S. access to Africa's rich mineral resources.
- President-elect Donald Trump named his picks for several more administration positions, including the SEC chair, new White House counsel, army secretary, and other roles, including a post for Peter Navarro.
- The Trump team is considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as an alternative pick to lead the U.S. Department of Defense over the current nominee Pete Hegseth, a source familiar with the transition confirmed to The Epoch Times.
- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos expressed optimism about President-elect Donald Trump's second term on Wednesday, voicing enthusiasm for potential regulatory rollbacks in the years ahead, even offering to personally help with the deregulatory effort like his business arch-rival Elon Musk.
- Fifty-four Democratic members of Congress have signed onto a letter asking President Joe Biden to lock in future climate change initiatives by disbursing the promised funds before he leaves office.
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The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare's insurance unit was shot and killed in what New York City police officials say was a targeted attack on the morning of Dec. 4 outside a Manhattan hotel.
Brian Thompson, 50, was killed outside the Hilton building on Sixth Avenue, where the health insurance giant's yearly investor conference was set to take place. Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said. The gunman remains at large.
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- NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the fatal shooting, describing it as a "brazen targeted attack." The gunman waited for Thompson, ignored bystanders, and then shot him in the back and leg, she said in a news conference.
- The suspect, who was described as a "light-skinned male" and who was wearing a "cream-colored jacket," was on the scene about five minutes before Thompson arrived outside of the hotel, Kenny said.
- As Thompson walked to the hotel, the suspect followed him before firing several rounds at him, Kenny said. The suspect then fled on foot before riding an electric bike away from the scene and was last seen at Central Park on Center Drive, officials said.
- Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband had recently been receiving threats.
- "Yes, there had been some threats—basically I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know details," Paulette Thompson told the outlet, likely referring to insurance coverage. "I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him." (More)
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- Southwest Airlines dropped its diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements, according to a constitutional rights legal firm that sued the airline company over what it alleged to be "unlawful discriminatory employment practices."
- The U.S. manufacturing industry shed 26,000 jobs in November
- A top U.S. cybersecurity official and two senators have advised Americans and government agencies to use encryption when messaging one another in the midst of recent Chinese cyber-attacks and intrusions.
- Intelligence agencies are recommending that telecommunication companies boost communications infrastructure security in the aftermath of a Chinese hacking campaign that targeted the sensitive sector.
- The mayor of Michigan's most populous city is leaving the Democrat Party and launching an independent challenge for Michigan governor, which is currently held by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. State law prevents Whitmer from serving another term.
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, said he wants to reform the city's sanctuary law to allow police to assist federal agents in deporting criminal immigrants.
- The Los Angeles City Council formally approved a "sanctuary city" ordinance, which will prohibit resources or personnel from assisting with federal enforcement of immigration laws.
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After years of record-breaking illegal immigration, the incoming Trump administration is serious about deporting millions—perhaps even tens of millions of people—from the United States. Not from the border region, but rather, from neighborhoods throughout the country. Watch ➞ |
France's government was ousted after lawmakers voted in favor of a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. The National Assembly passed the no-confidence motion with 331 votes, surpassing the 288-vote simple majority needed. This is the first time in six decades that a government of the Fifth Republic has fallen in such fashion. |
- The move has set the eurozone's second-biggest economy sailing on a course bound for political and economic turbulence.
- The no-confidence vote removes Michel Barnier from his role as prime minister. French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier to the position in September.
- Barnier encountered resistance in the weeks that followed as he pushed a financial plan aimed at curbing France's budget deficit. In a last appeal before the vote, Barnier said the deficit "will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure." (More)
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- Days after President-elect Donald Trump said there would be "hell to pay" in the Middle East if hostages held in Gaza were not released before his inauguration, reports are surfacing that Gaza cease-fire talks may be resuming. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed optimism that "this time, we can truly advance a hostage deal."
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called on Ukraine to send more young people into the fight against Russia, stressing that younger recruits are crucial to filling out the ranks of Kyiv's depleted troops if the country hopes to withstand Moscow's assault.
- A civil complaint filed last month against Shen Yun Performing Arts is "undoubtedly part of a coordinated offensive against our company being orchestrated by the Chinese regime," the arts company said.
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President Joe Biden arrives at the Aeroport de Catumbela in Catumbela on Dec. 4, 2024, before visiting the Lobito port. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) |
A lithograph print from a manuscript of Shakespeare's "Henry V." |
William Shakespeare's play "Henry V" is one of his most popular history plays. In addition to the appeal of its lovely poetry, heroic protagonist, and epic events set during the Hundred Years' War, the play also provides some profound meditations on the nature of leadership that we can all benefit from. Here are some of the most important ones highlighted here: |
- Weigh Decisions Carefully and Commit—Before launching his campaign to gain the throne of France, Henry wants to ensure that he possesses a right to it in light of the laws of succession of his time. But once he makes a decision, he sticks to it with determination.
- Take Your Responsibility Seriously—Throughout the play, Henry acts out of genuine concern for the good of his country and the soldiers on campaign with him. He recognizes that though the leader may have the most power, he also bears the greatest responsibility.
- Know When to Stand Firm—Henry's treatment of the traitors provides a good example of standing firm and upholding the law, even when he may not want to. Even Henry's close friends do not receive special treatment when they have violated the law.
- Know When to Show Mercy—Henry is far from tyrannical; his justice is tempered by mercy. The balance Shakespeare achieves in the character of Henry is an equilibrium
- between firmness and gentleness, as well as strength and compassion.
- Know How to Inspire Your Followers—Much of Henry's success derives from his ability to share a vision with his followers and kindle in them the desire to be their best selves in the service of something bigger than themselves.
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Read the full article by our colleague Walker Larson here. |
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Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day. |
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