Community Corner
Patch Morning Briefing: End Of Obamacare? Dylann Roof Speaks; Megyn Kelly's Replacement
Plus: The latest on a train derailment that injured more than 100 people.
Good morning, Patchers. Here's what you need to know to get your day started:
FIGHT FOR OBAMACARE CONTINUES
The fight for the future of the Affordable Care Act will continue today in Washington and probably for many, many days ahead. In their first day back on Capitol Hill in 2017, Republicans signaled as loudly as ever that they plan to repeal President Obama's signature health care law. They still say they do not have a viable replacement option yet, though, and President-elect Donald Trump urged them on Twitter (where else?) to let the health law "fall of its own weight." Democrats, meanwhile, were given a pump-up speech by President Obama himself before taking their battle to the House and Senate floors. (The New York Times)
Schumer: GOP doesn't know what to do about Obamacare replacement https://t.co/VoNm9mIZVR
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 4, 2017
WHEN TWITTER POLLS DON'T GO YOUR WAY
Do you support the repeal of Obamacare? RT if you do, and share what you want to see as the replacement.
— Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 3, 2017
DYLANN ROOF SENTENCING CONTINUES
The sentencing for Dylann Roof, who was found guilty last month of a 2015 slaying of nine worshipers in an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina, will continue today. Yesterday, jurors heard a short statement from Roof, who is representing himself. Roof did not apologize for the killings and said, "There's nothing wrong with me psychologically." The possible outcomes are the death penalty or life in prison. (The New York Times)
Dylann Roof: “I do not regret what I did. I am not sorry. I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed.” https://t.co/EXB11qwKTw
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) January 4, 2017
TRAIN DERAILMENT INVESTIGATION BEGINS
An investigation into the Long Island Rail Road train derailment that left more than 100 people injured has begun. Some questions that need to be answered: Did the train's brakes fail? Or did the conductor and brake operator fail to stop the train in time? (Patch)
BREAKING: Video I took moments after the #LIRRderailment at Atlantic Terminal. Dozens hurt; no life threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/PHDPJSkXXA
— N. J. Burkett (@njburkett7) January 4, 2017
QUICK HITS
Bound, Gagged White Man Tortured, Taunted, Called 'Donald Trump' By Black Tormenters: Video (Patch)
A Rabbit's Airfare is at the Center of the Fight Over Ethics Watchdog (Patch)
Free Marijuana at Trump's Inauguration (Patch)
WATCH: NC School Officer Slams Girl To Ground, Is Placed On Leave (Patch)
Medium Laying Off A Third Of Its Staff (Medium)
Macy's Closing 68 Stores Across The Country: Full List (Patch)
MEGYN KELLY'S REPLACEMENT?
Business Insider is reporting that Fox Business host Trish Regan was personally groomed by former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes to be the prime time replacement for Megyn Kelly, Fox News' star anchor who will be moving to NBC. Kelly's third-to-last show airs tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern. (Business Insider)
Sources: Roger Ailes personally groomed @trish_regan as 9pm replacement ahead of contract negations with @megynkelly https://t.co/7Ox75LXVJ6
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) January 4, 2017
DON'T USE COTTON SWABS TO CLEAN YOUR EARS, DOCTORS SAY
Look away, Q-Tip lovers. (CNN)
Why you shouldn't use cotton swabs in your ears @CNN https://t.co/xPO2eJDPiE@AAOHNS Guideline (Update): Earwax (Cerumen Impaction)
— AmAcadOtolaryngology (@AAOHNS) January 3, 2017
JEFF SESSIONS’ CONFIRMATION AS U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW
A good primer from Patch's Beth Dalbey on what will likely be one of the more contentious confirmation hearings among Trump's cabinet nominations. (Patch)
REX TILLERSON'S LUCRATIVE RETIREMENT
Speaking of Trump's Cabinet: Before he is put up for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson will retire from his post as CEO of Exonn. His retirement package: a cool $180 million. (U.S. News)
QUITE THE JOB CHANGE
#nottheOnion The CEO of Adblock has quit to run tours of the Kingdom of Bhutan https://t.co/0g4aDvAvgF
— Biz Carson (@bizcarson) January 4, 2017
Lead image via Steve Jurvetson, Flickr, used under Creative Commons
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