This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click here.
White House Defends Biden’s Handling Of Classified Docs
Amid increased pressure from the press, the White House has continued to defend President Biden’s handling of classified documents, stating that he was not aware the documents were in his possession. Here’s White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre this week:
REPORTER: "The White House says Republicans are faking outrage on this issue. Why shouldn't Americans be outraged about classified documents being found in a garage?"
KJP: "[Biden] said that he didn't know, right? He said that he was surprised." pic.twitter.com/bNnwiZkmqC
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 17, 2023
No Death Penalty For Walmart Shooter
In other legal news, the Justice Department will not seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing dozens of people in a racially motivated attack at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, in 2019. That’s according to papers filed in court this week.
Philadelphia Flyers Player Defends His Faith
Philadelphia Flyers hockey player Ivan Provorov, who is a practicing member of the Russian Orthodox Church, came under fire this week after refusing to don a rainbow jersey as part of the NHL’s “pride” night on Tuesday.
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov stated. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Flyers head coach John Tortorella also voiced his support for the 26-year-old defenseman:
Flyers head coach John Tortorella defended Provy and refused to bench him tonight:
“He’s being true to himself.”
pic.twitter.com/ZPbbKMqFi1— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 18, 2023
Microsoft Layoffs Coming
On Wednesday, Microsoft Corporation announced it is laying off 10,000 employees — which is less than 5% of its workforce. In a company-wide blogpost, the CEO cited concerns about recessions and the health of the global economy.
Man Accused Of Googling How To Dispose Of Body Charged With Wife’s Murder
Brian Walshe, the Massachusetts man who allegedly Googled how to dispose of a woman’s body, appeared in court today on charges of murdering his wife. He was formally charged with murder and disinterring a body without authority, in addition to misleading authorities. He was ordered to be held without bail. His wife was last seen alive around New Year’s Day.
World’s Oldest Norwegian Runestone Found, Archeologists Say
Archeologists from the University of Oslo and the Oslo Museum of Cultural history believe they’ve discovered the “world’s oldest” runestone in Norway, dating back to between AD 1 and AD 250, the team behind the finding announced Tuesday. The artifact is considered one of the earliest examples of written words in Scandinavia.
Greenpeace Slams World Economic Forum Hypocrites
This week, climate activism organization Greenpeace issued a scathing rebuke of World Economic Forum attendees after a report found that approximately 1,040 private jets flew in and out of airports servicing Davos during last year’s conference. The activists pointed out that the “vast majority” of such flights could have been taken via train or other more climate-friendly vehicles.
French Nun, Oldest Living Person In The World Dies
A French nun believed to be the oldest living person in the world has died. Lucile Randon, known as Sister Andre, was 118 years old and less than a month shy of her 119th birthday. She believed working kept her “young” and said she worked until she was 108 years old. She is said to have eaten chocolate and had a glass of wine every day.
Top Ukrainian Official Among At Least 14 Dead After Helicopter Crashes Into Kindergarten
At least 14 people died following a helicopter crash in Ukraine on Wednesday, including the country’s interior minister. The cause of the crash is unknown.
To listen to the audio version of this podcast, click here. And for more in-depth discussion of the biggest stories of the day, listen to the latest full episode of Morning Wire every morning.