On today’s episode of the 5 Things podcast: Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. emerges victorious in the House speaker race. Israeli troops make a brief entry into Gaza, while President Joe Biden addresses the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson analyzes Donald Trump’s push to expand presidential power. Tragically, a mass shooting in Maine claims the lives of 16 people. USA TODAY Senior Investigative Reporter Emily Le Coz investigates the concerns raised by pharmacists who have been leaving their jobs and the potential impact on patient safety.
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Good morning. I’m Taylor Wilson, and this is 5 Things you need to know, Thursday the 26th October, 2023. Today, the House finally has a speaker. Plus, a closer look at Trump’s proposal to expand presidential powers, and the repercussions of pharmacists leaving their jobs. Let’s dive in.
1. Rep. Mike Johnson elected as House Speaker
After three challenging weeks, the GOP-led House has finally elected a speaker. Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana emerged as the surprising winner after four nomination votes. Johnson’s rapid rise to the speakership caught many by surprise, and even his wife couldn’t make it to Washington in time for his election. This appointment comes as a relief, as the House was temporarily unable to address critical legislation, including measures to avoid a government shutdown and decisions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
2. Israeli troops briefly enter Gaza
The Israeli military confirmed that its troops briefly entered Northern Gaza last night, targeting several military installations. This move comes amid broader preparations for a potential ground offensive. Israeli airstrikes have caused extensive damage in the Gaza Strip, including the destruction of residential buildings and hospitals. The United Nations is now facing a dire fuel shortage in Gaza, hindering its ability to provide assistance to the Palestinians. Despite efforts, the UN Security Council failed to address the Israel-Hamas conflict and rejected both American and Russian resolutions. President Joe Biden, at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressed skepticism about the reported death toll from Gaza provided by Hamas. He also expressed concern about extremist settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank, calling for accountability.
3. Trump’s push to expand presidential power
Former President Donald Trump and his 2024 campaign have put forth proposals to grant the president more power. I spoke with USA Today national political correspondent David Jackson to learn more. According to Jackson, Trump’s primary goal is to quash the criminal prosecutions against him. Additionally, he seeks the authority to investigate his political opponents, such as Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. Trump’s broader objective is to expand the president’s power to hire and fire government officials, particularly those in independent agencies like the FCC and the Environmental Protection Agency. This proposal has significant implications, including potential corporate influence and legal challenges that could arise.
4. Mass shooting in Maine
Last night, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Lewiston, Maine, resulting in the loss of 16 lives and multiple injuries. The gunman remains at large, and residents have been advised to stay off the streets and remain vigilant. The police have identified a person of interest, Robert Card, who is considered armed and dangerous. Reports indicate that Card is a trained firearms instructor with a history of mental health issues. President Joe Biden has reached out to Maine Governor Janet Mills and offered federal support in the wake of this devastating incident.
5. Concerns raised by pharmacists’ departure
A concerning trend has emerged this year as pharmacists at major national chains have been leaving their jobs, citing dangerous working conditions that jeopardize patient safety. USA TODAY Senior Investigative Reporter Emily Le Coz delves into the reasons behind these departures and their potential implications. The concerns raised by pharmacists highlight the need for a closer examination of the existing pharmacy system.
Conclusion:
That wraps up today’s episode of 5 Things. Stay informed with our true crime podcasts, in-depth interviews, and more. You can find them all here. Make sure to hit play on the player above to listen to the podcast and refer to the transcript for any variations. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode, with more essential news you need to know. I’m Taylor Wilson, and thank you for tuning in.
