Morning Scoop: Chief of Staff

The big story…

President Trump Announces Departure of Chief of Staff

President Trump announced over the weekend that his current chief of staff, John F. Kelly, would be leaving his position at the end of the calendar year. The move has been rumored for months, and Trump was sure to mention that “retiring” was not quite the right word for Kelly’s situation. Many news outlets speculated that Pence’s chief of staff Nick Ayers would be a top pick for Trump, until Ayers announced that he would also be leaving the White House at the end of 2018.

In another personnel shift at the Trump White House, the president has announced that he will be nominating William P. Barr for attorney general.

In Germany…

Germany’s Christian Democrats Elect Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer

Germany’s majority ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Friday, December 7, as their new leader to succeed longtime party leader and chancellor, Angela Merkel. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In the U.K…

Brexit Vote to Take Place on Tuesday

On Tuesday, Parliament will be voting on the U.K.’s Brexit deal, despite significant opposition to the deal. TBD on whether the country will be leaving the European Union. UPDATE: Prime Minister Theresa May has postponed the Brexit vote, fearing that the deal will not be passed by the House of Commons. May will be making a statement this afternoon about the vote delay. The latest the U.K. could postpone the vote is Jan. 21, 2019.

In Charlottesville…

White Nationalist Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder

The white nationalist who killed Heather Heyer by driving his car into a crowd of counter protestors in Charlottesville, Va. last year has been convicted of first-degree murder and could receive the death penalty in his next trial.

In sports…

Heisman Trophy Winner Criticized for Homophobic Tweets

Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray has apologized for past homophobic tweets that resurfaced after winning the award. Sound familiar? Last week, Kevin Hart gave up his gig hosting the Oscars by refusing to apologize again for past anti-gay tweets and jokes. Now Nick Cannon is calling out other comedians, including Chelsea Handler,Sarah Silverman, and Amy Schumer, for their use of homophobic language.

In weather…

Southeast Hit by Winter Storm

A mix of ice and snow hit the Southeast this weekend, causing flights to be canceled, dangerous driving conditions, people stranded in their homes, and the death of one person. More than 12 inches of snow fell in the southern and central Appalachians, with Whitetop, Va. receiving the most snow at two feet and Charlotte, N.C. also experiencing record snow fall. 

In pollution…

All Sea Turtles Affected by Plastic Pollution

A new study found that 100 percent of sea turtles from seven species and three different oceans had microplastics present in their stomachs.

In music…

Grammy Nominations Spark Criticism

The grammy nominations are here, and there are definitely some surprises.

Trending today…

Studying Kim K

Corderro McMurry did his thesis on Kim Kardashian West, and now she wants a copy. Stay in school, kids.

Congrats!!!! Can I get a copy? https://t.co/8fBeKRKqpv

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 8, 2018

@KimKardashian YES YOU MAY!!!!! Lord!!! I’m SCREAMING 😱 https://t.co/Zv2vOr8Xlz

— Corderro McMurry (@CorderroNAUTV) December 8, 2018

Last but not least…

Track Review: Crystal Lake – Aeon

Japanese metalcore isn’t nearly as bad as it might have been. Read more in Kevin Ashley’s review for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Duane Paul Murphy, Natalia Kolenko, Kevin Ashley, and the CMN Staff. Santacon was this weekend, meaning people across the world dressed up like Santa Claus to attend an annual pub crawl and participate in general mayhem. ‘Tis the season.