📊 The CEO murder poll
Good morning, this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.
It’s Wednesday, December 18 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:
The CEO murder poll
Emerson College conducted a public opinion poll on the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They found 41% of young voters aged 18-29 found the murder acceptable.
According to Gazette, young voters’ frustrations might be tied to larger corporate practices in healthcare: The numbers reveal widespread dissatisfaction with the pricey and inefficient system.
But Yahoo points to a different phenom: The poll reflects growing discontent among young folks towards corporate leadership on the whole.
By the way, Washington Examiner adds that older folks don’t feel the same way, with under 10% of them supporting the action.
The AOC upset
In a recent election within the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. Fox News says Connolly defeated AOC 131-84, marking a setback for progressives.
Washington Examiner's take: AOC, the progressive star and “Squad” member, had hoped for change. But Pelosi backed Connolly, and his experience tipped the vote in his favor.
Yahoo News agreed: Seniority played a big role in Connolly's win over the high-profile younger rep AOC. His win reflects the party's trust in seasoned leaders.
Recommended by LinkedIn
But Connolly emphasized there was “no age bias” in his win over AOC. HuffPost says Connolly hopes to spur Democrats away from internal generational debates.
Bunkermania
ABC News reports that with growing fears of conflicts like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, bunker sales are booming -- though experts warn bunkers may just give a false sense of security.
More on that from Star Tribune: Critics worry that bunker buyers are missing the point -- nuclear war presents long-term health risks. Existing structures, like basements, provide adequate immediate protection from fallout.
SRN News says bunkers aren't completely pointless, though: They provide buyers with a sense of psychological comfort.
Still, according to KTEN, skeptics argue the cash is better spent elsewhere. The money people spend on bunkers would do more good if it was invested in stopping nuclear weapon proliferation.
Inkl says many buyers think it's better safe than sorry, snapping up bunkers amid global tensions despite doubts about actual protection from nuclear blasts.
6 quick hits
1) Months before the Madison school shooting, shooter Natalie Rupnow was seen with a shotgun at a firing range.
2) Russia claims an Uzbek man was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence for the assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov using an electric scooter bomb.
3) Luigi Mangione faces first-degree murder charges in a high-stakes legal battle, with defense led by former top prosecutor Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
4) Mysterious drones over New Jersey spark theories about tracking lost radioactive gear, but no proof of their involvement in any search effort.
5) The Porsche Design Tower in Miami, known for its high-tech car elevator, is reportedly sinking due to shifting sands.
6) Donald Trump sues Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer, alleging consumer fraud and election interference over a poll showing Kamala Harris leading him in Iowa.