Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jan 10, 2017

On, off and way-off-Broadway:

WAYNE BRADY will join the Chicago production of "Hamilton." The Hollywood Reporter says he'll take over the role of Aaron Burr from January 17th through April 9th at the PrivateBank Theater. Wayne is replacing JOSHUA HENRY who will play the lead role in the musical's national tour. (Marino)

Everyday heroes:

An 85-year-old Texas man is being called a hero today.
Johnson County officials say a speeding car flipped over, caught fire, and landed right in LINDELL MARBUT's front yard. Marbut immediately approached the car and banged on the windshield with his cane. Then, he helped drag the 22-year-old driver to safety. Marbut's caretaker helped the passenger get to safety. Both victims have serious injuries, but are expected to survive. A fire department spokesman says if Marbut hadn't acted when he did the accident could have been fatal. (Still)

Politicized Science:

President-Elect DONALD TRUMP is reported to have dismissed the people in charge of maintaining the United States' nuclear arsenal. Gizmodo.com says on Friday, the President-elect's team instructed the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and his deputy to clean out their desks when Trump takes office on January 20th. The Nuclear Security Administration is the $12 billion-a-year agency within the Department of Energy that "maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile." It's unclear when the two officials --Under Secretary for Nuclear Security FRANK KLOTZ and his deputy, MADELYN CREEDON-- will be replaced. Trump's team has yet to nominate anyone to succeed them. Since both positions require Senate confirmation, if could be months before their chairs are filled.
Traditionally, all political appointees of an outgoing presidential administration turn in resignation letters effective on noon of inauguration day, January 20. But appointees in key positions --like overseeing nukes-- are often asked to stay on in their roles until a replacement can be found and confirmed by the Senate. That helps ensure a smooth transition and allows government to continue functioning. But Trump appears determined to immediately push out everyone who was appointed by Obama.; a similar order was issued to Obama-appointed international envoys, regardless of whether a replacement had been selected by the transition team. (Bartha)