Spain is introducing a bill mandating social media influencers with significant followings (100,000+ on one platform or 200,000+ across multiple) to publish corrections to false or inaccurate information. This legislation, aiming to combat online disinformation, will allow individuals harmed by misinformation to demand rectifications, escalating to court if ignored. The law updates outdated regulations and applies to both traditional and online media, facilitating a more streamlined process for requesting corrections. The initiative seeks to curb the spread of misinformation and hold those who disseminate it accountable.
Read More
Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime charge for plotting a mass shooting targeting the LGBTQ+ community. His plan involved attacking a political headquarters and a bar frequented by gay individuals, fueled by his intense hatred. Davis accumulated weapons, ammunition, and bomb-making materials, documenting his preparations online and physically scouting the locations. His arrest followed a firearms incident and anti-gay graffiti targeting his homosexual neighbors, leading to a federal investigation and his guilty plea, which carries a potential life sentence.
Read More
Mikhail Shatsky, a key figure at the Mars Design Bureau responsible for modernizing Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles used in the war against Ukraine, was found dead from gunshot wounds near his Moscow home. Ukrainian media outlets, citing anonymous sources, attributed the killing to Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency, though this remains unverified. Shatsky’s work also reportedly included AI technology for Russian drones. The incident follows a recent large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Read More
After significant delays, the House Ethics Committee unexpectedly voted to release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), the decision coming as a surprise given previous efforts to block its publication. The report, to be released before the congressional holiday recess, details findings from an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Gaetz, who denies any wrongdoing, resigned from Congress before the report’s scheduled release, but the committee’s decision follows mounting public pressure. His nomination for Attorney General was ultimately withdrawn amid the controversy.
Read More
A British court ordered the seizure of over £2.6 million ($3.3 million) from Andrew and Tristan Tate to cover unpaid taxes, citing their deliberate evasion of tax obligations. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the brothers engaged in “a straightforward cheat” of the tax authorities, based on evidence of substantial financial transactions and a history of non-payment. The court found that the Tates failed to pay taxes on £21 million in revenue from their online businesses between 2014 and 2022. The Tates, who deny all wrongdoing, plan to appeal the decision.
Read More
Following a reversal of its previous decision, the House Ethics Committee will release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz before the end of the current Congress. The report concludes a years-long investigation into numerous allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress and denies all allegations, claims to have been exonerated by the Department of Justice. The report’s release is unusual given Gaetz’s departure, and its contents, addressing claims of sexual contact with a minor, are highly anticipated.
Read More
The NRA’s 2023 revenue plummeted to $178 million, a dramatic decrease from its peak fundraising years in the mid-2010s when it exceeded $400 million annually. This represents a historic low, with overall income less than member dues alone in four of the past ten years. The decline is largely attributed to a five-year drop in member dues, reaching levels unseen since at least the early 2000s. The 2023 member dues of $61.8 million are a stark contrast to the nearly $223 million collected a decade prior. Financial documents indicate further revenue decreases are projected for 2024.
Read More
President Zelensky firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal, emphasizing to Le Parisien that Ukraine will not surrender its independence despite pressure for a swift peace deal from President-elect Trump. While acknowledging the need for diplomatic solutions and recognizing the impossibility of reclaiming all lost territory, Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s constitutional obligation to defend its sovereignty. Trump, aiming for a rapid end to the conflict, is reportedly planning negotiations involving compromises from both Kyiv and Moscow. However, Zelensky maintains that any agreement cannot come at the cost of Ukrainian independence.
Read More
Charles Littlejohn, an IRS contractor, was sentenced to five years in prison for releasing the tax information of wealthy individuals, a sentence far exceeding sentencing guidelines and harsher than those given for comparable crimes. This disproportionate punishment, influenced by Republican lobbying, highlights the undue influence of the wealthy on the justice system. Littlejohn’s actions, which exposed significant tax avoidance by billionaires, were intended to serve the public interest. A presidential commutation is urged to rectify this injustice and protect Littlejohn from potential retribution from President-elect Trump.
Read More
The European Union imposed its first comprehensive sanctions on Chinese firms and a Chinese national for supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. These sanctions, targeting entities involved in supplying dual-use goods and technology to Russia’s military, prompted a rebuke from China’s Foreign Ministry, which deemed them unilateral and lacking international legal basis. The EU countered that the sanctions aim to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and those enabling it, highlighting the bloc’s unity in supporting Ukraine. Sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for individuals.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker