The European Commission fined Meta $840 million for abusing its dominant market position by unfairly linking Facebook Marketplace to Facebook, violating EU antitrust rules. This decision, following a two-year investigation, concludes that Meta leveraged its social network to give Marketplace an unfair advantage over competitors. Meta plans to appeal the ruling but will comply while developing a solution. The fine represents a significant portion of Meta’s global revenue, reflecting the seriousness of the antitrust violation.
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Judge Richard Bennett ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy may continue considering race in admissions, citing a compelling national security interest in a diverse officer corps. The judge found that the academy’s use of race is narrowly tailored to achieve this interest, rejecting arguments from Students for Fair Admissions that the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling should apply. While race is a minor factor, the court recognized the military’s need for a representative and cohesive force, emphasizing the importance of diversity for mission effectiveness. Students for Fair Admissions plans to appeal the decision.
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Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in a premeditated attack in midtown Manhattan. Despite the crime occurring in a heavily surveilled area, the gunman, whose image is now public, initially evaded capture. However, investigators have obtained footage of the suspect, including his actions before and after the shooting, and believe he may have left New York City via bus. Experts suggest that recovered shell casings inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” along with witness accounts and the suspect’s apparent calmness, are crucial pieces of evidence. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing various leads and analyzing physical evidence.
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Following a confrontation stemming from online comments about abortion access and the 2024 election, white nationalist Nick Fuentes was arrested in Illinois and charged with battery. A police report details how Fuentes allegedly pepper-sprayed a woman and pushed her down a flight of stairs after she arrived at his home to question him. Video evidence of the incident reportedly surfaced online, corroborating the victim’s account. Fuentes was subsequently booked, fingerprinted, and released on bond, with a court date set for December 19th.
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Karen Cahall, a long-time New Richmond Exempted Village Schools teacher, is suing the district for a three-day unpaid suspension stemming from four LGBTQ+-themed books in her classroom. The district, citing a vaguely worded policy on “controversial issues,” deemed the books unacceptable despite their non-obscene content and Cahall’s non-instructional use of them. The lawsuit alleges the policy is unconstitutionally vague and that the district engaged in viewpoint discrimination, violating Cahall’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Cahall claims economic loss due to the unjust suspension.
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Far-right influencer Nick Fuentes was arrested and charged with battery after allegedly pepper-spraying and assaulting a woman who went to his home in Berwyn, Illinois. The woman, Marla Rose, claims she visited Fuentes’ residence to confront him following his controversial “Your body, my choice” social media post. Fuentes, who was released pending a December 19 court appearance, claims self-defense due to alleged death threats and doxing following his viral post. Both individuals have taken to social media to publicize their perspectives on the incident.
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A new federal order mandates nationwide testing of the milk supply for the H5N1 bird flu strain affecting dairy cows in 15 states. The USDA aims to swiftly identify infected herds and curb transmission, beginning testing in six states on December 16th. This initiative complements existing regulations requiring testing of cows before interstate transport and reporting of positive cases. The order addresses the escalating spread of avian flu in livestock and concerns about potential human health risks, particularly given the rise in raw milk consumption.
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A lawsuit alleges UnitedHealthcare, using an AI tool with a purported 90% error rate, wrongfully denied medically necessary claims, resulting in patient deaths. The company denies the AI makes coverage decisions, claiming it’s merely a guidance tool. Despite this, UnitedHealthcare’s claim denial rate is reportedly much higher than competitors, prompting some hospitals to refuse its insurance. Following the CEO’s targeted murder, where bullets bore inscriptions linking to a book criticizing insurance practices, the connection between the lawsuit and the shooting remains under investigation.
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In Moradabad, India, a Muslim couple was forced to resell their newly purchased home after facing intense protests from Hindu neighbors who objected to their presence in the predominantly Hindu housing society. The protests, fueled by claims of safety concerns and religious intolerance, led to the intervention of local officials and the couple’s eventual agreement to resell the property to a Hindu family. This incident highlights the growing religious polarization in India and underscores the discriminatory practices faced by Muslim communities in accessing housing. The incident is not isolated, with similar instances of discrimination reported across various Indian cities, raising concerns about the violation of fundamental rights.
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A Florida jury awarded Tyre Sampson’s parents $310 million—$155 million each—in a negligence lawsuit against the Austrian manufacturer, Funtime, of the Orlando Free Fall ride. The verdict follows the 14-year-old’s fatal fall from the ride in March 2022, caused by a malfunctioning harness exacerbated by his size. Funtime, which did not participate in the trial, is responsible for the significant damages, though collection may require further legal action in Austria. The ride, lacking seatbelts and deemed unsafe after the accident, has been demolished.
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John Q. Hosedrinker