The Daily Factum
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Allegations of Sexual Violence in October 7 Attacks on Israel
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023Hamas-led militants are accused of carrying out acts of sexual violence during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The Israeli military found signs of torture and rape on some bodies. The Israeli government and the Physicians for Human Rights in Israel have documented incidents of sexual and gender-based crimes. The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over atrocity crimes committed by Palestinians on Israeli territory, but Israel does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction. US President Joe Biden condemned the alleged sexual violence and called on the world to condemn such conduct. Prenatal Fentanyl Exposure Linked to Severe Birth Defects, Study Suggests
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Infants exposed to fentanyl in utero exhibited similar physical abnormalities, including cleft palates, small body and head size, drooping eyelids, and webbed toes. At least 10 babies, and possibly more, have been identified as having these physical defects. The babies' physical similarities resemble a syndrome called Smith-Lemli-Opitz, which affects how fetuses process cholesterol. 49ers Dominate Eagles in NFC Championship Rematch
Broke On: Sunday, 03 December 2023The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 42-19 in a rematch of the NFC championship game. 49ers' wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, scored three touchdowns, while quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Eagles' quarterback, Jalen Hurts, was evaluated for a concussion during the game but returned to play. The Eagles' chief security officer, Dom DiSandro, and 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw were ejected after a shoving incident. Dodgers Confirm Meeting with Free Agent Shohei Ohtani
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Shohei Ohtani, the two-way baseball star, has been in talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are the first team to publicly acknowledge their meeting with Ohtani. Ohtani is expected to command a record contract of $500 million-plus, with multiple teams vying for his services. Ohtani also underwent surgery for an elbow injury that will keep him off the mound until 2025. Jamie Foxx Makes First Public Appearance Post-Hospitalization, Expresses Gratitude for Recovery
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Jamie Foxx made his first public appearance since his hospitalization earlier this year. He was unable to walk just six months ago. Foxx did not disclose the specifics of his medical issue but mentioned that it was life-threatening. He addressed rumors of being cloned during his acceptance speech. Foxx thanked his sister and daughter for their support during his recovery. U.S. Students' Math Performance Declines in Global PISA Exam
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023U.S. students' math scores have significantly dropped in the 2022 PISA exam. The U.S. ranked 28th out of 37 participating countries in math. U.S. students scored above the OECD average in reading and science. The exam revealed a widening gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students. Off-Duty Alaska Airlines Pilot Indicted on 84 Charges for Attempted Engine Shutdown Mid-Flight
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Joseph David Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, has been indicted on 84 charges, including one count of endangering an aircraft and 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person. Emerson allegedly attempted to shut down the plane's engines mid-flight on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco in October. Emerson was seen throwing his headset and grabbing the plane's engine shut-off handles, and also tried to activate the plane's emergency fire suppression system. Emerson attempted to open an emergency exit door while in handcuffs. Emerson claimed that he thought he was dreaming and was trying to wake up, and had been struggling with depression and had taken psychedelic mushrooms. Senate Approves Military Promotions Amid Ukraine Aid Discussions
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023The Senate has approved approximately 425 military promotions after Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama ended his blockade of nominations over his opposition to a Pentagon abortion policy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was invited to speak to senators at a classified briefing, but he canceled his appearance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled a test vote on a national security supplemental package, which includes funding for Ukraine. Chicago Cubs Remain Hopeful in Shohei Ohtani Race Despite Contradicting Reports
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Cubs president Jed Hoyer denies reports that the Cubs are out of the race for Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani underwent surgery on his pitching elbow and won't be available to pitch in the 2024 season. The Cubs are prepared to analyze the potential impact of signing Ohtani on their budget and revenues. Ohtani's preference for a West Coast team may not work in the Cubs' favor. If the Cubs fail to sign Ohtani, they may consider other targets such as Juan Soto, Rhys Hoskins, Matt Chapman, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ex-Spouses of Former GMA3 Co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Reportedly Dating
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes' ex-spouses, Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig, are reportedly dating. Robach and Shue finalized their divorce in March, while Holmes settled his divorce from Fiebig in October. Robach and Holmes maintain that they were already separated when they started dating.