The Daily Factum
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Venezuelans Vote for Annexation of Disputed Essequibo Region in Non-Binding Referendum
Broke On: Sunday, 03 December 2023Venezuelans have voted in a non-binding referendum to approve the takeover of the Essequibo region, a disputed territory with neighboring Guyana. The Essequibo region, which represents two-thirds of Guyana's territory, is rich in oil and gas resources. In response to the rising tensions, Brazil has reinforced its border with both Venezuela and Guyana. Six-Year-Old Boy Fatally Attacked by Dogs in Northeast Portland
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023A six-year-old boy was fatally attacked by two Great Dane-Mastiff mixes in Northeast Portland. The caretaker of the boy, who owned the dogs, was also injured in the attack. The dogs are now in the custody of Multnomah County Animal Services. The incident is being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau Child Abuse Team and Homicide Unit. Russia Rejects U.S. Proposal for Release of Detained Americans
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023The U.S. government has made a new proposal to secure the release of two American detainees, Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, from Russia. The offer was rejected by the Russian authorities. Paul Whelan has been jailed in Russia since December 2018 on espionage-related charges. Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia for 250 days on an espionage charge. The Russian authorities have suggested a possible prisoner swap, but only after a verdict is delivered. Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports Spark Controversy in Florida and Illinois
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023A transgender athlete's participation on a girls' high school volleyball team in Florida led to an investigation into whether the school violated a state law governing sports and gender. Two transgender women secured the top spots in the Women's Singlespeed category at the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships, sparking controversy and concerns about fairness in women's athletics. Biden's Decision to Run for Re-election Influenced by Trump's Candidacy
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023President Biden expressed uncertainty about running for re-election in 2024 if he were not facing Republican Donald Trump. Biden emphasized the importance of preventing Trump from winning and spoke about the risks Trump poses to democracy. Biden has previously cited Trump's remarks after the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville as inspiration for challenging him in 2020. Biden also addressed his support for Israel and the need to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Biden drew parallels between Trump's language and that used in Nazi Germany. First-Ever Images of the Rare Vangunu Giant Rat Captured
Broke On: Saturday, 02 December 2023The Vangunu giant rat, also known as Uromys vika, is about 18 inches long with its tail and has a body the size of a guinea pig. The species was previously known only through remains discovered in 2017. The rat is critically endangered due to logging of its habitat. The Indigenous community of the island played a crucial role in helping researchers locate the rats. UK Signs New Treaty with Rwanda to Address Asylum Seeker Deportation Concerns
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023The UK has signed a new treaty with Rwanda to address concerns raised by the Supreme Court regarding the deportation of asylum seekers. The treaty ensures that asylum seekers will not be expelled to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened. As part of the treaty, asylum seekers will receive free legal aid and the UK will pay Rwanda an undisclosed fee to support the new arrivals for up to five years. Toxic Smog in New Delhi: A Tale of Two Cities
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023New Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution despite government efforts to tackle the issue. The impact of the toxic smog is disproportionately felt by the city's poorest residents who cannot afford personal mitigation measures. Texas Woman Files Lawsuit for Abortion Due to Lethal Fetal Diagnosis
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023The woman's fetus has been diagnosed with full trisomy 18, a chromosomal anomaly that often results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth. The woman's doctors have stated that continuing the pregnancy poses a threat to her life, health, and future fertility. Texas has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, allowing private citizens to sue those who assist in obtaining an abortion. Escalation of Israeli Military Offensive in Southern Gaza Leads to Humanitarian Crisis
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Israeli military intensifies its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, causing significant displacement of the Palestinian population. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties due to the conflict. International reactions vary, with calls for condemnation of violence and expressions of disappointment in the breakdown of the truce.