The Daily Factum
Deprogramming the News
Breaking News
Martin Mull: Versatile Actor, Musician, and Painter Known for 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' 'Fernwood 2 Night,' and 'Clue' Passes Away at 80
Broke On: Tuesday, 27 June 2023Versatile comedic actor, musician, and painter Martin Mull passed away at 80. Known for roles in 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' 'Fernwood 2 Night,' films like 'Clue,' and TV shows including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Roseanne. Survived by wife Wendy Haas and daughter Maggie Mull. 
Google TV Adds Over 10 New Free Channels, Boosting Its Offerings to Over 130
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024Google TV adds over 10 new free channels, bringing the total to over 130. This expansion strengthens its position as a viable alternative to traditional TV providers with a wide range of content. Google's focus on free ad-supported television and advertising revenue makes it an attractive option for viewers and advertisers alike. 
CDK Global Hack Disrupts US Car Dealerships: Potential Loss of 100,000 Vehicle Sales in June
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024A ransom event at CDK Global, a software provider for US car dealerships, caused significant disruptions and potential losses of up to 100,000 vehicle sales in June. The attack affected over half of all auto dealerships in the US and left many offline with no clear timeline for restoration. Experts predict a decrease of around 7% in total US new-vehicle sales for June, highlighting the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. 
2024 Summer Olympics: Seine River's Contaminated Waters Pose Health Risks for Swimming Events
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024The 2024 Summer Olympics face water quality issues as the Seine River, set to host swimming events, exceeds acceptable limits for E. coli and enterococci bacteria due to unfavorable hydrological conditions and upstream pollution. Contamination risks include diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and severe infections. Organizers remain optimistic about improving water quality but lack a backup plan. 
Judge Denies Baldwin's Motion to Dismiss Manslaughter Charges in 'Rust' Shooting Case
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied Alec Baldwin's motion to dismiss involuntary manslaughter charges, allowing jury selection to begin on July 9, 2024. The ruling came after Baldwin's defense argued that destroyed evidence from the 'Rust' movie set shooting prevented them from testing the firearm in its original state. Halyna Hutchins was killed on set in October 2021 when Baldwin discharged a live round, and he faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted. 
Massive Dolphin Stranding at Herring River Gut: IFAW Rescues 115 Live Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024Over 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins stranded at Herring River Gut in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on June 28, 2024. IFAW sent staff and volunteers to assist in the rescue effort amidst challenging terrain and tide conditions. At least ten dolphins had already died before arrival. The cause of the stranding remains unknown. 
Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine, Limiting Federal Regulatory Authority
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision on June 28, 2024, overturned the Chevron deference, limiting federal regulatory agencies' power to make rules in various sectors. This shift transfers power from the executive branch to Congress and courts. The ruling may impact education and environmental regulations, affecting student loan forgiveness and sex discrimination policies. The decision marks a significant step towards weakening the administrative state, which traces back to the New Deal era. 
Supreme Court Narrows Scope of Law Used to Prosecute Capitol Rioters, Including Former Officer Joseph Fischer
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 January 2021The Supreme Court narrowed the scope of a law used to prosecute individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, affecting approximately 249 cases. The ruling determined that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act only applies to limited circumstances involving evidence tampering and not broader situations. Former police officer Joseph Fischer's obstruction charge was sent back for further proceedings. International Media Reacts to the Presidential Debate: Concerns Over Biden's Performance and Trump's Aggression
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024The presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump drew international criticism for both candidates' performances, with Russian media portraying Biden as a failure, Chinese media describing it as a reality show, Indian media reporting a shaky Biden showing, Israeli media agreeing but raising concerns about potential implications for conflicts in Gaza, and Latin American media focusing on tense exchanges over immigration and global politics. Despite some calls for Biden to leave the race following the debate, he received support from Democratic leaders. The debate also highlighted ongoing tensions between the US and other countries like China and Russia. 
Fifteen Cases of Whooping Cough Reported in Brookline, Massachusetts: Public Health Officials Urge Vaccination and Precautions
Broke On: Wednesday, 05 June 2024Fifteen cases of whooping cough, a bacterial infection causing severe coughing spells and potentially life-threatening for young children and infants, have been reported in Brookline, Massachusetts. Public health officials urge residents to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their vaccines (DTaP for under 7s, Tdap for over 7s), with pregnant women getting the Tdap vaccine after week 27 to protect themselves and newborns. Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough, which spreads easily through droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking.
