The Daily Factum
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Vermont Man Settles $175,000 Lawsuit Over Middle Finger Gesture Arrest: Implications for Free Speech and Law Enforcement
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024A Vermont man, Gregory Bombard, reached a $175,000 settlement with the state after being arrested for giving a middle finger gesture to a state trooper in 2018. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) argued that Bombard's First Amendment rights were violated. The settlement includes damages to Bombard and attorneys' fees for the ACLU and FIRE, but Vermont did not admit to any wrongdoing. This case highlights the importance of upholding free speech rights, particularly in controversial or subjective situations involving law enforcement. 
Judge Sets Trial Date for Bryan Kohberger in 2025 for University of Idaho Students' Murders: Four Counts of First-Degree Murder and Burglary Alleged
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, faces a trial set for June 2025. Prosecutors plan to present DNA evidence, cellphone use, and surveillance videos against Kohberger. The defense may amend or extend deadlines as new information comes in. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty. 
Supreme Court Strips SEC of Power to Impose Fines and Seize Assets Through Administrative Law Judges: Implications for Federal Agencies and Jarkesy's Case
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cannot impose fines or force wrongdoers to return ill-gotten gains through administrative law judges (ALJs), overturning Jarkesy's $1 million penalty for securities misstatements. The ruling could impact dozens of federal agencies, potentially stripping them of their ability to seek civil penalties. 
New Study Finds No Evidence Multivitamins Extend Life: Focus on Whole Foods Instead
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024A study in JAMA Network Open found no link between daily multivitamin use and increased lifespan, contradicting previous beliefs. The research analyzed data from over 400,000 healthy adults for more than 2 decades. While taking multivitamins does not reduce the risk of death from cancer, heart disease, or stroke, individuals with chronic health conditions or specific nutrient deficiencies may benefit. 
Google's Imagen 3 Early Access and Amazon's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Expansion: A Closer Look at Recent Tech Announcements
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024Google expands access to advanced text-to-image AI model Imagen 3 for Gemini Advanced users, while Amazon introduces cloud-enabled games on select Fire TV devices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Google also unveils upgrades for Vertex AI platform and larger context window for Gemini 1.5 Pro. 
Significant Economic Reports Fuel Stock Market Fluctuations: Unemployment Claims Surge, Pending Home Sales Decline, and Micron Earnings Disappoint
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024On June 27, the stock market saw volatility due to economic reports suggesting possible interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. Jobless claims reached a six-month high and factory orders declined unexpectedly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq composite fluctuated throughout the day with Micron Technology leading declines after reporting earnings. 
North Korea Tests Multiple-Warhead Missile Technology: Failed Launch Amid Ongoing Tensions with South Korea and Potential Russian Support
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024North Korea announced a failed test of multiple-warhead missile technology on June 26, 2024, generating international concern and defying UN restrictions. The suspected hypersonic missile launch from Pyongyang produced more smoke than usual due to an engine fault. This event followed trash-filled balloons sent southward and caused a three-hour airport halt in South Korea. North Korea's state media reported the test aimed to secure MIRV capability, allowing multiple nuclear warheads per missile. Russia's President Putin visited Pyongyang days prior, raising concerns about deepening military cooperation. 
Conservative and Labour Party Members Under Investigation for Betting on British General Election Date
Broke On: Sunday, 23 June 2024A betting scandal involving at least five Conservative Party officials, one Labour Party candidate, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's police bodyguard emerged before the unexpected July 4, 2024 British general election announcement. The Gambling Commission is investigating these individuals for allegedly placing bets on the election timing. Among those under investigation are Conservative Chief Data Officer Nick Mason, candidates Laura Saunders and Craig Williams, and Sunak's bodyguard. The scandal deals a fresh blow to the Conservatives, who are widely expected to lose the election after 14 years in power. 
Two Former Chinese Defense Ministers Expelled from Communist Party over Corruption Allegations
Broke On: Sunday, 01 October 2023Two former Chinese defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, have been expelled from the ruling Communist Party due to corruption charges. This comes amid a wider crackdown on graft within the military and heightened tensions between China and major powers like the US. The purge is part of President Xi Jinping's anticorruption campaign. 
Massive Sinkhole Opens in Gordon Moore Park, Closes Two Soccer Fields
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024A 100-foot wide, 30-feet deep sinkhole suddenly appeared in Gordon Moore Park, Alton, Illinois on June 26, 2024. It swallowed a light pole and soccer bleachers but no injuries were reported. The cause is believed to be an underground mine owned by New Frontier Materials. Both adjacent fields are closed for inspection.