The Daily Factum
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Volkswagen Invests $5 Billion in Rivian for Electric Vehicle Software Partnership
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024Volkswagen invests $5 billion in Rivian for electric vehicle software partnership, aiming to lower production costs and accelerate innovation. Rivian's fundamental software design will serve as basis for new company's user interface and deeper vehicle software. The joint venture will develop affordable mass-market vehicles in various sizes, with details on five new mystery vehicles yet to be revealed. 
Mark Rutte Appointed as New NATO Secretary General: A Pragmatic Dutch Politician Takes the Helm Amidst Geopolitical Tensions with Russia
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024Mark Rutte, a seasoned Dutch politician known for his pragmatic approach and ability to build consensus, is appointed as the next NATO Secretary General on June 26, 2024. With experience leading coalition governments and navigating international affairs, Rutte assumes office on October 1 at a critical time for NATO amid geopolitical tensions with Russia over Ukraine. A vocal supporter of Ukraine's right to defend itself, Rutte's appointment comes as NATO faces ongoing security challenges. 
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and Other Politicians Implicated in Betting Scandal Ahead of General Election
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and several other politicians have been implicated in a betting scandal on the timing of the UK general election, raising questions about human fallibility and scrutiny in public life. Jack admitted to making three bets, one successful and two unsuccessful, denying any rules violation but revealing over £2,000 winnings. Comparisons are drawn to Partygate and four Tory figures are involved. Labour has suspended candidates for betting involvement while Sir Keir Starmer criticizes Rishi Sunak's leadership. The Gambling Commission investigates those violating betting rules. 
North Korea's Failed Hypersonic Missile Launch: A Sign of Escalating Tensions with South Korea and the US
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024North Korea launched a suspected hypersonic missile on Wednesday, which exploded mid-flight, following the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt to South Korea and Putin's visit signing a mutual defense pact. The failed launch marks Pyongyang's latest attempt in developing quicker, harder-to-detect solid fuel hypersonic missiles. Tensions escalate with balloon-borne trash attacks from North Korea and military drills, mutual defense pacts, border breaches. Midwest Flooding: House Collapses into Blue Earth River, Dam at Risk of Failure in Minnesota
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024Midwest flooding: A house collapses into the Blue Earth River, and a dam near Mankato is at risk of failing, causing major disruptions and evacuations in Minnesota and other states. Extreme weather conditions have led to record-breaking flood levels on rivers like the Big Sioux, James, and Vermillion. The flooding has been linked to climate change and is expected to worsen with more heavy rain in the forecast. President Biden Grants Pardons to Thousands of Former Service Members Convicted under Repealed Military Ban on Gay Sex
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024President Biden granted pardons to thousands of former US service members convicted under the repealed military ban on consensual gay sex, marking a significant step towards justice and equality. The pardons could allow veterans to access benefits they were previously denied due to their discharges. 
Supreme Court Rules on Biden Administration's Social Media Censorship Cases: Plaintiffs Lack Standing
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024The Supreme Court ruled against state attorneys general in Murthy v. Missouri and Alito v. Biden cases, determining they lacked standing to challenge the Biden administration's communications with social media companies over alleged censorship of certain topics. 
Newly Discovered Tipping Point in Antarctic Ice Sheet Melting Process Could Lead to Significant Sea Level Rise
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024Scientists discover new tipping point in Antarctic ice sheet melting process, which could lead to significant sea level rise. Grounding zone melting, a previously unknown phenomenon, brings tipping points closer and accelerates the melting process. The Pine Island glacier is particularly at risk due to its slope allowing more sea water in. Ice-sheet models lack representation of this important physical process, leading to underestimation of sea level rise. Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers Celebrate Historic Stanley Cup Win: From Fort Lauderdale Beach to Championship Parade
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024On June 24, 2024, the Florida Panthers made history by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final with a thrilling 2-1 victory. This marked their first championship win in their three-decade long history. After celebrating with fans at Fort Lauderdale Beach and The Elbo Room, the team will hold an official parade on June 30. 
Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt Urge WADA to Tackle Doping Crisis in Olympics:
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt testified before the US House of Representatives in June 2024, expressing concerns about doping issues threatening the Olympics. They criticized WADA's handling of Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned substances before Tokyo and Beijing Games, calling for stronger action against doping to maintain public trust.