The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
California's Park Fire: Rapidly Growing Wildfire Surpasses 164,000 Acres with Zero Containment, Arson Suspected
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024A suspect named Ronnie Stout allegedly caused California's Park Fire, now burning over 164,000 acres with zero containment in Butte, Tehama, and Shasta Counties. The blaze has destroyed at least 134 structures and forced evacuations. High temperatures, low humidity, and dry conditions fueled the rapid growth of this record-breaking wildfire that surpassed the size of the 2018 Camp Fire. 
New Study Challenges Common Belief: Diseases May Not Have Spread Easily from European Ships to New World Populations
Broke On: Saturday, 27 July 2024Two UCLA scientists used mathematical modeling to calculate the probability of diseases spreading from European explorers to new lands during ocean voyages. They found that smallpox had a lower chance of transmission than measles or influenza on Columbus' Santa Maria in 1492, but factors like voyage length and ship size could increase the odds. The introduction of steam ships significantly raised the risk of carrying diseases to distant destinations. 
MLB Trade Deadline Roundup: Diamondbacks Acquire A.J. Puk, Mariners Get Randy Arozarena, and More
Broke On: Monday, 01 July 2024Several MLB teams are making trades to bolster their rosters before the deadline. The Diamondbacks acquired A.J. Puk from the Marlins, while Seattle got Randy Arozarena from Tampa Bay. Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and Garrett Crochet of the White Sox are potential trade candidates, along with Marlins closer Tanner Scott and outfielders Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz. 
US Women's Soccer Team Kicks Off Olympics with Dominant 3-0 Win over Zambia: Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson Shine
Broke On: Thursday, 25 July 2024The US Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) began their 2024 Olympics campaign with a dominant 3-0 win against Zambia, showcasing attacking prowess and quick passing. Trinity Rodman scored the opener with a spin move, Mallory Swanson added two goals in quick succession. Despite playing a man down after Pauline Zulu's red card, Zambia created opportunities but failed to score. USWNT's impressive performance was a promising sign after their World Cup disappointment. 
Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Agrees to Record-Breaking $212.4M Contract Extension
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signs a record-breaking $212.4 million, 4-year extension with $167 million guaranteed, becoming the franchise's highest-paid player. In 2023, he led the NFL in passing yards (4,624) and played a full season for the first time in his career under coach Mike McDaniel. Despite injury concerns and potential impact on roster budget, Dolphins secure Tagovailoa's long-term commitment. :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(756x300:758x302)/francis-ford-coppola-tout-060624-da0370a5489e47d9b61bc86a2bbd757b.jpg)
Francis Ford Coppola Accused of Unwanted Kissing on Set of Megalopolis
Broke On: Tuesday, 14 February 2023Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola faces allegations of kissing multiple female extras without consent during filming of Megalopolis, disrupting takes and causing controversy. Despite this, Coppola is set to receive Kennedy Center Honors. 
Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll's 'Lonely Road': A Darker Take on John Denver's 'Country Roads', Featuring Megan Fox and Bunnie XO
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll's collaboration, 'Lonely Road,' pays homage to John Denver's 'Country Roads,' with darker elements. The duo met in prison and navigate personal struggles while growing their families. Megan Fox, who has been open about her infertility, is depicted pregnant in the video. The song took 2 years to make and features a bank robbery scene. Both couples remain hopeful amidst hardships. Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Star-Studded Cast Light Up Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024The star-studded Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony featured performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, alongside appearances from Serena Williams, Lindsey Vonn, Ariana Grande, Snoop Dogg, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Shaun White, Nina Dobrev and Cynthia Erivo. Lady Gaga's tribute to French singer Zizi Jeanmaire included a full jazz band and custom costumes made from naturally molted feathers. Snoop Dogg was a torchbearer and special correspondent for NBC during the Olympics. 
Justin Timberlake Arrested for DWI: Attorney Disputes Intoxication Claims
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Renowned singer and actor Justin Timberlake was arrested for DWI in Sag Harbor Village, NY on June 18, 2024. Despite failing a sobriety test and appearing unsteady, his attorney disputes the intoxication claim. The incident occurred when his vehicle failed to stay in its lane and did not stop at a stop sign. 
Runway's Text-to-Video AI Model Trained on Unauthorized YouTube Videos: A Scandal with Ethical and Legal Implications
Broke On: Thursday, 25 July 2024Runway, a multi-billion dollar AI tech company, faced controversy over its text-to-video generator Gen-3's training on unauthorized YouTube videos from major entertainment companies and individual creators like Netflix, Disney, Nintendo, Rockstar Games, MKBHD and Linus Tech Tips. An anonymous employee admitted to downloading videos using proxies for training without permission. Google's policies prohibit unauthorized use of its content for AI training purposes with potential legal action and reputation damage.
