CLICK TITLE TO OPEN STORY IN NEW TAB
President Biden considering clemency for 40 men on death row: Report (12/21/2024)
President Joe Biden may commute the sentences of most or all of the 40 men on death row, according to a Wall Street Journal report. If Biden commutes the sentences, the men would stay in jail on life sentences without the possibility of parole. It would create an early hurdle for President-elect Donald Trump. He wants to resume federal executions and expand the use of the federal death penalty. Attorney General Merrick Garland halted federal executions in 2021, during the early months of the Biden administration. The Journal reports Garland …
President Joe Biden may commute the sentences of most or all of the 40 men on death row, according to a Wall Street Journal report. If Biden commutes the sentences, the men would stay in jail on life sentences without the possibility of parole. It would create an early hurdle for President-elect Donald Trump. He wants to resume federal executions and expand the use of the federal death penalty. Attorney General Merrick Garland halted federal executions in 2021, during the early months of the Biden administration. The Journal reports Garland …
Louisville police issue citation to homeless woman in labor (12/20/2024)
Police in Louisville released body camera footage from an incident involving a homeless pregnant woman on Sept. 27. In the video, an officer approaches the woman under an overpass, asking if she is in labor and needs an ambulance. “You said you’re in labor?” the officer asks. “I’m leaking water,” the woman replies. “I’m leaking water, all the embryonic fluid, I’m leaking out.” The woman picks up her belongings and begins walking away when the officer begins to detain her. “Stop,” the officer commands. “I’m being detained?” the woman asks. …
Police in Louisville released body camera footage from an incident involving a homeless pregnant woman on Sept. 27. In the video, an officer approaches the woman under an overpass, asking if she is in labor and needs an ambulance. “You said you’re in labor?” the officer asks. “I’m leaking water,” the woman replies. “I’m leaking water, all the embryonic fluid, I’m leaking out.” The woman picks up her belongings and begins walking away when the officer begins to detain her. “Stop,” the officer commands. “I’m being detained?” the woman asks. …
New book accuses Spotify of promoting fake artists to reduce royalty rates (12/20/2024)
The next time you fire up Spotify, you may hear an artist you’ve never listened to before. A new book alleges that, in some cases, that’s because the artist doesn’t exist and may be part of an elaborate scheme by the company to reduce royalty rates. The Swedish music and podcast streaming giant funnels listeners toward what it dubs “perfect fit content,” or what author Liz Pelly less-charitably describes as “low-budget stock muzak” in her forthcoming book, “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist.” …
The next time you fire up Spotify, you may hear an artist you’ve never listened to before. A new book alleges that, in some cases, that’s because the artist doesn’t exist and may be part of an elaborate scheme by the company to reduce royalty rates. The Swedish music and podcast streaming giant funnels listeners toward what it dubs “perfect fit content,” or what author Liz Pelly less-charitably describes as “low-budget stock muzak” in her forthcoming book, “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist.” …
Andrew Cuomo sues for defamation after sexual harassment allegations (12/20/2024)
A 2021 investigation put former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo into the defendant’s seat, and now he’s heading back to the courtroom to clear his name. On Thursday, Dec. 20, Cuomo’s lawyers filed a defamation lawsuit against one of the women accusing him of sexual harassment. Charlotte Bennett sued Cuomo in New York’s federal court in 2022. Bennett said the harassment happened two years prior when she worked as his executive assistant. She called her former boss a “textbook abuser.” Cuomo later addressed the allegations, saying he didn’t realize he …
A 2021 investigation put former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo into the defendant’s seat, and now he’s heading back to the courtroom to clear his name. On Thursday, Dec. 20, Cuomo’s lawyers filed a defamation lawsuit against one of the women accusing him of sexual harassment. Charlotte Bennett sued Cuomo in New York’s federal court in 2022. Bennett said the harassment happened two years prior when she worked as his executive assistant. She called her former boss a “textbook abuser.” Cuomo later addressed the allegations, saying he didn’t realize he …
Driver kills at least 2 in car attack at German Christmas market (12/20/2024)
At least two people died Friday, Dec. 20, after a driver plowed a car into a Christmas market in Germany. The attack wounded at least 60 others. Authorities said they believed the attack was deliberate and identified the two people who died as an adult and a toddler. They added that 15 people suffered serious injuries and that more deaths could be possible. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the city of Magdeburg in eastern Germany. Local authorities say the suspect, who was arrested shortly after the attack, is …
At least two people died Friday, Dec. 20, after a driver plowed a car into a Christmas market in Germany. The attack wounded at least 60 others. Authorities said they believed the attack was deliberate and identified the two people who died as an adult and a toddler. They added that 15 people suffered serious injuries and that more deaths could be possible. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the city of Magdeburg in eastern Germany. Local authorities say the suspect, who was arrested shortly after the attack, is …
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott unveils billboard campaign to deter migrants (12/20/2024)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a billboard campaign to deter migrants from crossing the border from Mexico into Texas. However, many of these billboards aren’t located in Texas, or even the U.S. “How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire,” one billboard states. Another billboard reads, “Stop. If you cross the border illegally into Texas, you will be jailed.” A third billboard warns of kidnapped girls who tried to migrate to Texas. “For the sake of your family… …
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a billboard campaign to deter migrants from crossing the border from Mexico into Texas. However, many of these billboards aren’t located in Texas, or even the U.S. “How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire,” one billboard states. Another billboard reads, “Stop. If you cross the border illegally into Texas, you will be jailed.” A third billboard warns of kidnapped girls who tried to migrate to Texas. “For the sake of your family… …
ICE deportations hit highest level since 2014: Report (12/20/2024)
As President-elect Donald Trump promises the largest mass deportation operation in the nation’s history, a new report by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that the number of deportations hit a decade-low. ICE deported 271,484 migrants in fiscal year 2024, which ended in September, according to the agency’s report released Thursday, Dec. 20. That represents a significant increase compared to the previous year when ICE reported 142,000 deportations. Nearly 89,000 deportees had criminal charges or convictions, according to ICE, with fewer than 1% arrested for homicide. Overall, it is …
As President-elect Donald Trump promises the largest mass deportation operation in the nation’s history, a new report by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that the number of deportations hit a decade-low. ICE deported 271,484 migrants in fiscal year 2024, which ended in September, according to the agency’s report released Thursday, Dec. 20. That represents a significant increase compared to the previous year when ICE reported 142,000 deportations. Nearly 89,000 deportees had criminal charges or convictions, according to ICE, with fewer than 1% arrested for homicide. Overall, it is …
US presence in Syria grows amid search for missing American journalist (12/20/2024)
The U.S. military says a strike killed ISIS leader Abu Yusif in Syria on Thursday, Dec. 19. It marks a significant step in America’s efforts to prevent ISIS from redeveloping after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad nearly two weeks ago. The strike came the same day the Pentagon acknowledged the U.S. has roughly twice as many troops in Syria as they previously disclosed. 2,000 U.S. troops are currently in Syria, rather than the 900 U.S. military officials previously said were there. A Pentagon spokesperson says the higher number …
The U.S. military says a strike killed ISIS leader Abu Yusif in Syria on Thursday, Dec. 19. It marks a significant step in America’s efforts to prevent ISIS from redeveloping after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad nearly two weeks ago. The strike came the same day the Pentagon acknowledged the U.S. has roughly twice as many troops in Syria as they previously disclosed. 2,000 U.S. troops are currently in Syria, rather than the 900 U.S. military officials previously said were there. A Pentagon spokesperson says the higher number …
Holiday box office showdown kicks off with ‘Sonic 3’ and ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (12/20/2024)
The holiday box office race is heating up. Two major contenders, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King,” are vying for the holiday crown. In previews on Thursday, Dec. 19, “Sonic 3” sprinted ahead, earning $6.5 million, the franchise’s best preview performance yet. Meanwhile, “Mufasa” opened with $3.3 million, setting the stage for a weekend showdown. ‘Sonic 3’ speeds ahead “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is projected to dominate the domestic box office, with estimates reported by The Hollywood Reporter showing between $60-70 million. The film won’t debut internationally …
The holiday box office race is heating up. Two major contenders, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King,” are vying for the holiday crown. In previews on Thursday, Dec. 19, “Sonic 3” sprinted ahead, earning $6.5 million, the franchise’s best preview performance yet. Meanwhile, “Mufasa” opened with $3.3 million, setting the stage for a weekend showdown. ‘Sonic 3’ speeds ahead “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is projected to dominate the domestic box office, with estimates reported by The Hollywood Reporter showing between $60-70 million. The film won’t debut internationally …
House approves spending bill to avoid government shutdown (12/20/2024)
Democrats and Republicans in the House voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill to keep the government open until Friday, March 14. The bill passed just hours before the government was set to shut down. Notably, the bill –– known as a continuing resolution –– did not maintain the debt ceiling suspension, something President-elect Donald Trump advocated for. However, it did include language from the annual Farm Bill as well as disaster relief aid. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., delivered a holiday-themed pitch on the House floor before the vote. “‘Twas five …
Democrats and Republicans in the House voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill to keep the government open until Friday, March 14. The bill passed just hours before the government was set to shut down. Notably, the bill –– known as a continuing resolution –– did not maintain the debt ceiling suspension, something President-elect Donald Trump advocated for. However, it did include language from the annual Farm Bill as well as disaster relief aid. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., delivered a holiday-themed pitch on the House floor before the vote. “‘Twas five …
Man found guilty in murder of Indiana teen girls sentenced to 130 years (12/20/2024)
The man found guilty of killing two teenage girls in a highly publicized trial in Indiana will spend the rest of his life in prison. On Friday, Dec. 20, a judge sentenced Richard Allen to the maximum punishment of 130 years. In November 2024, a jury found Allen guilty in the murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German in 2017 in Delphi. Prosecutors say he kidnapped and killed them, leaving their bodies near a trail in the city of Delphi. The case went cold for more than five years …
The man found guilty of killing two teenage girls in a highly publicized trial in Indiana will spend the rest of his life in prison. On Friday, Dec. 20, a judge sentenced Richard Allen to the maximum punishment of 130 years. In November 2024, a jury found Allen guilty in the murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German in 2017 in Delphi. Prosecutors say he kidnapped and killed them, leaving their bodies near a trail in the city of Delphi. The case went cold for more than five years …
Phoenix may trade water rights for $300M amid Colorado River drought (12/20/2024)
The Colorado River, a critical water source for approximately 40 million people, faces mounting challenges due to a prolonged drought. In response, officials are considering measures to alleviate the strain, including the possibility of compensating some communities to relinquish their water rights. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is currently in discussions with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to strike such a deal. Under the proposed agreement, Phoenix would give up a portion of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million in federal funding. These funds …
The Colorado River, a critical water source for approximately 40 million people, faces mounting challenges due to a prolonged drought. In response, officials are considering measures to alleviate the strain, including the possibility of compensating some communities to relinquish their water rights. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is currently in discussions with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to strike such a deal. Under the proposed agreement, Phoenix would give up a portion of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million in federal funding. These funds …
These are the top 5 business stories you consumed in 2024 (12/20/2024)
We made it through another election year where the economy was the top issue for voters. So which business stories grabbed you the most this year? We know you came to Straight Arrow News for the unbiased, straight facts. Here are the top five business stories you watched and read at SAN.com. #5: Progress or poverty? Patience running out for Argentina’s Milei 1 year in We had enough to worry about here with the U.S. economy, but what really grabbed your attention was an economic experiment happening in South America. …
We made it through another election year where the economy was the top issue for voters. So which business stories grabbed you the most this year? We know you came to Straight Arrow News for the unbiased, straight facts. Here are the top five business stories you watched and read at SAN.com. #5: Progress or poverty? Patience running out for Argentina’s Milei 1 year in We had enough to worry about here with the U.S. economy, but what really grabbed your attention was an economic experiment happening in South America. …
Congress releases framework for future AI regulation (12/20/2024)
A bipartisan congressional task force released a report containing guiding principles and policy proposals to ensure America is a world leader in responsible AI innovation. The task force hopes the report will be used by future Congress bodies to regulate a developing technology that lawmakers admit they don’t know much about. “We’re advocating for a light touch regulatory environment where we enact the protections that need to be enacted to protect Americans from the malicious and harmful uses of AI, while it’s still creating a regulatory environment that allows AI …
A bipartisan congressional task force released a report containing guiding principles and policy proposals to ensure America is a world leader in responsible AI innovation. The task force hopes the report will be used by future Congress bodies to regulate a developing technology that lawmakers admit they don’t know much about. “We’re advocating for a light touch regulatory environment where we enact the protections that need to be enacted to protect Americans from the malicious and harmful uses of AI, while it’s still creating a regulatory environment that allows AI …
Chargers down Broncos with rare NFL kick rule last seen 50 years ago (12/20/2024)
One of the rarest NFL kick rules has returned, with the “fair-catch free kick” rule not successfully used in an NFL game in nearly 50 years until the night of Thursday, Dec. 19. Jim Harbaugh and the LA Chargers broke out the play after a series of events in the waning seconds of the first half of their win over the Denver Broncos. The Broncos were leading 21-10 on the final play of the first half when they had to punt. The Chargers punt returner motioned for a fair catch. …
One of the rarest NFL kick rules has returned, with the “fair-catch free kick” rule not successfully used in an NFL game in nearly 50 years until the night of Thursday, Dec. 19. Jim Harbaugh and the LA Chargers broke out the play after a series of events in the waning seconds of the first half of their win over the Denver Broncos. The Broncos were leading 21-10 on the final play of the first half when they had to punt. The Chargers punt returner motioned for a fair catch. …
Starbucks baristas unleash strike against company in 3 major cities (12/20/2024)
Starbucks joins the list of companies hitting the picket line just in time for the holidays. Baristas started a five-day strike at stores in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. Starbucks Workers United is leading the protest. The union is calling out the company for backtracking on negotiations around better labor practices and wages. In a post on X, the union said, “Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year, but they’ve yet to present workers with a serious economic …
Starbucks joins the list of companies hitting the picket line just in time for the holidays. Baristas started a five-day strike at stores in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. Starbucks Workers United is leading the protest. The union is calling out the company for backtracking on negotiations around better labor practices and wages. In a post on X, the union said, “Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year, but they’ve yet to present workers with a serious economic …
Biden admin to announce final Ukraine military aid package worth $1.2B: Report (12/20/2024)
The Biden administration is expected to announce its final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package worth $1.2 billion, according to an exclusive report from Reuters on Friday, Dec. 20. The aid will reportedly feature air defense receptors and artillery munitions. Reuters reports the equipment will come via the USAI program, which means the weapons will come from U.S. defense contractors, not ready-to-go American stockpiles. The equipment is not on a fast track either, as aid using this method can reportedly take months or even years to reach troops on the …
The Biden administration is expected to announce its final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package worth $1.2 billion, according to an exclusive report from Reuters on Friday, Dec. 20. The aid will reportedly feature air defense receptors and artillery munitions. Reuters reports the equipment will come via the USAI program, which means the weapons will come from U.S. defense contractors, not ready-to-go American stockpiles. The equipment is not on a fast track either, as aid using this method can reportedly take months or even years to reach troops on the …
Celtics Jaylen Brown targeted as string of burglaries at athletes homes grows (12/20/2024)
A string of high-profile burglaries is crossing over from the turf to the hardwood. While Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown dribbled down the court in Washington D.C., police were responding to his mom’s house for a reported break-in. Massachusetts police found a broken window at the residence on Sunday, Dec. 15, but nothing was reported to be stolen. The inside of the house appeared to be mostly undisturbed according to Wellesley police. Brown spoke out at a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 19, where he told reporters it’s been a …
A string of high-profile burglaries is crossing over from the turf to the hardwood. While Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown dribbled down the court in Washington D.C., police were responding to his mom’s house for a reported break-in. Massachusetts police found a broken window at the residence on Sunday, Dec. 15, but nothing was reported to be stolen. The inside of the house appeared to be mostly undisturbed according to Wellesley police. Brown spoke out at a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 19, where he told reporters it’s been a …
Calif. residents sue 2 members of Congress over aid to Israel (12/20/2024)
Palestinian rights advocates in northern California are suing two members of Congress over billions of dollars in military aid sent to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war. A complaint filed Thursday, Dec. 19 in a U.S. District Court alleges Democratic Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman caused moral injury to a group of over 500 taxpayers in their California districts by voting for a $26 billion aid package to Israel in April. The plaintiffs claim the aid violates what they call their constitutional right to have taxes collected for only lawful …
Palestinian rights advocates in northern California are suing two members of Congress over billions of dollars in military aid sent to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war. A complaint filed Thursday, Dec. 19 in a U.S. District Court alleges Democratic Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman caused moral injury to a group of over 500 taxpayers in their California districts by voting for a $26 billion aid package to Israel in April. The plaintiffs claim the aid violates what they call their constitutional right to have taxes collected for only lawful …
Preview: 12-team College Football Playoff set to kick off (12/20/2024)
It’s a fantastic weekend to be a college football fan. A new era of the post-season kicks off Friday, Dec. 20, with the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff. In one month, football fans will have a new national champion and no matter which of the 12 teams comes out victorious, they will have earned it. Here’s a quick break down of the first-round games. No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 10 Notre Dame The first matchup comes Friday night between the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the …
It’s a fantastic weekend to be a college football fan. A new era of the post-season kicks off Friday, Dec. 20, with the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff. In one month, football fans will have a new national champion and no matter which of the 12 teams comes out victorious, they will have earned it. Here’s a quick break down of the first-round games. No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 10 Notre Dame The first matchup comes Friday night between the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the …
END FEED