The House Ethics Committee released its bombshell report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz. President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of all but three inmates on federal death row to life in prison. And a major automaker merger is in the works as Nissan and Honda plan to unite. |
👋 Hey, Monday! Laura Davis here. Hope you had a good weekend! Let's get you caught up on the news. |
But first: It's the most wonderful time of the year. For some. 🎄 For others, the holidays can feel particularly lonely. If you're feeling the blues, here's how to find your authentic self. (And a holiday hug from me!) |
Bombshell report on Matt Gaetz drops |
A long-awaited ethics report released Monday found "substantial evidence" of "prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use" and obstruction of Congress by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was President-elect Donald Trump's original choice for the next U.S. attorney general. |
What to know: Gaetz made a futile last-minute effort in federal court to prevent the release of the report into allegations that have dogged the Florida Republican for years. He has denied paying for sex with a minor, and a yearslong Justice Department investigation ended without criminal charges being filed. |
What were the findings? In its 37-page report and four appendices, the committee disclosed numerous findings, including underage prostitution, cocaine and ecstasy use, illegal favors and a free Bahamas trip. 🔎 Everything we know about the report. | Then-Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17. Jeenah Moon, REUTERS |
Biden commutes sentences of most federal death row inmates |
In a move meant to stop President-elect Trump from restarting stalled executions, President Joe Biden said he is commuting the sentences of nearly every inmate on federal death row. The move reduces the sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row prisoners, in keeping with a moratorium his administration imposed on executions. The 37 now face sentences of life without parole. The moratorium excludes people convicted of terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. 👉 Here's what to know. |
Mangione pleads not guilty to CEO slaying charges |
The man accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to death on a Manhattan street pleaded not guilty Monday to state murder and terrorism charges, just days after a dramatic return to the city to face federal counts in the case. Luigi Mangione, 26, was arraigned on 11 state criminal charges, including one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder, one as an act of terrorism. 👉 Here's what's next for the case. | Luigi Mangione attends an arraignment hearing in New York City on Monday. Eduardo Munoz, Reuters |
It's a green light: Nissan and Honda have announced plans to merge by 2026 in a seismic shift for the auto industry. Mitsubishi Motors, of which Nissan owns a 24% stake, will announce if the company will join the merger by the end of January. If Nissan and Honda are to integrate, they could become the third-largest auto group in the world. 🚗 More about the merger. | | | | A suspect is in custody after the incident on an F train in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. Officers found a woman "fully engulfed in flames." | | | | Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized "for testing and observation after developing a fever," his aide said Monday. | | | | Employees working for tips in Kentucky say the plan would put 'more money in our pockets,' but a lot of questions remain. | | | | The winner, who chose to stay anonymous, bought the winning ticket at ShopRite Liquor in Neptune Township, New Jersey. | | | | Tommy Lee isn't the first celeb's whose bathing habits have come into question. So, should you shower every day? | | | | Burt, a saltwater crocodile who appeared in the 1980's hit movie "Crocodile Dundee," died this weekend at a reptile center in Australia. | | | | Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was bucked of a new horse while riding with his family. He is expected to remain hospitlized for several days. | | | | A fan who Taylor Swift visited at Children's Mercy Hospital revealed the thoughtful Christmas gift the singer sent her after their interaction. | | | | Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola recalls the "horror" of surviving childhood polio amid questions about the future of its vaccine. | | | | The Oscar-winning actor said "God is good" after being baptized and receiving a minister's license at a New York church. | | | | | | | Brighten your day with one of our games. | | | | | |
