The bombshell Gaetz report is out
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.
- Underage prostitution, rules violations: Takeaways from the report.
- Read the House Ethics Committee's full report.
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.
- Three men remain on federal death row. Who are they?
- What does it mean to commute an execution?
- How does someone ask for a presidential pardon?
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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.
- Despite recent high-profile cases, crime is on the decline in NYC.
A big automaker merger
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 break from the news
- 🤔 Are gift cards tacky? We asked an expert.
- 🏞️ Stunning destinations to revisit in 2025.
- 🎁 Still shopping? Don't panic! Shop no-ship gifts.
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at Paste BN. Say hi sometime! laura@usatoday.com. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to Paste BN here.