Luigi Mangione, 26, from Maryland, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He was also charged for gun-related offenses, possession of a forged instrument, and criminal possession of a weapon, related to a fake driver’s license. Mangione is in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to New York. (ABC News)
Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway car in 2023. The manslaughter charge was dismissed after the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision. Penny’s attorneys celebrated the verdict, while Neely’s father expressed frustration. (CBS News)
California has introduced a bill to mandate mental health warning labels on social media, sparking debate. State Attorney General Rob Bonta and dozens of other bipartisan attorneys general all support the measure, citing concerns about the impact on children’s mental health. Industry officials vow to challenge the bill on First Amendment grounds. (AP)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act, prohibiting public schools and libraries from censoring books and protecting librarians who comply. This comes amid nationwide efforts to challenge books about LGBTQ issues and race. The law is set to take effect in a year, with immediate implementation allowed if necessary. (NBC News)
“Polarization” is 2024’s Word of the Year by Merriam-Webster, due to its significance in describing the political divide of the presidential election. The word reflects a sharp contrast of opinions or beliefs. Other popular words in 2024 included “totality,” “demure,” “fortnight,” and “pander.” (UPI)
