Good morning readers. It looks like Netflix is stepping into the ring of live sports with a heavyweight announcement: Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul in a boxing showdown to be streamed exclusively on the platform. Set in the AT&T Stadium, the event showcases Netflix's bold move into sports programming, challenging traditional sports broadcasting stations. With a $5 billion deal for wrestling rights and a history of engaging content like "Untold" and "Formula 1: Drive to Survive," Netflix aims to be the ultimate home for entertainment, sports, and everything in between.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• You might never be able to use TikTok again

• Headline Hustle: Rivian launches three new EV models, House Democrats probe Space X for allegedly exporting satellites to Russia, George Santos announces comeback attempt at State of the Union

• The DNA scandal that’s rocking Colorado and messed up thousands of criminal cases

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECH

TikTok’s days in the U.S. are numbered

In an era where scrolling trumps strolling, the latest political maneuver might just make you pause mid-swipe: the possible nationwide ban of TikTok. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has just moved a bill forward that could see TikTok disappearing from American devices, all in the name of national security.

The ban proposal

The legislation, unanimously supported by the committee, would require TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership of the app within 165 days to avoid being removed from US app stores. The bill emerges from growing concerns over the app's potential as a tool for espionage and disinformation, echoing the alarms raised by national security officials over TikTok's data harvesting capabilities and its cozy relationship with the Chinese government.

But it's not all cut and dry. Critics are voicing fears that this move tramples on free speech and paves the way for unsettling government overreach into private enterprise and online expression. They warn of a slippery slope where tech giants, under government pressure, could start policing content with a heavier hand.

TikTok’s response

TikTok itself has launched a campaign against the bill, arguing that it would deprive millions of Americans of their right to free expression and harm businesses and creators who rely on the platform. The company contends that the legislation is effectively a ban on TikTok in the United States.

While fears about Chinese government spying and data privacy are serious, experts note that the bill's approach may not effectively address these concerns and could have unintended consequences for free speech and the tech industry as a whole. Moreover, previous attempts to regulate TikTok have faced legal challenges and raised questions about the balance between national security and individual rights.

Looking ahead…as the bill moves forward for a floor vote in the House and potential consideration in the Senate, policymakers will need to carefully weigh these competing interests and consider alternative approaches to addressing the risks associated with apps like TikTok.

IN THE KNOW

Headline Hustle

🚗 Rivian unveils 3 new EV models, sees stock price jump 13%. Rivian Automotive saw a 13% surge in its shares following the unveiling of three new electric vehicles and a strategic decision to pause construction on a Georgia plant, resulting in over $2 billion in savings. CEO RJ Scaringe introduced the R2 SUV along with two unexpected crossovers, the R3 and R3X. Positioned as the future of Rivian, these releases aim to diversify the company's offerings and capture a broader market, especially amidst slower EV sales in the U.S. While Rivian faced setbacks, including missing quarterly estimates, the shift of R2 production to Illinois promises earlier availability and substantial cost savings.

🛰️ House Dems probe Space X for allegedly exporting satellites to Russia. House Democrats have penned a letter to SpaceX, urging transparency amidst concerns about Russia's potential misuse of Starlink satellite equipment in Ukrainian territories. This call for transparency coincides with a Democratic House Committee probe into SpaceX's procedures for preventing illegal exports. Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, initially garnered praise for Starlink's aid during the Ukrainian crisis but faced backlash over claims of involvement in military conflicts, which he denied. The probe aligns with broader bipartisan demands for accountability, including a recent inquiry by Rep. Mike Gallagher regarding military access to SpaceX's networks. SpaceX has yet to comment on the probe.

👀 George Santos announces comeback attempt at State of the Union. Former Rep. George Santos caused a stir at the State of the Union address, announcing plans to challenge Rep. Nick LaLota in the primary. Santos, recently expelled from Congress amid allegations of unlawful activity and facing federal fraud charges, made a dramatic return wearing a rhinestone collar and silver shoes. While Santos argues lack of due process, his expulsion reflects a significant shift in New York's political landscape. His surprise appearance highlights ongoing divisions within the GOP, impacting recent election outcomes and eliciting mixed reactions from former colleagues.

U.S.

This one forensic scientist messed up three decades worth of criminal cases

Just when you thought forensic science was infallible, Colorado's own "Missy" Woods drops a bombshell that could rival any plot twist on CSI. In a tale of science gone awry, the Colorado native has the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on its toes and the justice system in a bind.

Decades in the making

Yvonne "Missy" Woods, a forensic scientist with a nearly three-decade tenure, finds herself at the center of a storm following her sudden resignation. The heart of the scandal? Anomalies in her DNA testing work, triggering a criminal investigation and sending shockwaves through thousands of legal cases she's touched. State legislators are now forking out funds for case reviews and possible retrials, while prosecutors brace for an onslaught of legal challenges.

The investigation into Woods raises questions about whether her errors were due to negligence or intentional misconduct. While Woods asserts the reliability of her work, details regarding the anomalies and their extent remain undisclosed. The situation has thrown Colorado's criminal justice system into turmoil, with concerns about wrongful convictions and the need for retrials looming large.

Defense lawyers are combing through Woods' cases with a fine-tooth comb, raising alarms over the systemic failure to catch these errors earlier. Although the issue seems isolated to Woods, it echoes broader concerns within Colorado's forensic landscape. High-profile convictions, such as that of Alex Ewing, famously dubbed the "Hammer Killer," now hang in the balance, with appeals citing Woods' compromised credibility.

Big picture: Already, legal battles stemming from Woods' disputed analyses hint at the deep scars left on individuals and the overarching integrity of the justice system. The saga not only sheds light on the human element in forensic science but also ignites a call for sweeping reforms.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to test a self-service screening system at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

• Boeing is revising its employee bonus structure to prioritize quality and safety over financial goals amid criticism for production issues.

• The Justice Department aims to encourage more whistleblowers to report corporate crime by introducing a financial incentive for their tips.

• Oura is expanding its retail presence by selling its smart rings and accessories on Amazon, including sizing kits for U.S. customers, as the health and wellness wearable market grows.

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