Yesterday, the House Ethics Committee released a report saying there is “substantial evidence” that Santos violated federal law. Ever since Santos won his seat in the 2022 midterms, there’s been no shortage of drama: questions over his resume, an allegedly tweaked family tree, and a 23-count indictment alleging he committed fraud. Now, the committee’s report said Santos knowingly committed campaign fraud and he “cannot be trusted.” It said he used campaign cash to pay his credit card debt and thousands of dollars worth of purchases at Hermès, Sephora, and OnlyFans.
What’s next?
Santos called the findings a “politicized smear” but said he won’t be seeking reelection. Still, the House may not want to wait until next year, with reports it’s looking to expel him (again) — this time with more support from Democrats and Republicans. For now, the committee is referring their findings to the Justice Department to further investigate. Santos faces a criminal trial next year, and two of his campaign aides have already pleaded guilty to federal charges.
theSkimm
The GOP holds the slimmest majority ever. Now, Santos — who won a previously held Dem seat — could further weaken their majority, only weeks after Republicans barely managed to agree on a House speaker.
Shifa: Thousands of civilians remain inside Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, including more than 650 patients, as pressure mounted on Israel to prove claims of a Hamas command center there. Israel says its search is ongoing and has released a video of what it says are weapons and a tunnel shaft found onsite. The army also says it found the body of a hostage, 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss, in a building nearby.
Antisemitism: Concerns of antisemitism are mounting. Osama Bin Laden’s “Letter to America” has gone viral on TikTok, adding to the accusations that the platform is promoting antisemitic messages. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is being called out for a tweet supporting antisemitic conspiracy theories used by the Tree of Life synagogue shooter. It comes as a suspect was arrested in the death of a 69-year-old Jewish protester this month.
And Also...This
Who has questions to answer for…
Diddy — aka Sean Combs. Yesterday, Cassie — an R&B singer once signed to Combs' label — accused him of rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking. The allegations are graphic: Cassie (aka Casandra Ventura) says she started a relationship with Combs after meeting him in 2005, when she was 19 and he was 37. Since then, Ventura says he had fits of “uncontrollable rage,” accusing him of punching and kicking her, and forcing her to have sex with other men. In 2012, Combs allegedly threatened to blow up Kid Cudi’s car after finding out she was dating him. Kid Cudi has reportedly confirmed his car then exploded. She also says Combs raped her in 2018 when she tried to end the relationship and that he once dangled a friend off of a balcony. Combs denies all the allegations and accuses Ventura of trying to blackmail him for $30 million, with the threat of writing “a damaging book about their relationship.” A lawyer for Ventura said she rejected Combs’ offer of “eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit.”
Whose case is back in the news…
Breonna Taylor’s. Yesterday, a judge declared a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict on federal civil rights charges. Prosecutors accused former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison of excessive force for firing 10 shots into Taylor's home to execute a search warrant in March 2020 — violating her civil rights. His bullets didn't hit anyone, but some entered a neighboring apartment. Another officer fired shots during the botched raid, killing 26-year-old Taylor. The Justice Department charges came after Hankison was acquitted last year on state charges, though another former officer pleaded guilty to helping falsify the warrant. In the trial, Hankison maintained he fired the shots because he was worried his fellow officers would be killed. Now, federal officials will decide whether to retry the case. The lawyer for Taylor’s family said that a “mistrial is not an acquittal. And so we live another day to fight for justice for Breonna.”
What’s not revving up Las Vegas residents…
Formula One’s Grand Prix. Overnight, practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was canceled after a loose drain hole cover damaged Carlos Sainz Jr's. car. The repairs needed to repair the damaged car violate the FIA, F1’s governing body, rules, which means the penalties will keep Sainz off the grid. Ferrari manager Fred Vasseur said that the incident was “just unacceptable.” The race, which F1 and the city has spent months and $500 million, is set for this weekend around the Las Vegas strip for the first time in the city's history.
What could now have a cure…
Sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Yesterday, Britain authorized Casgevy, the world’s first gene therapy for the blood disorders. The life-long conditions develop when gene errors make it tough for red blood cells to carry oxygen — and affect 5% of the world population. The new medicine is the first to be licensed to use the gene editing tool CRISPR, which targets parts of the patients DNA in bone marrow stem cells. The FDA is reviewing Casgevy and is expected to make a decision next month.
What’s saying ‘bet you thought you’d seen the last of me’...
The holiday season is fully underway, and as you prep for the celebrations ahead, we want to help you every step of the way. Here are the gifts that’ll make whoever receives feel all warm and fuzzy:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Fresh, human-grade dog food that leaves the crunching to autumn leaves.
Out with the dry, stale kibble and in with this nutritious dog food. It’s made with real meats and veggies. And ships right to you. Even better? Skimm’rs get 60% off their first box.*
2. Game-changing devices that have helped 385K+ people hear clearly.
These German hearing aids have a brand new dual processing system that makes every word sound crystal clear. Plus, the design is so small they’re practically invisible. Clearer hearing, right this way.*
3. A couple’s vibrator that’ll rock both your worlds.
This FDA-registered wearable vibrator is specifically designed to close the pleasure gap. It provides 360-degree stimulation for you and your partner at. the. same. time. Need we say more? PS: Skimm’rs get 35% off.*
4. Ankle booties that belong in your fall wardrobe.
Wear — and do — good this season with these stylish, comfy boots. They have stretchy side panels for easy on and off, and your purchase helps fund access to mental health resources. Plus, Skimm’rs get 30% off.*
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
The last mile…Jana F (ID). She’s celebrating her 41st and final year of being an educator.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Rachel Levin (NY), Camilla Morgan, Deborah Davis-Brutchen (IN), Alyssa Robinson (NC), Katrina Schweitzer (MT), Tina Sherlock (CO), Shawn Barrientos (FL), Jessica Patterson (OH), Carly Hagemann (VA), Sara Goldfarb (NY), Lyssa Baker (CA), Holt Holten (WI), Marina Oros (CA), Felicia Goldstein (FL), Courtney Dziadul (GA), Ashley So (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Julie Shain
Photos by Tom Williams/Contributor Getty Images, Brand Partners, Etsy, Amazon
