Zelenskyy backs down? | Macron sues US influencer | Hook News Brief

HOOK NEWS BRIEF | 24.07.25

UKRAINE PROTESTS: ZELENSKYY PROMISES NEW BILL TO PLACATE PUBLIC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he will propose a new bill, that will maintain the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. This comes after mass protests in Ukraine. The demonstrations broke out after Zelenskyy’s political party passed a controversial bill through parliament. The bill removes the independence of Ukraine’s national anti-corruption bureau, also known as Nabu. Zelenskyy signed the bill into law on Tuesday night, which sparked even more protests. Growing pressure seems to have forced Zelenskyy to announce measures to placate the public.

COLUMBIA TO PAY OVER $220 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT WITH TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Columbia University has agreed to pay over $220 million to the Trump administration, to settle ongoing investigations. In exchange, the US government will reportedly restore federal funding to the Ivy League University. Columbia was one of the universities targeted by the Trump administration, over campus protests in support of Palestinians, and alleged violations to America’s anti-discrimination laws. Columbia had already agreed to curb campus protests earlier this year. With the settlement, the university should regain access to billions of dollars in federal grants.

MACRON SUES AMERICAN INFLUENCER FOR DEFAMATION

French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have sued an American influencer for defamation. The influencer is Candace Owens, who regularly makes podcasts alleging that Brigitte Macron was born a biological male. The Macrons have filed their defamation lawsuit in the US state of Delaware. The French President has reportedly said that they are willing to appear in court for a trial.