Monday, December 2 top stories
It is Monday, December 2. Here are today’s top stories.
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Biden pardons son Hunter
On Sunday, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on his federal convictions on gun-related and tax-related charges.
Hunter would have been sentenced in the next two weeks, but he’s now a free man.
President Biden previously said he wouldn’t pardon him, so it’s a reversal. Biden said he believes that it’s obvious that his son was unfairly singled out for political reasons.
Donald Trump reacted to the pardon by asking if the Jan. 6 rioters who have been put behind bars should also be pardoned.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-11/
https://www.axios.com/2024/12/02/biden-pardons-son-hunter-trump-reacts-jan-6
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Australia’s social media ban for children
The Australian government passed a law that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. The law will go into effect next year.
The ban applies to Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. These platforms will have to put in measures to prevent minors from logging in or face fines up to $32 million.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese said the ban is about ensuring the safety of our kids, citing risks to physical and mental health.
There is a debate among Australians on whether the ban will do good or cause more harm by pushing kids to other areas in the internet that aren’t as regulated as big social media platforms.
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Coyote attacks 4-year-old girl in Colorado
In Colorado, a coyote attacked a 4-year-old girl on the Thanksgiving holiday. The girl thought the animal was a dog crouching behind a tree and as it approached it, the coyote bit the back of the girl’s head. The father jumped in to stop the attack and scared off the coyote. The girl sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized for a night. Now state wildlife officials are searching for any coyote in the vicinity and plans to kill them and then test them for any human DNA and diseases like rabies.
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Syrian rebels seize parts of Aleppo
News reports say Syrian rebels, those who are opposed to President al-Assad, have captured parts of a major city, Aleppo. Its airport and military academy was seized in what is called a surprise offensive.
Government troops loyal to al-Assad have fought back and there is war in Aleppo with many airstrikes.
News analysts said al-Assad has gotten the support of Russia many times in the past during battles with rebels and that Russian fighter jets are now helping with airstrikes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/world/middleeast/syria-war-aleppo-rebels-government.html
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Connecticut mansion burns down due to turkey fry
In southern Connecticut, a $4 million mansion burned down after a turkey fryer caught fire inside the home’s garage on Thanksgiving Day. A local firefighter said about 40 people were home at the time and that nobody was injured. When firefighters arrived, the fire was already burning in the garage and extending throughout the house. They tried to stop the fire but it was too late to save the house. It can be very dangerous to fry a turkey in enclosed spaces, especially if there is very hot oil and the turkey is frozen or so large that it causes the oil to overflow into flames.
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That is all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light.
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[“Special Announcement from Mothman” video begins]
Hello! The new studio space is complete. It’s in a shed but it’s been converted to a studio space with lights and computers. Pah. I started in the summer and it’s finally completed. I’m really grateful to my family and some friends for helping with everything. The electricity, walls, roof, everything. I truly appreciate it.
I’ll use this space from now and on. I’m looking forward to being creative with how I film. Maybe do some livestreams and other things.
The second announcement I want to make is that we have these shirts available. You can order them now on www.dailymoth.com You have to click on “Shop.” They are $25 each. We have many available from S to 2XL. You can check it out and order, maybe for a Christmas gift for any reason.
So, it’s an exciting time and I’m looking forward to the end of 2024 and the upcoming 2025 year and beyond!