January 1, Teen Saves Dogs From “Grizzly” Attack

Good morning Middle Americans,

What would you do to protect your pets? Video shows Hailey Morinico, 17, burst into action upon seeing her three dogs confronting a mother bear that was perched on their fence. The California resident ran towards the pandemonium and shoved the bear off of the fence, saving her dogs from certain danger. Morinico spoke out about her split-second decision on Wednesday, saying, “I had about two seconds to think. And the first thing that popped into my head was to push the bear off the ledge.”

Not all teenage decisions are being applauded this week. Ellie Kemper, star of The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, is being widely condemned on social media for participating in a 1999 debutante ball put on by The Veiled Prophet Organization, which has been accused of racism. Kemper, then 19, was crowned the Veiled Prophet Queen of Love and Beauty. Photos of her participation went viral on Twitter, accompanied by some rather fervent discourse (consisting of 280 characters or less).

In New York, Ghislaine Maxwell has once again been denied bail. In addition to her latest bail denial, her request for a hearing of the “horrific” confinement conditions has also been rejected. Maxwell, 59, is facing up to 80 years in prison if convicted for sex trafficking in connection with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell has plead not guilty, and is currently set for trial in November.

Meanwhile, Kentucky sued the drug store chain CVS on Wednesday, under accusations of the company “fueling” the opioid crisis that has devastated the state. Kentucky had the ninth-highest opioid death rate in the country in 2018, in addition to one of the highest opioid prescription rates. The Bluegrass State experienced a surge in drug overdose deaths in spring 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Get a shot and have a beer? President Biden announced a “month of action” to urge more Americans to get their vaccinations before July 4. Among these efforts is an Anheuser-Busch giveaway, saying they’ll “buy Americans 21+ a round of beer” once Biden’s 70% goal is met. Other companies, such as DoorDash and Kroger, have announced their own incentives including $1 million cash prize and free groceries.

Lastly, in interstellar news, NASA has decided to send to new missions to our neighbor Venus, marking the first time in over three decades. Planetary scientists are thrilled over the news, as they believe there is much to learn from the planet, which has been referred to as Earth’s “evil twin.”

Keep safe,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• California teen who shoved bear to save dogs: ‘I didn’t know I had it in me’
• Ellie Kemper faces calls to be canceled on social media over participation in ‘racist’ ball
• Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail and hearing on jail conditions
• Kentucky sues CVS, accuses company of ‘fueling’ opioid crisis by turning blind eye
• Biden’s Incentive To Get Americans Vaccinated By July 4th: Beer And Sports Tickets
• NASA Picks Twin Missions To Visit Venus, Earth’s ‘Evil Twin’