Wednesday Scoop: Kevin Spacey

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The big story…

Kevin Spacey Releases Bizarre Video Amidst Felony Charges

Kevin Spacey, one of the many men of Hollywood taken down by the #MeToo movement, broke his silence in a strange video released on the same day that the actor faced felony charges following sexual assault allegations. The video, entitled “Let Me Be Frank,” shows Spacey in character as his former role in “House of Cards,” Frank Underwood. The 3-minute video seems to be a cryptic denial of the allegations against him and hints at Spacey’s reappearance on the show. Needless to say, fans are angry — and very confused.

In immigration…

Another Migrant Child Dies in Government Custody 

An 8-year-old Guatemalan migrant died in a hospital late on Christmas Eve after being detained in New Mexico by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Although it’s not publicly known how the boy died, Border Patrol announced that it will be checking on every child in its custody, specifically those under ten, to prevent any further deaths.

In Indonesia…

Tsunami Death Count Totals 430

The death toll after a tsunami in Indonesia is now 430 with 159 people still missing. The tsunami, which happened without any warning from government officials, was caused by volcanic activity and an undersea landslide — and there could be another one very soon.

In Thailand…

Thailand Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to allow the use of medical marijuana, an unusual step for a country with strict punishments for illegal drug use (think: five years in prison for posessing ten kilograms of marijuana). 

In Japan…

Japan Resumes Commercial Whaling

Japan announced that the country will be leaving the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and resume commercial whaling, causing uproar in the international community. The IWC placed a moratorium on whale hunting in 1986, although Japan has always continued the killing of whales for scientific reasons, a loophole that still allowed the country to sell whale meat. The country disagrees with the IWC’s priority for conservation rather than sustainability in the whaling industry.

In higher education…

Temple University to Settle Lawsuits Over False Ranking Data

Temple will be shelling out $5.5 million to settle class action lawsuits over false data used to rank the business school’s online program. Although it’s not uncommon for schools to submit false data to U.S. News & World Report intentionally or otherwise, Temple submitted false data over four years, resulting in the school’s online M.B.A. being ranked top in the country. The university has not admitted to knowingly submitting incorrect data, but has agreed to settle any litigation in the interest of its students.

Trending today…

The Queen’s Gold Piano

The Queen gave her annual Christmas address yesterday, but all anyone can focus on is the gold piano in the background. Some are saying how can she flaunt her wealth like that, and other’s are saying you know she’s the Queen, right?

Last but not least…

James Patterson Gives Holiday Bonuses to Book Sellers

The author James Patterson will be giving $750 each to 333 independent bookstore employees. Read more in Britney Hoobraj’s report for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Britney Hoobraj and the CMN Staff. So you know that dolphins are one of the most playful and intelligent animals under the sea, but did you know that they also like to watch ‘Spongebob Squarepants’? Neither did we.