Good morning everyone. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Friday the 13th. Here’s what lies behind the superstitious date. Now to the news.

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MUST KNOW

A record-breaking evening

The Billboard Music Awards returned last night with a star-studded line-up of performances and several historic wins. Here’s what happened.

Taylor’s big night: Taylor Swift took home ten awards, including top female artist and top female artist, beating Drake to become the most decorated Billboard Awards winner in history with a total of 49 career trophies. (CNN)

Honorable Mentions: Beyoncé won her first award in a country category for Top Country Female Artist, while Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist and Zach Bryan was named Top Rock Artist. Check out the full list of winners. (E! News)

Unmissable moments: Jelly Roll delivered a soulful performance of “I Am Not Okay” and Linkin Park led the audience in a sing-along to his new single “The Emptiness Machine.” (billboard)

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In case you missed it

🌎 Hottest year since records began

NOAA said 2024 will most likely be the hottest year on Earth on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. Although this had been predicted, one scientist said the trend was more worrying than expected. (Politico)

✌️ Au revoir, overdraft fees

At least excessive ones. A new federal rule has been passed that limits the amount banks can charge customers in overdraft fees. It takes effect in October 2025 and is expected to save Americans up to $5 billion annually. (Business Insider)

💚 A “Christmas Miracle”

A missing Missouri man named Travis Timmerman, who was captured in Syria during a religious pilgrimage to Damascus, has been found after seven months in prison. His family called it a “Christmas miracle.” (NBC News)

➡️ Stanleys are being recalled

Stanley, the maker of nearly everyone’s favorite water bottle, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 2.6 million Switchback and Trigger Action travel mugs due to lid defects that have resulted in burns. (CBS News)

🏈 Campbell and the Corgis

The Los Angeles Rams made four field goals and secured a 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Among the evening’s highlights: 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell left midway through the game and corgis raced at halftime. (Yahoo Sports)

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WHAT HAPPENS TODAY

🎬 Now in the cinema: Kraven the HunterThe Spiderman Spin-off starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Russell Crowe. Here’s what Taylor-Johnson said about the making of the film. (Yahoo Entertainment)

🎵 In music: Snoop Dogg’s team may have lost The voice Finale, but his new one from Dr. Dre-produced album “Missionary” is now streaming. (People)

📺 Crime fans can look forward to a new show: Dexter: Original Sinthe prequel to Dexterdropped on Paramount+ overnight. Watch the trailer. (Us Weekly)

👮 On the Tube: After almost 300 episodes, the series finale of the cop drama Blue blood airs at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. (Today)

🏀 On the Court: The Cavaliers put their three-game home win streak on the line against the Wizards at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. (AP)

☀️ And don’t forget: read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword puzzle. Check the weather forecast for your area.

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TODAY IN HISTORY

In 2000, then-Vice President Al Gore officially ceded the US presidential election to George W. Bush. In his concession speech, Gore called for national unity after a long and contentious ballot recount process. (AP)

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3 QUESTIONS

…about gifts for children

Some might say that the holidays are for the kids. So I asked Adam Motz, who is raising twins with his husband Tee Lam and together are “2 dads and 2 twins,” for some gift ideas.

Jessica: You and Tee have two three-year-olds. Which gifts were well received by them?

Adam: Our daughters really love their Magna tiles, they are perfect for their age. We also had fun watching them load their Target carts and Skip Hop backpacks before heading off to their personalized playhouse for imaginary adventures. Check out her other favorites here.

Jessica: Any recommendations for older children?

Adam: Yes! Since our daughters are growing up so quickly, we asked some parents and teachers for ideas for the future. They said this fort building kit and remote control truck were a big hit with their own children, while this Garfield Chia Pet and Stanley Jr. tool set was exciting and educational.

Jessica: How about something that involves the whole family?

Adam: We’ve put together some fun and affordable family games that we played as kids and introduced them to our kids in an understandable way. I know they will love Hungry Hungry Hippos, UNO, Jenga and Twister as they get older.

2 Dads 2 Twins and Yahoo may earn commissions from links in this newsletter. Follow 2 Dads 2 Twins on Instagram.

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FEEL GOOD MOMENT

Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Armani Latimer, who suffers from the hair loss disorder alopecia, recently appeared without a wig to raise awareness. “Confidence is the focus,” she captioned her now-viral Instagram video. (Today)

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I wish you a wonderful weekend. Until Monday!

💡 PS Before you go, your daily advice: Want some festive holiday treats this weekend? Add candy canes to your brownies. Here is a recipe. (Emily Duncan)

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About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News.

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