this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Monday, December 2 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• President Biden pardons Hunter

• The discovery of an ancient human species

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Biden pardons Hunter

CNN: Biden just pardoned his son, Hunter. Hunter Biden was convicted of federal gun and tax crimes earlier in the year, before the pardon was issued by President Biden.

NBC News has Biden’s justification: He believes his son faced politically influenced prosecution, leading to a “miscarriage of justice”.

And 10 News agrees: Hunter’s prosecution was selective. Similar cases, like people paying back taxes, are usually resolved without criminal charges.

But ABC7 NY questions the reversal: Biden promised not to use his power for family benefits, yet he pardons his son before sentencing for gun and tax convictions.

“Large Head People” discovery

Yahoo says researchers have discovered a new species of ancient human, “large head people”, in eastern Asia. The discovery of fossils in Juluren, China spark new interest in traits not seen in modern humans.

StudyFinds.org notes that Homo juluensis lived approximately 300,000 years ago in eastern Asia and coexisted with other human species until disappearing about 50,000 years ago. The discovery challenges the traditional linear narrative of human evolution.

IFLScience adds that comparative analyses of Denisovan fossils with Homo juluensis fossils suggest similarities. Those similarities could indicate the two species had a relationship, pointing towards a more complex human ancestry than previously known.

By the way, DailyMail says researchers of Homo juluensis also found stone tools and artifacts -- suggesting the group were hunters who lived off wild horses and made clothing from animal hides.

1) Australia's gas boom may be incompatible with the climate goals it established at COP29.

2) Eric Murphy and Jasmin Lawrence, children of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, are now engaged. The kids of legendary comedians made the announcement via a romantic Instagram video.

3) Michael Miske, a convicted crime boss, was found dead in Honolulu's federal prison shortly before his sentencing scheduled for January 2025.

4) The French government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, is facing a significant threat from the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party as it attempts to pass a contentious social security financing bill.