Yet Another Government Shutdown Postponed

Hey there scroller🤳

Ready for another day’s headstart with some fresh news?

If your pal sent this to you, then subscribe to stay the most informed person in the room😉

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

📈 US Economy Expands by 3.2% in Q4, Adjusted Slightly Below Early Estimates

The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.2% annual rate in Q4 2023, down from 3.3% estimated, driven by consumer spending and government expenditure. Despite inflation and high-interest rates, the economy grew 2.5% in 2023, continuing a trend of growth. Inflation eased, with the Fed's preferred index slowing. Rubeela Farooqi of High-Frequency Economics predicts continued positive growth, supported by expected Fed rate cuts, amidst voter concerns over prices ahead of the presidential election.

📅 Congress Leaders Agree to Postpone Government Shutdown Deadlines

Congressional leaders agreed on a funding deal to prevent a partial government shutdown, extending federal funding deadlines to March while finalizing a $1.7 trillion spending package. The agreement covers critical departments, aiming to avoid closures by extending funding dates. Amidst tough negotiations, Senator Jon Tester criticized the repetitive delays, stating, "kicking the can down the road" needs to stop, as both parties face pressure to reconcile policy demands and finalize appropriations.

WORLD

📜 Ghana Parliament Approves Anti-Homosexuality Legislation

Ghana's parliament unanimously approved a contentious anti-homosexuality bill, eliciting global condemnation. "After three long years, we have finally passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act," said sponsor Sam George. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called it "profoundly disturbing," while UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned of its detrimental effects on human rights and the HIV/AIDS fight. 

🇫🇷 French Senate Passes Bill to Enshrine Abortion as Constitutional Right

France's Senate adopted a bill to constitutionally secure abortion rights, with President Macron vowing to make these rights "irreversible." Following unanimous support in both houses, the final approval is expected in a joint session. This historic legislation reflects a unified stance since abortion's decriminalization in 1975, amidst global trends of restrictions.

SCIENCE & TECH

🌋 Underwater Volcano Eruption 7,300 Years Ago Marks History's Largest

The Kikai-Akahoya eruption, the most massive volcanic explosion in recorded history, erupted 7,300 years ago south of Japan, releasing over 80 cubic miles of material, doubling the output of Mount Tambora's 1815 eruption. This underwater event, now recognized through enhanced seismic and sediment analysis, is deemed the largest of the Holocene Epoch. "These authors are increasing our knowledge of it a lot," states volcanology professor Tim Druitt.

🍏 Apple to Make Major Advances in Generative AI, Tim Cook Reveals

During Apple's shareholders meeting, CEO Tim Cook hinted at groundbreaking AI developments for 2023, particularly at WWDC with iOS 18's unveiling. Despite a voted-down proposal on AI ethics, Cook's statement, "break new ground," underscores significant advancements ahead. This strategic shift aims to enhance the Apple ecosystem against competitors like OpenAI and Google, crucial for investor confidence post the shelved EV car project.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🏈 Chiefs Owner Rated NFL's Worst by Player Union Survey Despite Super Bowl Success

Despite clinching back-to-back Super Bowl titles, the Kansas City Chiefs grapple with internal dissatisfaction. Players criticized owner Clark Hunt for neglecting facility upgrades, particularly the overdue locker room renovation, earning him an F-minus rating. The NFLPA survey expressed frustration over the lack of support in nutrition and training. Meanwhile, head coach Andy Reid was lauded as the league's best, highlighting a stark contrast within the organization.

🎤 Richard Lewis, Esteemed Comedian and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Star, dies at 76

Renowned comedian Richard Lewis, known for "Curb Your Enthusiasm," died at 76 after a heart attack, also battling Parkinson's. Celebrated for his dark humor and significant TV roles, Lewis' death evokes tributes, notably from Larry David, who said, "He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest... But today he made me sob."

⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo Faces One-Game Ban for Offensive Gesture in Saudi Match

Cristiano Ronaldo received a one-match suspension and a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333) for making an offensive gesture during a Saudi Pro League match after Al Nassr's victory over Al-Shabab. Amidst chants of "Messi," Ronaldo's controversial action, which he claims is a common victory gesture in Europe, cannot be appealed, highlighting his ongoing contentious presence in the league.

OTHER NEWS

📉 Mitch McConnell Exits Senate GOP Leadership Role

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will resign as GOP leader in November, aiming to pass the baton to "the next generation of leadership" amid personal reflection after a family loss. He vows to "thoroughly disappoint my critics" until then. The successors' race centers on "the three Johns": Thune, Cornyn, and Barrasso, reflecting a pivotal moment for the Republican Party's future.

🔥 Texas Wildfires Prompt Evacuation at Nuclear Weapon Factory

Texas wildfires, including the Windy Deuce fire, prompted evacuations and briefly shut down the Pantex Plant, a key U.S. nuclear weapons facility. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties as the Smokehouse Creek Fire became potentially the largest in state history. "Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks," Abbott stated, amidst widespread damage and ongoing firefighting efforts.

🔍 Supreme Court Evaluates Trump Immunity, Postpones Subversion Trial

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in April on whether Donald Trump can claim immunity in Jack Smith's election subversion case, delaying Trump's trial. This pivotal decision allows Trump to push for presidential immunity, potentially affecting future presidential conduct. Despite lower courts rejecting Trump's immunity claims, the Supreme Court's decision to hear the case highlights its critical importance and could significantly postpone legal actions against him.

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

Starting on February 29, 1992, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated an independence referendum, which garnered nearly unanimous approval. Following the affirmative outcome of the vote, independence was declared on March 3, leading to the commencement of shelling by Serbian forces.

Thanks for scrolling with us! 

Catch up on what you missed by checking out our past issues here. And if you’re in the mood for more bite-sized, 60 words content nuggets? Check out our other daily newsletter.

Marketing Scroll: Get all the Marketing news that truly matters delivered to your inbox in 60-word quick reads, giving you everything in under 3 minutes a day! 

Want to share Daily Scroll with a Pal? Forward this email and invite them to join our community of savvy scroll-ers.

We'd love to hear your feedback on today's issue of Daily Scroll! Simply reply to this email and share your thoughts on how we can improve our content and format. 

Have a great day and we will be back on Wednesday 🕺