U.S. falls among world’s happiest countries, primary takeaways and Beyoncé reveals ‘Cowboy Carter’ album art
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
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Good morning, folks. Spring temperatures are expected to rebound across the South today as winter weather makes its way to the Northeast by the end of the week. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
U.S. falls among world's happiest countries
Finland was the happiest country for a seventh consecutive year in the annual World Happiness Report, which came out yesterday.
The U.S. drops: The U.S. slipped out of the top 20 for the first time since the report began publishing in 2012. The ranking is based on the three-year average of people’s reported quality of life. [CNN]
What’s behind the drop: The report included rankings by age group for the first time and showed sharp declines in happiness among young North Americans. [Time]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
🎵 Beyoncé’s statement
Beyoncé released her first statement about her upcoming album, Cowboy Carter, along with new album art. She said it was five years in the making and inspired by a time when she “did not feel welcomed” in country music. [Yahoo Entertainment]
🏛️ Government shutdown
Congressional leaders reached a deal on Homeland Security spending, paving the way to fund the federal government through the fall. It’s unclear if they’ll pass the bill by Friday’s deadline. [New York Times]
🗳️ Primary takeaways
President Biden and Donald Trump swept yesterday’s primaries. The night’s notable race: Ohio’s GOP Senate primary. Trump-backed Bernie Moreno secured the nomination and is set to take on vulnerable incumbent Sherrod Brown. [Yahoo News]
🌧️ 2023 climate records
The World Meteorological Organization sounded a “red alert” that record-breaking increases in greenhouse gases and land and sea temperatures are putting global climate goals in jeopardy. [AP]
🏀 Wagner’s big win
Wagner College beat Howard University 71-68 in the first game of men’s March Madness, marking the New York-based school’s first-ever NCAA tournament victory. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🌴 Comedy miniseries Palm Royale, which stars Kristin Wiig in 1969 Palm Beach, Fla., is on Apple TV+. [CNN]
📺 The Marvel animated revival X-Men '97 premieres on Disney+. It picks up where the original '90s series ended. [Yahoo Entertainment]
🏀 In men’s March Madness: Grambling and Montana State play at 6:40 p.m. ET, while Colorado and Boise State play at 9:10 p.m. ET. Both games are on truTV. [NBC Sports]
🏀 Women’s March Madness kicks off with two games on ESPNU: Sacred Heart vs. Presbyterian at 7 p.m. ET and Vanderbilt vs. Columbia at 9 p.m. ET. [Yahoo Sports]
🍔 Season 21 of Top Chef premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. Kristen Kish takes over as host from Padma Lakshmi. [People]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. The duo celebrated by releasing their musical collaboration Wedding Album. [AP]
3 QUESTIONS
...about 2024 March Madness
The Labor Department dropped new data on inflation. I asked Gabriella Cruz-Martinez, a personal finance writer, to help us make sense of it.
Lily: Start with the bad news. Where has inflation increased prices the most year over year?
Gabriella: When I reviewed the numbers, I noticed a spike in everyday expenses, including rent, over-the-counter meds and auto insurance.
Lily: Give me the good news. Where are prices going down?
Gabriella: If you booked a trip this spring, you caught a break. Airline fares were down 6% from last year. Rental car prices fell 10%!
Lily: Any tips for saving money as prices remain high?
Gabriella: I’d recommend you adjust your budget in small ways. Track spending and cut unnecessary expenses. Shop around for better deals. And plan ahead for vacations!
Can you guess where inflation is and isn’t? Get a full report here.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Nine-year-old aspiring veterinarian and “bug expert” Madeline Landecker recently caught a rare pink grasshopper while walking to her family’s barn. “When I was littler, I saw one in a book,” Madeline said. “I thought it would be cool to have.” She named it Millie. [NBC News]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: You can make your smartphone last longer by removing unused apps and deleting year-old messages. [Engadget]
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