What to know about Alabama’s IVF protection law, the USWNT’s rainy Gold Cup semifinal win and a big ‘Masked Singer’ reveal
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
Good morning, all. Stormy conditions in certain parts of the Northeast and the South could make for a wet commute today. Stay safe. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Alabama’s IVF immunity law, explained
Alabama passed a law to protect in vitro fertilization providers after the state Supreme Court ruled last month that frozen embryos should be considered children.
What the law does: It shields IVF clinics from civil and criminal liability if embryos are damaged or destroyed. [New York Times]
What it doesn’t do: It doesn’t address the central question of whether an egg fertilized outside the womb is a person. Critics say it doesn’t go far enough to protect IVF against broader issues raised by the ruling. [NBC News]
What’s next: Alabama State Sen. Tim Melson called the legislation a “temporary fix.” At least one clinic said it would resume services this week. [CNN]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
⚽ USWNT’s wild semifinal win
The U.S. women’s national soccer team beat Canada on penalties during a rainy and slippery CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal match that had some calling for it to be delayed. [Yahoo Sports]
🏛️ House passes funding bill
The House approved a $450 billion spending package to fund a range of programs through fiscal year 2024. It now heads to the Senate, where a vote is expected before Friday’s deadline. [The Hill]
🩺 Cinnamon lead alert
The FDA issued a public health alert about elevated lead levels in six cinnamon products sold by numerous retailers, including Family Dollar and Dollar Tree. [CBS News]
✈️ Airport self-screenings
TSA introduced self-screening lanes at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport to make security checks faster and avoid invasive pat-downs. The agency plans to bring the new tech to other cities. [AP]
📺 ‘Masked Singer’ premiere
The Masked Singer had its first reveal of the season during last night’s premiere. Who was unmasked? Hint: They’re a famous comedian and actor. [Today]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
📺 The Gentlemen, the TV spin-off based on Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name, premiered on Netflix. [Variety]
🎬 The Oscar-nominated film Poor Things, starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, streams on Hulu. [Yahoo Entertainment]
🏛️ President Biden will deliver the annual State of the Union address at 9 p.m. ET on all major TV networks. [Yahoo News]
🏀 NBA fans: The Spurs play the Kings at 10 p.m. ET on NBC Sports. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is out with an injury. [AP]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Daily Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the NFL. “There were other players who were more talented,” he said. “But there was no one who could out-prepare me. And because of that, I have no regrets.” [Business Insider]
3 QUESTIONS
...about ‘Fortnite Adults’
David Artavia, my Yahoo Entertainment colleague and a self-described gamer, discusses his recent reporting on the growing number of adult Fortnite players.
Lily: What is Fortnite and why is it popular with adults now?
David: It’s a first-person shooter game originally marketed for kids, but its “Battle Royale” gameplay mode is slightly more difficult (and good for adults). Being able to play in big groups makes it fun!
Lily: What's in store for the game now that Disney has bought in?
David: Get ready for Disney characters to invade the Fortnite universe. It's the next step as the game partners with recognizable brands, which already include Marvel and DC Comics, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga.
Lily: Any tips for getting good at Fortnite?
David: Don’t take it seriously! It’s actually more fun to be a little bad at the game.
Get more from David: Read his culture reporting.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
After noticing a lack of diversity in aviation during his time in the Navy, pilot Courtland Savage founded a nonprofit called Fly for the Culture to get students of color interested in flight. “I believe with young people, you gotta see it to believe it,” he said. [GMA]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Have you filed your tax return? Here’s how to track your refund through the IRS’s system. [USA Today]
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