Biden cancels $1.2 billion in student loan debt, MLB Spring Training and why COVID isolation guidelines may be changing
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
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Good morning. Here’s a fun one to forward to your boss today: A report on the benefits of a four-day work week. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Biden cancels more student loans
The Biden administration canceled another $1.2 billion in student loan debt under a key provision of his SAVE income-driven repayment plan.
The news: More than 153,000 borrowers with an original loan balance of $12,000 or less who have been in repayment for 10 years qualified for immediate discharge. [Yahoo Finance]
The bigger picture: The Supreme Court blocked Biden’s earlier efforts to cancel $400 billion in student loan debt. Since then, he’s wiped $138 billion in debt for 3.9 million borrowers — more than any of his predecessors. [New York Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
⚽ Messi’s MLS opener
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami took down Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the MLS season opener. As for Messi himself, he had an assist and a gutsy blocked shot over an injured player. [Yahoo Sports]
🏛️ Biden impeachment inquiry
House Republicans interviewed President Biden’s brother James in their impeachment inquiry days after an FBI informant, who provided key information in the probe, was indicted for fabricating claims against the president. [The Hill]
🌍 Israel-Hamas negotiations
Israel and Hamas have restarted ceasefire negotiations. Israel has threatened a ground offensive in Rafah during Ramadan if Hamas doesn’t release the remaining hostages as part of the deal. [AP]
⌚ FDA smartwatch warning
The FDA issued a warning about the risks of using smartwatches and smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels without a skin prick. It hasn’t yet authorized any devices that do so. [CNN]
🎬 Women-led movies
A new study found that the number of films led or co-led by a female actor fell from 44% in 2022 to 30% in 2023, marking a 10-year low. [Deadline]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🍹 It’s National Margarita Day. Celebrate with one of these special discounts at restaurants nationwide. [USA Today]
⚾ MLB spring training is here. Watch the Dodgers and the Padres play at 3:10 p.m. E.T. on ESPN+. [Yahoo Sports]
🎵 Selena Gomez will drop her new single, “Love On,” and its music video at 6 p.m. ET. [Yahoo Entertainment]
📺 Reality TV fans: Summer House Season 8 premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. Find out why Carl Radke really called off his wedding. [People]
🏀 In the NBA, the Lakers face the Warriors at 10 p.m. ET on TNT. LeBron James is out with an ankle injury. [NBC Sports]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Daily Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1997, scientists at Scotland's Roslin Institute announced that they had cloned a lamb from the cell of an adult sheep. They named her Dolly. [AP]
3 QUESTIONS
...about COVID-19 isolation guidelines
Recent reporting suggests the CDC may roll back certain COVID-19 isolation guidelines. Yahoo Life editor Rachel Grumman Bender discusses the team’s reporting on the potential changes.
Lily: Under the current guidelines, how long should I isolate after getting COVID?
Rachel: If you test positive for COVID, the CDC currently recommends isolating for five days — the time period when you’re likely to be the most contagious.
Lily: How is the CDC looking to change these guidelines?
Rachel: They may change it to isolating for 24 hours after being fever-free. Why? Among other reasons, experts told us vaccines and previous infections may have increased immunity in the population.
Lily: Has the CDC confirmed these changes? When would they go into effect?
Rachel: The CDC hasn’t confirmed any changes yet, but if the guidelines are updated, they would reportedly start in April.
Get more health reporting from Yahoo Life.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Eight-year-old chess prodigy Ashwath Kaushik just became the youngest player in history to beat a grandmaster in an official tournament match. “I felt proud of my game and how I played,” he said after winning. [People]
Have a lovely day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Did your smartphone get wet? Try this instead of sticking it in a bag of rice. [USA Today]
About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News. Lily Herman curates trusted news and daily delights from the top news publishers.
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