Who will replace McConnell as GOP Senate leader, LeBron’s 4th-quarter comeback and ‘The Good Wife’ spin-off ‘Elsbeth’
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
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Good morning, all. It’s leap day. Happy birthday to the 5 million “leaplings” whose birthday technically comes only once every four years. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Who will replace Mitch McConnell?
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history, announced that he’ll step down from his leadership role in November but will carry out his term through 2027.
Key moments: As the GOP leader, McConnell fought against Obamacare and became a driving force in approving former President Donald Trump’s judicial picks, helping solidify conservative control of the Supreme Court. [Yahoo News]
GOP changes: After the announcement, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio acknowledged the “dramatic transition” that the party is going through. [AP]
Potential successors: GOP Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn and John Barrasso, who already hold high-ranking leadership positions, are considered likely replacements. [Yahoo News]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
🏀 LeBron’s Lakers comeback
LeBron James had the largest fourth-quarter comeback of his 21-year career, scoring 19 points against the Clippers to help close a 21-point lead. The Lakers won the game 116-112. [Yahoo Sports]
⚖️ Trump’s immunity case
The Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments over whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution in relation to his 2020 election interference case in April, effectively delaying his criminal trial. [USA Today]
🏛️ Senate IVF bill
GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith blocked Democratic legislation aiming to establish the right to access assistive fertility care like in vitro fertilization. She said the bill violates religious freedoms and was too broad. [GMA]
💰 IRS’s Direct File program
The IRS's free Direct File tax filing software is now available in 12 states, including California, Texas and New York. Only W-2 employees and those with Social Security or unemployment income can use it. [NBC News]
🎵 New NSync song
Justin Timberlake appeared to confirm that NSync will sing a track called “Paradise” on his upcoming album, Everything I Thought It Was, which comes out on March 15. [People]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🏒 In the NHL, the Islanders and the Red Wings take the ice at 7 p.m. ET on Bally Sports. [Detroit Free Press]
📺 The Good Wife fans: The spin-off Elsbeth, which stars Carrie Preston, premieres at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. [AV Club]
🏀 In basketball, the Heat play the Nuggets at 10 p.m. ET on TNT. Heat star Terry Rozier is back from an injury. [Miami Herald]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Daily Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1968, the Beatles won Album of the Year at the Grammys for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. [Billboard]
3 QUESTIONS
...about honoring Black History Month
It’s the last day of Black History Month. My Yahoo News colleague Manny Smith discusses how people can celebrate throughout 2024.
Lily: What did you take away from Black History Month this year?
Manny: It celebrated Black creators’ impact on music culture, from Usher’s Super Bowl show to Lionel Richie’s The Greatest Night in Pop documentary to Beyoncé’s country album.
Lily: What’s one book that can help people understand Black history?
Manny: Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author uncovers untold stories of Black Americans’ migration out of the Jim Crow South.
Lily: What's a good way to honor Black history year-round?
Manny: Through everyday discovery. Read books by Black authors, try cuisine from the African diaspora, go on historical road trips and buy from Black-owned businesses.
Read more from Yahoo News.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Lexy Gavin-Mather recently posted her 76-year-old dad’s enthusiastic reactions while cheering for his alma mater, the University of Memphis, in a men’s basketball game against Clemson. “He speaks for every Tiger fan,” a commenter wrote. [GMA]
Have a lovely day. See you tomorrow!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Have you cleaned your coffeepot or teakettle recently? All it takes is some white vinegar. [Yahoo Life]
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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