Good morning. It's Saturday, Dec. 21, and in this weekend edition, we're covering a US government funding deal, new animal species discovered in Peru, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4 million intellectually curious readers. Sign up here.
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Government Shutdown Averted |
A stopgap funding bill cleared Congress this morning shortly after a midnight deadline, averting a federal government shutdown. The measure from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, LA-4) was approved by the Republican-led House by a vote of 366-34 Friday, while the Democratic-led Senate followed suit early Saturday morning by a vote of 85-11. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill today.
The short-term extension, known as a continuing resolution, funds the government at current levels through March 14 while adding $100B for disaster aid and $10B for agricultural assistance to farmers. It eliminates President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise or suspend the debt ceiling, which Republican leaders indicate will be addressed separately in upcoming tax and border policy discussions next year.
The debt ceiling limits the total amount of money the US can borrow to meet its existing financial obligations. The US debt has risen to roughly $36T after the ceiling was suspended from June 2023; that suspension expires Jan. 1. |
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Indiana man found guilty in Delphi murders sentenced to 130 years.
A now-52-year-old Indiana man was sentenced to a maximum of 130 years in prison for the 2017 murders of two teenage girls in Delphi, Indiana. Richard Allen was convicted last month in the killings of Abigail "Abby" Williams, 13, and Liberty "Libby" German, 14. He has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict following a trial that captured national attention.
Swimming mouse among 27 new species discovered in Peru. (w/photos)
During an expedition in the Alto Mayo region of Peru—part of the Amazon rainforest, researchers identified 27 new species, including an amphibious mouse with webbed feet and a unique "blob-headed" fish. The findings, in collaboration with local Indigenous communities, suggest up to 48 additional species may also be new to science, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.
Regulator sues three large US banks over Zelle payment fraud.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a lawsuit against Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Zelle's operator, Early Warning Services, alleging they failed to adequately protect consumers from fraud on the Zelle payment network. The CFPB claims customers of the three banks have lost over $870M due to insufficient fraud prevention and response measures since Zelle's launch in 2017.
Starbucks workers begin strike in three major US cities.
A union representing over 11,000 Starbucks baristas in the US announced a five-day strike starting Friday, protesting issues such as wages, working conditions, and staffing levels, with potential expansions to more stores unless an agreement is reached. The strike, affecting locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, comes amid broader labor disputes, including similar actions by Amazon delivery drivers.
Separately, Volkswagen announced it reached a deal with striking union workers in Germany, who had opposed the automaker's plans to shutter three plants in the country. Volkswagen said it wouldn't close any plants, though more than 35,000 job cuts will occur in the future.
Iconic Party City going out of business a year after exiting bankruptcy.
Party City is closing all of its stores, effectively ending nearly 40 years of operation, due to ongoing financial difficulties that have persisted since its previous bankruptcy filing in January 2023. CEO Barry Litwin announced the immediate wind-down of operations Friday, stating despite their best efforts, the company could not overcome its substantial debt and competitive pressures from larger retailers.
Malaysia to resume hunt for Flight MH370—10 years after it vanished.
The renewed effort comes after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 239 people, mysteriously disappeared March 8, 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The aircraft's exact location remains unknown despite extensive international search efforts spanning multiple years (w/visuals). However, satellite data suggests it crashed in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean, with everyone on board presumed dead. Malaysia is offering $70M if substantive wreckage is found. |
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It's been a great fourth quarter for 1440's new Business & Finance newsletter, as we help our readers learn about everything from 401(k) plans to bitcoin and IRAs to the history of Macy's. Here's a flavor of what we'll tackle in the New Year:
> Warren Buffett ... and how the billionaire investor's Omaha roots shaped his philosophy.
> Startups ... and what separates successes from failures.
> Cryptocurrency ... and how it works and what the future looks like.
> The wedding industrial complex ... and the rise of a $100B industry.
... and much more. Sign up here to get these deep dives in your inbox every Thursday! |
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Advertising executive, who became known as "The Lawn Ranger" by mowing lawns for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, inspires new film. (More)
United Airlines pilot reunites with bone marrow donor during flight, expressing his gratitude for her life-saving donation made eight years earlier. (More, w/video)
Man, who collapsed in a McDonald's from cardiac arrest, becomes lifelong friends with Good Samaritan who saved his life. (More)
Large donation to community-run New Hampshire ski area makes free lift tickets possible for skiers and snowboarders this season. (More)
... and read 100 more heartwarming and cheerful stories from this year. (More) |
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In partnership with mindbodygreen |
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Today, we're sharing a story from reader Judi Z. in Belmont, Massachusetts.
"The Thanksgiving holiday this year was bittersweet for me. Although I was delighted to be visiting my son, Jeff, his wife, Olivia, and their children in Hawaii, I was also quite worried about a scary health report I had just received. I did my best to enjoy my time with loved ones. The day after Thanksgiving, we all went to the cinema to see Wicked."
"The temperature in the movie theater was very, very cold, so much so, that I couldn't focus on the movie. I went out to the lobby to ask if they could adjust to make it warmer. The manager, Mark Tokujo, did his best to accommodate in the kindest, most considerate way. Mark went to his car and provided a blanket to keep me warm. Mark's act of kindness warmed my heart and soul at this much-needed time in my life."
What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here. |
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"I believe in the impossible because no one else does and that gives me an excellent chance at accomplishing it." |
- Florence Griffith Joyner |
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