We’re back and we’re reading – everything from “CNN” to “NBC.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and everyday news. Today, we’ve got the first day of spring, Disney closing a deal for Fox entertainment assets and Monsanto found guilty for causing cancer.
First day of spring
It’s March 20th, which means it is the first day of spring.
The first day of spring, also known as the Spring Equinox, marks one of two times each year when day and night are almost the same length, according to CNN.
The spring equinox is the start of the planet slowly tilting towards the sun, leading to more sunlight and longer days. The sun will now be up for more than 12 hours.
Disney officially closes Fox deal
Walt Disney Co. closed a $71.3 billion merger with 21st Century Fox assets on early Wednesday morning.
The deal has been in the works for more than a year, but wasn’t official until various agencies around the world gave their approvals, according to a report by NPR.
NPR claims that this deal has the power to reshape the media landscape.
According to Disney, online video watching is growing because media companies such as Netflix and have decided to move to the direct-to-consumer business.
World’s happiest country
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country.
March 20th is International Day of Happiness so it seemed fitting that the happiest country be announced today.
According to CNN, countries are ranked on six key variables that support well-being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.
This is the second year in a row that Finland has been ranked number one.
Florida felon voting rights limited by Republicans
Florida legislators advanced a bill that could limit the voting rights of former felons, according to NBC News.
The new bill would require former felons to pay back all court fees and fines before they could register to vote, limiting the number of felons eligible to vote.
During the November election, 65 percent of Floridians voted to approve an amendment to the state’s constitution. This change to the Fourth Amendment restored voting rights to certain former felons “after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation.”
Those convicted of “murder or sexual offenses” were not eligible for rights restoration.
Many former felons have registered to vote since the law took effect in January.
Midwest flooding causes three deaths
Three people are dead and thousands have evacuated their homes due to flooding in states like Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, according to USA Today.
The record-high flooding comes from snowmelt, warm temperatures and rain that runs into the rivers.
Monsanto found guilty
A California jury found Monsanto’s weedkiller played a significant role in causing cancer.
The weedkiller Roundup caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma for a 70-year-old man. This is the second case brought to court linking Roundup to cancer, according to CNN.
The trial isn’t over yet though. The court has found that the weedkiller causes cancer, but now they must decide whether Monsanto is liable.
That’s all we have today. Check back tomorrow for more.
