Disney vs DeSantis, dengue fever, and beaver parachutes.

Adam Rogers
March 28, 2024

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Big Stories

Melting ice sheets are affecting the Earth's rotation, posing challenges for timekeepers worldwide.

Melting polar ice has slowed down the Earth's rotation since 1990. This may delay the need for the first "negative leap second" by up to three years, according to recent research.
The potential introduction of a negative leap second presents significant technical and logistical hurdles. Computer programs and systems reliant on precise timekeeping may require extensive rewriting to accommodate the change. The unpredictability of Earth's rotation adds complexity, making it challenging to synchronize global timing infrastructure.
There's debate among experts about the necessity and timing of introducing a negative leap second but all agree it would be a jump into the unknown. “It would not bring the downfall of civilization…but I would not recommend being in an airplane at that time” says Demetrios Matsakis, former chief scientist for time services at the US Naval Observatory.

Allies of Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney have reached a settlement agreement in a state court fight over the future development of Walt Disney World.

The agreement was approved by DeSantis-appointed members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, concluding nearly two years of litigation. The dispute arose from DeSantis' takeover of the district following Disney's opposition to Florida's law that prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in younger classrooms.
DeSantis took control of the governing district through legislation in 2022 after Disney criticized the Parental Rights in Education law. Disney sued, alleging violations of free speech rights, but a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit.
In the settlement, Disney accepted that the plan approved by its supporters before DeSantis took over is no longer valid. They also agreed that previous development agreements and rules are not valid anymore. Instead, they'll use a plan from 2020, and the new board can make changes to it. Disney and the new board will also discuss making a new development agreement soon.

Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency due to a rapid increase in dengue cases.

Infections are on pace to eclipse last year’s total by August. Nearly half of the 549 cases recorded since the start of the year are in the San Juan region. Last year, Puerto Rico saw a total of 1,293 dengue cases.
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can cause mild symptoms like fever and muscle pain. In rare cases, dengue can be severe, leading to hospitalization or even death. Prevention methods include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Dengue infections are surging in several parts of the world, including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina — approximately 100–400 million people globally contract dengue each year.
The World Health Organization warns that half of the world's population is at risk of the disease.

New York City approved congestion tolls for drivers entering Manhattan's central business district, with a $15 fee for most motorists. The plan, set to begin in June, closely mirrors the original proposal and disregards exceptions requested by commuter groups. (More)

Divers searching for six Baltimore construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed recovered two bodies from a pickup truck found submerged in water on Wednesday, officials said. (More)

A California man was sentenced to 11 months in prison for leaving threatening voicemails to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. David Allen Carrier, 44, of Concord, pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials in December. (More)

The S&P 500 closed at a record high on Wednesday, heading for its best first quarter since 2019. The index gained 0.86%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.22%. The Nasdaq Composite also saw an increase of 0.51%. All 11 sectors of the S&P 500 registered gains, with utilities leading the index with a nearly 2.8% jump, followed by real estate with a 2.4% advance, and industrials adding 1.6%. (More)

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 16 people, while Hezbollah's rockets killed one Israeli man, marking the deadliest day in over five months of border fighting. The strikes targeted the Islamic Group, a Lebanese Sunni political and militant organization allied with Hezbollah. The first airstrike hit a paramedic center in Hebbariye, killing seven Islamic Group members. (More)

Ana Julia, the world’s largest snake, was found dead just weeks after it was discovered.

Watch beavers parachute from planes in footage from 1948.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts and McDonald’s are teaming up.

The most followed people on Instagram in 2024.

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