US happiness, student debt, algae cooking oil.

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Big Stories

US happiness falls

The US is no longer one of the 20 happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.

• The World Happiness Report ranks the top 25 happiest countries globally, with Finland claiming the top spot followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel. The US came in 23rd.

• Gallup, which contributes data to the World Happiness Report, found that young Americans are largely responsible for the drop, particularly those under 30. Young feel they have a lack of support from social connections, reduced freedom in life choices, heightened stress levels, and lower satisfaction with living conditions.

• Broader societal factors also contributed to the decline in US happiness, including low levels of trust in the political system, concerns about political unrest, and the deep impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justice Department sues Apple

The US government has sued Apple for abusing its power as a monopoly to edge out rivals.

• The lawsuit claims that Apple stopped smaller companies from accessing its iPhone hardware and software, which led to limited options and higher prices for consumers.

• Despite being valued at nearly $3 trillion and holding a significant share of the global smartphone market, Apple allegedly manipulated its position to thwart innovation and maintain its monopoly. The Department of Justice argues that Apple's contract restrictions on developers impede innovation within its ecosystem, enabling the company to gain more revenue from consumers, developers, and small businesses.

• Apple argues that its software and hardware restrictions are essential for safeguarding user privacy and security while allowing it to develop innovative technology. The company says that the government intervention threatens technology design and plans to defend itself against the lawsuit.

President Biden forgives more student debt

The Biden administration has announced the forgiveness of approximately $6 billion in student loans for nearly 80,000 public service workers, including teachers, nurses, and firefighters.

• Biden claims that his administration has now canceled debt for over 870,000 public service workers.

• Eligible borrowers will receive notification via email, including a message from President Biden, about their debt relief. Thousands of participants in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program will also be notified via email if they are within two years of having their debt forgiven.

• The timing coincides with the president's efforts to engage voters for the 2024 election by highlighting his economic track record and commitment to lower costs.

Little Stories

• The Ghost Army, a secret military unit known for its deceptive tactics in WWII, received the Congressional Gold Medal in a Capitol ceremony. Led by Rick Beyer, their sneaky methods, including inflatable tanks, saved thousands of lives. After nearly a decade of advocacy, the unit's story was finally acknowledged, honoring their bravery and ingenuity. (More)

• Reddit's stock surged in its Wall Street debut, reaching nearly $9 billion in value on the New York Stock Exchange. Priced at $34 a share, it opened at $47 and closed at $50.44, up 48%. The stock is expected to be volatile due to Reddit's hype, and big fluctuations are likely in its early trading days. (More)

• Canada plans to reduce temporary residents and implement a cap on temporary immigration for the first time in response to housing shortages and strained services. The move follows a surge in international students and workers in recent years. The government aims to decrease temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years, down from 6.5% in 2023, representing a roughly 20% reduction. (More)

• Jack Gohlke led Oakland to a stunning upset over Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament, hitting 10 three-pointers — one shy of the tournament record. His performance boosted No. 14 Oakland to an 80-76 victory over No. 3 Kentucky in the South Region. Gohlke took 335 total shots this season, all but 8 were three-pointers. (More)

• Hermes faces a new lawsuit alleging it restricts access to its coveted Birkin handbags, only offering them to customers who spend excessively on other goods. The lawsuit claims that customers must be "deemed worthy" to view and purchase a Birkin, rather than simply finding one on display in the store. (More)

Extra Credit

Why one of the world’s best chefs swears by algae cooking oil.

Stargazers are excited for April’s “horned devil” comet.

Would you stay in the world’s deepest hotel? (It’s in a mine)

The case for adding a fourth light to traffic signals.