Child tax credit bill moves to the Senate, Black History Month begins and Billy Joel releases new song

Good morning, folks. Black History Month begins today. To commemorate it, take a look at these 11 key moments, including why it was established in 1976. Now, on to the news.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg standing to apologize to families (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

NEED TO KNOWSocial media CEOs grilled over harms to kids

Leaders of the world’s five biggest social media companies testified before the Senate yesterday, giving way to charged confrontations about why more hasn’t been done to protect young people online.

What happened: Several CEOs, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Snap’s Evan Spiegel, were pressed to apologize to families for the harm children had suffered on their platforms. [Yahoo News]

The takeaway: The hearing was meant to determine if the social media leaders would support any internet safety bills in Congress, but none received unanimous backing. [New York Times]

Michael Buckner/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT🎬 Margot’s Oscars response

Margot Robbie broke her silence nearly a week after she was snubbed for an Oscars Best Actress nomination for her lead role in Barbie. “There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed,” she said. [Variety]

🏛️ Child tax credit deal

The House passed an $80 billion bipartisan tax deal that would temporarily expand the child tax credit and provide several breaks for businesses. It now heads to the Senate, where its future is less certain. [NBC News]

🏠 Unaffordable rent

New data shows that half of renters in the U.S. are paying more than they can afford. Rental prices nationwide have declined for eight straight months, but they’re still 22% higher than they were in 2019. [CNN]

🩺 Syphilis cases skyrocket

The CDC recently reported that over 200,000 syphilis cases were diagnosed in 2022, an 80% uptick since 2018. Experts say decreases in funding for sexual health services and education have contributed to the surge. [Yahoo Life]

⚾ Jackie Robinson’s statue

The MLB and its 30 clubs will pay to replace a stolen and destroyed Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita, Kan., that was taken on the night of Jan. 24. Police haven’t made any arrests in the case. [Yahoo Sports]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

🎵 Billy Joel fans: The singer-songwriter released “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first new single in 17 years. [Rolling Stone]

🏈 The NFL Pro Bowl begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Among tonight’s skills competitions: precision passing, best catch and kick-tac-toe. [Yahoo Sports]

📺 The anthology series Genius premieres its fourth season, which explores the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, on ABC and National Geographic at 9 p.m. ET. [Variety]

💕 Season 2 of the reality dating competition Farmer Wants a Wife premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. [People]

☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Daily Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage via Getty Images

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 2004, Janet Jackson experienced a “wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show after Justin Timberlake ripped off a part of her costume. [CNN]

3 QUESTIONS…about student loans as reparations

My Yahoo News colleague Chanelle Chandler reported on one of the latest initiatives to implement reparations.

Lily: Who’s pushing for student loan debt relief as a reparation?

Chanelle: The NAACP. It says canceling student loan debt for Black borrowers would rectify historic economic inequalities rooted in slavery.

Lily: How would student loan debt forgiveness constitute reparations?

Chanelle: On average, Black graduates owe $25,000 more than white graduates. Canceling debt could close the racial wealth gap and spur generational wealth.

Lily: What are Americans’ attitudes toward reparations?

Chanelle: While 58% of adults say slavery’s legacy still affects Black people today, support remains divided by race and ethnicity.

Get more from Chanelle: Read her reporting on national issues.

Randy Knecht and his daughter, Ana (WKOW via YouTube)

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

After spending months in the hospital, Wisconsin dad Randy Knecht surprised his daughter, Ana, and her siblings at her basketball game. “The best day of my life, hands down,” he said. An added bonus: Ana scored points during the matchup. [People]

Have an delightful day. See you tomorrow!

💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Today is also Change Your Password Day. Experts say two-factor authentication can help protect your login info. [Wall Street Journal]

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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