Tuesday Scoop: Shutdown Shut Down

The big story…

Lawmakers Work to Strike Deal as Next Government Shutdown Looms Near

Top lawmakers held talks Monday in a late-stage attempt to avoid another shutdown, reviving talks that stalled this weekend over a dispute about immigration enforcement rules. The Washington Post reports, “‘We’re still talking,’ said House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). ‘As long as there’s talking, there’s life.’ Lowey was meeting with Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), and Rep. Kay Granger (R-Tex.) and Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.). The lawmakers are on a bipartisan conference committee charged with striking a border security deal to stave off a government shutdown at week’s end.”

Granger and Leahy seemed optimistic with Granger telling reporters that they seemed to be making progress on a deal, but Shelby warned that more work still needs to be done.

In politics…

The Majority of Americans Want Higher Taxes on the Rich

Latest public opinion polling shows that the majority of Americans support raising taxes on the richest people. A new poll by Politico and Morning Consult, involving 1,993 people from February 1 to February 2, 2019, show that more than 70% of registered voters want to increase income tax rates for the country’s richest millionaires and billionaires. Another recent public opinion poll from Fox News shows that 70% of registered voters surveyed want higher taxes on rich people who make more than $10 million dollars, including 54% of Republicans, 85% of Democrats, and 71% of non-partisan independents. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In music…

Deaf Activist Nyle DiMarco Does ‘7 Rings’ in Sign Language

At the end of January, deaf activist, America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars champion, Nyle DiMarco recreated Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” Video in American Sign Language. 

The video directed by Jake Wilson is flooded in blue light and full of a male cast to juxtapose Grande’s pink women’s video. The two videos have expanded the meaning and context of “7 Rings.” While Grande can have a girl’s day with her best friends and celebrate their femininity with pink, jewelry and dance parties, DiMarco’s video shows that men, deaf or not, can do the same. The collaboration of the two videos highlights each artists’ platform of equality and artistic expression. Read more in Courtney Good’s report for CMN.

Also in music…

2019 Grammys Celebrate a Big Year for Women

On a night starting with Michelle Obama and ending with Golden Hours winning Album Of The Year, the 61st GRAMMY Awards ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. lasted three hours and 37 minutes Sunday night.

The show began with a monologue from artists, actresses, and political figures: Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, host Alicia Keys, Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Lopez. The five women emphasized music appreciation, including Obama saying that, “Music has always helped me tell my story,” which drew a standing ovation. Read more in Adam Shay’s report for CMN.

Trending today…

If Baguettes Could Move

We wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Last but not least…

A Dose of Buckley – ‘The Ten Worst Songs of 2018’

Adam Buckley is a Canadian who uses Youtube for comedic purposes, not be confused with the popular Youtuber. Buckley is better know under his handle @adoseofbuckley where he has several different videos on a variety of subjects, but a personal favorite of mine are his Musical Autopsy videos.

I’ve been listening to Buckley’s videos since 2012/2013 and started with the annual “Top Ten Worst Songs” video. Now, I’d like to consider myself a lover of music across many genres, which includes pop music. Regardless of how you feel about pop music, the comedic value of Buckley is hit no matter what. Read more in Deni Wray’s report for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Adam Shay, Natalia Kolenko, Courtney Good, Deni Wray, Duane Paul Murphy, and the CMN Staff. According to a new study, honeybees can do basic math. Definitely buzzworthy. P.S. Was this newsletter forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get the Morning Scoop straight to your inbox every day.