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This is the World In brief from The Economist.

Our top stories. Leo Veradker, Ireland's Prime Minister, acknowledged defeat in a two-part referendum about

modernising the Constitution.

His government, with the support of other parties, had sought to expand the constitutional definition of families to include

durable relationships, and it wanted to change a reference to a mother's duties in the home to one about

family-based care. The results will disappoint

those who have welcomed the wave of liberalization that has washed over the

country in recent years on matters including divorce and abortion.

Joe Biden signed a $460 billion package of spending bills into law just in time to prevent

a partial government shutdown. The six bills which were passed by the

Senate on Friday fund various government departments, including housing and transport, until the

end of September.

The work is not yet done though.

The deadline for passing six more such bills which include funding for defense is March

22nd.

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