Meta is the world’s ‘single largest marketplace for paedophiles’, says New Mexico attorney general (www.theguardian.com)
A diplomat’s visits to Oklahoma highlight contacts between Chinese officials and community leaders accused of crimes (www.propublica.org)
After a mass murder at a marijuana farm, a Chinese diplomat visited an organization that has been the subject of investigations. The meetings reflect an international pattern of contacts between Chinese officials and suspected criminal networks....
Millions of Americans caught up in Chinese hacking plot - US (www.bbc.com)
Millions of Americans’ online accounts have been caught up in a “sinister” Chinese hacking plot that targeted US officials, the justice department and FBI said on Monday....
Charity steps in to rehome 300 cats from ‘overwhelmed’ man in Canada (www.theguardian.com)
An animal welfare charity in western Canada is scrambling to secure the resources needed to care for about 300 cats – all of them seemingly in good condition – after a call came in from a man who described himself as being “overwhelmed” by the sheer number of cats and kittens in his home....
Russia extends arrest of US reporter Evan Gershkovich after almost a year in jail (www.independent.co.uk)
Gershkovich is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, which is notorious for its harsh conditions...
Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after struck by cargo ship; 2 rescued, several others believed in water (www.fox5dc.com)
At a press update near the bridge, officials said two people had been rescued, but others are believed to still be in the water. The number of those missing fluctuated between seven and 20....
Growing opposition to Democrats’ “all-out war” to block third parties from ballot (www.wsws.org)
The Democratic Party is launching an “all-out war” to block third parties from appearing on the 2024 US election ballot. This is in response to declining support for President Biden and the Democratic Party. The World Socialist Web Site has published articles exposing these anti-democratic efforts, which have received...
Louisiana coroner accused of child abuse cuts sexual assault exam program (www.theguardian.com)
Christopher Tape, indicted in 2022 before charges were dismissed, says office will stop giving exam that helps collect key evidence...
US supreme court to hear first major abortion case since Roe decision (www.theguardian.com)
Future of mifepristone at issue as rightwing groups seek to roll back measures taken by the FDA to expand drug’s availability...
Dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas test positive for bird flu (apnews.com)
Milk from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has tested positive for bird flu, U.S. officials said Monday....
Anti-abortion activists plan backdoor strategy to US ban (www.bbc.com)
US anti-abortion activists, including allies of Donald Trump, have a strategy to ban abortion nationwide - one that bypasses Congress and the American people. It’s a plan that hinges on Mr Trump’s re-election in November and the use of a little-known 19th Century law....
Disney Board Foe Nelson Peltz Questions ‘Woke’ Marvel Films: ‘Why Do I Have to Have a Marvel [Movie] That’s All Women? Why Do I Need an All-Black Cast?’ (variety.com)
Nelson Peltz, the activist investor agitating to win two Disney board seats, criticized the company’s “woke” strategy — specifically questioning Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “The Marvels,” which featured Black and women leads, respectively....
Baltimore bridge collapses into river after being hit by cargo ship (www.theguardian.com)
A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a large boat collided with it early on Tuesday morning, sending multiple vehicles into the water....
High school teacher and students sue over Arkansas' ban on critical race theory (apnews.com)
A high school teacher and two students sued Arkansas on Monday over the state’s ban on critical race theory and “indoctrination” in public schools, asking a federal judge to strike down the restrictions as unconstitutional....
South Korea: Escaped ostrich runs loose on roads (www.bbc.com)
Eyewitness footage shows the bird running down the streets of Seongnam on Tuesday morning, dodging traffic and crashing into a truck. Local media reported that the runaway was captured on Tuesday morning by police and firefighters, and was safely returned to the nearby ecological park it had escaped from.
Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after ship struck it, sending vehicles into water (apnews.com)
BALTIMORE (AP) — A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a large boat collided with it early Tuesday morning....
Beni kōji: One dead and dozens sick after taking red yeast pill in Japan (www.bbc.com)
A major Japanese drugmaker has said it is investigating a death and dozens of hospitalisations that could be linked to its red yeast rice pills....
Bassirou Diomaye Faye to become President of Senegal, making him the youngest democratically elected African President (www.africanews.com)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that bans children under 14 from having social media accounts (www.nbcnews.com)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state. Those who are 14 or 15 will need a parent’s consent before they join a platform....
Wife of Judge on Mifepristone Case Was Paid by Anti-Abortion Group (www.thedailybeast.com)
The fate of the abortion pill mifepristone is now before the Supreme Court, after a fifth-circuit appeals panel of three judges ruled against its distribution last summer....