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1. Shootings at the spa
Eight people died yesterday at three Atlanta subway spas in about an hour. We don’t know much about the victims yet, but four have been described as being of Korean ethnicity, according to South Korea’s foreign ministry. Earlier, the Atlanta police chief had said at least four were women and looked Asian. A 21-year-old suspect was arrested after a car chase and police believe he was responsible for the three attacks. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shootings, among other issues. But the attacks have already sparked fears among Asian Americans, who have seen incidents of violence and hatred against them increase since the coronavirus pandemic began. Officials in some cities are increasing police presence in Asian communities as a precaution.
2. Coronavirus
The United States is facing a tough race between vaccines and Covid-19 variants. Vaccinations increase rapidly and have a great chance of winning. But contagious variants are spreading across the country and could threaten another increase. The CDC says two coronavirus strains first detected in California are officially “variants of concern.” Variants can be transmissible by about 20%, and there is concern that some treatments may not be as effective against them. But CDC has not said vaccines should stop working against them. It also complicates the situation: some states are reducing restrictions before the spread of the virus is completely contained.
3. Elections of 2020
A U.S. intelligence report has determined that Russia tried to interfere in the 2020 election to help Donald Trump and hurt Joe Biden. The report also describes a smaller secret influence campaign in Iran. One of the biggest bombshells in the report confirms what we had assumed last year: Trump and his closest allies publicly embraced Russia’s disinformation campaign against Biden, met with Kremlin-linked figures who formed part of the effort and promoted their conspiracy theories. CNN’s Stephen Collinson writes that the finding underscores a fundamental truth: “The most serious threat to U.S. democracy comes from within.”
4. Governor Cuomo
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is increasingly facing greater control. Over the weekend, investigators met with the first woman to publicly accuse the governor of sexual harassment. Other women have filed similar complaints against him and investigations into these claims continue to escalate. Cuomo is also addressing a separate issue involving an alleged cover-up of Covid-19 deaths at the state’s long-term care facilities. He now faces growing pressure to resign, even from prominent members of his own party. President Biden recently said Cuomo should resign if an investigation confirms allegations of sexual harassment against him. Cuomo has denied “touching anyone inappropriately” and has said he never wanted to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
5. Japan
A Japanese court has ruled that the fact that the country does not recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. It is a benchmark decision that could usher in a new era of marital equality in Japan. Homosexuality has been legal in Japan since 1880 and the country is relatively liberal compared to some other Asian nations. But Japan does not recognize same-sex unions nationwide. This ruling alone will not legalize same-sex marriage in the country, which would require a Supreme Court ruling, which could take several years. Still, it’s a significant step.
EXPLORE BREAKFAST
Elliot Page is the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time
It’s the Canadian actor’s first major interview since he publicly revealed his gender identity last year.
Tiger Woods is recovering at home after his February car accident
The golf legend thanked the hospital staff in a recent post on social media.
Lightning may have caused life on Earth
This finding could have implications for the search for life beyond this planet.
A man with autism asks future employers to “take risks with me” in a sincere handwritten viral letter
He has since received thousands of comments, connections, potential mentors and even job offers.
Here are the foods with more and less pesticides
Spoiler alert: Strawberries remain at the top of the “Dirzen Dozen” list.
TODAY’S BUDGET
“I can say very clearly, ‘Don’t come.’
President Biden, discouraging potential migrants from leaving for the United States as their administration struggles to respond to a wave of unaccompanied children at the border
TODAY’S ISSUE
50 million
That’s how many people this week are threatened by severe weather this week, from the southern plains to the southeast. A rare high-risk threat has been issued for a possible tornado outbreak this afternoon and evening from the lower Mississippi Valley through Alabama.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check out the local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Below the surface
Go underground to take a tour of the world’s longest art gallery and other hidden wonders. (Click here to see it.)