Apple News Today

The COVID situation in India right now is catastrophic. Three Indian writers offer analysis on why the pandemic is intensifying there in such a devastating way: Arundhati Roy in the Guardian, Rana Ayyub in Time, and Vidya Krishnan in the Atlantic. The Biden administration has rolled back many Trump-era immigration policies. But the L.A. Times reports that hundreds of thousands of migrants are still being expelled into dangerous situations in Mexico. In light of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s recent split, Allison P. Davis writes for New York Magazine that the dynamic at the beginning of their relationship has completely flipped now that their marriage is ending. The Jacksonville Jaguars chose quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the number one pick in the NFL draft. The Ringer looks at what the future may hold for him and his new team.

As President Biden marks 100 days in office, he’s pushing a series of proposals calling for major new government spending to boost the economy. The Wall Street Journal has highlights of his first address to a joint session of Congress. Apple News Spotlight looks at what his administration has — and hasn’t — accomplished so far. And Vox breaks down the details of his $1.8 trillion plan to support child care, education, and paid leave. The Washington Post reports on West Virginia’s decision to offer $100 savings bonds to persuade young people to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Making a song go viral on TikTok often requires intense calculation, guidance, and effort by the social-media platform. Bloomberg Businessweek explains how the process works.

One teenager’s salty Snapchat post is now at the center of a potentially pivotal Supreme Court case. The Washington Post explains how the ruling could transform the free-speech rights of students for generations. Body-camera footage has become the defining way the public comes to understand violent police encounters. NPR has the details of a recent study that shows some of the potential benefits of this technology. Government agencies are taking money owed to some of the most vulnerable people in the country: foster children. A recent investigation by the Marshall Project and NPR reveals how and why this is happening. Jeopardy! recently came out with its final slate of guest hosts. The Ringer looks at what it’s like to fill in for Alex Trebek.

While many public officials and activists are calling for tighter gun restrictions, NPR reports that the U.S. is seeing an increase in sales, driven by first-time buyers. As the Biden administration crosses the 100-day mark, we’re getting a clearer picture of the role of Vice President Harris. CNN has a one-on-one interview. And the L.A. Times explores her early influence. California is headed for its second recall election. Politico explains how it is very different from the previous one, in 2003. A group of women Marines has broken one of the last military gender barriers. Reuters speaks to the first women to pass Camp Pendleton’s feared “crucible,” a 54-hour test of strength and endurance.

As India deals with an overwhelming coronavirus surge, the United States is sending aid including ventilators, test kits, and the raw materials to make COVID-19 vaccines. The Washington Post looks at criticism that rich countries such as the U.S. could be doing much more to improve vaccine access for developing nations. The once-a-decade process of redrawing congressional maps kicks off this week, when the Census Bureau publishes its count of every person in the U.S. Politico explains how this works and what’s at stake. The L.A. Times recaps an Oscar ceremony that included groundbreaking moments. And Vulture breaks down the ending, which left many viewers confused and frustrated. In the past, catching a foul ball at a Major League Baseball game was a long shot. But the Wall Street Journal has the story of one 10-year-old Baltimore Orioles fan who found the pandemic changed her odds.

In light of the Derek Chauvin verdict, many people in the U.S. are looking to Congress to pass meaningful police-reform legislation. Vox looks at the differences between the Democratic and Republican proposals so far. The coronavirus pandemic has become dire in India. The Guardian describes how the the country’s health-care infrastructure is crumbling under the influx of COVID-19 patients. And Reuters reports that experts are blaming the government for failing to make well-informed public-health decisions. Tax increases are likely to play a crucial role financing President Biden’s multitrillion-dollar infrastructure package, which could mean a lot more work for the IRS. But the Wall Street Journal reports that the agency has suffered from a decade of underinvestment, outdated technology, and brain drain. After years of awards ceremonies in which women and people of color were underrepresented across the board, this year’s Academy Awards are significantly more diverse. NPR arts critic Bob Mondello has a theory that the pandemic has a lot to do with this shift.

President Biden is today expected to announce a new U.S. target for greenhouse-gas emissions: a 50 percent reduction by 2030. The Wall Street Journal reports that he is looking to reestablish a leadership role for the country on climate change. NPR breaks down what it will take to achieve the new target. Last spring, thousands of federally incarcerated people were sent home to continue serving their sentences there. The Washington Post explains why many are now wondering whether they’ll be sent back behind bars. And Reuters recently spoke with a few people whose newfound freedom may be short-lived. Housing experts are warning that a real-estate bubble fueled by climate change could eventually burst — sending a shock through the U.S. economy. Time looks at how this could happen. In 1879, a botanist named William Beal began an experiment to find out how long seeds can lie dormant underground and still be able to sprout. It’s still going on today. NPR has the story of the latest installment of this multicentury study.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Apple News Spotlight has a collection of the best coverage about the trial and verdict. New York Magazine provides analysis on why the verdict does not equal true justice. And an op-ed in the Washington Post highlights the underlying systemic racism at play. Today, the Senate is set to vote on the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Vox breaks down the bill’s significance and limitations. USA Today chronicles the rise and fall of professional soccer’s short-lived Super League. Skateboarding is making a comeback. NPR reports that skater girls and social media are driving the trend.

As the White House hosts a global summit to address climate change, a group of advocates is pushing for environmental destruction, also known as “ecocide,” to be categorized as an international crime. NBC and Inside Climate News are partnering on a series that looks at this effort. One jail in Washington, D.C., may be taking COVID-mitigation measures a step too far. The Washington Post reports that for more than a year, its inmates have been confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.  When the coronavirus hit South Africa, the government banned alcohol to prevent people from gathering. NPR reports that while the move did help in the fight against COVID, it also highlighted a history of alcoholism in the country that has its roots in apartheid. A new flavor out of Japan, called kokumi, might be on its way to becoming the sixth taste. The Wall Street Journal explores how it could have a big impact on our diets and health.

Today is the date President Biden set as the deadline for states to open up COVID-vaccine eligibility to all adults. Apple News Today host Shumita Basu talks with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about the significance of this moment. Protesters have gathered in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, every night since Daunte Wright was shot and killed there by a police officer. In the Atlantic, Will Stancil writes that the suburb shares many characteristics with Ferguson, Missouri, where Michael Brown was fatally shot by an officer in 2014. And NPR says Brooklyn Center offers a key example of the disconnect that can emerge between residents and powerful institutions in resegregated communities. Alexei Navalny, a leading critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, may only have days to live. The Wall Street Journal reports that those close to Navalny are sounding the alarm about his deteriorating health and that immediate medical attention is needed. The Washington Post explains that Navalny’s condition and Russia’s refusal to give him proper care is putting a further strain on Putin’s reputation and the country’s relationship with the United States.  Regina Mitchell hosts a popular online cooking class for people living with disabilities. The L.A. Times recently spoke with the chef, who is blind, about how she’s aiming to help give members of this community the confidence and skills to prepare their own food.