How can governments address crimes against the environment?

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.