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PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
California Passes Most Stringent Diesel-Engine Emissions Rules: ‘Fighting for Air’ (Maria)
The author writes, “California has passed stringent new rules to limit emissions from diesel-fueled locomotive engines, putting the state on track to implement the most ambitious regulations on high-polluting railways in the country. The landmark step taken by the California Air Resources, which regulates California’s air quality, requires the phase-out of inefficient locomotive engines more than 23 years old by 2030, increase the use of zero-emissions technology to transport freight from ports and throughout rail yards, and bans diesel-spewing engines from idling for longer than 30 minutes. … ‘We are fighting for air,’ Gemma Pena Zeragoza, a resident from San Bernardino, tearfully told the board.”
A Far-Right Moms Group Is Terrorizing Schools in the Name of Protecting Kids (DonkeyHotey)
The author writes, “Moms for Liberty has targeted teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members, orchestrating harassment campaigns that have left people fearing for their safety — and in some cases, their lives.”
Lawmakers Are Being Silenced for Speaking Out Against Anti-Trans Bills (Dana)
From The 19th: “[Montana] state Rep. Zooey Zephyr’s silencing is the latest example of a steadily growing trend: lawmakers under fire for backing LGBTQ+ rights.”
80 Is Different in 2023 Than in 1776 — But Even Back Then, a Grizzled Franklin Led Alongside a Young Hamilton (Al)
From The Conversation: “President Joe Biden’s announcement that he’s running for another term raises concerns for many Americans. At his potential second inauguration, he would be 82, beating himself in becoming the oldest among American presidents. … Old people today, so to speak, are much younger than they used to be, especially when they are wealthy. The field of anti-aging is waxing, and data suggests that science might be able to extend not only life span, but also the years a person remains healthy and free from disease. Furthermore, a youthful frame of mind can have a powerful effect, increasing longevity. But no matter what, 82 remains a high number.”
‘Extremely Dangerous’ Risk As Fighters in Sudan Occupy Lab Holding Measles and Polio Samples, World Health Organization Warns (Sean)
The author writes, “A representative from the World Health Organization Tuesday warned that the presence of fighters in a health lab in Sudan could pose a major ‘biological risk,’ amid fears that an ongoing power struggle between the country’s army and main paramilitary force could spiral into a deadly civil war.”
Analysis: Race to the Bottom for Deep-Sea Minerals Centers on Tiny Nauru (Laura)
The authors write, “The Pacific island nation of Nauru and its roughly 11,000 residents are at the center of the increasingly contentious debate over whether the world’s seabeds should be mined for nickel and other green energy transition minerals.”
They May Be Just Acquaintances. They’re Important to You Anyway. (Russ)
From The New York Times: “The people at the dog park, the bank teller, the regular waiter — these casual relationships may be ‘weak ties,’ but they’re also a key to well-being.”
China’s Newest Dating Craze: Real-Life Meetups With Virtual Boyfriends (Roshni)
From Sixth Tone: “During the pandemic, women across China became infatuated with the dashing male characters in a series of viral video games. Now, many are hiring cosplayers to bring their digital beaus to life.”
