Snow hinders rescues and aid to isolated communities after Japan quakes kill 128 Officials say 1,370 homes were completely or partially destroyed. Many of the houses in that western coastal region of the main island are aging and wooden. Some 30,000 people are in shelters. Read more on NPR

As police lose the war on crime in South Africa, private security companies step in Experts have warned that the South African police are losing the battle against crime and that has led those citizens who can afford it, to turn to a booming private security industry. Read more on NPR

20-mile backup as Polish truckers blockade border in standoff with Ukrainian drivers In a gesture of wartime support, the European Union has exempted Ukrainian truckers from EU limits on how many drivers can enter Europe. Polish truckers say that’s destroying their businesses. Read more on NPR

An endangered river dolphin finds an unlikely savior: fisherfolk In Pakistan, illiterate fishermen have become citizen scientists, helping to revive the fortunes of the endangered Indus River dolphin. Read more on NPR

Coronavirus FAQ: My partner/roommate/kid got COVID. And I didn’t. How come? Infectious disease doctor Abraar Karan says it’s the question he’s asked most often about SARS-CoV-2. So how does that happen? Here’s his answer. Read more on NPR