Dystopias are so 2020. Meet the new protopias that show a hopeful future A Brief History of the Future, on PBS, is an example of a “protopian” show from a new production studio helmed by Kathryn Murdoch. She believes we need more hopeful stories abut the future. Read more on NPR

5 tips for not getting tricked online this April Fools’ Day — and beyond It’s always smart to keep your guard up online, especially on April Fools’ Day. Experts in misinformation and news literacy offer steps you can take to avoid getting fooled, and not just on Monday. Read more on NPR

ACA health insurance plans are being switched without enrollees’ OK Rogue insurance agents access consumer information on the Affordable Care Act federal marketplace and make the changes. Policyholders can lose their doctors and end up owing back taxes. Read more on NPR

Conservative Oregon county attempts criminal prosecution of federal employee A US Forest Service burn boss was due before a Grant County, Oregon court Monday on charges stemming from a controlled burn that spread onto private land in the Fall of 2022. Read more on NPR

Johannesburg’s water crisis is the latest blow to South Africa’s ‘world-class city’ It bills itself as a “world-class African city” but these days residents say it’s anything but — with the collapse of the water system and frequent power outages. Read more on NPR

How anti-vaccine activists and the far right are trying to build a parallel economy Due to fears of “cancellation,” alternative technology and financial platforms are being built for the so-called freedom economy by figures on the far right, including those with antisemitic beliefs. Read more on NPR

Biden is using his cash advantage to address vulnerabilities against Trump The Biden campaign is running ads in states expected to be competitive this election, targeting Black and Latino voters in particular. Read more on NPR

Lead in the drinking water is still a problem in the U.S. — especially in Chicago The Windy City has the most lead pipes of any U.S. city. A study estimates that more than two-thirds of children there are exposed to lead in their home tap water. Read more on NPR

Half a million California workers will get $20 minimum wage, starting today It’s a big win for cooks, cashiers and other fast-food employees, among the least paid in the workforce. Restaurant owners and franchisees warn of higher prices and cuts to workers’ hours. Read more on NPR