Monday Scoop: WWF Allegations

The big story…

WWF Reviews Allegations in Buzzfeed News Article

The World Wildlife Fund has opened an independent review into its own organization after a Buzzfeed News investigation alleged that the environmental organization funds guards who have tortured and even killed people. The story was written in partnership with the Kathmandu Post in Nepal and alleges that rangers tortured and ultimately killed a man in Nepal suspected of poaching. The organization was able to make the murder charges disappear, calling it a win in the fight against poaching. Read the full Buzzfeed News report here.

In national news…

Deadly Tornados in Alabama and Georgia Kill 14

At least 14 people have been confirmed dead after several tornados touched down in Georgia and Alabama Sunday afternoon. CNN reports, “Fourteen people have died in Lee County, Alabama, according to Sheriff Jay Jones. Among the dead are both children and adults, he said. At least 12 of those deaths occurred in an area about 5 to 6 miles south of Opelika, Alabama, Jones said.” Jones estimates that a path of destruction about half a mile wide lies a few miles from where the tornado first touched down. At least a dozen tornados hit Georgia and Alabama over the span of the storm. (Update: AP is now reporting that at least 23 people have been killed in Alabama.)

In politics…

W.Va. GOP Poster Links Rep. Ilhan Omar to 9/11

The West Virginia Republican Party has condemned a poster that was displayed outside of the state’s House of Delegates linking Minn. Rep. Ilhan Omar to 9/11. The poster showed a picture of the Twin Towers with the text, “‘Never forget,’ you said.” And a picture of Rep. Ilhan with the words, “I am proof that you have forgotten.” The Minnesota Representative spoke out about these posters, saying “No wonder why I am on the ‘Hitlist’ of a domestic terrorist and ‘Assassinate Ilhan Omar’ is written on my local gas stations.” 

In higher education…

Purdue University Blocks Netflix Access in Lecture Halls

Last fall Purdue University started a pilot program to increase productivity in lecture halls. The tactic? Blocking Netflix. After finding an increase in learning, the university has decided to block other sites across campus. This is just one of the many efforts by schools and professors to keep students engaged and undistracted in the classroom. What has your school done?

Trending today…

Vans Throwing

They always land on their feet.

Last but not least…

Artist Interview: Feminist Indie Pop Artist Birch

NYC-based indie-synth pop Birch is the face of female representation. Birch is filled with well-crafted narratives and divergent societal normalities which permits her to stand out and be who she really is. She recently released “Spelling Lessons” and is getting ready to release her full-length album, femme.one. I spoke with Birch about her story, releasing new music and her thoughts on feminism. Read more in Brianna Vacca’s interview for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Natalia Kolenko, Brianna Vacca, and the CMN Staff. People are throwing Kraft singles at their children. Chrissy Teigen might be right about this one…P.S. Was this newsletter forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get the Morning Scoop straight to your inbox every day.