A study, published in the journal Science, finds a genetically enhanced fungus that produces spider toxin can rapidly kill huge numbers of the mosquitoes that spread malaria. Trials held in Burkina Faso showed mosquito populations collapsed by 99% within 45 days. The fungus did not affect other insects, such as bees. (BBC News)(Science)
Sixty new cases in the past week are reported, bringing this year's total to 971 cases in 26 U.S. states – the highest since 1994. The CDC warns, "If these outbreaks continue through summer and fall, the United States may lose its measles elimination status." (BBC News)
U.S. PresidentDonald Trump announces a 5% import tariff on all products from Mexico, effective June 10 and rising in steps to 25% by October, "until the illegal immigration problem is remedied". (BBC News)
Mexican PresidentAndrés Manuel López Obrador responds with a letter to the U.S. president stating he wants to avoid a confrontation, saying that ideals such as justice and universal brotherhood are more important than borders. He also ordered his foreign minister to travel to Washington on Friday. (Reuters)
Law and crime
American songwriter R. Kelly is charged by Cook County prosecutors with 11 counts of sexual assault and abuse. (USA Today)
The captain of the M/V Viking Sigyn that was involved in the deadly sinking of the Hableány is questioned and arrested by the Hungarian police. (BBC News)
New documents reveal that Jussie Smollett bought drugs from Abimbola "Abel" and Olabinjo "Ola" Osundairo, the two people who accused him of staging an attack on January 29. (USA Today)
Louisiana GovernorJohn Bel Edwards signs a heartbeat bill that bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law’s effective date is tied to a similar Mississippi law which has already been temporarily blocked by a federal court. (BBC News)
Fifteen days after the first wave of protests, millions of students, schoolteachers and university professors hold demonstrations in over a hundred Brazilian cities against massive cuts in the education budget. Brazilian Education Minister Abraham Weintraub accuses teachers of "coercing" students into participating in the protests. (The Guardian)