It’s time to live out your “cryptid writer in the woods” fantasies! Editor’s note: mentions of violence and hate crimes.

Happening in the World: The Malaysian Parliament recently passed a bill that ended mandatory death sentences for crimes like murder and drug trafficking. Prior to this bill, there were mass quantities of protestors who argued that mandatory death penalties gave no room for judge interpretation. This bill was passed after several years of Malaysia pausing executions. Though this bill does not eliminate capital punishment, it seems to have appeased many outspoken critics of Malaysia’s criminal system. (CBS)

Happening in the US: A “White Lives Matter” supporter threw Molotov cocktails at a church on Sunday in an attempt to stop a local drag show. The church received external damage, but no one was injured. The Ohio man was charged with one count of possessing a destructive device and one count of malicious use of explosive materials. (NBC)

Happening in NYC: Donald Trump arrived in downtown Manhattan on Monday in anticipation of his arraignment. Outside of Trump Tower, there were protestors and police gathered at his expected arrival. Police presence has been increased and some roads have been closed in the surrounding areas for Trump’s departure to the Manhattan court house. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Columbia is hosting their next installment in the Writing Lives Roundtable with “Writing for Funding”. If you’re interested in writing for funding in and out of academia, you can join the Zoom roundtable on April 4 at noon. If you want to register for the Zoom link or watch a recording of any of the previous roundtable discussions, learn more about it here!

Header via Wikimedia Commons