ISIS wants Iraqi civilians to die in US airstrikes

[The Scan] [It's a way of ensuring the anti-ISIS coalition is condemned]( April 4 — Tuesday ISIS has long used civilians as [human shields]( to ward off airstrikes. But now, the militant group is using the same tactic — while inviting US-led airstrikes. It's a way to ensure that the anti-ISIS coalition is condemned. In Chechnya, it's dangerous to discuss one's homosexuality; recently, a Russian newspaper reported that [more than 100 gay men]( there have been arrested, tortured and killed. This, after activists put in a request to hold a gay rights parade. Also, 50 years ago today, [Martin Luther King Jr.]( came out publicly against the Vietnam War with a speech that resonates still today. Plus, for some, the [slow pace of baseball]( is a huge turnoff. However, that's exactly what makes the game enjoyable for the visually impaired. And, ever think about [the most unusual spots to play Ms. Pac-Man](? [Read on for more.]( [Give today and your contribution will be doubled]( [ISIS has found a new, deadly use for human shields in Mosul]( The militant group seems to be arranging for residents in the Iraqi city to be struck and killed by US-led coalition airstrikes in order to boost civilian death counts and create controversy around the coalition campaign. [Gay men in Chechnya rounded up, tortured, and killed: report]( More than 100 gay men in Chechnya have been arrested and tortured, and some were killed by police, a local report says. [We asked our staff about the craziest intersections in the world and then played Ms. Pac-Man in Google Maps]( When Google rolled out its April Fools' Day Ms. Pac-Man maps feature, we used the opportunity to look at some of the weirder places in the world to play the game. [The slow pace of baseball makes it perfect for its blind fans in Korea]( Three baseball fans in South Korea host a popular sports podcast. But most listeners don't know its three hosts are blind. [50 years ago, MLK spoke out against Vietnam. His words are just as relevant today.]( On April 4, 1967, the civil rights leader made his first major public statement against the war. Enjoying The Scan? Forward it to a friend! And if you’re not getting it daily, it’s easy to subscribe. [Sign up here](. We also love feedback, so please [tell us how we’re doing](. Today’s newsletter was written by Anna Pratt. Find her on Twitter: [@annapratt](. [GlobalPost]( [PRI]( [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( The Scan is brought to you by GlobalPost and PRI - Public Radio International.