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The Protests Grow

The Story

As universities crack down on anti-war protests, more emerge.

How did we get here?

It’s been nearly two weeks since students at Columbia University began setting up an encampment to protest the war in Gaza. They’ve demanded their school to divest from companies that “profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation in Palestine.” Amid reports of antisemitism, Columbia’s president called the NYPD to clear the encampment leading to over 100 arrests. Students at other universities have followed suit with more than a dozen demonstrations surfacing at other campuses.

Tell me more.

Student encampments have popped up at schools across the country: Emory University, Brown University, Yale, University of Southern California, and more. Police have shown up at some campuses wearing riot gear and have physically engaged with demonstrators. At least 800 people have been arrested since the protests began. At least 275 of those arrests happened this past weekend alone. One expert said it’s not surprising Columbia's protest inspired demonstrations at other campuses, considering its proximity to national media and coverage of arrests.

What’s next?

It’s not clear when and if the student protests will slow down. The severity of the police response has fueled conversations about balancing free speech and safety on campuses. One school, the University of Southern California, canceled its main commencement ceremony, citing safety concerns.

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Tensions on college campuses have been high following the start of the Israel-Hamas war amid reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Those tensions appear to be reaching a boiling point as this wave of student demonstrations interrupts campus life.

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Who’s on the defense…

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R). She’s come under fire after the Guardian obtained parts of her upcoming memoir in which Noem talks about shooting and killing her 14-month old dog for being “untrainable” and aggressive towards people. People on social media reportedly began questioning if Noem is the right person to be former President Trump’s pick for vice president. She responded by saying the incident shows she’s “never” passed her “responsibilities to anyone else to handle.” As for other contenders to be Trump's VP, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s (R) name appears to be floating to the top of the list. Trump’s team reportedly believes Burgum would be a safe choice who could bring in moderate voters. Whoever Trump picks could spend a lot of time filling in for the former president on the campaign trail as Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan plays out (which resumes tomorrow).

What can be scary…

Cosmetic needles. Last week, the CDC said three women contracted HIV after getting “vampire facials” at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico after completing a yearslong investigation. Officials believe these cases could mark the first time the virus has been contracted via cosmetic needles. The facials are performed after a client’s blood is withdrawn, separated into platelet-rich plasma, and then re-injected into the face using microneedles. In its investigation the CDC found that the spa was reusing single-use equipment as it was performing “vampire facials” and highlighted how important infection control practices are. As for the spa, it hasn’t performed any “vampire facials” or anything else since officials forced it to close in 2018.

Where people are on alert…

The Midwest. More than 100 tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa over the weekend, leaving at least four people dead and severe structural damage. 18 million people have also reportedly been on watch for flash flooding from storms in parts of Missouri to Louisiana with warnings continuing into today. Yesterday, Red Cross Oklahoma said it’s opening a shelter in Sulphur, one of the hardest hit towns by tornadoes. It’s unclear how many people remain injured.

While Gabby Douglas returned to competition…

Candace Parker announced she won’t.

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Diverting food waste…Omar and Ani (MD).They started a non-profit in Baltimore that aims to keep food out of landfills and into the hands of those in need. They work by bridging the gap for businesses by picking up their unpurchased food and delivering it to organizations that serve the community.

(Some) Birthdays…Peter Wiener (NY),Amanda Black (KY), Angelina Darrisaw (NY), Emily Mattice (VA), Beth Kelley (MI), Farah Benahmed (MD), Susana Rodriguez (VA), Cheryl L Perry (AZ), Chelsea Lundeen (TX), Sara McCord (DC), Dina Scherer (NY), Halie Wisse (IL), Lauren Moloney (CO), Julie Nasser (CO), Jane Denham (MO), Susan Huey (MN)

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