Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were held at colleges across the U.S. over the weekend, leading to tensions on some campuses. Northeastern University saw about 100 people detained at a protest, while a protest leader at Columbia University was banned due to comments made about Zionists. Antisemitic incidents have also been on the rise on campuses since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October, with some leaders and students calling for more action from the Biden administration to curb this harassment. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested calling in the National Guard to quell unrest at Columbia, but Sen. Tim Kaine disagreed, calling it a “very bad idea.”
Severe storms and tornadoes devastated the Midwest, causing widespread damage, injuries, and at least four deaths across six states. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency, and millions of people remain at risk of severe weather. Flash flooding is also a concern for 18 million people from Kansas City to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Meanwhile, Hamas shared a video showing two Israeli hostages, Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, who have been held captive in Gaza since October. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the U.S. to prevent an attack on the border city of Rafah, while World Central Kitchen announced it would resume operations in Gaza despite previous aid worker deaths in an Israeli airstrike.
At the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, President Biden joked about his age and took jabs at Donald Trump. He emphasized the seriousness of the moment and the importance of the media’s role. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell avoided discussing his support for a 15-week federal abortion ban, stating that it should be decided at the state level. Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker’s testimony in Trump’s hush money trial revealed controversial tabloid tactics, while Republican VP contender Kristi Noem defended a passage in her upcoming book about euthanizing her dog.
Harvey Weinstein was hospitalized after being moved to New York’s Rikers Island jail, where he awaits a court appearance following a rape case retrial. Grizzly bears will be reintroduced to Washington state’s North Cascades mountain range in an effort to restore the ecosystem, despite concerns about safety and impact on lowland areas. Tenniscore, a tennis-inspired aesthetic popularized by Zendaya, is gaining traction among fans, with creators like Jasmine Perillo showcasing tennis-themed outfits. In other news, a noted climber’s death in Alaska, a woman giving birth to triplets during a police call, and intelligence agencies’ conclusions about Alexei Navalny’s killing are making headlines.
