Police clear encampments as U.S. campus arrests exceed 2,300 amid protests
NEW YORK — Police have cleared pro-Palestinian protesters out of a tent encampment at New York University at the request of school officials. The move on Friday that follows weeks of demonstrations and police confrontations at college campuses nationwide that have resulted in more than 2,300 arrests. About a dozen protesters who refused police orders to leave were arrested early Friday. That is according to NYU spokesperson John Beckman. Officers from the New York Police Department also moved in to clear a similar encampment at The New School in Greenwich Village. At least two buildings were closed and students were unable to get in for classes. Meanwhile, nine people, including seven students, were arrested at the University of Tennessee on Thursday night.
An AI-powered fighter jet took the Air Force's leader for a historic ride
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — An experimental F-16 fighter jet has taken Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on a history-making flight controlled by artificial intelligence and not a human pilot. Kendall said he came out of Thursday's flight in California, witnessed by The Associated Press, confident enough in AI's capabilities that he would trust it to fire weapons. The flight is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. The military is planning to use the technology to operate an unmanned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. Arms control experts and humanitarian groups are concerned that AI might one day be able to take lives autonomously and are seeking greater restrictions on its use.
Torrential rains in southern Texas cause flooding that has closed schools, roads
HOUSTON — Torrential rain is inundating southeastern Texas, forcing schools to cancel classes and closing numerous highways around Houston. The National Weather Service on Friday reported more than 9 inches of rain during the past 24 hours The agency has issued a flood warning until Tuesday for the region. A flash flood warning is in effect in the area Friday morning. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but officials have reported several people being rescued from high waters. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Thursday issued a mandatory evacuation order for people along a portion of the San Jacinto River in northern Harris County.
Sony, private equity firm interested in buying Paramount for $26B, AP source says
Sony Pictures and Apollo Global Management have expressed interest in buying Paramount Global for $26 billion. That's according to a person familiar with the details. Sony would be the majority shareholder and Apollo would have a minority stake, according to the person, who requested anonymity because details of the offer have not been made public. The Sony-Apollo offer was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
U.K. Conservatives set for historic losses in polls as Labour calls for general election
LONDON — Britain’s governing Conservative Party is suffering heavy losses as local election results pour in. The results coming in on Friday are cementing expectations that the Labour Party is headed for power for the first time in 14 years at a U.K. general election that will take place in coming months.. Labour won control of councils in England it hasn’t held for decades and was successful in a special by-election for Parliament. The results overall make for grim reading for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. But he was able to breathe a sigh of relief when the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley in the northeast of England was reelected albeit with a hugely depressed vote.
Universities take steps to prevent protest disruptions of graduation ceremonies
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Some U.S. universities with weekend graduation ceremonies are taking steps to contain any disruptions amid tension over the Israel-Hamas war. The University of Michigan says staff and security officers are ready to respond. It says interfering with commencement will not be considered free speech. Indiana University is designating protest zones outside graduation venues. Northeastern University in Boston is holding its commencement at Fenway Park a week after a pro-Palestinian encampment was removed and nearly 100 protesters were arrested. Students booed and yelled “free Palestine” while the University of Utah president spoke at Thursday night's commencement.
A Chinese flavor of rap music is flourishing as emerging musicians find their voices
CHENGDU, China — In 2018, the censors who oversee Chinese media issued a directive to the nation’s entertainment industry. They barred artists with tattoos and those who represent hip-hop or any other subculture. For months, no rappers appeared on the dozens of variety shows and singing competitions on Chinese TV. But what had looked like the end for Chinese hip-hop was just the beginning. It has managed to thrive by carving out a space for itself while staying clear of the government’s red lines. And it's balancing genuine creative expression with something palatable in a country with powerful censors. Today, musicians say they’re looking forward to an arriving golden age.
