Columbia University cites progress with Gaza war protesters after encampment arrests
NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University says that it is making “important progress” with pro-Palestinian student protesters who set up a tent encampment and the university has extended a deadline to clear out. The university said early Wednesday that student protesters “have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents.” A smaller encampment remained on campus Wednesday morning. The university says that there was “constructive dialogue” and it will continue conversations for 48 hours. The protest is one of many at schools across the U.S. against Israel’s war with Hamas. Many students have been arrested as universities struggle to balance campus safety with free speech rights.
Biden tries to navigate the Israel-Hamas war protests roiling college campuses
NEW YORK (AP) — Student protests over the war in Gaza have created a new and unpredictable challenge for President Joe Biden. The Democratic president is resisting calls to cut off U.S. support for Israel while trying to hold together a coalition of supporters he’ll need for reelection. The student protests have seized attention and resurfaced questions about Biden’s lagging support from young voters and his handling of Israel’s war with Hamas. At best for Biden, the protests are a passing distraction while the White House presses forward with negotiations over a cease-fire. At worst for Biden, the protests build momentum toward mass protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
UN calls for investigation into mass graves uncovered at two Gaza hospitals raided by Israel
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations is calling for “a clear, transparent and credible investigation” of mass graves uncovered at two major hospitals in war-torn Gaza that were raided by Israeli troops. A U.N. spokesman said Tuesday that credible investigators must have access to the sites. The U.N. human rights chief also said he was “horrified” by the destruction of the hospitals and the reported discovery of mass graves in and around the facilities. He also called for independent investigations, saying that “given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators.” The Israeli military said its forces exhumed bodies that Palestinians had buried earlier as part of its search for the remains of hostages captured by Hamas.
What to listen for during Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump and presidential immunity
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution in a case charging him with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Thursday’s hearing is a historic day for the court, with the justices having an opportunity to decide once and for all whether former presidents can be prosecuted for official acts they take while in the White House. But between a decades-old case about Richard Nixon, and an obscure constitutional provision about presidential impeachments, there are likely to be some unfamiliar concepts and terms thrown about.
More US aid will help Ukraine avoid defeat in its war with Russia. Winning is another matter
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A new package of $61 billion in U.S. aid may prevent Ukraine from losing its war against Russia. But winning it will be a long slog. The aid approval means Ukraine may be able to release artillery ammunition that it has been rationing. The difference could be felt within days on the front line. That may help slow Russian troops, who are taking territory against massively outgunned Ukrainian forces. And the new aid will buy Ukraine time for long-term planning about how to turn the tide. Many military experts believe that neither Ukraine nor Russia is capable of mounting a major offensive until next year. But Russia is pushing forward along the front line, and Ukraine says it desperately needs artillery ammunition and air defenses to counter the assaults.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman’s life
NEW YORK (AP) — A New Jersey woman who was near death has received a transplanted pig kidney, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart. Doctors at NYU Langone Health say 54-year-old Lisa Pisano is recovering well. She is only the second patient ever to receive a pig kidney. The first, a man transplanted last month in Boston, also is faring well. Pisano was far sicker, suffering a combination of heart and kidney failure. It’s the latest in a string of attempts to make animal-to-human organ transplants a reality.
Biden’s long fight with Republicans over Ukraine aid has ended, but significant damage has been done
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has reached the end of a long, painful battle with Republicans to secure urgently needed replenishment of aid for Ukraine. The Democratic president on Wednesday will sign into law a $95 billion war aid measure that also includes assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other allies. But significant damage has been done to the Biden administration’s effort to help Ukraine repel Russia’s brutal invasion during the monthslong funding impasse. Even with the new weapons and ammunition, it’s unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks. Still, Biden says the legislation will make the world more secure as the U.S. supports its friends fighting against terrorists and tyrants.
US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered
After years of attempts to ban the Chinese-owned app, including by former President Donald Trump, a measure to outlaw the popular video-sharing app has won congressional approval and is on its way to President Biden for his signature. The measure gives Beijing-based parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the company, with a possible additional three months if a sale is in progress. If it doesn’t, TikTok will be banned. Here are some key questions and answers.
Supreme Court weighs whether states can ban abortion, even during some medical emergencies
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing arguments over whether state abortion bans enacted after its sweeping ruling overturning Roe v. Wade can extend to medical emergencies. The case being heard Wednesday will determine when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the Supreme Court’s sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The case comes from Idaho, which is among 14 states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. The Biden administration argues federal health care law says hospitals must be allowed to terminate pregnancies in rare emergencies when a patient’s life or health is at serious risk. Idaho contends its ban has exceptions for life-saving abortions.
USDA updates rules for school meals that limit added sugars for the first time
U.S. agriculture officials announced new nutrition standards for school meals that will limit added sugars for the first time. The Department of Agriculture issued final rules for the program that serves breakfast to more than 15 million students and lunch to nearly 30 million children every year. Limits on added sugars in foods such as cereal, yogurt and flavored milk will start in 2025. By 2027, added sugars will be limited to no more than 10% of total calories per week in the school meals. The new rule also trims sodium in kids’ meals.
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