Trump Administration Puts Dozens of U.S.A.I.D. Officials on Paid Leave

AI Technology Used to Deliver Victim's Statement at SentencingChris Pelkey, who was killed in a road rage incident in Arizona three years ago, had his victim's statement presented via AI at his killer's sentencing, thanks to his family's use of voice recordings and videos. The AI version of Pelkey expressed forgiveness towards his assailant, Gabriel Horcasitas, who was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter. While some legal experts see this as a positive...

SummaryAn 89-year-old man named Robert Markel and his dog were killed in separate bear attacks near his home in Florida, with officials suggesting that multiple bears may have been involved. The attacks took place near Jerome, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to euthanize three bears for DNA testing to identify any connection to the incidents, which could mark the state's first documented fatal bear attack. Residents are advised to avoid the area...

A pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University's Butler Library escalated into a "crowd surge" on Wednesday, injuring two security officers as protesters attempted to breach the building. In response to the chaos, university officials called the NYPD for assistance, resulting in approximately 60 to 70 arrests. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of peaceful protest while condemning any lawlessness, assuring Jewish students of their safety on campus. Full Article

Summary of Bryan Kohberger's Trial RulingIn a ruling made public Thursday, Judge Steven Hippler allowed Bryan Kohberger's immediate family members to attend his upcoming quadruple-murder trial despite the possibility of being called as witnesses. Kohberger, charged with the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is facing a potential death penalty if convicted. The judge emphasized that the presence of family members supports the values of a public trial while minimizing...

The Justice Department announced the indictment of 20-year-old Tarek Bazrouk on federal hate crime charges for assaults on Jewish individuals during protests related to Israel and Gaza in 2024 and 2025. Bazrouk, arrested after the indictment was unsealed, is accused of stealing an Israeli flag from a group near Columbia University and subsequently punching a student when they attempted to retrieve it. Additional assaults occurred near Wall Street and Gramercy Park, and the government is...

SummaryFederal officials released images of a sightseeing helicopter that crashed in New York City on April 10, killing six people, including a family from Barcelona. The preliminary report from the NTSB revealed that the helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, suffered a midair breakup, likely due to mechanical issues, and the pilot, Seankese Johnson, had limited experience with the aircraft type. The crash has raised concerns about the safety of aerial tours in New York,...