Person rushed away on a stretcher after fire extinguished outside Trump trial
NEW YORK — Emergency crews have rushed away a person on a stretcher after a fire was extinguished outside the New York courthouse where jury selection was taking place in Donald Trump’s hush money criminal case. A person could be seen lying on the ground on fire Friday. People then rushed over to douse the person with a fire extinguisher and try to bat the flames away. Emergency responders then rushed the person away on a stretcher. A full jury of 12 people and six alternates had been seated in Trump’s hush money case just minutes earlier, drawing the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president a step closer to opening statements.
Israel and Iran both playing down apparent Israeli strike
JERUSALEM — Israel and Iran are both playing down an apparent Israeli airstrike near a major air base and nuclear site in central Iran. The muted public responses signal the two bitter enemies are ready to prevent their latest eruption of violence from escalating into a full-blown regionwide war. But the indecisive outcome of weeks of tensions — which included an alleged Israeli strike that killed two Iranian generals, an unprecedented Iranian missile barrage on Israel and the apparent Israeli strike early Friday in the heart of Iran — has done little to resolve the deeper grievances between the foes and left the door open to further fighting.
Police arrest dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters in New York
NEW YORK — New York police have disbanded a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at Columbia University and arrested more than 100 protesters, including the daughter of a prominent Minnesota congresswoman. Several student demonstrators said they also were suspended from Columbia and Barnard College, including Isra Hirsi — the daughter of Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. The congresswoman had questioned Columbia’s president Wednesday about the school’s targeting of pro-Palestinian protesters. Police said 108 people, including Omar's daughter, were charged with trespassing. Two people were also charged with obstructing government administration. New York Mayor Eric Adams said the city was asked by university officials to remove the protesters opposed to Israeli military action in Gaza.
Ukraine, Israel aid package advances in rare House vote
WASHINGTON — The House has pushed a $95 billion national security aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies closer to passage. A key procedural vote gained approval Friday to move ahead with the bill, Democrats joining Republicans in a rare assist. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been making the rounds on conservative media working to salvage the wartime funding, particularly for Ukraine as it faces a critical moment battling Russia. His own job is also under threat as the restless right flank threatens to oust him from office. President Joe Biden sent a swift endorsement of the speaker’s plan. Final votes on the package are expected Saturday.
Biden administration restricts oil, gas leasing in Alaska's petroleum reserve
JUNEAU, Alaska — The U.S. oil industry’s top lobbying group says Biden administration rules restricting oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska’s petroleum reserve are “misguided.″ The American Petroleum Institute says the rules limit development in a region “intended by Congress to bolster America’s energy security.” The Biden administration Friday finalized rules that would restrict new oil and gas leasing and development in portions of the federal petroleum reserve in Alaska that are considered particularly sensitive as the Arctic continues to warm. The decision finalizes protections for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska first proposed last year. Environmentalists are elated. But Senate Republicans says the Democratic president's action will lead to energy insecurity.
Starbucks redesigns its cups to reduce amount of plastic used
Booming sales of cold drinks at Starbucks stores have created a problem: growing amounts of plastic waste from the single-use cups that Frappuccinos, Refreshers, cold brews and other iced drinks are served in. Starbucks said on Thursday that it plans to alleviate some of that waste with new disposable cups that contain up to 20% less plastic. The cups are due to be rolled out to stores in the U.S. and Canada starting this month. Although Seattle-based Starbucks got its start selling coffee, the company says cold drinks now account for 75% of its U.S. sales. Starbucks says the reduced-plastic cups are part of a commitment to cut its waste in half by 2030.
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because pedal can get stuck
Tesla is recalling nearly 4,000 of its 2024 Cybertrucks after it discovered that the accelerator pedal can become stuck, potentially causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tesla informed the agency that the pedal pad may dislodge and become trapped by the interior trim. The recall involves model year 2024 Cybertrucks made between Nov. 13, 2023 and April 4, 2024, according to the NHTSA. Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries or deaths related to the issue.
Olympic organizers unveil strategy for using artificial intelligence in sports
LONDON — Olympic organizers have unveiled their plans to use artificial intelligence in sports, joining the global rush to capitalize on the rapidly advancing technology. The International Olympic Committee outlined its agenda for taking advantage of AI. Officials said it could be used to help identify promising athletes, personalize training methods and make the games fairer by improving judging. IOC President Thomas Bach said the committee is “determined to exploit the vast potential of AI in a responsible way." The IOC revealed its AI strategy as it gears up to hold the Paris Olympics, which are set to kick off in just under 100 days.
