Updates on global events and another film screening!
Happening in the World: Around 20 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies may soon enter Gaza after Israel cut off essential services and aid deliveries following a Hamas attack. Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been running out of basic supplies. However, humanitarian organizations warn this aid will be insufficient. The UN says that a minimum of 100 trucks of humanitarian assistance is needed to support Gaza’s population. Fuel shortages are exacerbating the water crisis. An agreement between the US and Egypt will allow limited aid deliveries through Egypt’s Rafah crossing. Israel will permit food, water, and medical supplies but not fuel. The exact timeline for aid delivery remains unclear. (BBC)
Happening in the US: Republican Rep. Jim Jordan’s bid to become House Speaker has resulted in a stalemate. Jordan, a hardline Trump ally, has been unable to secure the gavel, and other far-right Republicans are unwilling to support a more viable GOP nominee. The House faces an ongoing deadlock, and some have warned that it may remain leaderless for an extended period, causing concerns about government funding and other critical issues. Jordan failed to gain enough support in a crucial second ballot, and there is growing opposition to his candidacy. Despite some calls for him to withdraw, Jordan has shown no intention of doing so, further intensifying the Republican divide. (AP)
Happening in NYC: The NYPD has launched a pilot program that uses artificial intelligence to assess officers’ professionalism by analyzing body-worn camera footage. They partnered with Truleo, a tech company, to process and classify officers as “professional” or “unprofessional.” The technology analyzes audio recordings, transcribes conversations, and labels notable moments in interactions. The program aims to improve internal supervision and accountability. Concerns about data privacy and fairness have been raised. Truleo uses a “voice fingerprint” to protect other speakers’ anonymity and can redact personal information. They have partnered with 20 police departments across the U.S., but some have canceled contracts due to their officers’ unprofessional behavior. (Gothamist)
Happening in Our Community: Tonight from 6 to 8 pm, Columbia Center for Ethnomusicology in collaboration with the Center for Jazz Studies will be screening Hawaiian Soul followed by a discussion with Filmmaker ʻĀina Paikai. The event will take place in Garden Room 2 in Faculty House, 64 Morningside Drive. The screening is free and open to all but registration is required.
House chambers via Flickr