Ongoing protests continue throughout Columbia’s campus and beyond. Editor’s Note: mentions of death and violence. 

Happening in the World: In Japan, a gyoza brand called Osaka Ohsho has started using AI technology to detect any mistakes in the factory line. This new technology has increased efficiency and speed considerably compared to other dumpling production locations. But this innovation will become more and more necessary as Japan’s labor force is expected to decline by 12% between 2022 to 2040. Japan is home to the world’s oldest population and one of the world’s lowest birth rates. So, as AI technology arrives, it is implemented across sectors, including agriculture and language acquisition in schools. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Today, the House of Representatives is expected to pass a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, including other measures within the package. This vote will happen after months of opposition and threats to oust Speaker Mike Johnson from his position. Johnson has divided the package into separate aid bills as well as a bill that would ban TikTok and one that would place additional sanctions on Iran. If the bills pass as they are expected to, each piece will be unified into a $95 billion package for President Biden to sign. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: On Friday, Maxwell Azzarello set himself on fire in a park outside of former President Trump’s courthouse trial. Azzarello was engulfed in flames for 2 minutes until law enforcement put out the fire with extinguishers. Azzarello distributed conspiracy-based pamphlets to witnesses before committing self-immolation. He was rushed to emergency care on Friday afternoon in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 11 pm. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Due to ongoing protests on Butler West Lawn and throughout the Barnumbia community, Student Experience and Engagement (SEE) announced that all Barnard student programming will be canceled for Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. The West Lawn protests are in solidarity with the 108 people arrested on Butler East Lawn for occupying a Gaza solidarity encampment. Protests have continued into Saturday. 

Protest outside of main gates via Bwarchives