A new app called Protector allows users to hire bodyguards with the click of a button.

Happening in the World: Former Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault for forcibly kissing player Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory. The incident sparked national outrage and fueled Spain’s #MeToo movement. A Spanish court fined Rubiales €10,800 ($11,270) and barred him from approaching Hermoso for a year. He was acquitted of a separate coercion charge but must pay Hermoso €3,000 for moral damages. (NYT)

Happening in the US: A new app called Protector, described as “Uber with guns,” allows users in Los Angeles and New York to hire armed bodyguards at the tap of a button. The app offers customizable security options, including guard attire and black car preferences, with professionals sourced from law enforcement and military backgrounds. (ABC7)

Happening in NYC: Gov. Kathy Hochul has decided not to remove Mayor Eric Adams from office for now, citing respect for the democratic process and concerns over potential chaos. The decision follows allegations of a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration to drop his criminal case in exchange for cooperation on immigration enforcement. (CBS)

Happening in Our Community: On February 21, Dr. Clayton Myers from Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) will present a seminar on the construction of the SPARC tokamak, a high-field fusion device expected to achieve net fusion energy from 3-4 pm in Mudd Hall Room 825. He will discuss the rapid progress of SPARC, which bridges physics and engineering to advance fusion commercialization. In-person attendance is limited to CU ID holders, while non-affiliates can join remotely via Zoom. For access, contact cr2090@columbia.edu.

Image via Apple App Store