The U.S. State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, will use an AI-algorithm to identify and revoke the visas of student that support Hamas.

Happening in the World: Two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village in South Korea near the border with North Korea, injuring eight people. The incident occurred during a joint live-fire exercise with the U.S. military. The South Korean Air Force apologized, pledged compensation, and announced an investigation into the incident. (AP)

Happening in the US: The U.S. State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, will use an AI-algorithm to identify and cancel visas of foreign nationals suspected of supporting Hamas or other designated terror groups. The “Catch and Revoke” program will review student visa holders’ social media accounts, particularly scrutinizing expressions of support for Hamas after its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Officials are also checking internal databases for past arrests and media reports on anti-Israel demonstrations. Critics argue the effort infringes on free speech rights, deterring student visa-holders from participating in protests critical of Israel. (Axios)

Happening in NYC: A federal judge rejected New York City’s request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately return over $80 million in shelter funding that it rescinded two weeks ago. The city sued the Trump administration after FEMA rescinded grant money intended to reimburse the city for hotels it leased to shelter migrants. The city argued that FEMA’s concerns about migrant gang activity in a shelter were a pretext for blocking congressionally approved funds. The judge found the city failed to prove irreparable harm, though the lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction will proceed. (AP)

Happening in our Community: One of Iran’s preeminent essayists, Habibe Jafarian’ and the translator of her works, Salar Abdoh, will discuss the advent of the contemporary personal essay form in Iran on Friday, March 7 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM in the second floor common room of the Heyman Center for the Humanities. The event is hybrid, and you can register here.

Image via Wikimedia Commons