Learn more about artificial intelligence and emotional connection with The Society of Fellows this afternoon.

Happening Off-Campus: President Donald Trump has ordered the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new $250 million ballroom, with crews beginning work this week. The move marks a major expansion of the summer renovation plan and has sparked criticism from Democrats and conservationists over transparency and preservation concerns. Trump, who says the project is privately funded, insists the overhaul is “much-needed” and claims his administration has been “more transparent than anyone’s ever been.” BBC

Happening near Campus:  In last night’s final New York City mayoral debate before early voting begins Saturday, the candidates exchanged sharp words over a range of issues, including recent ICE raids in Chinatown, the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and the city’s affordable housing crisis. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani faced sustained criticism from both Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, particularly when the two pressed him to clarify his position on housing-related ballot initiatives that voters will consider on November 4. The debate also revisited the sexual harassment allegations that led to Cuomo’s 2021 resignation as governor, with both Sliwa and Mamdani referencing the controversy. Two of Cuomo’s accusers, Charlotte Bennett and Karen Hinton, were in attendance. Cuomo denied the allegations and defended his record. Following the debate, Cuomo was seen court-side at Madison Square Garden with Mayor Eric Adams, prompting speculation about a possible endorsement. Recent polls show Mamdani maintaining a double-digit lead over Cuomo, with Sliwa trailing in third place. Gothamist

Happening on Campus: This afternoon, The Society of Fellows will present this week’s Thursday Lecture Series (TLS) talk, Service Chatbots and Machine Lovers: From Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Intimacy from 11:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Heyman Center second-floor common room. The lecture will examine the growing intersection between artificial intelligence and emotional connection, exploring how AI technologies are reshaping notions of intimacy and what commercial, ethical, and social stakes emerge from these developments. The event is in person. You can register here. 

Song of the Day: “Crystal” by Stevie Nicks

Image via Bwog Archives