If robots can race a half-marathon, so can you! Editor’s warning: mentions of LGBTQ discrimination.

Happening in the World: On Saturday, humanoid robots ran alongside humans in a half-marathon in Beijing, China. The robots varied in sizes and makes, navigating the 13.1 mile course supported by human navigators, operators, and engineers. The 20 teams competing in the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon participated and followed specific guidelines, including battery swap pit stops. The winning team, The Sky Project Ultra robot, also known as Tien Kung Ultra, finished the race in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. In addition to a first place medal, awards were also given out for best gait, best endurance, and most innovative form. (AP)

Happening in the US: The storybook Prince and Knight is one of five children’s books featuring LGBTQ characters aimed at children from kindergarten through fifth grade, which has irritated a Maryland school district and led to a Supreme Court case that the justices will hear on Tuesday. In the story, a prince lassos a dragon, saving a knight in shining armor, but as the prince slips, the knight also gets a chance to save him. The parents in Montgomery who object to the book for religious reasons want to pull their children from elementary school classes that utilize the book. So far, the lower courts have agreed despite the county school system refusing. The outcome on Tuesday may be different, acknowledging that the Court is dominated by conservative justices who have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years. (AP)

Happening in NYC: The ‘National Day of Action’ rally drew large crowds of protesters in Bryant Park in Midtown on Saturday as part of a series of nationwide demonstrations against Trump administration policies. The march was planned as part of a “National Day of Action” organized by the group 50501 (50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement). On its website, the group states that it opposes the influence of billionaires, economic injustice, attacks on democracy, and executive overreach. The 50501 spokesperson Hunter Dunn said that over 900 events took place across the country on Saturday. Protesters held signs related to causes such as the war in Gaza and climate change. This march came two weeks after the Hands Off! protests, which drew millions of people nationwide. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: On Monday, April 21, LASA and ILAS are presenting a discussion regarding the effect of the second Trump administration’s policies on Latin American countries. The talk will feature speakers, including Juan Cruz, Former Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, White House National Security Council (2017-2019). The discussion will be one hour and a half, followed by a light reception. Registration is not required, and the event will take place in the International Affairs Building in room 802 from 4 to 6 pm. For more information, click here.

Image via Bwog Archives