New York police cleared protesters from Columbia University’s campus after days of mounting tensions, as Florida’s six-week abortion ban took effect, and the Federal Reserve delivered an update on interest rates. The NYPD responded to violent clashes between pro-Palestinian encampment and counter-protesters at UCLA, while special police units cleared an occupied building Columbia University. Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD blamed outside agitators for co-opting student protests against the war in Gaza and engaging in dangerous tactics, leading to numerous arrests. The situation remained tense as police presence grew on campus, ultimately resulting in the campus being declared clear just before 11 p.m.
Florida’s six-week abortion ban, which makes it a felony to perform or participate in an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, went into effect. The law only allows exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking up to 15 weeks. Despite being a refuge for abortion access in the South, Florida joins neighboring states with tighter restrictions on abortion care. Abortion clinics are navigating the new law, with some continuing to operate while anticipating changes. Anti-abortion groups are eager for the ban to take effect, raising concerns for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.
The Federal Reserve announced that key interest rates would likely remain between 5.25% and 5.5%, reflecting stagnant annual inflation rates. The Fed aims for a 2% inflation rate, and the elevated interest rates are intended to reduce demand for goods and services. However, the efficacy of this strategy remains mixed. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s hush money trial continued, with Trump being fined for violating a gag order and facing criticism for social media posts. The trial featured significant witness testimony, including Trump’s former lawyer who negotiated settlements with women alleging sexual encounters with the former president.
A false social media post about noncitizens registering to vote led to widespread misinformation, debunked by election officials and fact-checkers. In politics, the Biden administration plans to reclassify cannabis for the first time in over 50 years, challenging federal restrictions. In New York, Democratic state Sen. Tim Kennedy won a special election, narrowing the GOP majority in the House. A federal court blocked Louisiana from using a gerrymandered congressional map. Chuck Todd analyzed the impact of big tech companies on society, while concerns about election integrity and safety for election officials persist.
A survey found that over a third of local election officials in the U.S. have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, highlighting ongoing challenges in election security. Finally, grizzly bears are set to return to Washington state as part of a conservation effort amidst declining populations. In other news, severe weather in Kansas resulted in a tornado-related death, a makeup company faced backlash over a controversial shade, and a tragic incident involving a bounce house in Arizona raised safety concerns. Online shopping recommendations from NBC Select were also featured.
