News in :90 – April 17, 2024

In the United Arab Emirates, record rainfall floods Dubai International Airport. The rain began late Monday and continued into Tuesday. A reported six inches fell over the 24-hour period. In context, the average yearly rainfall in Dubai is three inches.

The flooding has delayed air travel, closed schools and many workers worked remotely if possible. Many who were on the roads during the storm were swept away, killing at least 19 people.

In New York, Columbia University’s president Nemat Shaft rebuts claims of allowing antisemitic violence on campus, but students disagree. Protests of the Israel-Hamas War have sparked conflicts between students across the country.

While Shaft states the demonstrations have been peaceful, some Jewish students say antisemitism has gone unchecked at Columbia, as many have experienced both verbal and physical violence.

Columbia is the subject of a series of Department of Education investigations into antisemitism and Islamaphobia on campus. It has also been targeted by lawsuits from both sides, including groups of Jewish students who have filed suit, saying antisemitism on campus violates their civil rights.

Minnesota native and Olympic champion Sun Lee is expected to return to the Paris Games after battling kidney disease. Lee’s illness impacted her ability to move and practice gymnastics. Lee is now working on training and improving her skills to compete in this summer’s games.

Justin Jones can be reached at jone1525@stthomas.edu.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *