Police move in on UCLA protesters, call encampment an ‘unlawful gathering’

Officers move in on the campus of UCLA with the Los Angeles Police Department calling the pro-Palestinian encampment an "unlawful gathering." Arizona lawmakers vote to repeal a Civil War-era abortion ban. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Police clash with UCLA protesters, call encampment an 'unlawful gathering'

Police officers began clearing the pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of UCLA early Thursday morning. Officers in riot gear could be seen arresting some of the protesters following a standoff overnight.

Chants of "peaceful protest" contrast with images of police clashing with demonstrators at UCLA. Overnight, the LAPD declared the pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus an “unlawful gathering” and ordered the protesters to leave.

Protesters defied those orders, and police were seen entering the encampment Thursday morning. Reports indicate that officers pulled back shortly after scuffling with some of the protesters before they started to dismantle the barricades.

Those in the encampment were heard chanting, “We’re not leaving!”

The LAPD issued a citywide “tactical alert” on Wednesday, May 1, alerting officers they might be needed to assist with the ongoing situation.

UCLA has been broadcasting a message telling the protesters to disperse or face administrative action. The school announced classes would be remote May 2 and May 3.

These latest developments follow a violent encounter between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters early Wednesday morning.

Similar scenes are unfolding at other college campuses across the country, with police arresting multiple people Wednesday, including 90 at Dartmouth College and at least 15 at Fordham University.

Arizona Senate votes to repeal 1864 near-total abortion ban

Arizona's GOP-led Senate has voted to repeal a Civil War-era abortion ban, following a successful vote in the state House. The measure was supported by two Republican senators and all Democrats.

This move comes after the Arizona Supreme Court recently ruled the 1864 ban enforceable, overriding a 15-week abortion restriction enacted in 2022.

The repeal will take effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends.

The repeal bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for approval. If signed into law, Arizona's main abortion regulation would be the 2022 statute that bans the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Police fatally shoot armed student outside Wisconsin middle school

Police shot and killed an armed student Wednesday, May 1, outside a middle school in Wisconsin after responding to reports of an "active shooter."

The reports prompted an immediate lockdown and a safety sweep of Mount Horeb Middle School . Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, D, reported that no other injuries occurred during the incident.

"Police officers from the Mount Horeb Police Department responded to a report of an individual with a weapon outside the middle school," Kaul stated. "Police officers responded to that threat and they used deadly force. This incident took place outdoors. The subject in this case never gained entry to the school building during the incident, and the subject was a student in the Mount Horeb School District."

Kaul was unable to confirm whether any shots were fired by the suspect. He also noted that the investigation is still active and some officers involved will be placed on administrative leave.

The school district superintendent announced that the schools would remain open for those seeking support in the aftermath, with plans to resume classes soon.

NY prosecutors seek a fall retrial for Harvey Weinstein

Prosecutors in New York are planning to retry former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein this fall after an appeals court overturned his 2020 rape conviction last week. During a hearing Wednesday, May 1, the judge did not set an exact date but indicated that he expects the new trial to begin after the Labor Day holiday in September.

Weinstein, who appeared in a wheelchair for his first court appearance since his New York conviction was overturned, had been serving a 23-year sentence. He also faces a 16-year sentence for a rape conviction in California, which his attorneys say they plan to appeal this month.

The New York judge remanded Weinstein back to Bellevue Hospital where the 72-year-old former movie mogul has been receiving treatment since last Friday.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for May 29.

Reports: Exxon reaches agreement with FTC over $60 billion Pioneer merger

Exxon Mobil took a significant step toward closing its $60 billion mega-deal to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources after reaching an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday, May 1.

Federal antitrust regulators will not block the largest oil and gas deal in two decades after Exxon agreed to exclude former Pioneer Chief Executive Officer Scott Sheffield from its board of directors, according to multiple reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the FTC will allege as soon as this week that Sheffield engaged in collusive activity with OPEC representatives, which could have raised gas prices for Americans.

Once the agreement is filed, the acquisition could close within days, marking the biggest deal for Exxon since it merged with Mobil in the late 1990s.

Walt Disney World to host painting collection by former President George W. Bush

Walt Disney World is set to host an art exhibit featuring dozens of portraits of service members and veterans, all painted by former President George W. Bush.

The George W. Bush Institute in Texas is loaning 60 oil paintings, each accompanied by a story about the veteran written by the former president.

The collection will be on display for a year at the Florida theme park’s EPCOT attraction starting in June.

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