NC public universities board repeals policy in vote that likely cuts diversity jobs

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s public university system will likely see existing diversity jobs cut after its governing board voted Thursday to repeal its current diversity policy. The old policy outlines various diversity-related jobs in the University of North Carolina system and the new changes remove mention of those roles, suggesting their elimination. Its outcome will impact all 17 schools in the system immediately. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill moved to curtail diversity programs last week after the university’s board voted to reallocate $2.3 million in diversity, equity and inclusion spending in next year’s budget to public safety initiatives instead.

Ocean heat and La Nina combo likely mean more Atlantic hurricanes this summer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Get ready for what nearly all the experts think will be one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record thanks to unprecedented ocean heat and a brewing La Nina. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there’s an 85% chance that the Atlantic hurricane season that starts in June will be above average in storm activity. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven of which become hurricanes and three major hurricanes. About 20 other groups — universities, other governments, private weather companies — also have made seasonal forecasts. All but two foresee a busier, nastier summer and fall for hurricanes.

Gov’t sues Ticketmaster owner and asks court to break up company’s monopoly

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has sued Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment, accusing them in a sweeping antitrust lawsuit of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America that squelches competition and drives up prices for fans. Filed in federal court in Manhattan, the complaint was brought by 30 state and district attorneys general. It seeks to break up the monopoly they say is squeezing out smaller promoters, hurting artists and drowning ticket buyers in fees. The company has a long history of clashes with major artists and their fans, including Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.

General Sherman passes health check but world’s largest trees face climate threats

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, California (AP) — Researchers climbed the world’s largest tree to inspect for bark beetles and descended the giant sequoia with good news this week. Anthony Ambrose of the Ancient Forest Society led the team up the 275-foot tree called General Sherman. He said researchers found minimal beetle activity in the 2,200-year-old tree in California’s western Sierra Nevada. The inspection was part of a broader effort to protect sequoias from climate-driven threats including extreme heat, drought and wildfires. The Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition organized Tuesday’s climb. The group also tested the use of drones and satellite imagery for wider monitoring of the iconic trees for any beetle infestations and other threats.