Conservatives cement control of the Iranian government, tuition costs are dropping on the California coast, and other things that start with the letter C.

Happening in the world: Iran’s elections had the lowest turnout since the 1979 revolution, with only 42.6% of eligible voters participating. Anxieties over COVID-2019—Iran now has 43 confirmed cases—discontent over the shooting down of the Ukrainian passenger plane in January, and calls by critics of the regime to boycott voting in an election that has banned thousands of candidates have all been cited as reasons for the low turnout. Whatever the reason, the meager turnout has only helped cement the Conservatives’ control of the Iranian government. (BBC)

Happening in the US: On Thursday, the University of Southern California announced that it would make tuition free for studies from families who make $80,000 or less. The scandal-ridden school—at the heart of last year’s college admissions drama and dealing with allegations of sexual abuse—is following in the footsteps of many universities, public and private, in lowering tuition costs for middle- and lower-income families. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: The city is expanding a government program dedicated to mental health outreach and counseling to employees of the NYC Department of Education. The expansion will accompany mental health services many staff has access to through the city teachers union, widening the options available to those who need it. (New York Daily News)

Happening on campus: Join professors Huang Yangzhong, Yang Wan, and Nicholas Bartlett for a discussion about China’s response to the novel coronavirus COVID-2019 at 12 pm in the International Affairs Building. The panel plans to be interdisciplinary, “drawing on perspectives from epidemiology, public health and governance, urban planning, and medical anthropology.” Registration is required, and there will be a live-stream of the event. (Columbia Events)

How to start your week: It’s going to be nice and sunny today! When you’ve stared at your computer screen/your reading/the wall too long, go outside and feel the sun. Watch some dogs run around. Forget that it’s February.

Image via Wikimedia