New middle school, new me.

Happening in the World: Taoiseach Micheál Martin has apologized to survivors after an investigation into Ireland’s mother and baby homes unearthed “appalling levels of infant mortality.” Most of which, were run by Catholic nuns. These homes were established in the 19th and 20th centuries for unwed mothers—a symptom of what the Irish government calls “a stifling, oppressive, and brutally misogynistic culture.” Around 9,000 children died in these homes, with the investigation finding an infant mortality rate of 15%. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Everyone’s heard it already, but Donald Trump has been impeached for a historic second time. The House of Representatives impeached him for inciting an insurrection against the government. However, Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, has said that he will not use emergency powers to recall the Senate back into session. That means that Donald Trump’s trial will coincide with Joe Biden’s inauguration and proceedings will continue into his Presidency. (NYTimes)

Happening in NYC: Applications for Middle School in NYC open up this afternoon, under a new no-screening policy. This new system will eliminate selective screening criteria such as attendance, grades, and test scores. Students instead will rank their top choices for school—with school’s prioritizing zoned students, in-district students, and continuing students. There will also be a separate lottery system if local demand outweighs the number of available spots. A similar model was taken up in Brooklyn District 15—however, the DOE has said they will not apply District 15’s priority for disadvantaged students citywide. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Columbia Health is offering virtual Naloxone training from 4 pm to 5 pm EST today, in collaboration with the Mailman School of Public Health and the School of General Studies. Naloxone kits will be mailed to all participants upon completion of the training. More information can be found on Columbia Health’s Website and you can register here.

Documentary of the Week: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 3—it’s pretty bad but I’m just watching it for Miranda Otto.

Tuam via Wikimedia Commons