My ninth grade English teacher obviously forgot to add “person vs. virus” to the list of literary conflict types…

Happening in the World: China announced this week that it plans to reopen international travel to individuals who have received a Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine. The Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine, China’s flagship indigenous vaccine candidate, has only been exported to 28 countries, however, and only in Indonesia and Turkey is it being deployed widely. Some experts worry that this move bodes poorly for diplomacy, as other countries may be emboldened to do the same regarding their own vaccines. (CNN)

Happening in the US: President Biden fired five staffers this week over prior use of cannabis and other drugs. While cannabis is legal for recreational use in the District of Columbia, its federal prohibition is still enforced in many settings. This comes even as Biden’s administration has instituted a policy allowing for up to 15 prior uses of cannabis per year for staff. (AP)  

Happening in NYC: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York in Congress’ upper chamber, announced a “vaccine supercharge” for New York state yesterday, thanks in part to provisions in the American Rescue Plan. New York state will be receiving 1.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines per week, a 33% increase, as well as funding to construct 200 more vaccination sites statewide and hire 5,000 workers to help administer shots. (NY Daily News)

Happening in Our Community: The Center on Global Energy Policy’s Carbon Management Research Initiative and Women in Energy program is hosting a virtual talk this Monday, March 22, from 12 to 1:30 pm on carbon capture, use, and storage as a method of combatting climate change. Register here. 

supercharge via Bwog Archives