There’s truly nothing like a big ol’ family reunion.

Happening in the World: Barack Obama arrived to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland. The former US President is expected to speak on how island nations, often hit hardest by climate change and rising sea levels, need to be treated better by the biggest polluters. Already, some island nations and small costal countries have discussed the need for wealthy countries to create a $100 billion dollar climate relief fund for the damage they have inflicted onto the environment (BBC).

Happening in the US: The United States fully reopened its borders today, ending over a year and a half of restrictions that separated millions of families. Under the new rules, all fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed into the US provided they can show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days. Unvaccinated Americans and children under the age of 18 will also be allowed entry if they provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day (NYT).

Happening in NYC: The $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill that passed Congress on Friday will give ample funding to a series of New York infrastructure projects. Some of the projects to be funded include the modernization of the subway and the Gateway Project, which will allow for two new tunnels to be built under the Hudson river (Gothamist).

Happening in Our Community: Happening today, at 4 pm, will be a Columbia Energy Straight Talk, hosted by Cheryl LaFleur and David Hill, and featuring Judge Thomas B. Griffith. See more details here.

big ol’ family reunion where nothing could go wrong via Flickr