Hurricane season is over, but an “extreme weather event” is timeless.

Happening in the World: Yesterday, the US announced a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. In Monday’s press conference, White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed that no official delegation would be sent to the Winter Games in response to China’s “human rights abuses and atrocities”. US athletes may still attend the games, making the boycott less severe than some previous US boycotts that pulled out all athletes. This diplomatic boycott as a means of protest has received bipartisan support; however, several politicians in both parties have also called for stronger boycott measures (BBC).

Happening in the US: A seasonal cyclone is expected to hit Hawaii with heavy rainfall through today, with a potential for “catastrophic flooding,” landslides, and power outages according to the National Weather Service. Because of the rarity of a cyclone stopping directly over the Hawaiian islands, many meteorologists have identified this cyclone as an extreme weather event. Officials are preparing for “fast water rescues” in severely flooded areas. Disruptions due to the cyclone have included school closures, power outages, and road closings, with more disturbances to be expected today (NYT).

Happening in NYC: On Monday, Mayor de Blasio announced that all private-sector employers in New York City will be required to impose COVID-19 vaccine mandates on its employees. This move comes as the first cases of the new omicron variant have been recorded in New York City. The mandate will take effect on December 27, applying to roughly 184,000 businesses not covered by previous mandates. In-person workers will be required to provide proof that they have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and these workers will not be allowed to opt-out by agreeing to regular COVID-19 testing (AP).

Happening in Our Community: Today from 4 to 5 pm, a Campus Update Forum will be held regarding COVID-19 and the newly-identified Omicron variant. Join panelists Melanie Bernitz, Wafaa El-Sadr, Donna Lynne, and Gerry Rosberg for up-to-date information regarding the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance for campus gatherings, travel policy, and the new year. Registration information, which is required to attend this forum, can be found here.

“i bless the rains down in hawaii” via bwarchives