Whether you’re providing aid to disaster victims, preventing an overdose, or just wearing your mask, we can all find ways to help each other.

Happening in the World: In a speech in Greece, Pope Francis condemned the treatment of immigrants in Europe. During a visit to the island of Lesbos, Pope Francis met with dozens of immigrants; he then delivered a speech in which he urged those in power to focus on addressing the causes of mass immigration instead of punishing those who face their consequences (BBC).

Happening in the US: The highly infectious Omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in 16 states. While the first Omicron case in the United States was detected in California, cases have since appeared across the country, including in New York. So far, none of the reported Omicron cases have resulted in serious illness or death (NYT).

Happening in NYC: Those in New York and New Jersey who were impacted by Hurricane Ida will now have until January to apply for FEMA financial assistance, according to the agency. The storm, which caused widespread damage to structures around the city, also took the lives of almost four-dozen people (Gothamist).

Happening in Our Community: Make sure to register for Columbia’s Virtual Naloxone Training, running from 4 to 5 pm tomorrow. Not only will participants gain skills that could save the life of someone who is overdosing, but they will also receive a free Naloxone kit following completion of the training.

Pope Francis giving a different (but probably still important) speech via Wikimedia Commons