Boris Johnson’s “Partygate” and free COVID-19 antiviral treatments marks the beginning of the first week of in-person courses.

Happening in the World: Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 2020 birthday party is being investigated by the police. This follows a report by Sue Gray, a senior British civil servant who conducted the report at Johnson’s request. The report suggests “failures in leadership and judgement” on the Prime Minister’s behalf and asserts that he violated his own pandemic regulations. The report and this ensuing investigation could prove fatal for the Prime Minister’s career—demand for a vote of no confidence in him from his own party would result in a poll that could force him out of office. (CNN)

Happening in the US: Over 500 acres of land in California’s redwood forest was returned to descendants of the indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed from the sacred land. San Francisco conservation group Save the Redwoods League purchased the land and donated it to the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, a group of 10 federally-recognized tribal nations. The council renamed the property Tc’ih-Léh-Dûñ, which means “Fish Run Place” in the Sinkyone language, and is striving to “restore balance in the ecosystem and in the communities connected to it.” (CNN)

Happening in NYC: Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City will soon offer free COVID-19 antiviral pills to eligible New Yorkers. The five-day dose of antiviral pills will reduce symptoms of COVID-19, by stopping the virus from reproducing in the body. The pills will use at-home-delivery, as to allow sick New Yorkers to stay home without the risk of exposing others to the illness. (Eyewitness News)

Happening in Our Community: Today is the first day back to in-person classes after two weeks of online courses, which started January 18. Following a staggered schedule from January 31 on, the University will return to indoor dining, in-person social gatherings, and will update residential visitor policies.

a majestic redwood forest via Bwog Archives