This week, the US grapples with economic policy, paid-leave laws, and open source challenges.

Happening in the World: A major fire broke out on Saturday evening outside of Tehran’s Evin prison, known for housing political prisoners, journalists, and foreign nationals. Eight people were injured, and videos of the fire show flames and smoke rising from the site, along with audible gunshots and explosions. In several videos, people can be heard chanting “death to the dictator,” the main slogan of the anti-government protest movement that has arisen following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini last month while in police custody. The protests mark the boldest challenge to the Iranian Republic since it was established in 1979. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Amidst concerns about international economic growth and policy, Biden has called UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ abandoned tax cut plan a “mistake,” stating he is not concerned about the strength of the US dollar, but worried about “the rest of the world. It’s worldwide inflation, that’s consequential.” The US dollar set a new record against the British pound in recent weeks, which benefits US imports but makes exports more expensive to other countries. (AP)

Happening in NYC: In the face of current New York paid-leave laws that do not include parents affected by pregnancy loss, NYC couple impacted by stillbirth, Crystal Rivera and Cristian Ortiz, traveled to DC to urge lawmakers to change New York’s paid family leave law to include stillbirths. Defined as the loss of a pregnancy at or after 20 weeks, stillbirth is distinct from miscarriage and occurs in about 1 in 175 births. Bills introduced by Senate and Assembly lawmakers to ensure paid leave to all New Yorkers following pregnancy, including cases of stillbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, have all yet to move out of committee. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Join the Department of Computer Science tomorrow, Monday, October 17, for “Trustworthy Open Source: The Consequences of Success,” an event that is part of Columbia’s Computer Science Distinguished Lecture Series. VP and Google Fellow Eric Brewer will speak about the structural and security challenges facing wide-spread use of open-source software and how we might solve them and address a more sustainable future. The event will take place from 11:40 am to 12:40 pm in Room 451 in the Mudd Building. Registration is not required.

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