World unity! Soccer! Bworts!

Happening in the World: As soccer fans know, the World Cup is well underway, with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1 in a Group C opener game in Lusail. Ten minutes after half-time, the Green Falcons scored two goals, and held Argentina at bay for the rest of the game. Argentina, which has a 36 unbeaten game streak since the 2019 Copa America, came into the tournament as one of the most iconic soccer teams. Fans are faced with their crushing defeat, especially since Saudi Arabia is ranked 51st in the world. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia takes on Poland, while Argentina faces Mexico. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Following three failed execution attempts, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has suspended all state executions and has called for a review of Alabama’s execution process after many processing problems. Prison officials were unable to insert an IV into Kenneth Eugene Smith before his death warrant expired, and came under scrutiny in July for the execution of Joe Nathan James, who also had prison officials struggle to access his veins. Ivey requested that the state attorney general withdraw pending requests for execution dates until they “get this right” for the victims’ families, and requested a review of “legal tactics and criminals hijacking the system.” (NYT)

Happening in NYC: The New York City Council approved a plan to build the largest private housing development in Queens after last minute talks between the developers and the community. The project, called Innovation QNS, would create 3,200 new apartments in Astoria, with 1,400 units designed to be affordable housing. This new neighborhood would expand upon an emptier, more industrial block in Queens, and add further retail and restaurant spaces to create a new housing community. After review from the Department of City Planning and the go-ahead from the Council’s land use committee, the City Council could vote on this neighborhood expansion this afternoon. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Are you building a start up? Learn from the experience of company founders like Matt Wadiak of Blue Apron and Kevin Ryan of Insider and Nomad Health in this panel discussion. The panel will take place in the Davis Auditorium in Schapiro CEPSR, 530 W. 120th Street. No registration is required for this event, and please contact Apoorv Agarwal at apoorv@cs.columbia.edu for more information.

Soccer Time via Wikimedia Commons