Solidarity forever!

Happening in the World: According to an industry association, new Brexit trade regulations pertaining to electric vehicles could result in European manufacturers incurring £3.75 billion in costs over the next three years. Critics say that the “rules of origin,” which would apply to car shipments between the UK and the EU under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement are unfair for local manufacturers. These new guidelines require electric vehicles to have batteries manufactured in either the UK or the EU, with non-compliant cars facing a 10% tariff during English Channel transit. The regulations were originally intended to protect the European industry against inexpensive imports, but slow battery production growth in Europe has made it difficult for local automakers to meet these new regulations. (BBC)

Happening in the US: The Writers Guild of America reached a tentative agreement Sunday night with entertainment companies on a new contract, signaling the near end of a 146-day acting strike that has disrupted TV and film production. Guild members will soon vote on accepting the deal, which addresses their demands for higher royalties for streaming content and safeguards against AI impacting writers’ credits and pay. The W.G.A. negotiating committee expressed happiness with the potential deal, describing it as “exceptional” across all sectors of the guild. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: Bookworms! This one’s for you. The 18th Annual Brooklyn Book Festival is underway, with free events throughout the city for the next nine days. The virtual events this year feature dialogue between comedians Aparna Nancherla and Samantha Irby, a discourse on fatherhood in literature with celebrated Norwegian novelist Karl Ove Knausgård, and a culinary conversation spanning the African diaspora featuring three chef authors. In-person activities will begin on Monday, starting with a zine-making workshop in Gowanus and a discussion with Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri in East Harlem’s Africa Center. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: First few weeks of class stressing you out? Attend the Koru Basic Mindfulness and Meditation course this Monday from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. The course is supposed to increase relaxation, reduce self-criticism, heighten mindfulness, and a create greater sense of calm. To enroll, a four-week commitment and a daily 10-minute homework requirement are mandatory. To register for this online opportunity, please email alw65@cumc.columbia.edu with “Koru Mindfulness” in the subject line.

WGA on strike via Wikimedia Commons