Beginning in March, anyone with a library card can go see the archives of Joan Didion and her husband Gregory Dunne.

Happening in the World: 88 year-old Pope Francis appears to have taken a turn for the worse with his lung condition. After suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis during his treatment for pneumonia and another lung disease, he is now considered to be in critical condition. He is receiving blood transfusions and is “not out of danger” yet, according to the Vatican. Doctors have mentioned that his illness is uncertain, considering his age and pre-existing lung disease. (AP)

Happening in the US:  The USDA federal scholarship aimed at helping students from underrepresented and rural areas who attend historically Black colleges and universities is now on hold. This suspension coincides with the funding freeze by President Donald Trump’s administration which is allowing for his administration to review spending that might not align with Trump’s executive orders. The funding freeze has been challenged and will affect universities including Alabama A&M and North Carolina A&T. (AP)

Happening in NYC: Beginning March 26, the New York Public Library is opening up the archives of Joan Didion and her husband Gregory Dunne to anyone with a library card. The collection consists of 336 boxes and contains “the most comprehensive collection of the authors’ materials.” The collection consists of photographs, professional and personal documents, screenplay drafts, and films. The library hopes this will spark interest in their works amongst new generations. The archives will be housed at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in the Manuscripts and Archives Division on Fifth Avenue. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: On Monday, February 24, at The Forum at Columbia University, the new Climate School Signature Speaker, Elizabeth Kolbert, will speak. She is currently a Staff Writer for The New Yorker and has also published books regarding the topic of climate change, one of which received a Pulitzer Prize. The discussion will touch on solar geoengineering and will take place from 4 to 6 pm. For information, click here.

Header Image via Bwog Archives