Will the Grinch steal Christmas this year?

Happening in the World: After experiencing an 18-hour blackout, power was restored in Spain and Portugal yesterday morning. Without power, cell service, or internet access, citizens experienced high anxiety and fear during this power outage. The cause of the blackout is still unknown and is currently under investigation. (NYT)

Happening in the US: Because of Trump’s increased tariffs on China, toy companies are forced to freeze holiday orders. Many Christmas decorations and toys are typically already being produced by this time of year, as it takes many months to manufacture and ship Chinese products to the US. Toy makers are predicting that there will be shortages and higher prices, and many fear they might face bankruptcy in the upcoming holiday season. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: NYC has been in a housing crisis for a while now, as many apartments that could be used for low and middle-income housing sit empty after their original tenants move out. To help fix this crisis, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development is removing “re-rental” requirements, now allowing building owners to post empty apartments on real estate company websites like StreetEasy. Hopefully, this policy will quicken the turnaround rate for apartments and help fix the housing crisis in NYC. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: From 12 to 1 pm today, Associate Adjunct Professor Eeva Kallio will lecture on holistically understanding wisdom. This lecture is part of the Spring 2025 Seminars of the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center. Kallio will focus on the benefits of aging and the skills one acquires as one ages. You can find registration details here.

Image via Flickr