Thousands of Health Department workers will be laid off under the Trump administration’s consolidation and restructuring of the United States’ health-related agencies.

Happening in the World: A volcano near the famous Blue Lagoon spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland erupted at 9:45 local time today after earthquakes hit the area. The nearby town, Grindavík, and the Blue Lagoon spa had already been evacuated due to detected volcanic activity. A 700-meter-wide fissure opened in the ground and is presently continuing to grow and form new cracks. Roads in and out of the area remain closed, and the Blue Lagoon will not reopen until next Tuesday. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Just days after President Donald Trump moved to strip government agency employees of their collective bargaining rights and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his plan to consolidate US health agencies and rename it the Administration for a Healthy America, many employees from the US Health and Human Services Department began receiving notices of dismissal. 10,000 people are expected to be laid off and the department will be shrunk to 62,000 positions. At least four directors of the National Institute of Health’s 27 agencies were put on administrative leave, and almost entire groups of communication staff were laid off. Cuts are also beginning to happen at the state and local levels. Positions in human resources, procurement, finance, and information technology will be the main target of the layoffs. (AP)

Happening in NYC: Former FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention Chief Brian Cordasco has been sentenced to over 20 months in prison. In court last fall, Cordasco admitted to accepting bribes to fast-track fire safety inspections and reviews, prioritizing retired firefighters’ clients instead of conducting assessments on a first-come, first-serve basis. He was indicted by a federal grand jury alongside another former chief, Anthony Saccavino, on charges of conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and lying to law enforcement. Cordasco will also have to pay a $100,000 fine. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: A Self-Care fair will be taking place today from 12 to 3 pm in 555 Lerner Hall. This event is meant to help students unwind and destress from their studies through arts and crafts, ice cream and snacks, and other mindfulness activities. Learn more here.

Image via Bwarchives