Things are looking up for Canal Street.

Happening in the World: China’s top legislature has ratified its extradition treaty with Serbia, allowing the two countries to request the return of wanted persons from each other’s territory. Human rights advocates warn the agreement could put dissidents, asylum seekers, and Taiwanese individuals at risk, though European courts can still block extraditions. The deal follows years of growing Chinese investment and police cooperation in Serbia. (Reuters)

Happening in the US: California’s Legislature has approved a first-of-its-kind bill that would prohibit most law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings that hide their identity during public interactions. Lawmakers say the measure responds to immigration raids carried out by masked agents and aims to ease fear in immigrant communities. The bill still needs Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature and could face legal challenges over whether the state can regulate federal agents. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: The city’s transportation department is planning to widen sidewalks along a crowded stretch of Canal Street in Chinatown, aiming to ease pedestrian congestion caused by street vendors and heavy foot traffic. The proposal would also remove a traffic lane and turn the Baxter Street triangle into a plaza, part of a broader effort to improve safety after multiple serious crashes on the corridor. Street safety advocates say the plan is a positive step but want the city to take stronger measures, like installing permanent concrete sidewalks. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Join a panel discussion on Nepal’s anti-corruption protests from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Zoom, hosted by Columbia’s Saltzman Institute. The event will feature experts on the protests’ causes and impact, moderated by Dr. Rumela Sen. Advance registration required.

Sidewalk via Bwarchives