The 44th annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island is back on track to take place this June.

Happening Off-Campus: Spain has barred U.S. military aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from using its airspace, escalating tensions between Madrid and Washington DC. The move follows an earlier decision by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government to deny U.S. access to joint military bases in southern Spain, reflecting its strong opposition to the ongoing war. Spanish officials say the restrictions align with their view that the conflict is unjust and should be brought to an end through diplomacy. (AP)

Happening Near Campus: The 44th annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island is likely to return after a surge of community support helped rescue the event from a potential cancellation earlier this year. Organizers at Coney Island USA had warned of a financial shortfall in March, but a successful GoFundMe campaign has since raised over $35,000 toward a $40,000 goal, boosting confidence that the parade will take place as planned on June 20. The Mermaid Parade is known for its DIY costumes, elaborate floats, and festive atmosphere inspired by Mardi Gras. While fundraising continues, organizers say the event still faces financial pressure due to declining revenues and broader challenges following the pandemic, as well as recent spending tied to opposing a proposed casino development in the neighborhood. (Gothamist)

Happening On Campus: Tonight, writer Andrew Leland will speak in conversation with Professor Chloé Cooper Jones as a part of The Nonfiction Dialogues series hosted by the Columbia MFA Writing Program. Andrew Leland is the author of The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight, which was a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir. The event will take place in 501 Dodge Hall from 7:30 to 9 pm. If you have an active CUID, you do not need to register for this event. Find more information here.

Song of the Day: “Love in Mine” by Big Thief

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