My Spotify now consists of Taylor’s Version and Christmas music — Nicole T. Rozelman, STAFF WRITER

In the News

Custodians, Security Officers Rally to Demand Pay Increases As Contracts Near Expiration

On Tuesday, more than 80 custodians, security guards, and union supporters rallied in Harvard Yard to call for higher percentage wage increases from the University. Their one-year contract expired November 15th but was extended until Friday. The union has proposed higher increases across a four-year contract, and Harvard and the union met on Tuesday to discuss new proposals after the rally.

Bacow Offers Support for Proposed DACA Reinstatement in Letter to DHS

On Monday, Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, calling on them to reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Bacow has written letters in March 2019, July 2019, Feb. 2020, and June 2020 during the Trump administration. Bacow reiterated the importance of DACA recipients and their value to the nation as a whole.

Undergrads Found Group to Support Queer Athletes, Improve Harvard Athletics Policy and Culture

This semester, four undergraduate students have created Harvard Athlete Ally, a student organization with the goal of supporting queer student athletes and promoting inclusion in Harvard Athletics. Harvard Athlete Ally is the Harvard branch of the national nonprofit Athlete Ally with more than 30 campus chapters across the country. Earlier this academic year, the athletics department introduced new policy sections to better support BGLTQ athletes.

ON FLYBY

Reminder Guide of Campus Resources for the Forever-Grinding Student

With less than a week until reading period starts, chances are you’re probably feeling stressed about the upcoming finals period. Flyby has you covered on campus resources that can make your life a little bit easier. Read this and conquer finals period!

IN THE REAL WORLD

FDA Panel Recommends Merck Covid Pill for High-Risk Adults 

An FDA panel recommends Merck’s pill to older or immunocompromised adults. The treatment has been shown to moderately reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, primarily from the Delta, Mu, and Gamma variants. This pill represents the first in its class of antiviral medicines that could work against new variants, such as omicron. 

Barbados Severs Ties With the UK to Become a Republic 

Barbados cut their last imperial tie to the United Kingdom crown to officially become an independent republic. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles as her representative sent their support to the nation, clearing any misconceptions that they would resist the move. Crowds and celebrities such as Rihanna attended the celebrations. 

Fed Chair Powell Hints at Hawkish Approach

In a change from his legacy over the past three years, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggests that he is open to a more hawkish approach. Powell has indicated interest in a faster tapering of federal reserve stimulus amidst rising inflation. His announcements came with great volatility in the equity markets, also exacerbated by concerns over the omicron variant.