ENROLLMENT FREEZE AT UC BERKELEY

University of California Berkeley will cut as much as one-third of their incoming fall class. According to the Los Angeles Times the cap on enrollment eliminates just over 3,000 spots for students hoping to enroll at Berkeley next fall. The cap was implemented as an attempt to relieve pressure on the university neighborhood from housing, noise and homelessness. 

The cap limits the number of students allowed on the physical campus, and proceeded a lawsuit filed by the organization Save Berkeley’s Neighborhoods. The organization filed the suit in September 2020 in an effort to protect the character of the neighborhood.

The cap was upheld on March 3 by the California Supreme Court.

COVID TESTS PROVIDED AGAIN

During the State of the Union address, President Joe Biden announced that additional COVID-19 tests will be free to the public. As of March 7 households who previously received tests are eligible to order more through the COVIDtests.gov website, reported NBC News.

Additionally, Biden implemented a requirement for insurance companies to cover the reimbursement of up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month. 

ADDITIONAL U.S. TROOPS SENT TO UKRAINE

On Feb. 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. As attacks on the country continue, the U.S. sent additional troops to Europe. According to the L.A. Times, this move is meant to deter Russian leaders from continuing the attacks. Announced Monday by the Pentagon, the 500 troops sent to Europe added to the 100,000 troops already stationed in Europe.

The L.A. Times reported that U.S. officials believed almost all of the already equipped Russian forces continue to move into battle. Additionally, it appears that Russian leadership is seeking support from Syria. According to Deir Ezzor 24, a Syrian news outlet, Syrian troops who volunteer for six months of work will be compensated between 200 and 300 USD.