LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s confirmation to be US ambassador to India: What’s taking so long?

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during a reception at LA Coliseum, Exposition Park, Aug 23, 2021. Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports.

Mayor Eric Garcetti debuted the city’s Indigenous LAnd Initiative today in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It includes a formal apology from the City of LA and plans to rename city landmarks. Meanwhile, there’s still no timeline for Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Senate confirmation hearing to be U.S. ambassador to India.

Drugmaker Merck asked the FDA today for emergency-use authorization for a pill to treat COVID-19. Early trials show that the medication could cut coronavirus-related deaths and hospitalizations by half. Right now, a five-day, 40-pill treatment costs $700 per patient.

Press Play also checks out “Tlaxihuiqui,” an album by seven prisoners from the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. The songs are a collection of personal stories, each detailing themes of regret, forgiveness, and faith.