When Can Kids Get Vaccinated?; How To Help Afghan Refugees; A Decade Of Great Sci-Fi And Fantasy Books

Plus, the optimistic futures still possible in the latest dire climate change report.

View this email online by Korva Coleman and Christopher Dean Hopkins First Up Chris O'Meara/AP Here's what we're following today. Younger kids are heading back to school soon, and as coronavirus cases boom, parents are breathlessly awaiting news about when vaccines will be approved for those younger than 12 years old. Manufacturers' trials are ongoing, but Pfizer hopes to start sending data to the FDA next month, with kids between 6 and 11 likely to get the green light first. Here's everything we know at this point. Khan had faith in the U.S. troops who arrived in Afghanistan to rebuild his country when he was just 14 years old. He began working alongside them, then left for a college degree in America some years ago. But his wife, Zainab, is still in Kabul — trapped for months by fear of Taliban reprisals and by the U.S. embassy's slow-moving bureaucracy. She's one of some 50,000 vulnerable Afghans still stuck in the country. Desperate stories like hers have led to the scenes of desperate Afghans mobbing planes at the airport — and grisly stories of some falling from flights as they take off, or human remains found in landing gear on arrival.  Those who do manage to escape may find themselves in new countries with few belongings and little knowledge of local languages or customs. Here are some ways that you can help Afghan refugees who’ll be arriving in the U.S. and other nations. Nearly 600 criminal complaints have been filed in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, and a striking pattern has emerged: Time and time again, the FBI is relying on crowdsourced tips from an ad hoc community of amateur investigators. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Today’s Listens Lukas Schulze/Getty Images Last week, the U.N. published a landmark climate change report that in many ways reiterated its potentially devastating consequences — but also offered reasons for hope. Shortwave examines the optimistic options the report presents for changing our climate destiny. Listen to the podcast or read the story. One of the pandemic's biggest labor crunches is in trucking, where companies are scrambling to find qualified drivers. It's slowing the deliver of fuel to gas stations, causing some to briefly go dry. Listen to the story or read it. In the next few weeks, millions of college students will travel around the country to return to their campuses. But with the delta variant raging and only a quarter of schools requiring vaccination, there are questions about how universities can prevent outbreaks and keep students and communities safe. Hear about their plans. Before You Go Deborah Lee for NPR This year’s NPR summer reader poll asked fans what their favorite sci-fi and fantasy books have been over the past decade. Here are some of their choices, including grand feats of world-building, tales to befuddle your head or warm your heart, and some truly brilliant writing. Opening statements are set for today in the first of two federal trials against R. Kelly, the R&B hitmaker accused of sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, kidnapping, forced labor, and sexual trafficking across state lines.  The Girl Scouts are introducing a new treat in January. The “Adventurefuls” have a caramel center and a chocolate base, with a strong taste of brownies. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from Vermont Public Radio (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy