Morning Edition for December 20, 2021 : NPR

News brief: Omicron variant, Build Back Better, Chile's president-elect

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National

California is positioning itself as a sanctuary for people seeking abortions

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Islamic countries are pledging to launch a humanitarian trust fund for Afghanistan

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi speaks at a news conference following the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Islamabad on Sunday. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

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Claire Harbage/NPR

World

Islamic countries are pledging to launch a humanitarian trust fund for Afghanistan

by Hannah Bloch , Fatma Tanis

Islamic countries are pledging to launch a humanitarian trust fund for Afghanistan

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Latin America

Leftist millennial wins Chile's weekend presidential election

by Scott Detrow , Philip Reeves

Leftist millennial wins Chile's weekend presidential election

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National

Nevada health officials reach out to Spanish speakers about COVID vaccinations

by Bert Johnson

Nevada health officials reach out to Spanish speakers about COVID vaccinations

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Europe

Thousands of people in Scotland, convicted of being witches, will be exonerated

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Business

What an interest hike would mean for credit card holders, mortgages, student loans

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Amanda Shires, performing during the Americana Awards at Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 22, 2021 in Nashville. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music hide caption

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Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music

Music Interviews

Amanda Shires wants out 'For Christmas'

by Steve Inskeep , Vince Pearson

Amanda Shires wants out 'For Christmas'

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Politics

Biden struggles with political agenda and COVID-19, new NPR poll shows

by Scott Detrow , Domenico Montanaro

Biden struggles with political agenda and COVID-19, new NPR poll shows

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Asia

Most hospitals in China only offer reproductive services to married women

by Emily Feng

Most hospitals in China only offer reproductive services to married women

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Education

1 borrower's student debt is erased with loan forgiveness program overhaul

by Cory Turner

1 borrower's student debt is erased with loan forgiveness program overhaul

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Christmas Eve telescope launch has astronomers hoping for good tidings of great joy

The telescope, shown during checkout tests in December 2020, before it was carefully packed up and sent to the launch site in French Guiana. NASA/Chris Gunn hide caption

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NASA/Chris Gunn

Space

Christmas Eve telescope launch has astronomers hoping for good tidings of great joy

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Christmas Eve telescope launch has astronomers hoping for good tidings of great joy

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Health

The omicron variant is driving a new COVID-19 surge in the U.K.

by A Martínez , Frank Langfitt

The omicron variant is driving a new COVID-19 surge in the U.K.

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National

COVID adds another layer of concern for Kentucky's tornado survivors

by Sarah McCammon

COVID adds another layer of concern for Kentucky's tornado survivors

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Education

Tennessee professor hid a cash prize on campus. The clue was in the syllabus

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Games

Once on children's wish lists, hazardous toys are on display in a museum

by Chloe Veltman

Once on children's wish lists, hazardous toys are on display in a museum

Listen · 3:46 3:46

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Health

Hospitals brace for a COVID surge as people travel for the holidays

by A Martínez , Allison Aubrey

Hospitals brace for a COVID surge as people travel for the holidays

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Health

Getting boosted is critical to getting a handle on COVID surges, Fauci says

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