Social Security benefits get an upgrade; explaining the NFL concussion drama; Egypt wants the Rosetta Stone back

Plus, get ready for another spike in COVID cases.

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen Good morning. The Jan. 6 committee is holding what might be its last hearing today, and this one will be a little different. Here's what we're following today: First up Joe Raedle/Getty Images Many people's salaries are struggling to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living. But one lucky group is getting a raise. Retirees are about to see the biggest boost in Social Security benefits in decades. Mortgage rates have gone through the roof, dashing the dreams of some would-be homebuyers. Others stretch to buy, but spend close to $1,000 more in monthly payments for a typical house. Get ready for yet another spike in COVID cases. The Biden administration expects infections to rise as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors. White House COVID-19 chief Ashish Jha talks boosters, subvariants and pandemic fatigue. All eyes are on the NFL for this week's games after the organization made a key change to its concussion policy. Players will no longer be allowed to play if they exhibit ataxia, or poor muscle control, even if it can be attributed to something other than a concussion. The decision came after public backlash over the handling of Tua Tagovailoa's injuries. During the pandemic, the government issued nearly $800 billion in PPP loans to help small businesses keep workers employed. Officials promised a robust review process before forgiving these loans, but virtually all have been forgiven with a simple form, and only 2% have gotten close reviews. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Reproductive rights Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3 Leading up to the election, the NPR Network is sharing stories from communities across the country about abortion access and reproductive rights. ➡️ Four days after the fall of Roe, Planned Parenthood opened a new clinic in Kansas City, Kan. Now, they have more patients than they can handle. (via KCUR) ➡️ A national abortion hotline designed to give pro bono legal advice to those seeking abortion services will be getting help from lawyers in Connecticut. (via WSHU) As the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization continues to unfold, it's important to know how it affects people all around the country. Right now, reporters across the NPR Network are providing careful reporting, analysis and insight about reproductive rights and many, many other issues.  Can you make a contribution to support their work? Today’s listen Ian Cheibub for NPR The Brazilian city of Toledo had virtually no COVID vaccines in 2021. The president, Jair Bolsonaro, was publicly anti-vax. Yet, Dr. Gabriela Kucharski managed to get every single person in the city vaccinated. 🎧 Listen to how she did it, or read the story. Before you go Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Egypt wants the Rosetta Stone back. It's been in English hands since 1801, but activists say its display in Europe ignores a history of colonialist looting and exploitation. Los Angeles councilwoman Nury Martinez has stepped down as president, but stopped short of leaving the council, after racist remarks against a fellow council member's son were leaked.  Save the birds! A report says bird populations are declining rapidly in the U.S., with 70 species at risk of becoming endangered. (via WBUR) Scientists have come up with a new model for studying disorders like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD by using clusters of human brain cells grown inside the brain of a rat. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WMFE (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