Vaccines remain the best way to protect against serious illness. A week after the FDA gave full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, it's not known if that's nudging more people to get the shot.

NPR's A Martínez talks with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about the latest on COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and children going back to school during a pandemic.

Protests against the Taliban takeover have spread to more provinces in Afghanistan. With a humanitarian crisis rising, thousands gather at the Kabul airport in an attempt to flee the country.

The Biden administration has a warning about what could come next in Afghanistan. A political standoff in Texas is over. Doctors in Alabama say they're exhausted by a crisis that was preventable.

The pop star has spent the four years growing up and slowing down – she speaks to Morning Edition about her new album and sound, including using her synesthesia like a creative scythe.

President Biden has resolutely defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. But Republicans and many Democrats have criticized the way the administration has withdrawn.

President Biden reiterates his defense of the Afghan withdrawal. Millions of Americans will soon be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Earthquake aid is reaching Haiti but it's slow going.

NPR's A Martínez talks to Afghan American novelist Khaled Hosseini about his reflections on Afghanistan, which has been shattered by decades of war, tribal feuds and corruption.

NPR's A Martínez talks to Gretchen Peters of The Center on Illicit Networks and Transnational Organized Crime about the Taliban's funding, and how the group has used that money in its rise to power.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry took office after the assassination of the country's president, and almost immediately faced the challenge of responding to a devastating earthquake.

The Taliban try to convince the world they've changed. For thousands trying to get out of Afghanistan, the focus is on the airport. Opening statements will begin in the criminal trial of R. Kelly.

NPR's A Martínez to Afghan journalist Zubair Babakarkhail about life in the capital Kabul following the Taliban takeover. Many Afghan journalists have been targeted and killed in past Taliban attacks.

NPR's A Martínez speaks to hip-hop artist and producer IDK about his latest album, USEE4YOURSELF, and his recently launched music business program for BIPOC creatives.

The collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power are getting different responses from around the world. We hear from reporters in Paris, Beijing and Moscow.

The Taliban are encouraging women to join their new government. NPR's A Martínez talks to Mahbooba Seraj, founder of the Afghan Women's Network, about the future of her country under Taliban rule.

The Taliban are setting up checkpoints in the Afghan capital Kabul. President Biden tries to deflect criticism over the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. And, the U.S. may authorize COVID-19 booster shots.

The Afghan government has fallen and the Taliban are in control. The U.S. races to process special visas for Afghan contractors. The death toll from the earthquake in Haiti continues to rise.

Florida's school districts consider whether to require masks. The latest data on a recovering job market is released Friday. A sprinter from Belarus, who fled the Olympics, is now in Poland.

COVID-19 vaccination rates remain perilously low around the world. The WHO has called for a moratorium on booster shots until every country can immunize at least 10% of its population.

The World Health Organization says it is not the time to give out booster shots. President Biden will unveil proposed rules aimed at fighting climate change. Iran's new president takes office.