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Saturday

Tokyo's New COVID-19 Infections Hit A Record Again, Topping 4,000 For The First Time

People in Tokyo wear masks on May 7. Daily coronavirus infections in Japan's capital have topped 4,000 — nearly four times as many as a week ago. Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images hide caption

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Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

Coronavirus Updates

Tokyo's New COVID-19 Infections Hit A Record Again, Topping 4,000 For The First Time

Daily infections are nearly quadruple the numbers reported just a week ago. Japan's prime minister, who has denied the Olympics are to blame, has extended a state of emergency to the end of August.

Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert

George Harrison performs at the Concert for Bangladesh, held at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971 in New York City. Asked why he joined in organizing the event, he said, "Because I was asked by a friend if I'd help, that's all." Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Goats and Soda

Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert

50 years ago, on August 1, 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh, led by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, raised funds — and awareness — for Bengali refugees. What's the legacy of this landmark event?

There's Vaccine Drama In Arkansas, Where Rates Are Low And Everyone Has An Opinion

Kenny Nations, manager of the movie theater, changes the sign on the marquee; he is fully vaccinated and has tried to encourage co-workers to follow suit. Liz Sanders for NPR hide caption

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Liz Sanders for NPR

Shots - Health News

There's Vaccine Drama In Arkansas, Where Rates Are Low And Everyone Has An Opinion

The state has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S. And this weekend, 80,000 doses will expire because of lack of demand. The campaign is on to get people to sign up.

There's Vaccine Drama In Arkansas, Where Rates Are Low And Everyone Has An Opinion

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As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's legal battle with the Republican-led Legislature has left confusion over whether she has the authority to issue new pandemic restrictions. Kelly did not issue a mask mandate when speaking Wednesday from the state Capitol in Topeka. Abigail Censky/KCUR hide caption

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Abigail Censky/KCUR

National

As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge

KCUR

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has been hesitant to issue any statewide mandates without a ruling from the state Supreme Court on her powers. Counties aren't jumping at the opportunity either.

Friday

Vaccine Disinformation For Hire; Plus, Hannah Waddingham Of 'Ted Lasso'
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It's Been a Minute

Vaccine Disinformation For Hire; Plus, Hannah Waddingham Of 'Ted Lasso'

Disinformation about COVID-19 vaccines abounds on social media, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Sam talks to Max Fisher, international reporter for the New York Times, about "disinformation for hire" and what social media platforms are doing to combat it. Plus, Sam talks to actress Hannah Waddingham, one of the stars of Ted Lasso. They're also joined by fellow cast member Jeremy Swift to play Who Said That.

Vaccine Disinformation For Hire; Plus, Hannah Waddingham Of 'Ted Lasso'

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Vaccinated People With Breakthrough Infections Can Spread The Delta Variant, CDC Says

Pedestrians and cyclists head down Commercial Street in Provincetown, Mass., in May 2020. A study of a new outbreak in Provincetown found that three-quarters of those infected with the virus were fully vaccinated. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images hide caption

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Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Coronavirus Updates

Vaccinated People With Breakthrough Infections Can Spread The Delta Variant, CDC Says

In an outbreak in Provincetown, Mass., three-quarters of cases occurred in fully vaccinated people. The study's findings suggest that vaccinated people infected with delta can transmit the virus.

Record-Breaking COVID-19 Cases Lead Olympic Host Japan To Expand A State Of Emergency

People wearing face masks cross Shibuya crossing on July 30, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo has seen day-on-day record increases in COVID-19 infection rates over the last three days causing concern amongst officials in Tokyo. Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images hide caption

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Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

Coronavirus Updates

Record-Breaking COVID-19 Cases Lead Olympic Host Japan To Expand A State Of Emergency

The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has doubled over the past month, and experts estimate that the current fifth wave of infections still has a week or two to go before reaching its peak.

Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower
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Shots - Health News

Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower

Sweat is an "evolutionary marvel," says Sarah Everts, the author of The Joy of Sweat. In her new book, Everts delves into the science of perspiration and how this trait has enabled humans to thrive.

Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower

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