The Jan. 6 anniversary looms; help your friends drink less; the future of this COVID surge

Plus, why a pet rock has Elmo on his last nerve [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen First up [A podium is set up in front of the U.S. Capitol]( Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Here's what we're following today: Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Capitol police have since ramped up intelligence gathering, major event security and communications, but there's [still much work to do]( to prevent another attack. The CDC is standing by its decision that a negative test result is not needed for those who have COVID-19 if their [symptoms improved and they're fever-free at the end of five days of isolation](. The agency cited the challenges of isolation and quarantine and stressed the importance of wearing masks. Virginia officials are defending their response to the snow-fueled calamity on the I-95 that left motorists stranded for nearly 24 hours. "[We all need to be clear that this was an incredibly unusual event]( Gov. Ralph Northam said of the heavy snowfall. Airbnb is experimenting with a new feature that the company hopes will prevent racial discrimination against users. For the next two years, Oregon Airbnb hosts will [only see prospective guests' initials]( rather than their full name until the booking is secured. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Today's listen Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images The nation hit another record high in COVID-19 infections on Monday, with new daily cases totaling [more than 1 million](. But hope could be on the horizon. 🎧 Listen as University of California, San Francisco's Dr. Bob Wachter [discusses the future of this pandemic]( or [read the interview highlights here.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s tip Becky Harlan/NPR Do you have loved ones who are cutting back on alcohol in 2022? The best way to support them is to foster environments where [drinking feels like a choice, not an obligation](. In today's tip for a better 2022, NPR's Life Kit outlines how to do just that. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go Victoria Will/AP - Even Elmo loses his cool sometimes. A clip from a 2004 episode of Sesame Street that shows the monster [losing his last nerve]( over his friend Zoe's pet rock has us saying, "We are all Elmo." - A California judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Nirvana. Spencer Elden sued the band for [child exploitation and pornography]( for using a naked photo of him on their 1991 Nevermind album cover. - "Polar Preet" Chandi is used to pushing herself, and now she's made history as [the first woman of color]( to complete an unsupported expedition to the South Pole. - NASA's James Webb telescope has finished deploying its giant sunshield. [The step is critical]( to allow the telescope to peer into the most distant reaches of the universe. - NBC's late night lineup has taken an omicron hit. Both [Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon]( have tested positive for COVID-19. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a 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]( [NPR logo]