Graduation Looks Different This Year (Again); A COVID-19 Vaccine Could Be Approved For Adolescents By Next Week

Plus, why lumber sales are soaring.

by Jill Hudson The FDA is reportedly preparing to authorize the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids 12-15 years old by early next week. The company said in late March that clinical trials showed the vaccine elicits "100% efficacy and robust antibody responses" in adolescents. If approved, the move would allow many middle- and high-school students to be vaccinated well before the start of the next school year in September.   Michelle Kondrich for NPR It is college graduation season again after an academic year that looked like no other. Last year, most commencements were canceled or online only; this year colleges around the country are finding creative ways to celebrate in person. Some are hosting multiple small ceremonies; others are doing virtual-only events again. One California college is even holding a drive-thru ceremony at the county fairgrounds.  The pandemic fueled a building boom in home improvement projects and new home construction, which means lumber prices are soaring. Roben Farzad, host of NPR's Full Disclosure podcast, explains what's going on.   Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended wearing masks during the early part of the pandemic, people bought so many sewing machines that retailers had trouble keeping them in stock. Anyone who has tried making a cloth mask at home has probably picked up a few useful sewing skills (since a mask is basically pants for your face). If you've been thinking about making your own clothes, here are a few tips. Children account for more than a fifth of new U.S. coronavirus cases in states that release statistics by age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. What's going on? Newsletter continues after sponsor message What Else We're Reading Maria Fabrizio for NPR At the beginning of the global pandemic, uncorking a bottle of wine seemed to be the thing to do. But more than a year into quarantine, sobriety is sticking around. (USA Today) The FAA is warning air travelers about what it describes as a dramatic increase in unruly or dangerous behavior aboard passenger airplanes since the pandemic began. (NBC News) Research shows that the pandemic took a toll on our overall well-being and left many of us drained. Here are seven simple steps to get you thriving again. (The New York Times) Goldman Sachs wants its US workers back in the office next month. (CNN) Send your stories, insights and photos to thenewnormal@npr.org. You could be featured in an upcoming edition of The New Normal newsletter! Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. 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 New Normal emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy