Morning Edition

The Trump administration has carried out its ninth federal execution of the year, putting to death a Texas street-gang member in the slayings of a religious couple from Iowa more than two decades ago.

An FDA advisory committee voted in favor of granting emergency use authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. Talks for another relief package drag on. And, an update on Georgia's election lawsuits.

Before 90-year-old Kenneth Felts revealed to his family that he is gay, he built a friendship with another gay man, whose ability to be himself inspired Felts. He opened up "another world," for Felts.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first African American to lead one of the U.S. armed forces, says he was compelled to speak out after the police killing of George Floyd.

NPR's David Greene talks to Dean Brookie, the mayor of Durango, about the prospect of a vaccine after a deadly outbreak of COVID-19 in a local nursing home.

Trump and his allies have launched dozens of unsuccessful lawsuits seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election, which he lost. One of their most targeted states is Georgia.

President-elect Biden has picked two more for top positions: Susan Rice is set to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council and Denis McDonough is his pick to run Veterans Affairs.

A new sign of economic woes for Americans during the pandemic: Unemployment claims reported Thursday morning by the government jump just as many federal relief programs are set to expire.

The largest county in the nation is hoping a hotline to report hate will give Los Angeles a better understanding of where discrimination is happening, and how it's impacting residents.

NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis about the state's plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, and what the state needs from the federal government.