Vaccine-derived polio cases are rising

Nobelist Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shares her spirit; masks on planes [View this email online]( [NPR]( Goats and Soda editor's note Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, photographed by Shuran Huang for NPR Dear readers, Fashion is just ... fashion, right? It's what you wear, it's not who you are. Yet, fashion can be quite revealing. Case in point: The late Madeleine Albright, first female secretary of state, had her funeral service on Wednesday, and one topic in the many tributes was her collection of brooches. As NPR wrote of her jewelry a few years ago: "There were balloons, butterflies and flowers to signify optimism and, when diplomatic talks were going slowly, crabs and turtles to indicate frustration." This week [I had the honor of interviewing another great woman of our times -- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,]( former president of Liberia and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Sirleaf is known for her beautiful head wraps. But she didn't wear one the day we met. After we spoke of many serious topics, from malaria to COVID to women in politics -- I asked about the absence of her signature garb. She laughed: "It's just because I want to look different. I get recognized too much with the head wraps." That doesn't mean she's given up the head wrap. "It's our national symbol," she said -- and then with a twinkle in her eye, added that it's also just "my dress." For those who wonder if writing about the fashion of female leaders is somehow stereotyping them, let me say that the fashion police is on patrol for male politicos, too. [Read the interview with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf here.]( Marc Silver Editor, Goats and Soda --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- in the news Rizwan Tabassum /AFP via Getty Images [Vaccine-derived polio is on the rise. A new vaccine aims to stop the spread]( Countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia are counting more cases of vaccine-derived polio. One reason for this, say experts, is that vaccination efforts have lapsed during the pandemic. [The mask mandate is off for U.S. travelers. In other countries it's definitely on]( In China, for example, not only are masks required on planes but gloves are recommended — and passengers are urged not to touch their face during the flight. Here's what you'll find around the globe. [The death rate for children has dropped dramatically. Yet there's cause for alarm]( A new report confirms a deep decrease in the world's childhood death rate. But it takes note of what the authors call an "astronomically high" rate of death after hospitalization. graphic memoir Laura Gao [The pandemic inspired a cartoonist to explore their Wuhanese roots and queer identity]( In the funny and heartfelt coming-of-age graphic memoir Messy Roots, artist Laura Gao unpacks their relationship with their Asianness, queerness and their ever-changing home city of Wuhan. photos Randhir Singh for MOMA [See the bold buildings that sprang up after South Asia regained independence]( exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art shows how Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka celebrated their freedom with a revolutionary vision for buildings and cities. Women played a vital role. links we like - Brazil was responsible for more than [a third of forest loss in the tropics]( last year, according to an analysis by World Resources Institute.Vox has the story -- and a graphic. - [Girls are = to boys in secondary school math performance]( according to a new report from UNESCO. Devex runs down the details. - Benin's all-girl group [Star Feminine Band]( is singing about women's rights in a BBC Africa video. - [Actor Michelle Yeoh wants to change the way we think of superheroes]( -- and gives her point of view in a Fresh Air interview. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [goatsandsoda@npr.org](mailto:goatsandsoda@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) 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 Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Goats and Soda emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]