First Up

Matt Chinworth for NPR

Here's what we're following today.

Cyber security experts say stolen data from a recent, massive cyber attack by China into Microsoft Exchange accounts may be part of a grand plan. They suspect China could be using the stolen information to build up its artificial intelligence prowess. This would allow computers to carry out tasks usually done by humans, such as finding patterns or recognizing speech or faces.

U.S. officials are hurriedly urging Americans to get away from the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Citing security threats, the embassy warns that people shouldn’t try to travel to the airport at all unless specifically instructed to do so. The warning comes as President Biden's Aug. 31 deadline to evacuate any American who wants to leave the country looms.

Eligible Americans will be able to get COVID-19 booster shots next month. Health experts say fully vaccinated people are still well protected against the coronavirus, but say getting boosters now lowers the chance that the current protection might wane and leave people open to disease. We answer the burning questions you may have before getting your shot.

Later this morning, a judge likely will wipe out the Sackler family's opioid crisis liability in a $4.3 billion-dollar bankruptcy settlement. But the judge did push back against the demands from the family, owners of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, for broad protection for a lengthy list of their associates.

One of the men who pleaded guilty to the foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was sentenced to six years in federal prison. Ty Garbin cooperated with investigators and provided evidence against the other men, who will go on trial Oct. 12. Whitmer was targeted by extremists for imposing pandemic restrictions, but the plot was disrupted by the FBI and never happened.

Today’s Listen

Erica Zurek/Montana Public Radio

Recent, intense wildfire seasons are helping scientists understand the apocalyptic swirls of smoke, wind and flame known as fire tornadoes. They're working to determine if the fiery phenomena are occurring more often as fires grow more intense and the conditions that create them more frequent. Read about the data they've gathered so far or listen to the story.

Despite spending billions of dollars on Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration fell far short of its promise to deliver a few hundred million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2020. Government officials say Pfizer kept the U.S. government in the dark about production setbacks. Pfizer denies it. Read about where things went wrong, or listen to the story.

Scientists say it's common for survivors of sexual assault and other traumas to be unable to fully remember their attacks right away. It can complicate investigations and add to the trauma when police cast doubts on victims' stories and memories. By understanding how trauma affects the brain, police can better help victims of rape cases. Listen to this story or read it.

Before You Go

Josh Sutton

He’s a 5-year-old power hiker: Harvey Sutton hiked the 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail with his parents in 209 days. He’s one of the youngest people to complete the sightseeing trail that stretches over 14 states.
Two-time Paralympian medalist Hunter Woodhall is competing in the latest Games in Tokyo. He will be cheered on from afar by his girlfriend, Olympic track athlete Tara Davis, who finished sixth in the long jump in Tokyo.
A Tennessee mom is braiding kids’ hair for free during the pandemic as a way to give back to her community. Brittany Starks and her team are offering the service, which can cost hundreds of dollars and last several hours, as a way to help relieve some parents’ stress at the start of the school year.