Casual Friday: Outsmarting the package thieves We learned more about Omicron this week, and it's causing some people to rethink their holiday plans. But there's still plenty of festive spirit around the city, including the holiday tradition of trying to outsmart package thieves. Clare McGrane
This 19th-century short story might help combat racism against refugees today India's Rabindranath Tagore was the first nonwhite writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature. His 1892 story, "The Kabuliwala," fostered empathy for migrants and refugees. It still resonates today. Lauren Frayer
New podcast asks whether the novel 'Jane Eyre' is relevant for readers today The podcast "On Eyre" asks the question: Does the novel 'Jane Eyre' still have something to impart to modern readers? NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with one of the podcast's co-hosts, Vanessa Zoltan. Mary Louise Kelly
Lina Wertmüller, first woman nominated for Oscar in directing, has died The Italian filmmaker made extravagant, eye-popping films. She used to say she wasn't surprised to be the first woman nominated for an Oscar in directing — she was only surprised that she didn't win. Neda Ulaby
Seattle's Little Saigon is keeping its culture alive with or without 'real commitment' from officials Seattle's Little Saigon exemplifies the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in many ways. Katie Campbell
A small lineage of artisans is reviving the ancient art of pigeon whistles in Beijing For centuries, owners tied lightweight whistles to their pet pigeons in China. The art of making pigeon whistles almost faded away in Beijing, but a small group of artisans is bringing it back. Emily Feng
Kennedy Center honors creative excellence in the arts at annual gala Motown founder Berry Gordy, opera star Justino Díaz, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, entertainer Bette Midler and television impresario Lorne Michaels were among those celebrated this weekend. Elizabeth Blair
President Biden and the first lady attend the Kennedy Center Honors Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Joni Mitchell, Lorne Michaels and Justino Diaz were awarded the Kennedy Center Honors at a gala in Washington, D.C. Sunday night. The show will be televised Dec. 22. on CBS. Elizabeth Blair
Get your photographic, crafty, garage band, and edible-optional Friday arts picks! ‘You'll find jewelry, handbags, ceramics, candles, embroidery, you name it.’ Kim Malcolm
This 'little free' bakery gets stocked with 100 homemade treats weekly in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood You know those miniature sheds that invite people to swap books? Known as Little Free Libraries, they help bring communities together. These days you can find stands that include food donations, even free art. One Seattle woman uses hers to share treats. Ruby de Luna
