New data measuring COVID-19 levels in Boston's wastewater show a sharp decline. WBUR's Gabrielle Emanuel brings us up to speed. And, Netflix's "Squid Game" has made history for scoring awards and nominations that previously only went to English language shows. We discuss with NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans.

In a The New York Times op-ed, psychologist Adam Grant puts a name to that feeling borne out of the pandemic — showing up for life, but living without purpose and aim. Emory University sociologist Corey Keyes coined that feeling "languishing." We discuss. And, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Elvis Costello talks about his new album "The Boy Named If."

Researchers report an estimated 200,000 American children were orphaned by COVID-19 — each number representing a child who has parents or primary caregivers to the pandemic. Dr. Charles Nelson, who co-authored the report, and a Georgia couple who is adopting their two cousins after their parents died of COVID-19, join us. And, NPR's Scott Horsley explains what options the Federal Reserve has to reduce inflation.

Last July, Maggie's Toronto Sex Workers Action Project began organizing vaccine clinics in strip clubs and other locations around the city. They've helped vaccinate more than 3,000 people to date. A clinic organizer joins us. And, actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson discusses the legacy of the trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier, who died last week.

The new young adult novel "The Chosen One" centers around a Black woman who becomes the first in her family to attend college. Author Echo Brown drew much of the story from her own life. And, as the pandemic goes into its third year, experts say it's time to work toward a new normal. Immunologist Rick Bright shares his strategies for creating a new normal.

Expecting mothers have far bigger problems than tight clothes and morning sickness. Dr. Linda Eckert answers questions from pregnant listeners about staying safe as COVID-19 cases spike. And, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona explains why he and the Biden administration believe schools should stay open amid the omicron surge.

"Slow Burn" host Joel Anderson talks about the latest season of the podcast, which looks at the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. And, on this day 20 years ago, the first detainees were brought from Afghanistan to Guantanamo Bay. New York Times Carol Rosenberg, who has covered Guantanamo Bay since its begining, talks about the state of the naval base today.

American Ballet Theatre star Misty Copeland published the nonfiction kids book "Black Ballerinas" in November. We present an excerpt of a December event centered around the book. And, Washington Post reporter Jada Yuan reflects on the public and private life of her grandmother Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, a trailblazing nuclear physicist who many say should have won the Nobel Prize.

Soul singer and songwriter Leon Bridges' album "Gold-Diggers Sound" has been nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album. We revisit our conversation with Bridges from August. And, the Washington Post's Geoff Edgers talk about the actor and comedian Bob Saget, who died Sunday at age 65.

President Biden is set to make a speech about voting rights in Atlanta Tuesday. James Woodall, former president of the NAACP in Georgia, explains why he signed a letter urging more action from the White House on voting rights. And, CORBEVAX is a low-cost, patent-free vaccine was developed by Dr. Peter Hotez and his colleague Maria Elena Bottazzi. Hotez discusses the importance of vaccinating the world.