With all COVID-19 restrictions lifted Monday in the United Kingdom -- even amid a surge in cases -- we look at how life has been lived in one small, English town where for the last 16 months, conflict journalist Will Wintercross has been quarantined. He reports from the town of Holmfirth, nestled in the hills and valleys of northwest England, in partnership with the Global Health Reporting Center. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

President Lukashenko's landslide victory in Belarus last year marked more than 25 years of control and the start of the authoritarian leader's sixth term. Mass demonstrations followed, with thousands of protesters imprisoned. Thousands more are fleeing to neighboring countries, crossing into the E.U. illegally. Special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky traveled to the Belarusian border to tell their stories, with support from the Pulitzer Center. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Seven years ago, a brutal attack by ISIS forced hundreds of thousands of Yazidis to flee their homes in northern Iraq. Many were eventually imprisoned, killed or sold into slavery. Now, despite ISIS's retreat, Yazidi survivors say little has changed for them as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Special Correspondent Leila Molana-Allen reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Friday, Oregon's Bootleg Fire -- the largest of dozens of wildfires now burning in the U.S.-- became so intense that fire crews had to pull back overnight for their own safety. Russia warned that the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan is causing chaos across the wider region. A federal judge in Texas found the DACA program was created illegally by former President Obama. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In western Germany this week, whole cities seem to be underwater after days of heavy rainfall filled rivers to capacity and quickly turned into flash flooding. As parts of Europe dig out of this latest weather disaster, the European Union this week revealed an ambitious climate change plan. William Brangham discusses the plan and its impact with NASA's senior climate advisor Gavin Schmidt. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The United States government Friday warned Americans about the risks of doing business, studying, or investing in Hong Kong. The U.S. also sanctioned Hong Kong officials, accusing them of eroding the city's freedoms as China continues to force its will on Hong Kong. Nick Schifrin reports with Michael Hirson, the China lead for the Eurasia Group, an international business consulting firm. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy urged social media platforms to take action against vaccine misinformation arguing false claims are feeding vaccine resistance. President Biden met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House and faced questions about the U.S. support for security in Haiti. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Wednesday, COVID-19 cases in Tokyo are higher than any time since May -- nine days before it hosts the summer Olympics. In the U.S., federal figures show 93,000 overdose deaths in 2020 -- nearly 30% higher than 2019, with Fentanyl a major driver. The European Union unveiled sweeping plans to tackle climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions 55% from 1990 levels this decade. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In South Africa, rioting and looting rocked parts of the country again overnight. The trouble began last week after the country's former leader Jacob Zuma was jailed, and police say more than 70 people have been killed and 1,200 arrested. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The former top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, transferred command Tuesday amid the withdrawal of American forces, and as the Taliban continues its re-conquest of much of the country. Young Afghans, especially women, who have grown up with freedoms never permitted by the Taliban are now worried about what comes next. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports from Kabul. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders