The United States is near half a million deaths from COVID-19, the most in the world. Politico writes that while this crisis has exposed some of the deepest flaws in our public-health system, it has also revealed possibilities for improvements going forward. Merrick Garland, who was previously snubbed for a Supreme Court seat, has been tapped by President Biden for the role of attorney general. NPR breaks down Garland’s legal background. And the Guardian explains that he will be taking over the Department of Justice during a difficult moment. The freezing conditions that left millions of Texans without electricity and safe drinking water also impacted migrants on the border. The Guardian reports on the dangers for those seeking to enter the U.S. And the Washington Post looks at Biden’s immigration moves so far. Online learning means college students have new opportunities to cheat while taking tests from home. Forbes reveals how some are using an online service called Chegg to access answers on demand.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.