Jeevika Verma

The youngest presidential inaugural poet writes about how looking at our history tells us what our bodies are made of – and of how collective memory of strength re-energizes us in our darkest moments.

The Afghan politician has survived two assassination attempts and is one of four Afghan women negotiating with the Taliban. "The power of words is stronger than the power of bullets," she tells NPR.

With 1,800 pieces submitted by the public, volunteers are putting together a kolam, a traditional South Indian art form used as a sign of welcome.

Musician Shamarr Allen is offering youth trumpets and music books in exchange for guns — no questions asked. He hopes the instrument will impact kids in New Orleans today the way it did for him.