Sniff and scratch.

The FDA plans to allow Americans to "mix and match," i.e., receive a different Covid-19 vaccine as a booster than the one they initially received. / US News & World Report

The coronavirus is still mutating—how much does that matter? "I see nothing that suggests this virus is quieting down." / The Washington Post

Related: Average guy versus 100 mph fastballs. / YouTube

The pandemic, power cuts, and a worrying property slowdown all are slowing China's growth. / The Economist

With cargo and containers at a premium, toymakers are focusing on small, squishy gifts for the holiday season. / CNN

China recently alarmed Washington by testing "a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle." That said, "this is not a Sputnik moment." / The Drive, Axios

A quiet San Francisco street is plagued by self-driving cars who love to visit and make a multi-point turn. / KPIX

Ian Bremmer: Countries have been the primary actors in global affairs for about 400 years. Tech companies are now stepping into that role. / Foreign Affairs

Colin Powell dies, the trailblazing general and diplomat who was "stained by Iraq." / The Associated Press

Francine Prose: Every lifelong friendship isn't one relationship but "a succession of serial friendships." / Lapham's Quarterly

"There were a set of circumstances that will never be repeated." From the restrictions placed on Polish artists came a bounty of design. / Creative Boom

Adam Savage, former co-host of MythBusters, attends Comic Con with some impressive hand-fashioned Ghostbusters gear. / The Morning News

See also: Incredible miniatures depict World War I trench warfare. / My Modern Met

A good repository in the answers to "what useful unknown website do you wish more people knew about?" / Reddit


Is this 🛠️ useful 🛠️ to you? Here's why we rely on reader support. Please consider becoming a Sustaining Member or making a one-time donation today. 🖤

Got a correction or a link we should consider? Email us or just reply to this newsletter.

Since 1999, your Headlines are sourced and written by Andrew Womack and Rosecrans Baldwin, and arrive in your inbox, Monday through Saturday. View this edition and the latest Headlines at TMN.