Esme Nicholson

The violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol stunned many in Germany, especially those who grew up in the American sector of then-West Berlin.

The airport opened in 1948 and is closing as Berlin's new international hub opens after a series of delays. Although COVID-19 has hampered travel, Germans are visiting Tegel to relive old memories.

Germany is heading into a partial lockdown. Berlin already imposed closing hours to its nightlife for the first time in decades as Germany's leader asked youth to think of their grandparents.

NPR correspondents in South America, the Middle East and Europe discuss the recent spikes in coronavirus cases in their regions.

Police, who believe vandalism to be the cause, are unsure of the motive. German media is speculating a link to a conspiracy theory. The extent of the damage won't be clear until after restoration.

A few years ago, Thomas Harding wrote a memoir centered on what became of his great-grandparents' German house. Now he's made it into a children's book about belonging, with the home his protagonist.

Germans abide by a host of laws to keep noise at a minimum after 10 p.m. and on Sundays. Thousands of motorcyclists have been riding in roaring protest through cities in response to a proposed ban.

Germans still use cash for the majority of transactions, and many stores and restaurants don't take cards. Old habits die hard even during a pandemic when retailers worry about hygiene.

"I'm not in the slightest bit concerned about using cash right now," one Berlin shopper says. "I just keep washing my hands. Simple." Cash makes up 75% of Germany's transactions.

While the United States debates the reopening of schools, NPR correspondents discuss experiences of Germany, Israel and Thailand as they reopen classrooms during the pandemic.