We asked, you answered: NPR readers share how they handled COVID on vacation Nearly 5,000 NPR readers told us how they dealt with COVID on a trip. Did they respect the CDC guidance to wait 10 days before flying? Or did they travel anyway? What lessons do they have to share? Marc Silver
Manchin rejects climate and tax provisions in Democrats' spending package Manchin's vote is key in the evenly divided Senate, and he already rejected President Joe Biden's larger spending package in December. Ximena Bustillo
The new 988 crisis number is about to launch. Here's what to know Mental health advocates hope the new hotline will make it much easier to get support if you're in crisis or helping someone who is. Here's how it works and what could stand in its way. Rhitu Chatterjee
The omicron subvariant dominating U.S. COVID-19 cases is more vaccine-resistant The BA.5 strain represented 65% of cases from July 3 to 9, according to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Ayana Archie
NYC health commissioner on the city's response to the monkeypox outbreak NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with New York City's health commissioner, Ashwin Vasan, about the city's response to the monkeypox outbreak. Elena Burnett
Animal rescue groups across the U.S. band together to rescue 4,000 beagles A federal judge ordered thousands of dogs to be rehomed from a Virginia research facility after several inspections revealed poor conditions. Animal rescue groups are working to do just that. Jaclyn Diaz
Over-the-counter birth control pills are available worldwide. The U.S. may be next Birth control pills are available in the U.S. only with a prescription. Now a drugmaker is asking the FDA to approve a progestin-only contraceptive that would be available without one at pharmacies. Allison Aubrey
Seattle's low income communities benefit from soda tax revenue, UW study says Seattle’s soda tax has been effective in reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Turns out, money from the tax also helps low income communities, according to a University of Washington study. Ruby de Luna
The visa hurdle: Why conference applicants from the global south can't always clear it Global health meetings are often held in the West — and that's an obstacle for scientists, doctors and advocates from lower resource countries. Which means their voices aren't being heard. Ari Daniel
GLAAD gives social media giants poor grades over lack of protections for LGBTQ users In a new report, GLAAD found that 84% of LGBTQ adults said not enough protections are on social media to prevent discrimination, harassment or disinformation. Jaclyn Diaz
