The more contagious BA.2 version of omicron is now the most common in the U.S. The BA.2 strain now accounts for more than half of all coronavirus infections nationwide, the CDC estimates. Although it's fueling a surge in Europe, the variant doesn't appear to make people sicker. Joe Hernandez
Fentanyl use on the rise Fentanyl use has surged in Washington state. And that’s troubling, because it’s a particularly powerful opiate that’s already contributing to rising deaths here. Brian Mann covers addiction for NPR, and he explains how we got here. Caroline Chamberlain Gomez
Does it make sense for older people to get another booster against COVID-19? With the FDA poised to OK another booster for people 50 and older, questions remain: Is the evidence strong enough to warrant a fourth shot, does the timing make sense, and will there be much demand? Rob Stein
Shanghai is on lockdown under China's 'zero COVID' policy As omicron spreads in China, one of its largest cities — Shanghai — has been placed on lockdown under the government's "zero COVID" policy. John Ruwitch
Time change debate: Is it better to have extra sunlight in the a.m. or p.m.? The U.S. Senate voted unanimously this month to make daylight saving time permanent. Now sleep scientists are weighing in and are suggesting that standard time would be a better choice. Rachel Martin
Alcohol-related deaths spiked during the 1st year of the pandemic NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with Aaron White of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about a new study that shows that alcohol-related deaths increased during the pandemic.
Epidemiologist answers questions about the infectious omicron BA.2 variant NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with Harvard epidemiologist Bill Hanage about the BA.2 COVID-19 variant and how people should be thinking about yet another new phase of the pandemic.
Avian flu is infecting U.S. poultry flocks. It could affect the price of chicken, too Bird flu has been confirmed in poultry in 17 states since the start of the year. Whether the outbreak will affect the price of eggs and poultry depends on how widespread it becomes, an expert says. Laurel Wamsley
Steven Johnson: The Past, Present, and Future of the Human Life Span In the last century, human life expectancy has doubled. This hour, we talk with writer Steven Johnson on the many breakthroughs that made this possible — and where we go from here. Manoush Zomorodi
U.S. airline CEOs call on President Biden to end the federal mask mandate on planes The CEOs argue that the increase in vaccinations and the lifting of restrictions in other countries should make the Biden administration reconsider the policy for travelers. Jonathan Franklin
