Chicago kids back in class after 5-day standoff between teachers' union and officials COVID safety concerns led to a five-day stalemate between Chicago's teachers union and school and city officials. Kids are back in school. Both sides are weighing whether it was the right decision. Susie An
Public health experts say most of us will get COVID-19, what does that mean? Public health experts say COVID-19 won't be eradicated, but studies show the omicron variant is less severe than delta, and there are ways to manage the disease — which will become predictable. Courtney Dorning
Why omicron may cause less harm — and what it means for the future of the pandemic There's growing evidence that omicron causes less severe disease than previous variants. Does that mean SARS-CoV-2 is evolving into a more mild virus? Will future surges be less deadly and disruptive? Michaeleen Doucleff
COVID was again the leading cause of death among U.S. law enforcement in 2021 Some 458 officers died in the line of duty, making 2021 the deadliest year since 1930. The vast majority of deaths — 301 — are attributed to COVID-19, followed by firearm and traffic incidents. Rachel Treisman
Medicare considers covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials Under a proposal announced Tuesday, Medicare would cover the expensive and controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm — but only for those participating in clinical trials. Jon Hamilton
Twin panda cubs delight devoted fans at Tokyo zoo in a COVID shortened debut Twin panda cubs made their first public appearance before delighted fans in Tokyo but only briefly for now — just for three days — due to a spike in COVID-19 cases driven by the omicron variant. The Associated Press
Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials Aduhelm is the first treatment approved in the country to slow cognitive decline in those living with Alzheimer's. Doctors have refused to prescribe it, given the lack of data and evidence behind it. Jonathan Franklin
In Quebec, people who refuse to be vaccinated for COVID will face a financial penalty The Canadian province's premier said not getting vaccinated leads to consequences for the health care system and not all Quebecers should pay for that. The Associated Press
The Red Cross says there's a blood shortage nationwide. Here's how you can help A combination of the pandemic and severe weather have disrupted planned blood drives and caused a drop in donations. Rachel Treisman
Welcome to the era of omicron rules and regs As the highly transmissible variant spreads rapidly around the world, some countries have reimposed harsh COVID measures like those seen in the early days of the pandemic. Jason Beaubien
