Kamala Harris tests negative after a COVID-19 exposure A staffer who worked in close proximity to the vice president has tested positive for the coronavirus. Harris tested negative via a PCR test on Wednesday and will be tested again in the coming days. Alana Wise
As omicron surges, these states and cities are focused on giving out free Covid tests Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Washington, Iowa and Colorado all have programs to offer free COVID testing to some or all of their residents. So do Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Gabrielle Emanuel
'Teachers are drowning' as they deal with students acting out, low staff and COVID NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with two teachers and a teacher coach about the layers of stress they are currently facing amid the oncoming wave of omicron-driven COVID cases. Courtney Dorning
New antiviral drugs to treat COVID have gotten Emergency Use Authorization New treatments for COVID-19 is expected to get Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration soon. But how much of the drug will be available, and how soon? Joe Palca
Japan's puzzling COVID lull COVID cases in Japan fell more than 99% from the last peak. Unlike previous infection waves, and countries in similar situations, it's largely staying there. Experts are struggling to explain why. Anthony Kuhn
Pastors are scrambling to decide whether to hold Christmas Eve services Hopes of a post-pandemic Christmas are vanishing. The rise of the coronavirus omicron variant has pastors scrambling at the last minute to decide whether to hold Christmas Eve services. Deena Prichep
Keeping safe from omicron during the holidays The omicron variant is so contagious that researchers who study transmission say consumers should consider wearing N95s and taking a rapid COVID test shortly before gathering with friends and family. Maria Godoy
Experts say Biden's plan to help hospitals deal with COVID surge isn't enough President Biden has rolled out a plan to help hospitals deal with omicron and the expected surge of patients. Experts say the support is welcome, but still doesn't go far enough. Will Stone
FDA authorizes 1st antiviral pill for Covid In a highly anticipated decision, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's Paxlovid as the first antiviral pill to treat Covid-19 at home. Scott Hensley
Some colleges and universities will start the new year online as omicron spreads Seven schools in the University of California system, Harvard University, Northwestern University and others are among those changing their plans in response to the highly transmissible variant. Joe Hernandez