New coronavirus variant omicron is classified as a 'variant of concern' A variant now named omicron, first detected in South Africa, prompted new overseas travel restrictions in Europe and a special World Health Organization meeting on Friday. Michaeleen Doucleff
What to know about omicron, the new COVID variant The World Health Organization deemed it a variant of concern, and the U.S. is banning travel from parts of Africa where it's spreading. Here's what scientists know and what they're trying to learn. Joel Rose
Morning news brief Europe and Asia are facing COVID-19 surges. Iran nuclear deal talks resume. And, Americans are buying more than ever.
What's causing the COVID-19 surges in Europe and Asia The surge in COVID-19 infections in Europe is being matched in South Korea. Like Germany, that country might be the victim of its own early success when the pandemic first started
New coronavirus variant in South Africa raises concern The World Health Organization is holding an emergency meeting on Friday to review the variant. While it's too soon to tell exactly how the new variant functions, virologists are rushing to learn more. Martin Kaste
Hit hard by COVID, Native Americans come together to protect families and elders Indigenous Americans suffer disproportionate effects of COVID, including the mental health impact. But a collective mindset has helped them find creative solutions to buffering the stress. Rhitu Chatterjee
Easy-to-use digital vaccination verification launches in Washington state Need to prove your Covid-19 vaccination status in Washington state? There’s a new, digital way to do that in as little time as a minute. Liz Brazile
3 of America's biggest pharmacy chains have been found liable for the opioid crisis Tuesday's verdict comes as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart face thousands of lawsuits filed by communities across the U.S. The companies say they did nothing wrong dispensing huge quantities of opioids. Brian Mann
To boost or not to boost? Many of you are asking the question now that the feds have opened the shots up to anyone over 18. UW Medicine’s Dr. Christine Johnston has some answers. To boost or not to boost? Many of you are asking the question now that the feds have opened the shots up to anyone over 18. UW Medicine’s Dr. Christine Johnston has some answers. Patricia Murphy
Cracked teeth: Covid stress is getting to a lot of us People are so stressed out that they are grinding their teeth until they crack. Isolde Raftery