A Covid pill, a set of debates, and the M's make a playoff push, this week Bill Radke discusses the week's news with The Stranger's Rich Smith, Crosscut and KCTS 9's Beatriz Costa-Lima, and South Seattle Emerald and Converge Media's Mike Davis. Sarah Leibovitz
Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Can I give a hug — or a handshake — without risk? In the vaccine era, people are wondering if it's (relatively) safe to resume hugs, exchange handshakes, kiss on the cheek or air kiss. Marc Silver
Local public health officials in Michigan face burnout and threats of violence Public health officials in Michigan and other states are facing threats and even attacks from people opposed to COVID-19 mandates and regulations. Sarah Lehr
New antiviral drug from Merck could help reduce COVID hospitalizations and deaths Pharmaceutical giant Merck announced promising results from a study of a new antiviral drug. Molnupiravir reduced COVID hospitalizations or death by 50% in a trial involving 775 volunteers. Joe Palca
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's hard-line stance on NBA players and vaccinations A Martinez talks with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about his position that players and staff who choose to not get the COVID-19 vaccine should be removed from the team.
Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug: How can we turn environmental heartache into action? Norwegian social worker Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug always loved nature. Watching the destruction of habitats and Norway's exploitation of oil sent him into a deep depression. But he has since found hope. Manoush Zomorodi
Hui-wen Sato: What can grief provide us? For pediatric critical care nurses, tragedies are part of the job. But so much loss can wear on you. Nurse Hui-wen Sato describes how she found her way--through the life-giving lessons of grief. Manoush Zomorodi
Sandeep Jauhar: How do emotions affect the heart? Cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar explains a case where deep grief caused takotsubo cardiomyopathy—also called "broken heart syndrome." He examines the connection emotions have with our most vital organ. Manoush Zomorodi
Merck to seek emergency authorization for pill it says cuts COVID-19 effects The pharmaceutical company announced that its experimental pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half in people infected with the coronavirus. The findings are not peer reviewed.
Las Vegas Raiders Fans Are Split On The Vaccine Requirement To Attend Games A small number of NFL teams are requiring proof of vaccination to attend home games. Some fans say they're willing to give up their tickets rather than get the shot. Others are embracing the move. Nate Hegyi