Washington state stockpiles thousands of abortion pills Democratic state officials say they're ready to dispense thousands of mifepristone doses if access to the pill becomes difficult as a result of a pending federal lawsuit. Sarah McCammon
Washington's final mask mandate ends Monday. But guidance has been fuzzy Effective Monday, April 3, masks will no longer be mandated statewide in health care, long-term care, and correctional settings, although individual institutions can still choose to require face coverings moving forward. Kate Walters
Distraction, speeding and alcohol contribute to a 16-year high in traffic deaths The 2021 numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed earlier estimates showing a 10.5% increase in deaths over 2020. The 43,000 deaths were the highest total since 2005. The Associated Press
Ticks! Ick! The latest science on the red meat allergy caused by some tick bites Patients who have digestive symptoms only after eating red meat may have developed an allergy caused by ticks. Previously, doctors looked for symptoms such as rashes, hives and breathing troubles. Allison Aubrey
State line pot shops latest flashpoint in Idaho-Oregon border debate There is a marijuana boom in Ontario, Oregon, just across the river from the Boise metro area where pot is illegal. It's the latest flashpoint for conservatives who want to annex eastern Oregon. Kirk Siegler
Millions may lose free preventive health care after ruling by federal judge in Texas Millions of Americans may lose access to free preventive health care services. Insurers have been required to cover those services under the ACA, but a federal judge in Texas struck that down. Will Stone
At a Nashville hospital, the agony of not being able to help school shooting victims A pediatric surgeon and his colleagues at Vanderbilt University Medical Center had prepared for a mass casualty event, but the victims of Monday's shooting had already died by the time they arrived. Becky Sullivan
There's a second outbreak of Marburg virus in Africa. Climate change could be a factor The first outbreak this year was in Equatorial Guinea, which has seen 20 deaths already. Now there are cases reported in Tanzania as well for this infectious disease with a high fatality rate. Fran Kritz
Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Saturday The pope will leave the hospital on Saturday, three days after he was hospitalized for respiratory problems. He was diagnosed with bronchitis. Francis will be present for Palm Sunday ceremonies. Sylvia Poggioli
Judge's ruling undercuts U.S. health law's preventive care A federal judge in Texas who previously ruled to dismantle the Affordable Care Act struck down a key part of the law. Opponents say the ruling jeopardizes preventive care for millions of Americans. The Associated Press
