A school principal's blunt warning: We can't pretend the pandemic is over Principal Seth Lavin says even after the omicron surge ends, the crisis for children will continue. Patrick Jarenwattananon
After 2 years, growing calls to take masks off children in school While issues around masking remain polarized, there are growing calls for a post-omicron off-ramp for kids and masks. Anya Kamenetz
A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers. Michaeleen Doucleff
Denver children's museum closes temporarily after anger at its mask policy The Children's Museum of Denver said that "regrettably, some guests who object to the Museum's mask policy have been inappropriately directing their anger toward our staff." Rina Torchinsky
Thirsty? Here's how your brain answers that question Scientists have shown that the brain uses multiple checkpoints to make sure we get enough water, but not too much Jon Hamilton
Believe it or not, the economy grew last year at the fastest pace since 1984 The U.S. economy grew last year at the fastest pace since 1984, but growth was tempered by successive waves of the pandemic. Scott Horsley
A new version of the omicron variant has scientists on alert Another version of omicron is spreading in Asia and parts of Europe. And it shows signs that it could be slightly more contagious than omicron. Where did this new variant come from? Steve Inskeep
Pandemic updates: The flu is reemerging in Washington amid Omicron wave Updated news about the coronavirus pandemic in Seattle and Washington state. KUOW Staff
Patient who refused Covid vaccine was denied a heart transplant Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston said the COVID-19 vaccine is one of several immunizations required by most U.S. transplant programs. The Associated Press
Game time: The Fed unveils a tougher plan to fight stubbornly high inflation The Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates sooner and — perhaps — more aggressively after inflation reached the highest in nearly 40 years. Scott Horsley