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
A market of dubious remedies has sprung up as more everyday people fear they have CTE The degenerative brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy gained infamy due to cases in high-profile professional football players. But CTE goes far beyond the NFL. Sacha Pfeiffer
Becerra defends HHS rules aimed at reining in surprise medical bills Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says health providers who have exploited a complicated system to charge exorbitant rates will have to bear their share of the cost — or close. Michael McAuliff
Companies are telling unvaccinated workers to pay more for health insurance Citing the high costs associated with Covid illnesses, a growing number of employers are telling employees who decline to be vaccinated to pay up. Andrea Hsu
COVID in the U.S. update: Disney's vaccine mandate, boosters, a startling death toll Disney has paused its vaccine mandate for Walt Disney World employees after a new Florida law barring workplace vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, new discussion on the definition of "fully vaccinated." Joe Hernandez
