Big Bird got 'vaccinated' against COVID-19, drawing outrage from Republicans Big Bird, who is technically 6 years old, got his COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend. His announcement did not sit well with conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz, who called it "government propaganda." Rachel Treisman
What Dr. Fauci sees coming for the pandemic this winter The country's top infectious disease doctor says he is looking for "a level of control" over COVID-19 such that it is less disruptive to society — and again stressed the importance of vaccination. Christopher Intagliata
The U.S. lifts the pandemic travel ban and opens the doors to international visitors Starting Monday, the U.S. begins accepting fully vaccinated travelers at airports and land borders, doing away with a COVID-19 restriction that dates back to the Trump administration. The Associated Press
A food lover faces an unimaginable choice: Give up her stomach or risk a fatal cancer Cooking and sharing elaborate meals was her joy. Then she learned a mutation in her genes puts her at extremely high risk of gastric cancer. Could she lose her stomach to save her life? Sáša Woodruff
What can we expect from the pandemic this winter? The country's top infectious disease doctor says he is looking for "a level of control" over COVID-19 such that it is less disruptive to society — and again stressed the importance of vaccination. Christopher Intagliata
Remembering beloved D.C. jazz drummer Howard 'Kingfish' Franklin, lost to COVID Howard "Kingfish" Franklin was a beloved figure in the Washington, D.C., jazz scene. He died this year from COVID-19. Vincent Acovino
Coronavirus FAQ: It's cold and flu season — and COVID season! How do I stay unsick? Last winter the number of flu cases was pretty low — likely a result of COVID precautions people were taking. Does that mean we have fewer antibodies — and a greater risk of catching something now? Sheila Mulrooney Eldred
One Chinese town has started a fiery online debate about China's zero-COVID policy Citizens in Ruili are complaining about lengthy lockdowns and terrible conditions in quarantine centers. Others in China don't want to hear about it. Emily Feng
New USAID director aims to shake up 60-year-old aid agency. Here's her 'new vision' Like any government agency, the biggest American foreign aid group has its problems. This week, its new administrator Samantha Power outlined her solutions. Malaka Gharib
After a concussion, the brain may no longer make sense of sounds A concussion can make it difficult to converse in a noisy room. Scientists say that's because the injury has impaired the brain's ability to process sounds. Jon Hamilton