Health

New studies shows booster shots crucial in fighting off omicron variant

By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released three studies Friday that found available vaccines are less effective against omicron than they were against earlier versions of the coronavirus but concluded a booster can significantly improve protection.

U.S. COVID testing is 'haphazard.' Here's what experts recommend

By Laura Santhanam

The pandemic’s ever-shifting demands mean goals must be established now to build up the country’s testing capacity for the future.

Supreme Court refuses to speed up ongoing challenge to Texas abortion limitations

By Associated Press

Over dissents from the three liberal justices, the court declined to order a federal appeals court to return the case to a federal judge who had temporarily blocked the law's enforcement. The court offered no explanation for its action.

Researchers test pig-to-human kidney transplant in donated body

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

U.S. researchers are reporting the latest in a surprising string of experiments in the quest to save human lives with organs from genetically modified pigs.

Food aid in Ethiopia's Tigray now at 'all-time lowest', U.N. reports

By Associated Press

The United Nations says food distribution in Ethiopia’s blockaded Tigray region has reached its “all-time lowest” while more than 50,000 children are thought to be severely malnourished, the latest sign of growing crisis amid efforts to end the country’s 14-month…

New Mexico calls on National Guard to help schools stay open amid COVID-19 surge

By Morgan Lee, Cedar Attanasio, Associated Press

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday announced an unprecedented effort to reopen classrooms in the capital city of Santa Fe and shore up staffing across the state.

WATCH: Mayor of DC, governors of Washington, Colorado testify in House on omicron response

By News Desk

The mayor of Washington, DC, and governors of Washington state, Colorado and Puerto Rico will testify before the House Oversight committee on Thursday on the federal government's response to omicron.

California disability rights advocates cite Britney Spears case in bid to limit conservatorships

By Don Thompson, Associated Press

Disability rights activists and advocates for Britney Spears are backing a California proposal to provide more protections for those under court-ordered conservatorships, while promoting less-restrictive alternatives.

Mexican abortion advocates look to help women in U.S.

By María Verza, Associated Press

In September, Mexico's Supreme Court issued a decision that effectively decriminalized abortion in the heavily Catholic nation. That same month, the most restrictive abortion law in the United States went into effect in Texas.

Beijing residents disappointed Olympics will be closed event

By Associated Press

With just over two weeks before the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics, residents of the Chinese capital are disappointed at not being able to attend events because of coronavirus restrictions.