Nation

Number of U.S. children hospitalized with COVID hits near-record high

By Martha Bellisle, Associated Press

The omicron-fueled surge that is sending COVID-19 cases rocketing in the U.S. is putting children in the hospital in close to record numbers.

WATCH: Outgoing New York City Mayor de Blasio gives last news briefing of his term

By News Desk

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will give the last news briefing of his administration on Thursday as the city faces rising COVID-19 cases and the threat of the omicron variant.

Comments renew debate over adoption as abortion alternative

By David Crary, John Hanna, Associated Press

Year after year, several thousand women in the U.S. carry an unintended pregnancy to term and then offer the baby for adoption.

Virginia Confederate monuments will likely head to Black history museum, say officials

By Associated Press

Officials from the state of Virginia and the city of Richmond have tentatively decided the future of their now mostly relocated Confederate monuments.

What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans

By Frank Dobson, The Conversation

For the African-American community, Kwanzaa is not just any “Black holiday. ” It is a recognition that knowledge of Black history is worthwhile.

States diverge on police reforms after George Floyd killing

By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press

The first full year of state legislative sessions since the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota sparked a summer of racial justice protests produced a mixed response around the country.

Job market remains strong as unemployment claims drop to 198,000

By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell below 200,000, more evidence that the job market remains strong in the aftermath of last year's coronavirus recession.

For states with cold winters, more aid meets rising costs

By Patrick Whittle, Associated Press

The news is a mixed bag for people in need of heating assistance who see a cold winter bearing down.

Times Square show will go on despite virus surge, mayor says

By Karen Matthews, Associated Press

Mayor Bill de Blasio says New York City will ring in 2022 in Times Square as planned despite record numbers of COVID-19 infections in the city and around the nation.