Nation

Mysteries of omicron variant could take weeks to decipher

By Lauren Neergaard and Laura Ungar, Associated Press

Up to now, the world has been slow to react to each coronavirus curveball. This time an early warning from South Africa and Botswana might have offered important head start.

WATCH: Michigan teen charged in Oxford High School shooting

By Corey Williams, Ed White, Associated Press

A 15-year-old boy was charged Wednesday with murder, terrorism and other crimes for a shooting that killed four fellow students and injured others at a Michigan high school.

First U.S. case of COVID-19 omicron variant identified in California

By Michael Balsamo, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking steps to tighten U.S. testing rules for travelers from overseas, including requiring a test for all travelers within a day of boarding a flight to the U.S. regardless of vaccination status.

Fourth student dies from Michigan high school shooting

By Ryan Kryska, Mike Householder, Associated Press

Authorities say a 17-year-old boy has become the fourth student to die from a school shooting in Michigan.

Outside Supreme Court, crowd amplifies abortion arguments

By Parker Purifoy, Associated Press

Hundreds of abortion debate partisans crowded the plaza in front of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, intermingling and trading chants as justices heard the highly anticipated arguments inside.

WATCH: President Joe Biden delivers remarks to mark World AIDS Day

By Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

President Joe Biden has unveiled his new HIV/AIDS strategy to end the more than 40-year-old epidemic, calling for a renewed focus on vulnerable Americans.

WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci confirms 1st case of omicron variant in U.S.

By Zeke Miller, Raf Cassert, Associated Press

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and White House press secretary Jen Psaki hold a news briefing on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

Mississippi clinic at epicenter of abortion debate stays open

By Emily Wagster Pettus, Associated Press

The Jackson Women's Health Organization saw patients two or three days a week in recent years, but has doubled its hours to treat women from Texas and from Louisiana.

Omicron disrupts travel industry's comeback as new restrictions are put in place

By David Koenig, Yuri Kageyama, Associated Press

From shopping districts in Japan and tour guides in the Holy Land to ski resorts in the Alps and airlines the world over, a familiar dread is rising about the renewed restrictions.

WATCH: Fed Chair Jerome Powell 'not at all sure' inflation will fade next year

By Chris Rugaber, Associated Press

In a fresh sign of his growing concerns about inflation, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Federal Reserve can't be sure that price increases will slow in the second half of next year as many economists expect.