Why omicron is crushing hospitals — even though cases are often milder than delta People who get infected with omicron are less likely to go to the hospital, go on a ventilator or die. But with the current huge volume of patients, hospitals are still struggling to treat them all. Will Stone
Coronavirus FAQ: Are pets a threat? My immunocompromised pal had COVID. Can I visit? Hong Kong's hamster cull has people wondering if they can catch SARS-CoV-2 from a pet. And here's a human dilemma: It is risky to visit an immunocompromised individual who recently had COVID? Marc Silver
Contact tracing may look different from the pandemic's start, but it's still useful NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Lorna Thorpe, director of epidemiology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, on the benefits and disadvantages of contact tracing at this pandemic phase. Christopher Intagliata
Pandemic updates: What to know about the second omicron variant Updated news about the coronavirus pandemic in Seattle and Washington state. KUOW Staff
A school principal's blunt warning: We can't pretend the pandemic is over Principal Seth Lavin says even after the omicron surge ends, the crisis for children will continue. Patrick Jarenwattananon
After 2 years, growing calls to take masks off children in school While issues around masking remain polarized, there are growing calls for a post-omicron off-ramp for kids and masks. Anya Kamenetz
A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers. Michaeleen Doucleff
Denver children's museum closes temporarily after anger at its mask policy The Children's Museum of Denver said that "regrettably, some guests who object to the Museum's mask policy have been inappropriately directing their anger toward our staff." Rina Torchinsky
Thirsty? Here's how your brain answers that question Scientists have shown that the brain uses multiple checkpoints to make sure we get enough water, but not too much Jon Hamilton
Believe it or not, the economy grew last year at the fastest pace since 1984 The U.S. economy grew last year at the fastest pace since 1984, but growth was tempered by successive waves of the pandemic. Scott Horsley
