The lasting consequences of America's shift to using more contractors to fight wars Many people who fought and died on behalf of the U.S. during 20 years of war in Afghanistan were contractors, not troops. It's part of a change in how America fights wars, and it has consequences. Steve Walsh
New York York will have the nation's 1st vaccine mandate for private sector employers New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio has announced what he called a "pre-emptive strike" before the winter — a vaccine mandate for private sector employers. Quil Lawrence
Over a dozen COVID cases were found on a cruise ship that just docked in New Orleans At least 17 people on board the Norwegian Breakaway tested positive for COVID-19, including one probable case of the omicron variant. The cruise line said that all confirmed cases are asymptomatic. Rachel Treisman
These pork products are being recalled over possible listeria contamination Alexander & Hornung is recalling 17 different ham and pepperoni products over listeria concerns. Federal officials say customers should throw the food away — here's what to look for on the label. Rachel Treisman
Omicron variant detected in three Washington state counties Three cases of the omicron variant have been detected in Washington state, according to the state Department of Health. That includes a case in King County. Kate Walters
Life Kit: How to be a kind neighbor NPR's Life Kit has tips and trick for how to be a good neighbor. Diana Opong
A device to 'cleanse' the brain and enhance sleep: UW researchers have started human trials Feeling drowsy? Maybe you just need to sleep more ... but maybe science can help. UW researchers are trying to enhance what the brain does when it sleeps. Bill Radke
South Africa is seeing a 4th surge of COVID-19 that's being driven by omicron South Africa's health ministry says the rate of infection is the highest since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eyder Peralta
Sociologist says women are more likely to choose abortion over adoption NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Gretchen Sisson, a sociologist at UCSF, who has studied whether the option to put a child up for adoption alleviates the need for a woman to get an abortion. Sarah Handel
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on the administration's response to the Omicron variant NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on the Biden administration's ongoing response to the Omicron variant. Elena Burnett