Biden lifts abortion referral ban on family planning clinics The Department of Health and Human Services said Monday its new regulation, which will go into effect Nov. 8, will restore clinics' ability to refer women seeking abortions to a provider. The Associated Press
New trial asks whether big pharmacy chains bear any blame for the opioid epidemic The nation's biggest name-brand pharmacy chains including CVS and Walmart are facing opening arguments in a high-profile opioid trial beginning Monday in Ohio. Brian Mann
Kentucky hospitals have been overflowing with COVID patients for almost 2 months Some Kentucky hospitals have been over capacity with COVID patients for nearly two months and are getting help from the National Guard. The governor expects them to stay full for another month. Corinne Boyer
Get a fan and get vaccinated, the CDC says in its safety tips for the holidays "When you have something spread by aerosol, you absolutely want more ventilation," Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, said in an interview with CBS. Bill Chappell
Pharmacy chains in Ohio will face trial over their role in the opioid crisis The nation's biggest name-brand pharmacy chains face a high-profile civil trial beginning Monday in Ohio over their role in the nation's deadly opioid epidemic. Brian Mann
What we know about COVID-19 vaccines for children and long haul COVID The COVID surge is ebbing though deaths remain high. Meanwhile, the FDA has set a date to review data on vaccines for kids under 12 and the NIH has launched long-hauler study. Allison Aubrey
Drug users face obstacles and mistrust when it comes to getting COVID vaccine NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Dr. Hansel Tookes, director of IDEA Exchange, about vaccine misinformation and other barriers people who use drugs face during the pandemic.
The demand for sober-living residences as a path to addiction recovery Money from opioid settlements will flow into recovery services around the country. Some residents of Parkersburg, W.V., say their small city is under strain as a result. June Leffler
A Covid pill, a set of debates, and the M's make a playoff push, this week Bill Radke discusses the week's news with The Stranger's Rich Smith, Crosscut and KCTS 9's Beatriz Costa-Lima, and South Seattle Emerald and Converge Media's Mike Davis. Alec Cowan
Coronavirus FAQ: I'm vaccinated. Can I give a hug — or a handshake — without risk? In the vaccine era, people are wondering if it's (relatively) safe to resume hugs, exchange handshakes, kiss on the cheek or air kiss. Marc Silver
