The first free N95 masks have started to arrive at U.S. pharmacies, with more on the way in the coming days, as the Biden administration seeks to ramp up access to high-quality masks amid the spread of the highly-transmissible omicron variant.
Stories by CNN
Mysterious Ice Formations Showed Up in Chicago This Week
You’ve heard of blizzards and maybe even the polar vortex, but have you heard of ice pancakes? What about ice bites or ice jams? These unique names sound fascinating but require specific weather conditions.
FDA Considers Limiting Authorization of Certain Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19
The US Food and Drug Administration could decide in the coming days to take steps to curb the use of antibody treatments produced by Eli Lilly and Regeneron, the source said, pointing to the growing body of evidence that shows their monoclonal therapies don't effectively neutralize the virus’ omicron variant.
When It Comes to COVID-19 and Mental Health, ‘Kids Very Rarely Do Better Than Their Parents’
New research published Tuesday in JAMA Pediatrics that looked at children and adolescents from 11 countries found kids experienced both mental and physical health problems — anxiety, depression, lower physical activity, food insecurity and school disengagement — linked to school closures and social lockdowns.
Omicron Surge Hasn’t Peaked, and ‘Next Few Weeks Will Be Tough,’ US Surgeon General Says
An average of more than 750,000 new COVID-19 infections were reported every day over the past week, according to Johns Hopkins University data. That means Americans at work, school and elsewhere face a heightened risk of exposure that is unparalleled during the pandemic.
As Schools Battle Omicron, Billions of Federal Relief Dollars Remain Unspent
Much of the $190 billion that Congress authorized for schools earlier in the pandemic has yet to be used. In a majority of states, less than 20% of the federal money had been spent by the end of November, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
Chicago Principals Say They Were Blindsided by Announcement Some Schools Might Offer In-Person Learning Friday
The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association said it was “blindsided” by the announcement. “Principals don’t determine the resources and conditions that leave some schools ready to open and others unable to,” it said.
No Money? No Problem. Here Are 4 Ways to Give Back Without Opening Your Wallet
It’s the season of giving! Even if you are low on funds, you can still make an impact. Here are four ways you can spread goodwill during the holidays without spending a dime.
How Safe Is It to Attend Holiday Religious Services as the Omicron Variant Spreads? Experts Weigh in
For many places of worship, it’s business as usual. But some churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship have been offering virtual or outdoor services, and will be doing so for holiday events.
Holiday-Proof Your Fitness With These 10 Expert Tips
With the right mindset, you can enjoy the season without sabotaging your well-being.
1 in 5 Parents Admit Their Stress Level Ruins the Holidays for Their Children, According to a New Poll
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful.
NASA’ s James Webb Space Telescope Rolls Out for Christmas Launch
The highly anticipated launch of the James Webb Space Telescope has been delayed multiple times.
How Long Should You Isolate If You’re Fully Vaccinated But Have COVID-19? There is Some Debate
This debate comes as COVID-19 cases rise across the United States. As of Tuesday, the nation is averaging 139,764 new cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University – up 16% from a week ago.
Defense Rests in Jussie Smollett Trial After Prosecution Contrasts His Version of Events With Other Testimony
The trial, which began last week, is the culmination of a case that began on the frigid night of Jan. 29, 2019, when Jussie Smollett told police two men had attacked him, made anti-gay and racist comments, poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck.
DA Who Released Waukesha Suspect Ahead of Tragedy Says It Was the Result of Human Error
The Milwaukee district attorney whose office allowed for the release of a man accused of running over holiday parade attendees last month said Thursday that his low cash bail amount was the result of “human error” by an early-career prosecutor.
The ‘Home Alone’ House Could Be Yours for One Night Only
Calling all filthy animals: Airbnb is renting out the “Home Alone” house this month for one hijinks-filled night.
A Sweet Potato Pie Tradition That Almost Wasn’t, and Other Stories of Unforgettable Family Recipes
Whatever it is you are cooking, we all have memorable stories about the food that has been prepared and the recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation. These are those stories.
Coach of NWSL Soccer Team Resigns, A Day Before Report Alleges Verbal and Emotional Abuse of Players
The coach of the Chicago Red Stars resigned Sunday, a day after leading his team to the National Women’s Soccer League title game and a day before a Washington Post report alleged that players had accused him of verbal and emotional abuse.
Illinois Students Rally to Defend LGBTQ Book as School Board Hears Objections Over Its Content
The increasingly heated debate over the presence of certain books in school libraries was aired at a Downers Grove school board meeting this week.
Adam Kinzinger Isn’t Ruling Out a 2024 Presidential Bid as He Considers His Future After the House
Acknowledging his potential career options and timeline for the first time since announcing his retirement from the House last week, Adam Kinzinger told CNN he is considering at least a statewide run if not a presidential one.
DOJ Charges 13 Alleged Members of Violent Chicago Gang in Federal Indictment
The Department of Justice has charged 13 members of a Chicago street gang faction with racketeering conspiracy as part of a federal indictment related to dozens of murders, attempted murders and acts of violence spanning more than 20 years.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Urges Schumer and Pelosi to Pass Federal Paid Family Leave
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is urging Congressional Democratic leadership to pass federal paid family and medical leave and “ensure this consequential moment is not lost” as Democrats continue to negotiate a deal to pass the Biden administration’s social safety net and infrastructure package.
Five Times as Many Police Officers Have Died From COVID-19 as From Gunfire Since Start of Pandemic
The coronavirus has become the leading cause of death for officers despite law enforcement being among the first groups eligible to receive the vaccine at the end of 2020.
The New Superman Comes Out as Bisexual in an Upcoming Comic
The fifth issue of the DC comic series “Superman: Son of Kal-El” will confirm that the new Superman – Jon Kent, child of Clark Kent and Lane – is bisexual after falling for Jay Nakamura, a male reporter, DC announced this week.
US Records Highest Increase in Nation’s Homicide Rate in Modern History, CDC Says
Provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, released early Wednesday, suggest the homicide rate for the United States rose 30% between 2019 and 2020.
Chicago Residents Fighting To Save Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, One of City’s Only Indoor Green Spaces
For more than two decades, the indoor garden has been a cherished escape from bustling city life. But the beloved tropical garden, which has always been free to the public, is set to be replaced with a new paid digital experience.
