Two forces collide to create most unusual job market in modern American history
The economy has seldom seen such a mismatch between so much demand for workers and so few people willing to work.
The Washington Post
Articles
Leaders urge Americans to cancel New Year’s plans amid rising COVID counts
The volley of warnings serves as yet another reminder that the pandemic is far from over, with the omicron variant spurring a familiar pattern of cautions and cancellations during a time when many hoped to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
U.S. health officials acknowledge shortage of at-home COVID tests
The Biden administration, which last week announced a plan to offer 500 million at-home tests to Americans sometime next month, has faced criticism in recent days over its failure to prepare an adequate supply of tests.
For many, home insurance premiums are rising faster than inflation
Since 2017, home insurance premium rates are up 11.4% on average, and insurance experts expect the rates to remain high.
Anger over mask mandates, other COVID rules, spurs states to curb power of public health officials
At least 19 states, including Indiana, have this year restricted state or local authorities from safeguarding public health amid the coronavirus pandemic.
United, Delta cancel more than 200 Christmas Eve flights as omicron hits staff
The U.S. airlines said they were working hard to accommodate as many passengers as possible, but the disruption comes during one of the busiest travel periods in years.
FDA authorizes Merck’s anti-coronavirus pill, a second treatment option
Molnupiravir cut the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk patients by 30%. In contrast, Pfizer’s antiviral drug, authorized on Wednesday, reduced hospitalizations and death by nearly 90%.
Omicron pulls workers back to eye of storm, as workplace outbreaks grow
The outbreaks are a reminder of the risks that front line workers continue to face on the job, and the central role that workplaces can play in the transmission of the virus.
Latest data from U.K. suggests omicron less likely than delta to require hospitalization
The early findings track well with the latest observations from South Africa, where public health officials have reported that omicron is tending to result in milder illness.
Biden touts healthy supply chain: ‘Gifts are being delivered, shelves are not empty’
Despite the positive news, public opinion polling shows that many Americans lack confidence in the country’s economic recovery.
Q&A: If you’re vaccinated and boosted, how should omicron affect your plans?
Delta was at least twice as contagious as the first strain of the novel coronavirus, scientists have found, while omicron appears to be at least twice as transmissible as delta.
U.S. population growth hits record low, slowed by pandemic
The United States’ population grew by just 0.1% in the past year, the lowest rate since the nation’s founding, according to Census estimates.
Companies and attendees drop out of CES over omicron concerns
Just two weeks before it is set to open its doors to tens of thousands of people at the massive Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest technology trade shows is in limbo.
Biden will try to rally exhausted Americans against omicron threat
In a speech Tuesday, Biden will outline plans to expand coronavirus testing sites across the country, distribute a half-billion free at-home tests and deploy more federal health resources to aid strained hospitals, including emergency teams bound for Indiana.
Members of Congress want answers from Amazon on warehouse collapse
The letter from more than a dozen lawmakers asks Amazon for documents and details about its policies for safety drills, storm shelters and flexible working hours during storms.
NFL’s COVID-testing plan could fuel spread, experts say, but it’s ‘where society is going’
After dozens of players tested positive last week, throwing the league’s schedule into chaos, the NFL overhauled its testing strategy, saying it will no longer conduct regular testing of vaccinated players who show no signs of illness.
How pro sports leagues are handling the latest coronavirus surge
The NFL, NBA and NHL have all updated their coronavirus protocols amid an uptick in cases among players and team officials.
Climate change shrinking odds of white Christmas (but not in Indy)
Our warming climate appears to be eating away at white Christmas chances, newly available data shows. But Indianapolis appears to be an exception.
Moderna booster should provide ‘good level of protection’ against omicron, vaccine-maker says
A booster dose of Moderna’s vaccine—half the dose used in the original shots for adults—increased antibody levels against omicron by 37 times, the company said, citing preliminary data.
Manchin’s ‘no’ vote on Build Back Better bill undercuts Biden’s climate agenda
The senator, who had been the chief Democratic obstacle to the White House’s sweeping policy initiative for nearly six months, said he could not support the bill because of his concerns about inflation, the growing deficit and the need to focus on the omicron coronavirus variant.