US consumer inflation rate up 6.8% in past year, highest since 1982

Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.8% in November compared with a year earlier, the highest annual inflation rate in 39 years.

In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.

Omicron variant detected in North Texas by Frisco lab

There are now two known cases of the omicron variant in North Texas. They were detected by a lab in Frisco.

Southlake Apple Store temporarily closes due to COVID-19 outbreak

Apple has confirmed the Southlake store was closed after multiple employees tested positive for the virus, but it would not specify how many. Some who frequent the store have talked about how crowded it was inside the store on Black Friday and the days following.

UPDATE: Nine cases of omicron variant identified by Houston Methodist, more expected

Houston Methodist has confirmed they have identified nine cases of the omicron variant through its comprehensive virus genome sequencing surveillance project. They expect more will be identified in the next couple of days.

Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine showing promising trial results, company says

Medicago announced Tuesday that its two-dose vaccine was 71% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in a large, late-stage study that included several variants including the delta variant.

Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study

Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Fort Worth man with COVID-19 after effects recovers after ECMO treatment

A Fort Worth man credits prayer and a team of doctors for keeping him alive. He and his mother want to share their story to help others.

Alleged kidnapper and teen stopped at Canadian border after invalid COVID-19 tests

A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington on Friday says the 19-year-old man was apprehended by U.S. border agents at the Highgate Springs port of entry on Thursday after he and the girl were refused entry to Canada.

Dallas County health leaders monitoring omicron variant as first case reported near Houston

With the new omicron variant on the horizon, Dallas County leaders are mirroring the federal push to get more booster shots in arms ahead of winter when more people will be gathering indoors.

COVID-related stress weighs heavily on Gen Z

Among Americans in Gen Z, 46% said the pandemic has made it harder to pursue their education or career goals.

First Texas omicron variant case confirmed in Houston area

A woman in her 40s from northwest Harris County has tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the first confirmed case in Texas.

Texas labs ramp up sequencing as omicron variant spreads across nation

Delta remains the dominant variant in North Texas, but experts say it is only a matter of time before omicron is detected in the region as well.

NYC announces new vaccine mandate for all private sector employers

Beginning Dec. 27, all private-sector employers in New York City must require that their employees be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.

NYC vaccine mandate includes children as young as 5

Children as young as 5 years old will be required to get vaccines in New York City to enter restaurants and other indoor venues.

Cruise ship with COVID-19 outbreak docks in New Orleans

Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement that confirmed a “handful of COVID-19 cases among guests and crew.” The company said all of the identified cases involved people without symptoms of the illness.

Omicron variant popping up in more states as hospitals keep up with COVID-19 spike

The arrival of omicron comes as hospitals statewide continue to strain under a surge in coronavirus cases, most traced to the delta variant, along with staffing shortages.