What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus

Stephen Sondheim, a towering talent in American musical theater, dies at 91

He won his initial fame as the lyricist for 'West Side Story' in 1957, and was associated with many of the most celebrated and enduring musicals of his time.

Will flight restrictions help as new virus variant emerges?

A coronavirus variant recently identified in southern Africa is leading to a new round of travel restrictions just as many had finally begun to ease.

New Hampshire, Vermont asked to test deer for COVID-19

Maine is monitoring the tests from other states, but is not actively testing deer for COVID-19.

Stocks sink on news of new COVID variant, and Dow drops by 905 points

The S&P 500 index dropped 106.84 points, or 2.3%, in the worst day for Wall Street's benchmark index since February.

U.S. restricts travel from southern Africa as world races to contain new ‘omicron’ COVID variant

Omicron's actual risks are not understood, but early evidence suggests it carries an increased risk of reinfection compared with other highly transmissible variants.

Higher prices on Amazon cause a retail ripple effect

The phenomenon, which economists have dubbed the "Amazon Effect," happens because rivals tend to follow Amazon's lead to match each other on online pricing.

What is this new COVID variant in South Africa?

South African scientists have identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

Stores kick off Black Friday but pandemic woes linger

Retailers are expected to usher in the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season Friday with bigger crowds than last year.

U.S. lawmakers meet with president of Taiwan in surprise visit

The visit comes as tensions between Taiwan and China have risen to their highest level in decades.