More cases of the omicron variant have been identified in the U.S., and the Biden administration announced a new plan to make at-home rapid tests covered by private health insurance, launch family vaccination clinics, extend the federal mask mandate on public transportation, and more.

Mexico agreed to allow the U.S. to restart the controversial “Remain in Mexico” asylum policy that was put into place by President Trump. The policy requires asylum seekers at the Southern border to stay in Mexico as they wait for immigration hearings. 

And in headlines: MLB owners and players failed to reach a deal on a new work agreement, former Ohio Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Meade was charged with murder for the shooting of Casey Goodson Jr., and Congress approved a short-term spending bill to fund the government until mid-February.

Show Notes:

New York Times: “Why Didn’t the U.S. Detect Omicron Cases Sooner?” – https://nyti.ms/3Igjjj6

Washington Post: “Biden pledges to fight new variant ‘with science and speed,' as omicron cases multiply and winter outlook worsens” – https://wapo.st/3rLKXib

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday