(NewsNation Now) — The show starts by diving into the studies released from South Africa showing the new omicron variant of the coronavirus is causing more mild illness than other variants. Dr. Bob Lahita of the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School explains what that means and where the pandemic stands.

NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer reports on the Biden administration’s often-challenged vaccine mandates from Washington, D.C.

Newsweek’s Batya Ungar-Sargon reacts to a report that at least 75 lawmakers made money off the pandemic by investing in companies making products related to COVID-19.

New York magazine’s Ben Jacobs discusses the New York State Ethics Commission recommendation that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo give back money he made off a book he wrote about the pandemic.

The Hill’s Bob Cusack talks about the drama surrounding the contempt vote for former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

The Daily Caller’s Jorge Ventura reports on the latest developents at the southern border.