The winter COVID surge is well under way in the United States, leading to dubious new records. About one million cases were recorded Monday which surpassed the old record of 590-thousand set just last week. Can the country's healthcare system withstand the onslaught of cases and hospitalizations?  If that's not bad enough...there's a new variant found in southern France that has some scientists worried. Meanwhile hospitals are having a tough time finding enough of Pfizer's and Merck's COVID pills just as they're filling up.  Students are exhausted, stressed and burned out from the pandemic. Many of them are struggling with mental health issues and the constant changes when it comes to schools opening and closing. And finally.........COVID has exposed some major holes in America's system of caregiving for the children, the elderly and those in need. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices