The News Roundup for December 23, 2021 - a podcast by NPR

Omicron is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S., accounting for 73 percent of new cases. Health authorities say this strain is likely to result in more infections but fewer hospitalizations.

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin continues to be at odds with many of his Democratic colleagues on the Build Back Better plan. He is in contact with President Joe Biden.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is blaming the West for heightened tension between Russia and NATO member nations after Russian troops began amassing on the country's border with neighboring Ukraine. State Secretary Anthony Blinken said Putin would face massive consequences if he moved to invade.

We cover all this and more during the News Roundup.

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