Today is Monday, November 29th, what you need to know about a new variant of COVID-19,

from what it's called and where it spreads so far to the details of a new U.S. travel

ban because of it. Also, we'll update you about two high-profile trials,

and we'll tell you where more winter weather is expected this week. Plus, what's being done

about a global shortage of maple syrup, a Broadway legend remembered, and we're talking

celebrations for Hanukkah and deals for Cyber Monday.

Welcome, welcome to The Newsworthy, all the days news in around 10 minutes. Fast, fair, fun,

and on the go. I'm Air Commandy, thanks so much for being here. You ready? Let's do this!

A new variant of COVID-19 has the attention of health experts all around the world.

The variant is called Omicron, and the World Health Organization says it's a variant of concern.

That's the WHO's most serious category. There is no definite proof that the variant is more deadly

or more contagious than other strains already circulating, but the WHO says Omicron does have

some genetic mutations that could help it spread quickly, maybe even among vaccinated people.

For now, scientists say it's likely the vaccines on the market will work against it,

but several vaccine makers say they're studying this variant now to make sure and to see if more

boosters might be necessary. The variant first popped up in South Africa, where just 25 percent

of the population is vaccinated. Then it quickly spread to several other countries in Africa,

Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. It has not yet been detected in the United States,

but the White House's Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, says it's inevitable.

There will be confirmed cases here at some point. The Biden administration is still trying to

put a stop to it, though. Starting today, the U.S. will restrict travel again from South Africa

and seven other African countries. Dozens of other governments around the world have already done

...