Everything you need to know about rapid at-home tests

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     Today we have news-you-can-use about this holiday season's most in-demand item: At-home Covid tests. Plus, Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction on sex trafficking charges and how Mother Teresa's charity is coming under threat in India.    Here's what we're watching this Thursday morning.     What you need to know about at-home rapid tests and their results The omicron variant has made at-home Covid tests hot-ticket items. While access and cost are struggles, the new variant could also affect the tests' sensitivity.   Here's what you need to know about the difference between PCR tests, rapid tests and where to find both these days.    More on the pandemic:  Change of plans: Universities are overhauling spring semester as omicron surges WHO gives grim update on variant surge on 2-year mark of Covid appearing in Wuhan Maps: Track hospital stress levels in your state  Thursday's Top Stories Ghislaine Maxwell convicted of federal sex trafficking charges for role in Jeffrey Epstein's abuses The British socialite was found guilty of five of the six federal sex trafficking counts she was charged with and faces up to 65 years in prison. In an opinion piece, a former prosecutor argues that the verdict exposes the failures of a victim-blaming defense.   READ MORE 'It's big money': How retail theft rings use Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen goods He called himself Rick Nye, at least on Facebook Marketplace. His friendly profile picture featured a little girl giving him a hug, making him look like just another guy who had extra equipment to offload — except he was actually part of a massive organized crime ring.  READ MORE Future of Mother Teresa's charity hangs in the balance after Indian government cuts access to foreign funds The move comes amid a rise in attacks on religious minorities and moves to create a Hindu nation. "The fact that the Christmas season was chosen to communicate" this decision "speaks volumes," said the general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India. READ MORE OPINION Why 'Don't Look Up' is the big, blunt asteroid of doom we deserve While some critics have panned Netflix's new blockbuster, cultural critic Noah Berlatsky argues that there's something to be said for art that is prepared to just scream at you in open, helpless panic. READ MORE Also in the News Biden, Putin to speak Thursday amid growing tensions over Ukraine Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show postponed as Covid surges in New York From 'transitory inflation' to a global supply chain crisis, here's what hit the economy hardest in 2021  Dr. Dre finalizes divorce with $100 million settlement North Carolina girl, 3, dies after accidentally shooting herself on Christmas Iowa teens ambushed teacher on her daily walk, dragged her into woods, official says Into America podcast: Host Trymaine Lee catches up with old friends from previous episodes who have helped give us valuable insights into Black life in this moment. Editor's Pick Has your memory blurred during Covid? Experts know why — and have tips to strengthen it When every day seems the same and stress is unrelenting, it can affect people's cognitive skills. Experts offer coping strategies. READ MORE Select Many Select readers sought out affordable alternatives to Peloton bikes this year. Check out the bestselling stationary bikes for 2021. One Fun Thing Space oddity no more? Pluto should be a planet again, scientists argue It was a diss felt across the solar system.    A group of researchers say Pluto was unfairly maligned by a decision to relegate it to "dwarf planet" status in 2006.   Now they are rallying to have Pluto classified as a planet again — and say that there are probably more than 150 other planets that should also be added to our solar system.    Read the full story here.  Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill     FOLLOW US     Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here.     Get the NBC News Mobile App   30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy