prt ia briefing today about the latest with the omicron variant, and that he is in regular touch with health officials from around the world. today, president biden also went to church with his family here in nantucket, and did a little holiday shopping to try to highlight small-business saturday. now, many of these stores around the country are struggling to stay afloat amid supply chain and inflation issues that are driving up costs. of course, the omicron strain brings another financial challenge with the stocks taking a dramatic tumble yesterday. the president, though, said he is not worried at all about the markets, focusing on keeping the new variant at bay instead. today, dr. anthony fauci, the president s chief medical adviser, agreed that the variant is probably already here. in the u.s. in countries like israel and belgium, but he says blocking toes stfrom certain couriesbu