US buys 200M more Pfizer vaccine doses, option for 'updated version'

The U.S. has bought an additional 200 million Pfizer COVID-19 doses and has the option to acquire an updated version of the vaccine if needed for emerging coronavirus variants.

Free money for all? Mayors hope local tests bring big change

In experiments across the country, dozens of cities and counties are giving some low-income residents a guaranteed income of $500 to $1,000 each month to do with as they please, and tracking what happens.

Atlanta Public Schools mandating masks for all students, staff

Atlanta Public School officials say the lack of vaccination of younger students and the rise of the Delta variant have led them to require masks in classrooms.

Austin ISD releases COVID-19 protocols for 2021-2022 school year

With COVID-19 variants and increased hospitalizations nearly pushing Austin into Stage 4, AISD says it is committed to providing a safe environment.

Untreatable, deadly 'superbug' fungus outbreak reported at two North Texas hospitals

An untreatable 'superbug' fungus outbreak has been reported at two North Texas hospitals, the CDC reports. Formally known as Candida Auris, the fungus is a form of yeast that can be deadly to hospital and nursing home patients who have serious medical problems.

Austin ISD releases COVID-19 protocols for 2021-2022 school year
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With COVID-19 variants and increased hospitalizations nearly pushing Austin into Stage 4, AISD says it is committed to providing a safe environment.

Reports of ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases alarming medical experts, world governments

While reports of athletes, lawmakers and others occasionally getting the coronavirus despite vaccination may sound alarming, top health experts point to overwhelming evidence that the shots dramatically reduce severe disease and death.

DSHS launches campaign encouraging Texas youth to get vaccinated

The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging Texans to get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise.

Travis County judge hosts community town hall on COVID-19

Travis County Judge Andy Brown held a town hall on COVID-19 and a panel with Texas Dems on their fight against GOP voter reform.

DeSantis says there will be no mask mandates in Florida schools

"There's been talk about potentially people advocating at the federal level imposing compulsory masks on kids. We're not doing that in Florida, OK?" DeSantis said. "We need our kids to breathe."

Pfizer vaccine 88% effective against delta variant, study finds

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the Pfizer vaccine after two doses was 88% effective against symptomatic illness from the delta variant.

CDC director: Hospitals ‘reaching capacity in some areas’ as COVID-19 cases rise

The director of the CDC on Thursday said the U.S. is at another “pivotal moment” in the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that rising cases in some areas is pushing local hospitals to the brink once again.

NFL teams may have to forfeit game, take loss if COVID-19 outbreak occurs

If a coronavirus outbreak occurs among unvaccinated players or staff during the 2021 season, it could result in a forfeit and loss if the game cannot be rescheduled, the NFL announced Thursday.

US unemployment claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low

The number of jobless claims increased last week to 419,000, the most in two months, from a pandemic low of 368,000 during the previous week.

Death rates surge in Southeast Asia as COVID-19 spreads

A record number of new cases being reported in countries across the region have left health care systems struggling and governments scrambling to implement new restrictions to try to slow the spread.

COVID-19 breakthrough cases: What are they?

What is a COVID-19 vaccine “breakthrough” case? The Associated Press explains.

IRS stimulus checks: Petition for additional $2,000 monthly payments nears 3 million

A Change.org petition calling on Congress to send additional $2,000 monthly economic stimulus checks to U.S. families is nearing its goal of three million signatures.