Supreme Court to hold special session on Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandates
The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to hear arguments on the Biden administration’s vaccine or testing requirement for large employers and a separate vaccine requirement for health care workers.
Omicron variant less likely to require hospitalization, studies show
Scientists stress that even if the findings of these early studies hold up, any reductions in severity need to be weighed against the fact omicron spreads much faster than delta and is more able to evade vaccines.
Disturbing Houston nursing home experience shared by victim's granddaughter
One Houston woman says she was horrified when she finally saw her grandmother after COVID restrictions lightened. Her grandmother didn't last much longer after restrictions lifted.
Federal judge backs Florida in blocking contractor vaccinations
Saying President Joe Biden exceeded his authority, a Tampa federal judge Wednesday backed Florida’s attempt to block a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for federal contractors.
Universal Orlando updates face mask policy, with new rules effective Friday
Universal Orlando Resort is once again implementing a face mask policy change for park guests and employees.
Minnesota teen jumps out of McDonald’s drive-thru window to save choking customer
Sydney Raley didn’t think twice about jumping through a McDonald’s drive-through window to render first-aid to a choking customer.
Retailers put buying limits on COVID test kits as travelers rush to test before holidays
With Christmas now only days away, thousands of Floridians are looking to gather with confidence, but some stores have just announced they will impose a purchase limit for at-home COVID-19 testing products.
DC to require proof of vaccination for restaurants, bars, other indoor venues
D.C. will soon require proof of vaccination for many indoor venues, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday.
Chronic alcohol use caused Vincent Jackson's death, medical examiner finds
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vincent Jackson died due to chronic alcohol use, according to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner.
Researchers say COVID surge expected in Florida, peaking in February
With Floridians lining up by the tens of thousands for COVID tests across the state this week, University of Florida researchers predict that cases in the Sunshine State, driven by the new omicron variant, could peak in February with more than 30,000 reported cases a day.
McDonald’s rolls out exercise bikes for dine-in customers in China
Two restaurants in China are testing out a new experience where customers can dine, exercise and charge their electronic devices all at once.
Pfizer COVID-19 pill approved in US as 1st home treatment
Pfizer’s pill, called Paxlovid, is the first COVID-19 treatment that Americans can pick up at a pharmacy and take at home.
WHO chief: Blanket COVID booster drives risk prolonged pandemic
The head of the World Health Organization warned Wednesday that blanket booster programs in rich countries risk prolonging the world's battle with COVID-19 and said that “no country can boost its way out of the pandemic.”
FDA approves first injectable HIV prevention drug, providing option to a daily pill
The injectable prevention drug is an alternative to taking a daily pill to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV.
Nearly $100B in COVID-19 relief funds stolen, Secret Service says
Most of that figure comes from unemployment fraud. The Labor Department reported about $87 billion in unemployment benefits could have been paid improperly, with a significant portion attributable to fraud.
Judge rules against California school district in COVID vaccine suit
San Diego Unified is one of several large school districts in California to announce such mandates. Other districts with similar mandates include Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and West Contra Costa Unified school districts.
Trump 'very appreciative' and 'surprised' after Biden acknowledged his administration's COVID vaccine rollout
Former President Trump said he was "very appreciative" and "surprised" that President Biden thanked him and his administration for their success in making COVID-19 vaccines available to the public, adding that "tone" and "trust" are critical in getting Americans vaccinated.
South Africa's COVID-19 case drop may show its omicron peak has passed
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
San Jose mayor pushes for mandatory booster; could be 1st in California
In what could be an unprecedented move in California, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he wants to make all city employees and visitors who enter city-owned facilities, to have a booster shot or third round of vaccinations. There will surely be pushback to the plan.
NHL to withdraw from Olympics after COVID surge, sources say
The NHL is not sending players to the Beijing Olympics over concerns that the coronavirus pandemic will disrupt the league's ability to complete a full season.