US unemployment claims reach a pandemic low as hiring strengthens
U.S. unemployment claims fell last week to 340,000, a pandemic low and another sign that the job market is steadily rebounding.
COVID-19 surge leaves US hospitals with oxygen shortages
The COVID-19 surge is stretching oxygen supplies and sending hospitals scrambling for more ventilators.
Fully-vaccinated leukemia patient dies from COVID-19 after letting guard down
An Apollo Beach father living with leukemia died from COVID-19 last week despite being fully vaccinated, and his son said he hopes his dad’s situation motivates others with health conditions to rethink their risk.
COVID-19 ‘mu’ strain: WHO tracks latest ‘variant of interest’
Global health leaders say the COVID-19 mu variant is showing signs of some vaccine immunity.
220 pediatric hospitals plead for help from federal government amid COVID-19 surge
The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) says more than 220 pediatric hospitals are struggling to contend with the recent wave of child patients infected with COVID-19.
13-year-old Floyd County student dies from COVID-19, coroner says
A 13-year-old Coosa High School student who had been battling COVID-19 since last week died Tuesday morning, officials confirmed.
Pastor’s wife prays for a miracle as unvaccinated husband remains hospitalized with COVID-19
"He bought into all the conspiracy theories that were saying somehow vaccination was a way to infiltrate bad things into your bloodstream, control and freedom. My daughter and I used to tease him all the time and say, ‘You know, there’s no freedom if you’re dead.’"
Oxygen shortage could have long-term impacts on Tampa water system
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing another shortage. So much oxygen is needed for hospital patients that it’s putting liquid oxygen in short supply.
Mask mandate complies with state law, Hillsborough school district tells commissioner
In a letter filed late Wednesday, the Hillsborough school district says it believes its mask mandate is consistent with the law and will remain in effect now that quarantines and cases are going down.
Florida Department of Health will fine businesses $5,000 for violating state's vaccine passport ban
The Florida Department of Health says it will issue $5,000 fines to businesses, government agencies and government institutions that violate the state's ban on so-called COVID-19 "vaccine passports."
Purdue Pharma opioid settlement: Judge conditionally OKs $4.5B agreement
A judge on Wednesday gave conditional approval to a sweeping, potentially $10 billion plan submitted by OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to settle a mountain of lawsuits over its role in the opioid crisis.
Florida tops 3.25 million COVID-19 cases since start of pandemic
Florida now has had more than 3.25 million cases of COVID-19 among residents since the pandemic started in early 2020. Meanwhile, more than one out of every three patients hospitalized in Florida has COVID-19, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Central Florida hospitals add portable morgues to handle COVID-19 deaths
Lakeland Regional Health, like many other Tampa Bay area hospitals, is bringing in mobile coolers because their morgues are near or at capacity due to COVID-19.
NFL Players Association investigating after Urban Meyer said vaccine status factored into Jaguars roster
The NFL Players Association has launched an investigation following Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer's admission that vaccination status factored into the team's roster decisions: "‘Is he vaccinated or not?’ Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration."
Biden condemns Texas abortion law, 'blatantly violates' the constitution
Biden said the law “blatantly violates” constitutional rights.
As Florida mask fight rages, more children hospitalized
About 60 children are being admitted per day to Florida hospitals for COVID-19, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up from about five per day throughout much of the pandemic — even previous surges.
Texas law banning most abortions takes effect after Supreme Court stays silent
The Texas law bans abortions around six weeks and authorizes private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone involved in facilitating abortions.
CDC: 180 COVID-19 cases linked to Illinois church events that didn’t require vaccines or masks
A COVID-19 outbreak has been linked to an Illinois church camp for teens and men’s conference that didn’t require vaccinations or masks, the CDC said.
Unvaccinated against COVID-19? Delay travel this Labor Day weekend: CDC
Fully vaccinated Americans should weigh individual risks given high COVID-19 spread, CDC's Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.
Honolulu to require proof of vaccine or negative test at many indoor businesses
Hawaii’s capital of Honolulu will soon require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test at many indoor businesses amid a virus case surge.