Health Jan 14 Boston schools face staff shortages amid sky-high COVID cases Most of the nation’s nearly 100,000 public schools are open. But as the omicron surge continues, some districts are struggling to keep in-person learning going. Boston Public Schools have been operating in person since last spring, though a high number…
Health Dec 20 Vaccines reduce hospitalizations, but slow testing and rapid omicron spread worry experts The rapid and relentless spread of COVID-19 in the midst of a new variant of the coronavirus is leading to growing alarm just ahead of the holidays. Omicron infections are exploding amid a shortage of testing, and governments are imposing…
Health Dec 16 Why a website with explicit directions for suicide remains active Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young Americans, and most websites about suicide are aimed at prevention. But a New York Times investigation looks into one that provides information and directions for how to die. Gabriel Dance and…
World Dec 15 Melting of the Thwaites Glacier could rewrite the global coastline A warming atmosphere is creating concern in the Arctic Circle and on the continent of Antarctica. The Arctic Report Card shows high temperatures, shrinking sea ice and extreme melting events are transforming the region. At the opposite pole, in Antarctica,…
Science Dec 14 The link between climate change and tornadoes is unclear. Here’s what we know so far In the aftermath of last Friday’s deadly tornado outbreak, federal emergency officials say they are bracing for more severe and more frequent weather disasters, raising questions about whether there’s a link between climate change and tornadoes. While scientists are confident…
Nation Dec 13 Why the $380 million settlement in gymnast sexual abuse suit is just a start After a five-year legal battle, USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and their insurance companies reached a settlement with the victims of former physician Larry Nassar. The settlement — totaling $380 million — is one of the largest…
Health Dec 09 Despite strong vaccination rate, Vermont sees COVID spike amid booster shot lag As the country braces for the unknowns of the new omicron variant, the delta variant is still overwhelming parts of the United States. Some states in the Northeast and Midwest have seen sustained record-breaking case numbers. William Brangham reports on…
Nation Dec 07 Navy’s water contamination flub in Hawaii follows 8 years of warning signs U.S. military families stationed in Hawaii are dealing with tap water contaminated with petroleum. The cause is unknown, but investigators say a leak from a nearby fuel storage facility operated by the Navy may be to blame. On Monday, Secretary…
Nation Dec 02 Dozens of suburban Detroit schools close amid threats after high school shooting Dozens of schools across suburban Detroit cancelled classes Thursday, two days after four students were killed in a shooting at Oxford High School. The alleged shooter, who is 15, remains held without bail, charged with murder and terrorism. The prosecutor…
Nation Nov 25 Voices of gratitude on Thanksgiving Day amid the ongoing pandemic Unlike last Thanksgiving, which fell in the depths of the pandemic, the creation of vaccines means many of us can gather more safely with our loved ones this holiday. We heard from people across the country about the ways they're…