Jan 13 Overdose deaths hit a historic high in 2020. Frustrated experts say these strategies could save lives By Laura Santhanam The Biden administration has embraced harm reduction strategies to prevent more people from fatally overdosing. But in order to avoid further catastrophic losses, public health experts say more bold strategies must be pursued. Continue reading
Jan 13 Supreme Court halts Biden policy creating COVID-19 vaccine or test rules for U.S. businesses By Mark Sherman, Jessica Gresko, Associated Press The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job. Continue reading
Jan 13 WATCH: Biden to double free COVID tests, add N95s, all in order to fight omicron By Zeke Miller, Associated Press Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Biden says his administration will also make the most protective N95 masks available for no charge. Continue reading
Jan 12 Chicago teachers accept COVID deal, bringing kids back to school By Sophia Tareen, Kathleen Foody, Associated Press Wednesday's vote will keep kids in classrooms after five days of cancelled classes due to a standoff with the city over remote learning and virus testing. Continue reading
Jan 12 Watch 7:28 Hospitals near a breaking point with latest influx of COVID patients By William Brangham, Harry Zahn The Biden administration is pressing to ship more COVID test kits to schools amid growing criticism of shortages as infections pile up nationwide. But for hospitals dealing with the surge the worst is far from over. In the city of… Continue watching
Jan 12 COVID-19 vaccination rates for children are low. Experts say parents are 'taking an enormous risk' By Lindsey Tanner, Associated Press Distrust, misinformation and other factors have combined to produce what authorities say are alarmingly low COVID-19 vaccination rates in U.S. children ages 5 to 11. Continue reading
Jan 12 White House promises 10 million COVID-19 tests will be sent to schools By Zeke Miller, Associated Press The Biden administration is increasing federal support for COVID-19 testing for schools in a bid to keep them open amid the omicron surge. Continue reading
Jan 12 WATCH: White House COVID task force holds news briefing amid omicron surge By Meg Kinnard, Associated Press Officials across the U.S. are again weighing how and whether to impose mask mandates as COVID-19 infections soar and the American public grows weary of pandemic-related restrictions. Continue reading
Jan 11 Watch 8:13 COVID hospitalizations reach record high as the White House rushes to ramp up testing During Tuesday's congressional hearing about the pandemic, there were tough criticisms of the Biden administration and the lack of available testing. Biden has announced plans to ramp up the response, from requiring insurers to pay for rapid at-home testing to… Continue watching
Jan 11 Watch 9:50 Chicago teachers agree to return to school after a protracted standoff By Stephanie Sy, Sam Lane With the spread of omicron exacerbating staffing shortages, returning to school after winter break has been a significant struggle in many parts of the country. The overwhelming number of districts are back in person, but some have gone virtual for… Continue watching