Health

Hospitals run low on nurses as they get swamped with COVID-19

By Terry Spencer, Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Andrew Selsky, Associated Press

The surge in COVID-19 infections across the U.S. has caused a shortage of nurses and other front-line staff in virus hot spots that can no longer keep up with the flood of unvaccinated patients.

We don’t know exactly how many people are dying from heat — here’s why

By Chloe Jones, Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado

Data on heat deaths is sparse and undercounted, making it difficult to predict the impact of climate change as temperatures continue to rise.

Senate Dems, GOP come together to pass $1 trillion infrastructure bill

By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press

A rare coalition of Democrats and Republicans joined together Tuesday to deliver a cornerstone of President Joe Biden's agenda. Passage provides momentum as it's now headed to the House.

Groups make own drugs to fight high drug prices, shortages

By Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press

Impatient with years of inaction in Washington on prescription drug prices, U.S. hospital groups, startups and nonprofits have started making their own medicines.

Nursing home overhaul bill would boost staffing, oversight

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities house a tiny proportion of the U.S. population but they're estimated to account for about 3 in 10 coronavirus deaths.

Experts say New Zealand should keep virus elimination plan

By Nick Perry, Associated Press

Only 26 people in New Zealand have died from the coronavirus since the pandemic began, after the nation of 5 million managed to completely stamp it out its spread.

Judge blocks Florida law that prevents cruise lines from requiring proof of vaccination

By Associated Press

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Florida law that prevents cruise lines from requiring passengers to prove they're vaccinated against COVID-19. The judge says it appears unconstitutional and won't likely hold up in court.

Pentagon to require COVID vaccine for all troops by Sept. 15

By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press

That deadline could be pushed up if the vaccine receives final FDA approval or infection rates continue to rise.

France’s virus pass is now required in restaurants, trains

By Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press

France took a big step into a post-pandemic future by requiring people to show a QR code proving they have a special virus pass before they can enjoy restaurants and cafes or travel across the country.