Health

Dramatic drop in common viruses raises question: Masks forever?

By Blake Farmer, Nashville Public Radio

Hospitalizations are down 62% for childhood respiratory illnesses, a study shows. Masking and social distancing are keeping a variety of viruses in check this flu season.

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana

By Marina Villeneuve, Associated Press

The legislation provides protections for cannabis users in the workplace, housing, family court and in schools, colleges and universities, and sets a target of providing half of marijuana licenses to individuals from underrepresented communities.

City dwellers gained more access to public spaces during the pandemic – can they keep it?

By Katharine Lusk, The Conversation

COVID-19 has underscored the value of parks and public spaces. A new survey shows that U.S. mayors have gotten the message, but post-pandemic plans for public spaces remain largely undefined.

Trans teenagers fear Alabama push to outlaw gender-affirming treatment

By Kim Chandler, Associated Press

Trace Trice is among the parents who have spoken out against the bill, saying it will be deadly. She said her child is a boy whether lawmakers believe it or not.

White House expresses concerns about WHO report on COVID-19 origin

By Jamey Keaten, Associated Press

An international team that has released a long-awaited study of the possible origins of COVID-19 with Chinese colleagues say it's a "first start."…

More than a dozen states to open vaccines to all adults

By Associated Press

The expansion that began Monday has some health officials worried about whether it will create expectations they can’t possibly meet until vaccine supplies catch up to demand.

How to stay safe from COVID this summer, according to experts

By Isabella Isaacs-Thomas

The safest way to approach socializing in an ongoing pandemic involves a similar risk assessment to the one many people have been exercising since stay-at-home orders were lifted months ago, rather than throwing caution to the wind.

At least 11 more states to open virus vaccines to all adults

By Associated Press

The expansion that begins Monday has some health officials worried about whether it will create expectations they can’t possibly meet until vaccines supplies catch up to demand.

WATCH: Biden unveils plans for U.S. vaccination expansion

By Associated Press

The president addressed the nation from the White House Monday, declaring, “if we let our guard down now, we can see the virus getting worse, not better. People are letting up on precautions, which is a very bad thing.”…

Supreme Court agrees to hear bid for new defense of Kentucky abortion law

By Associated Press

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from Kentucky’s attorney general, who wants to be allowed to defend a restriction on abortion rights that lower courts had struck down.