Health

Tensions rise over masks as virus grips smaller U.S. cities

By Heather Hollingsworth, Ryan Foley, Associated Press

Public health officials in Boise, Idaho, were about to vote on a mask mandate but ended the meeting because of fears for their safety amid protests outside the building and at some of their homes.

Pennsylvania governor says he’s tested positive for COVID-19

By Mark Scolforo, Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home, but has no symptoms, he announced Wednesday.

Michigan will borrow $600 million for Flint water settlement

By David Eggert, Associated Press

Under the bipartisan legislation up for a vote Wednesday, the loan from a state economic development fund would cost more than $1 billion to repay over 30 years — $35 million annually.

WATCH: Your questions about COVID-19 and the holiday season, answered

By Courtney Vinopal

With PBS NewsHour’s Amna Nawaz, Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones answered viewer questions about everything from the vaccine rollout process to the risk of gathering with loved ones amid the ongoing pandemic.

Americans want more COVID-19 economic relief. Most think Congress should compromise

By Laura Santhanam

More than two-thirds of Americans also say they or someone they know has been sick with the virus, and more people said they would get vaccinated against the virus, according to the latest PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll.

WATCH: How mayors are preparing to roll out COVID-19 vaccine

By Candice Norwood and Associated Press

PBS NewsHour's anchor and managing editor Judy Woodruff will moderate a discussion Wednesday about distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

WATCH: Senate Veterans’ Affairs committee holds hearing on VA’s COVID-19 response

By Candice Norwood

The VA has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a coronavirus vaccine distribution plan, which is expected to begin this month.

Amid probe, people with serious allergies should not take Pfizer vaccine, UK says

By Associated Press

British regulators are investigating two adverse reactions to the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that occurred on the first day of the country’s mass vaccination program.

New White House offer adds $600 checks to COVID-19 relief

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

The Trump administration dived back into COVID-19 negotiations, offering a $916 billion package to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that adds a $600 direct payment to most Americans.