Novel coronavirus

U.N. chief says vaccine can’t undo damage from global pandemic

By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press

Guterres accused some countries he didn't name of ignoring or rejecting the World Health Organization’s recommendations at the start of the crisis early this year, resulting in nations going in their own directions.

WATCH: McCarthy expresses optimism over virus relief bill

By Associated Press

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is sounding a more optimistic tone about the chances for an end of the year COVID-19 relief package, telling reporters "there has been some movement this week."…

Pelosi, McConnell discuss COVID-19 relief as pressure builds

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

The conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell adds to tentative optimism that a medium-sized aid package might break free after months of Washington toxicity and deadlock.

Ex-presidents willing to get vaccine publicly to boost confidence

By Will Weissert, Associated Press

Three former presidents say they'd be willing to publicly take a coronavirus vaccine, once one becomes available, to encourage all Americans to get inoculated against a disease that has already killed more than 273,000 people nationwide.

U.S. jobless claims remain high at 712,000 as virus escalates

By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak.

Sundance Film Festival goes largely virtual for 2021

By Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press

Organizers on Wednesday said that this year they will premiere over 70 films on a custom online platform during the seven day event.

Biden, top Democrats swing behind bipartisan pandemic aid bill

By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press

President-elect Joe Biden has swung behind a bipartisan COVID-19 relief effort. That comes as his top Capitol Hill allies cut their demands for a $2 trillion-plus measure by more than half.

The essential COVID-19 vaccine FAQ

By Laura Santhanam

The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and the need for face masks, hand-washing and social distancing remain. But the largest vaccination campaign in United States history has also begun protecting its first recipients.

Swamped hospitals scramble for pandemic help

By Grant Schulte, Amy Forliti, Associated Press

U.S. hospitals slammed with COVID-19 patients are trying to lure nurses and doctors out of retirement, recruiting students and new graduates who have yet to earn their licenses.

Putin orders ‘large-scale’ COVID-19 vaccination in Russia

By Daria Litvinova, Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “large-scale” COVID-19 immunization campaign to start by late next week. Putin said that doctors and teachers set to be first in line to get a Russian-designed vaccine named Sputnik V.