Novel coronavirus

WATCH: Biden administration to require COVID vaccines for nursing home staff

By Zeke Miller, Associated Press

Biden announced that his administration will require that nursing home staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition for those facilities to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.

Texas governor tests positive for COVID-19, in ‘good health’

By Paul J. Weber, Associated Press

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19. His office said Tuesday that Abbot is in good health and experiencing no symptoms.

Food stamp benefits to increase by more than 25 percent in October

By Ashraf Khalil, Josh Boak, Associated Press

The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families. It's the largest single increase in the program's history.

Vaccine-skeptic cardinal hospitalized with COVID

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press

One of the Catholic church's top officials and fiercest critics of Pope Francis has COVID-19 and is breathing through a ventilator. His staff tweeted Saturday that he has been hospitalized and is breathing through a ventilator.

Month 2 of child tax credit hits bank accounts

By Associated Press

The U.S. Department of Treasury says the second monthly child tax credit payment has begun to be disbursed. More than $15 billion will be paid out to families of about 61 million children.

Florida school mask ban faces legal challenge

By Associated Press

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask requirements in schools faces a challenge in a Tallahassee courtroom.

WATCH: CDC advisory committee discusses how to implement booster shots for immunocompromised

By Lauran Neergaard, Mike Stobbe, Associated Press

Americans at high risk from COVID-19 because of severely weakened immune systems are now allowed to get a third vaccination in hopes of better protection, a policy change endorsed Friday by influential government advisers.

WATCH: Florida governor announces launch of virus rapid response unit

By Associated Press

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that he is launching a rapid response unit to expand the use of monoclonal antibodies and relieve pressure at hospitals that continue to report a rise in COVID-19 patients.

States that had a grip on COVID now seeing cases surge

By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Sara Cline, Associated Press

The COVID-19 surge that is sending hospitalizations to all-time highs in parts of the South is also clobbering states that were once seen as pandemic success stories.

Kentucky Sen. Paul failed to disclose wife’s stock trade at the start of pandemic

By Brian Slodysko, Associated Press

The Republican filed a disclosure Wednesday revealing that Kelley Paul purchased as much as $15,000 in Gilead stock in February 2020. Trades are supposed to be reported within 45 days.