US suicides fell nearly 6% in 2020, defying COVID-19 pandemic expectations

The number of U.S. suicides fell nearly 6% last year amid the coronavirus pandemic — the largest annual decline in at least four decades, according to preliminary government data.

Health experts worry COVID-19 vaccine skepticism could put herd immunity at risk

Millions of Americans have been vaccinated, but recent polling found that 25% of Americans don’t plan on getting a COVID-19 vaccine, putting the possibility of herd immunity at risk.

Sunlight, humidity ‘unlikely’ impacts on how COVID-19 spreads, Homeland Security study finds

Researchers at the Department of Homeland Security sought to determine how various environmental conditions impact the spread of COVID-19 and other variants and determined that the coronavirus survived in most heat and humidity.

Patchwork of advice emerges on AstraZeneca vaccine

A patchwork of advice is emerging from governments across Europe and elsewhere about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The EU's drug regulator said a "possible link" exists between the vaccine and a rare clotting disorder.

Royal Caribbean cancels cruises through June 30

However, the new cancellations exclude sailings onboard Quantum, Spectrum, Voyager, Anthem, Adventure, Vision, Jewel, and Odyssey of the Seas.

CDC director says youth sports, extracurricular activities 'should be limited'

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky on Monday said youth sports and other extracurricular activities "should be limited" amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying outbreaks in young people have stemmed from those activities.

FEMA to reimburse families $9,000 for COVID-related funeral costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin offering $9,000 to families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 in a massive effort to retroactively reimburse them for funeral costs. Applications for the money will open up on Monday. 

Unemployment claims jump to 744,000 as layoffs persist amid pandemic

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 744,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs.

Phoenix Public Libraries to begin reopening on April 19
video

After more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions, Phoenix Public Libraries are reopening their buildings to offer more resources to the public. FOX 10's Desiree Fluellen has the details.

Demand for vaccines slows as Arizona surpasses 17,000 deaths

The state also reported 750 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases as the state’s totals increased to 846,230 cases and 17,023 deaths.

San Francisco Opera to launch 'The Barber of Seville' for drive-in audiences

Beginning April 23, San Francisco Opera will present The Barber of Seville for drive-in audiences. Eleven performances are scheduled for the Marin County fairgrounds in San Rafael. 

Pilot flies family kicked off Southwest flight over face mask to Austin

A Denver family got a flight on a private plane after being kicked off a Southwest flight to Austin because their toddler was not wearing his mask.

#ShotforSam: Samuel Adams offering free beer to people who get COVID-19 vaccine

The Samuel Adams brewing company is offering the first 10,000 people who share photo proof that they received the COVID-19 vaccine $7 to redeem a free beer.

NIH begins study of rare allergic reactions to Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

Severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are very rare, and most had a history of life-threatening allergic reactions, the NIH said.

NIH study finds coronavirus infects mouth cells, saliva

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found evidence to suggest that the novel coronavirus is able to replicate and infect mouth tissue, spreading to a person’s saliva and eventually infecting a patient’s lungs when swallowed.