Oklahoma governor challenges Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for National Guard troops

A dispute between the Oklahoma governor and the Pentagon over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is setting up the first critical test of the military’s authority to require National Guard troops to get the shot. It's also laying the groundwork for potential protests from other states.

Moderna asks FDA to expand COVID-19 booster access to all adults 18 and older

In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 booster for adults who are 65 and older, as well as adults between 18 and 64 who are at risk for severe COVID-19.

US to invest billions in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing to boost world supply

The Biden administration is making billions of dollars available to drugmakers to scale up domestic production of COVID-19 vaccines to share with the world.

Callers to helplines around the world voiced similar pandemic worries

A study on calls to crisis helplines in 19 countries shows a striking similarity in the pandemic's toll on mental health. Fears of infection, loneliness and physical health were the main concerns voiced in the pandemic's early weeks.

OSHA suspends enforcement of COVID-19 vaccine mandate amid legal challenges

OSHA said it is currently not taking steps to implement or enforce President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for big businesses as long as the mandate is tied up in court.

US overdose deaths topped 100,000 in a year for 1st time, CDC says

An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, topping deaths from car crashes, guns and even flu and pneumonia, CDC data shows.

Michigan, Minnesota report COVID-19 surge not seen in months

Hospitals in Michigan and Minnesota are reporting a wave of COVID-19 patients not seen in months. Beds are filling with unvaccinated people, and health care providers are warning that staff are being worn down by yet another surge.

Biden's vaccine mandate for health care workers challenged by 2nd lawsuit

A second set of states filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

Pfizer asks FDA for emergency approval of COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid

Pfizer is submitting its experimental pill for COVID-19 for U.S. authorization, setting the stage for a likely launch of the promising therapy in coming weeks.

Times Square New Year's Eve countdown back in 2021

Vaccinated people will be allowed back into Times Square for the annual New Year's Eve countdown at the end of 2021. The ball dropped into nearly deserted streets last year due to the pandemic.

Arizona reports 3,240 additional COVID-19 cases, 83 more deaths

The latest figures reported by the Department of Health Services’ coronavirus dashboard to 1,220,433 cases and 21,736 deaths.

Pfizer signs deal to let other companies make its COVID-19 pill

Pfizer has signed a deal with a U.N.-backed group to allow other manufacturers to make its experimental COVID-19 pill in an effort to expand access.

Arizona AG sues Biden administration, again, over COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers

Arizona's Attorney General filed yet another lawsuit against the Biden administration, this time over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers. He says the mandate impacts the well-being of those seeking care, as well as those providing it.

Multiple states open COVID-19 booster shots to all adults

Some states, along with New York City, are not waiting for U.S. health officials to approve COVID-19 booster shots for all adults out of concern of a possible winter surge.

COVID-19 cases in US jumped 26% over last 3 weeks, CDC data shows

Cases tapered off after the delta variant surged this summer, but newly rising cases could be a worrisome sign of what’s ahead this winter.

Arizona reports 2,774 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

The 2,774 additional cases reported on Nov. 15 by the Department of Health Services’ coronavirus dashboard raised the state’s pandemic total to 1,217,193 cases. The number of known deaths remains at 21,653.