Judge to consider challenge to Arizona school mask mandate ban

A judge heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn several new Arizona laws that restrict the power of local governments and school districts to impose COVID-19 restrictions such as mask mandates.

Biden ‘exploring’ clemency for some prisoners amid COVID-19 pandemic

The White House confirmed President Joe Biden is looking to exercise clemency for non-violent drug offenders on CARES Act home confinement with four years or less to serve.

New York City public schools reopen for in-person instruction

For the first time since March 2020, classroom doors reopened for about a million New York City public school students.

Iowa school mask mandates allowed, judge rules

A federal judge has ordered the state of Iowa to immediately halt enforcement of a law passed in May that prevents school boards from ordering masks to be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Biden to talk COVID-19, climate change in first Quad Leaders Summit Sept. 24

President Joe Biden will meet in person with prime ministers Scott Morrison of Australia, Narendra Modi of India and Yoshihide Suga of Japan to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

'Do better': Photographer captures grizzly bear cub with discarded face mask

Photographer Jonathan Kuiper spotted a grizzly bear cub chewing a discarded face mask this summer in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Inslee: Masks required at large outdoor gatherings in Washington starting Sept. 13

Starting Sept. 13, masks will be required statewide in outdoor gatherings of 500 or more regardless of vaccination status, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced.

Biden admin expecting wave of GOP-backed lawsuits following sweeping vaccine mandates

President Joe Biden's administration is gearing up for another major clash between federal and state rule over its sweeping new vaccine requirements that have Republican governors threatening lawsuits.

Arizona again reports over 3,000 additional COVID-19 cases

Health officials in Arizona reported over 3,000 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases for the first time in six days as virus-related hospitalizations during the current surge remained above 2,000.

Phoenix Union High School District offering $100 gift cards to fully vaccinated students

The “Vax to the Max” campaign, which started Sept. 10, is intended to help with the district's goal of having at least 85% of all students and faculty across their campuses fully vaccinated.

President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate plan elicits praise and scorn in Arizona

Republican and Democratic political leaders in Arizona are speaking out, following President Joe Biden's announcement of a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate plan for the U.S.

World's oldest living male gorilla tests positive for COVID-19 virus

Multiple gorillas at Zoo Atlanta, including the world's oldest living male gorilla, have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

SC mom of 4 dies of COVID-19 complications after giving birth

Sara Caitlin Vilchez, 31, was taken back to the hospital because she was having trouble breathing hours after bringing her newborn home.

CDC calls long-term COVID-19 ‘emerging public health concern’

While long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19 are “not well understood,” the CDC said they are becoming more common among those who contract the novel coronavirus.

Gov. Ivey, who blamed 'unvaccinated folks' for COVID-19 surge, vows to resist Biden orders

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who said it was “time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks” for this summer’s COVID-19 surge, has vowed to resist President Joe Biden’s executive orders on vaccines.

CDC: Unvaccinated nearly 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19

A new study shows unvaccinated people are nearly 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19, and about as likely to be hospitalized with the coronavirus, according to the CDC.