Stimulus payments curbed poverty growth during pandemic, census shows

The share of Americans in poverty rose slightly to 11.4% in 2020, but COVID-19 relief payments eased losses for many, census data showed.

Broadway: Dates, theatres for all shows opening, resuming

With Broadway shows suspended since March 2020 due to the pandemic, theatergoers are eager to return to the Great White Way.

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.