US hospitals hit by staffing crisis amid COVID-19 surge

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer.

Data shows Florida’s latest COVID surge is the deadliest yet

Florida is reporting its deadliest peak in daily death rates since the pandemic began, surpassing previous coronavirus surges in the state, according to federal data published Thursday.

DeKalb County elementary school closes for 10 days after rise in COVID-19 cases

A DeKalb County elementary school is shutting down in-person classes for 10 days after over a dozen students tested positive for COVID-19. More than 90 other students and 13 staff members have been quarantined.

US unemployment claims reach a pandemic low as hiring strengthens

U.S. unemployment claims fell last week to 340,000, a pandemic low and another sign that the job market is steadily rebounding.

COVID-19 surge leaves US hospitals with oxygen shortages

The COVID-19 surge is stretching oxygen supplies and sending hospitals scrambling for more ventilators.

Medical cannabis use expanded to Texas PTSD, cancer patients

Thousands of Texas veterans suffering often life-threatening post-traumatic stress disorder can now legally access medical cannabis to ease the symptoms.

Fully-vaccinated leukemia patient dies from COVID-19 after letting guard down

An Apollo Beach father living with leukemia died from COVID-19 last week despite being fully vaccinated, and his son said he hopes his dad’s situation motivates others with health conditions to rethink their risk.

220 pediatric hospitals plead for help from federal government amid COVID-19 surge

The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) says more than 220 pediatric hospitals are struggling to contend with the recent wave of child patients infected with COVID-19.

13-year-old Floyd County student dies from COVID-19, coroner says

A 13-year-old Coosa High School student who had been battling COVID-19 since last week died Tuesday morning, officials confirmed.

Substitute teacher shortage strains Atlanta schools

Atlanta Public Schools is offering bonuses for substitute teachers who agree to return to the classroom.

Georgia House Democrats call for mask mandate from Gov. Kemp

The House Democratic Caucus' COVID-19 Response Team is urging Gov. Kemp to institute a statewide mask mandate, particularly in K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities.

Joe Rogan says he contracted COVID-19 while on comedy tour

“The Joe Rogan Experience: podcast host has rescheduled a show in Nashville after contracting COVID-19.

Pastor’s wife prays for a miracle as unvaccinated husband remains hospitalized with COVID-19

"He bought into all the conspiracy theories that were saying somehow vaccination was a way to infiltrate bad things into your bloodstream, control and freedom. My daughter and I used to tease him all the time and say, ‘You know, there’s no freedom if you’re dead.’"