US schools reopen amid COVID-19 surge with masks optional for many

Schools have begun reopening in the U.S. with most states leaving it up to local schools to decide whether to require masks.

Student loan pause extended until Jan. 31, 2022

The education department announced on Friday an extension of the student loan payment pause until Jan. 31, 2022.

Arkansas judge blocks law banning mask mandates in schools

An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.

The Canadian-U.S. Border reopens Aug. 9: what you need to know

Canada will reopen its borders for non-essential U.S. travelers on Monday, Aug. 9. Here's everything you need to know before you load up your car.

Fried seeks funds for schools after DeSantis threatens to withhold money over mask mandates

Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to withhold funding sources should a school district go against his executive order and impose a mask mandate. Now, one of his chief critics, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, is firing back.

Health officials warn of more possible COVID variants

The delta variant has quickly gripped the U.S. and now we're learning there may be a delta variant plus, and an epsilon or lambda variant, that could also spread quickly.

Parents upset they can't switch their children from the classroom to virtual learning

As COVID cases rise, many parents are worried about sending their children back to the classroom. Some want to switch their children from in person to virtual learning but many school districts aren't letting them.

N.C. bill requires parental OK for child vaccine

A bill requiring minors to get approval from their parents before receiving a COVID-19 shot in North Carolina was sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday.

Vaccinations increase, but 93 million eligible Americans are still on the fence about shots

Federal health officials say Georgia has seen a 66% increase in people getting their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine over the last two weeks, as the delta variant continues to spread.

40% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations in Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, CDC says

New cases of COVID-19 as well as the current hospitalizations from the virus continue to climb in Georgia, according to state health officials, and some medical centers have started turning people away for lack of space.

Amazon, Wells Fargo among companies delaying return-to-office plans

Several major companies — including Amazon, Wells Fargo, Google and Apple — are delaying return-to-office dates, citing a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the delta variant.

Yelp feature allows users to find businesses requiring COVID-19 vaccination

The company announced two free features for businesses — “proof of vaccination required” and “all staff fully vaccinated” — to help consumers understand how a business is currently operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

CVS Health scales back locations offering J&J COVID-19 vaccine

CVS Health says it has decreased the number of locations offering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from more than 9,400 to 1,000 as a means to “manage our vaccine supply.”

Georgia man sentenced for trying to steal COVID relief funds

A Georgia man who tried to fraudulently obtain over $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief from two federal programs will spend two and a half years in prison, the Department of Justice said.