Rising COVID-19 cases, deaths wipe out months of pandemic progress

COVID-19 deaths and cases in the U.S. have climbed to levels not seen since last winter, wiping out months of progress and potentially bolstering President Joe Biden’s argument for sweeping new vaccination requirements.

Pediatric COVID-19 cases ‘exponentially’ increased over summer, AAP says

There was about a 240% increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases from early July to early September, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Amazon eyes 125K more hires, $18+ per hour average salary

Amazon wants to hire 125,000 delivery and warehouse workers and said Tuesday that it is paying new hires an average of $18 an hour in a tight job market as more people shop online.

Comedian Jim Breuer cancels shows at venues requiring vaccinations, calls policies 'segregation'

"Due to the segregation of them forcing people to show up with vaccinations, prove you're vaccinated, to prove that you've had a shot -- I am absolutely not doing those shows," Breuer said.

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.

Georgia Tech students named finalists in national invention competition

Two Georgia Tech students have been named finalists in a national invention competition for their device designed to help millions of Americans who suffer from bladder issues.

Georgia professor risks job to enforce mask mandate in his class

Longtime mathematics professor Joseph Fu told students that if they want to be in his class at the University of Georgia, they must wear a mask.

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.

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.

DeSantis: Florida cities, counties that require employees get vaccinated will be fined

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that any city or county that requires its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will be fined $5,000 per infraction.

Faculty, staff rally across University System of Georgia for mask mandate

Some faculty and staff kicked off what is scheduled to be a week of demonstrations at several University System of Georgia campuses Monday.

Clark Atlanta temporarily switching to virtual learning

Clark Atlanta University officials said classes will switch to a remote instruction model through at least Sept. 17 for the purpose of strengthening COVID-19 safety protocols. 

COVID-19 boosters not yet needed, says group of health experts

An international group of scientists, including 2 FDA officials, is arguing the average person doesn't need a COVID-19 booster yet — an opinion that highlights the intense scientific divide over the question.

Millions in rental assistance still available for DeKalb tenants, landlords

DeKalb County renters and property owners can still file for assistance through the county's rental assistance program, with one state representative saying there are millions of dollars in assistance still available. 

Nipah virus: India on alert after 12-year-old boy dies of rare illness

A 12-year-old boy died last week of Nipah virus, sending Indian health officials scrambling to test anyone the boy came in contact with.

Surgeon general: US to 'monitor' whether vaccine exemptions being used properly

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has advised that the Biden administration will "monitor" to ensure no one abuses COVID-19 vaccine exemptions.

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.