US regulators give full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine Monday, Aug. 23, a milestone that could boost public confidence in the shots and spur more companies, universities and local governments to make vaccinations mandatory.
Study: Vaccinated people can carry as much virus as others
Scientists who studied a large COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts concluded that vaccinated people who got so-called breakthrough infections carried about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots.
Senate bill includes $1B for ferry service
A hefty $1 trillion bill taken up by the U.S. Senate contains billions of dollars in new federal funding for infrastructure projects in Alaska, ranging from ports and energy resources to broadband and $1 billion for ferry service in rural communities.
Employers ratchet up the pressure on the unvaccinated
For months, most employers relied on information campaigns and bonuses to encourage their workforces to get the COVID-19 shot. Now, a growing number are imposing rules making it more onerous for employees to refuse, from outright mandates to requiring the unvaccinated to undergo regular testing.
CDC: Delta variant as contagious as chickenpox
New evidence showing the delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox and may be more dangerous than other versions has prompted U.S. health officials to consider changing advice on how the nation fights the coronavirus.
CDC expected to backpedal on some masking guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to backpedal Tuesday, July 27 on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging.
Poll: Most unvaccinated Americans don’t want shots
Most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots and doubt they would work against the aggressive delta variant despite evidence they do.
Victim services aid bill ready to be signed into law
Legislation to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund Act passed the U.S. Senate unanimously and is on its way to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature.
Legislation would impact federal property sales
New legislation before the U.S. House would effectively prevent any future effort to sell the National Archives and Records Administration facility in Seattle.
Protection sought for BC’s old-growth forests
A group of 100 prominent Canadians, including indigenous leaders Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Chief Rande Cook, are calling for immediate protection of all remaining old-growth forests in British Columbia.
