health
States scale back virus reporting just as cases surge
Several states scaled back their reporting of COVID-19 statistics this month just as cases across the country started to skyrocket, depriving the public of real-time information on outbreaks, cases, hospitalizations and deaths in their communities.
COVID variants driving many Minnesotans to go get vaccinated
Every day, a slow stream of Minnesotans finally is getting vaccinated after months of hesitancy.
Officials now expect vulnerable Americans to need booster shots
Growing consensus within Biden administration is tied in part to research suggesting the Pfizer vaccine is less effective after about six months.
Positive COVID test keeps Colts coach out for start of camp
Indianapolis Colts fans eagerly anticipated seeing coach Frank Reich and new starting quarterback Carson Wentz reunite Wednesday.
California, NYC to require employees to get COVID-19 vaccine
California and New York City announced Monday that they would require all government employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing as officials raced to beat back a summer surge driven by the delta variant.
Tunisia on edge as president suspends parliament, fires PM
Troops surrounded Tunisia's parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country's young democracy.
Evers calls special session while GOP eyes veto override
Gov. Tony Evers on Monday called the Republican-controlled Legislature into a special session to increase funding for public schools and higher education on the same day the Assembly planned to vote on a veto override of a bill ending a $300 weekly unemployment payment.
VA requires COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers
The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first major federal agency to require health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines, as the aggressive delta variant spreads and some communities report troubling increases in hospitalizations among unvaccinated people.
The Latest: COVID-19 cases halts Louisiana hospital intake
One of Louisiana's largest hospitals has temporarily stopped taking inpatients for nonemergency surgeries because of a steadily increasing influx of COVID-19 patients.
California to require vaccine or testing for state workers
California will require state employees and all health care workers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or get tested weekly, tightening restrictions in an effort to slow rising coronavirus infections in the nation's most populous state, mostly among the unvaccinated.
NYC to require vaccines or weekly testing for city workers
New York City will require all of its municipal workers — including teachers and police officers — to get coronavirus vaccines by mid-September or face weekly COVID-19 testing, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday.
Peru's new first family leaving behind rural, Andean home
The humble two-story, adobe home of the Castillo family, located in one of the poorest districts of Peru deep in the Andes, feels a little empty now. Lilia Paredes packed up the family's belongings within the last week, neatly folding her husband's shirts and picking some plates and silverware in between visits from farmers from nearby villages stopping by to say goodbye.
Maryland gov honors swimmer who withdrew from Paralympics
Maryland's governor honored deaf and blind swimmer Becca Meyers on Monday for courage in championing the disabled, after the three-time gold medalist withdrew from the Paralympics in Tokyo when told her mother couldn't travel to the games as her personal care assistant.
Pope to UN forum: Hunger is 'crime' violating basic rights
Pope Francis on Monday decried as criminal the existence of hunger in a world which can produce enough food for all, building on a warning from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that climate change and conflict are a consequence and driver of poverty and income inequality.
Tokyo Olympics: A success? A failure? And how to judge?
Will it be a success? A failure? Or none of the above?
New this week: 'Jungle Cruise' and music from Prince, Eilish
Here's a collection curated by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists of what's arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.
UN: World leaders can attend annual UN meeting in person
The United Nations has decided to let world leaders attend their annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly in September in person -- or deliver pre-recorded speeches if COVID-19 restrictions prevent them from traveling.
Louisiana Rep. Higgins says he, wife, son have coronavirus
Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, a critic of mask mandates and public health restrictions during the pandemic, said he, his wife and son have contracted the coronavirus.
Vaccine maker BioNTech to use mRNA tech to target malaria
Pharmaceutical company BioNTech said Monday that it wants to use the mRNA technology behind its coronavirus vaccine to target malaria.
One of Mexico's few Black politicians dies of COVID-19
One of Mexico's few Black politicians has died after contracting COVID-19 in April, leaders of his party confirmed Monday.