The Biden administration points to fentanyl as the major culprit for the increase in deaths. Officials unveiled a new one-year strategy to reduce the number of fatalities from drug overdoses.
NPR has obtained an early copy of the report, which states that the coronavirus most likely did not originate at the wet market in Wuhan and that a lab leak was "an extremely unlikely pathway."
Monday on Political Rewind: Criticism of the new election bill continued over the weekend as the measure, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp Thursday evening, receives nationwide attention. Democrats in Congress say the Georgia bill highlights the need for H.R. 1., the federal election bill currently awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.
In other news, Kemp signaled he will soon lift most of Georgia's coronavirus restrictions. Is his decision based on the advice of his public health team?
Despite the progress in vaccinating Americans, there's concern about the threat posed by COVID-19 variants. The White House is urging not to "let down our guard."
The Atlanta shooting has led to heated discussion about the blame — and violence — aimed at Asians during the pandemic. It's the latest example in a long history of hatred fueled by disease.
One bar in Mexico decided to start a website recreating some of those sounds at your favorite bar for those confined at home. It was an idea that took off around the world.
Airports are getting busier, but the CDC hasn't issued new guidelines for vaccinated folks. What's a wannabe traveler to do? And is it OK to get a vaccine if you just got tattooed? Or have no spleen?
Cuba is going it alone. No contracts with big drug makers, no support from WHO's vaccine program. If successful, Cuba will be the first producer of a vaccine in Latin America.
Millions of people headed outside for recreation during the pandemic, sparking a banner year for many outdoor gear companies. Now, those companies hope to lock in their newly expanded markets.
Brazil reported a terrible milestone: over 3,000 deaths in a day. The country is in crisis, with hospitals at capacity, politicians attacked for lockdowns and a controversial president.
Wednesday on Political Rewind: All adults in Georgia will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Gov. Brian Kemp called the dramatic expansion the state’s ticket back to normal. Democrats in the U.S. Senate cite recent shooting sprees in Colorado and Georgia as proof gun reform is needed.
St. Louis has asked Black clergy to encourage church members to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Pastors are preaching about it, talking it up at Bible study and even offering churches as vaccination sites.
Phones are once again ringing at event spaces that were largely closed during the pandemic. And venues are starting to navigate the new normal as people being to plan long-postponed celebrations.
Monday on Political Rewind: As the legislative session winds down, efforts to change how Georgians vote move in two directions. Lawmakers have taken off the table the most restrict measures: ending no excuse absentee voting and eliminating Sunday early voting. But now, proposals that would likely give Republicans an edge in runoffs and special elections have emerged.
Researchers worry another coronavirus will spill over from a bat or some other creature. They're hunting for sources — and finding evidence that a new pandemic could be around the corner.