Virgin Voyages to make debut amid pandemic

The same company that brought the world Virgin Airlines is hitting the high seas with a new cruise line.

California surpasses 10,000 deaths from the coronavirus, the third-highest figure in the nation

New York and New Jersey have the highest and second highest number of deaths in the U.S. at more than 32,000 and nearly 16,000, respectively; both states have far fewer people than California.

Group photo of Georgia 3rd grade class without masks sparks controversy

A group picture of a 3rd grade class at Liberty Elementary School in the Cherokee County School District is getting criticism from some parents. 

Atlantic City casino workers want patrons checked for fever

Members of Local 54 of the Unite-Here union said four casinos owned by Caesars Entertainment are not physically screening casino guests for a fever.

Russia's race for coronavirus vaccine raises concerns in the West

Russia is boasting that it’s about to be the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, with mass vaccinations planned as early as October using shots that are yet to complete clinical trials.

‘You just brought it home’: Environmental virologist explains how phones make virus germs mobile

While many Americans have been keeping their hands clean to avoid transferring bacteria during the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Charles Gerba warns that phones, which are essentially an extension of ourselves, are actually “mobile germ devices.”

Carnegie Mellon teams up with Facebook, Google for COVID-19 survey

The university’s goal is to collect information that could help researchers in forecasting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stimulus check missing $500? IRS to start sending parents payments this week

The IRS will begin rectifying economic impact payment amounts for individuals who may not have received all that they were eligible for – and households can expect to receive the extra cash within the coming weeks.

NYC sheriff begins registering travelers at COVID-19 checkpoints

The New York City sheriff and other authorities are reminding travelers arriving in New York City by car and train that they must quarantine for two weeks if they have been to states with high rates of coronavirus infection.

Florida rescinds quarantine order for visitors from NY, NJ, CT

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rescinded an order requiring people traveling from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to the Sunshine State to quarantine or isolate for 14 days.

Laid-off workers endure loss of $600 federal aid amid COVID-19 pandemic

Around the country, across industries and occupations, millions of Americans thrown out of work because of the coronavirus are straining to afford the basics now that an extra $600 a week in federal unemployment benefits has expired.

Cities go to extremes with coronavirus quarantine crackdowns: Checkpoints, power shutoffs, steep fines

With the daily number of coronavirus cases in the United States still hovering at about 50,000 and American deaths from the disease approaching 160,000, cities across the country are taking increasingly severe measures to force the curve of the outbreak downward -- including power shutoffs, fines and more.

Mysterious seeds mailed in packets across country identified

The mysterious seeds arriving in the mail to people in all 50 states appear to be mainly plant and flower seeds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

California may release nearly 18K prisoners; organizations scramble to find them housing

The releases also are causing consternation as probation officers and community organizations scramble to provide housing, transportation and other services for inmates who may pose a public health risk because several hundred have been paroled while still contagious.