Merle Smith, first Black graduate of Coast Guard Academy, dies of COVID complications

Merle Smith Jr., the first Black cadet to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy, has died of complications from Parkinson's disease and COVID-19. He was 76. Smith commanded patrol boats in Vietnam, taught law classes at the academy in New London and retired with the rank of commander.

Delta to hire 1,000 pilots during ‘accelerated’ recovery period

The Atlanta-based airline plans to hire 1,000 more pilots to keep up with demand during an “accelerated” recovery period since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19’s global death toll this year has already surpassed 2020’s count

Despite a drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations, cases and deaths in much of the developed world, the death toll this year has already eclipsed the total count for 2020.

Nursing home deaths increased 32% in 2020 amid pandemic, report finds

A government watchdog says that deaths among Medicare patients in nursing homes soared by 32% last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Medicaid enrollment reaches record high during COVID-19 pandemic

A record 80.5 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP by January 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, government data shows.

California to pay off past-due rent for residents, Gov. Newsom says

Gov. Newsom says California will pay off all past-due rent accumulated during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's what you need to know.

Long Island parents continue to protest school mask rule

On Monday, Carle Place school officials and local leaders called once more on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to unmask all children in school.

Daily COVID-19 deaths in US hit lowest point since early pandemic

The U.S. is reaching a pair of encouraging milestones as the COVID-19 pandemic’s grip on the nation continues to loosen. COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have dipped below 300 a day for the first time since the outbreak's early days in March 2020.

US extends travel restrictions at Canada, Mexico borders through July 21

The U.S. extended restrictions with Canada and Mexico land borders on non-essential travel through July 21 amid the ongoing effort to limit COVID-19.

Nasal spray could potentially treat COVID-19, NIH says

The director for the National Institutes of Health announced on June 15, that significant progress has been made on an experimental nasal spray that may hopefully be used to treat COVID-19.

Nine new pop-up vaccination sites open at NY early voting locations

The sites will be in communities where the vaccination rate is below the state average, and are open for walk-in vaccinations on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Americans lost 5.5 million collective years of life to COVID-19, Pew says

A recent report from the Pew Research Center found that COVID-19 accounted for more lost years of life among Americans than all accidental deaths combined in 2020.

Biden announces 300 million COVID-19 shots given in 150 days

The White House says President Joe Biden will announce 300 million COVID-19 shots have been administered in the 150 days since he took office on Jan. 20.

Many Americans resuming pre-pandemic activities, poll shows

Many Americans are resuming their pre-pandemic activities, like going to bars and restaurants, traveling and attending events, an AP-NORC poll shows.

Delta variant expected to become dominant US strain, CDC says

The delta variant first detected in India will likely become the dominant U.S. strain, the CDC director said — who stressed vaccination to stay protected.

Tokyo Olympics: Japan’s top medical adviser says 'no fans' safest

Japan’s top medical adviser said the safest way to hold the Tokyo Olympics is without fans, seeming to put him at odds with organizers.