Navy commander loses job after refusing COVID-19 vaccine

Cmdr. Lucian Kins was relieved of his duties Friday as second in command of the USS Winston Churchill, a destroyer, by Navy Capt. Ken Anderson, commander of Naval Surface Squadron 14.

Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say

In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court throws out mask mandate for schools

Pennsylvania schoolchildren may soon be attending classes unmasked under a state Supreme Court ruling Friday that threw out the Wolf administration's statewide mandate that face coverings be worn inside K-12 school buildings.

New York indoor mask mandate for places without vaccine requirement

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an indoor mask mandate Friday for all public places that do not require proof of vaccination.

TikTok-famous Koda the Fluff Dog visits St. Pete elementary school

Everyone knows TikTok has many corners, and anyone who’s been on the side with all the dogs has surely run across Koda the Fluff Dog. For anyone who hasn’t, you’re in luck. This adorable Pomeranian is a trained comfort and support dog, and she’s full of energy and delight – and very well-behaved.

New eye drops could replace reading glasses

New FDA-approved eye drops could end up replacing reading glasses. The manufacturer says one drop per eye provides sharper vision for up to 10 hours.

Google, Ford, other companies delay return-to-work plans amid omicron cases

Google and Ford are among those once again delaying their return-to-office plans, while other businesses whose workers are already back to the office are considering adding extra precautions like masks and COVID-19 testing.

Abortion in Texas: Supreme Court won’t stop ban, but OKs clinics’ suit

The Supreme Court ruled that Texas abortion providers can sue over the state’s law that makes abortion illegal after cardiac activity is detected in an embryo, but the justices are allowing the law to remain in effect.

In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.

Nurse charged with manslaughter in death of disabled child

Over the course of a 12-hour shift, prosecutors say the disabled child's ventilator alarm went off 93 times but was reset by David Weatherhead, who was caring for the child.

How Hollywood technology gives young patients freedom to walk

Going for a walk is something many take for granted, but it's a dream for many young patients with neurological disorders. Thanks to a recent upgrade, one Tampa children's hospital has a better chance of making those dreams come true.

WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines

The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer COVID booster: FDA expands extra dose to people as young as age 16

The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency authorization for 16- and 17-year-olds to get a third dose of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech -- if it's been six months since their last shot.

New Zealand plans to implement lifetime ban on cigarettes for youth

New Zealand plans to end tobacco smoking by implementing a lifetime ban for those aged 14 or younger. The minimum age to buy cigarettes would keep rising year after year.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What if your child gets the wrong dose?

As efforts continue to vaccinate the nation’s younger population, some parents have reported their kids getting the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While parents should remain diligent, health experts say it’s no cause for concern.

Senate rejects Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses

The Senate has narrowly approved a resolution to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.

It's easier to find drugs for sale on Instagram than it is to log out, accountability group finds

Using fake accounts for kids ages 13-17, it took 2 clicks for members of the Tech Transparency Project to find profiles selling drugs. It took 5 clicks for them to log out of the platform.

Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine showing promising trial results, company says

Medicago announced Tuesday that its two-dose vaccine was 71% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in a large, late-stage study that included several variants including the delta variant.

LAUSD fires hundreds of unvaccinated employees

Nearly 500 Los Angeles Unified School District employees have been fired after they refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.