Fed dialing back COVID-19 economic aid amid high inflation

In a statement Wednesday after its latest policy meeting, the Fed said it will start reducing its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases in the coming weeks, by $15 billion a month, though it reserved the right to change that pace.

What to know about Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 to 11

Late Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the final OK for youngsters age 5 to 11 to get kid-size doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech.

US Air Force: 97% vaccinated, nearly 8,500 miss deadline

The Air Force said that of the 326,000 active duty members of the Air Force and Space Force, 95.9 percent are fully vaccinated and 96.9 percent have gotten at least one shot.

Europe is only world region where COVID-19 cases are still increasing, WHO says

The World Health Organization says the number of coronavirus cases has risen in Europe for the fifth consecutive week, making it the only world region where COVID-19 is still increasing.

State seeks injunction against federal vaccine mandate

Saying the state is trying to prevent “immediate irreparable harm,” Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office is seeking a preliminary injunction to block Biden administration efforts to require employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Aaron Rodgers in COVID protocol, will not play against Chiefs

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Head Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Procession honors Hillsborough firefighter who died from COVID-19

Firefighters from around the state held a funeral procession Wednesday morning for Giovanni Ciancio, who died in the line of duty from COVID-19.

Kids’ COVID-19 vaccine: Pharmacies now taking appointments for ages 5 to 11

After getting the green light from the CDC late Tuesday, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is now available for kids 5 to 11 years old. Here’s where parents can start making appointments.

Arizona Supreme Court upholds ruling blocking school mask bans

Justices on the Arizona State Supreme Court have upheld a judgment from a lower court that found a mask mandate ban passed by the GOP-controlled state legislature as unconstitutional, due to the way it was passed.

CDC approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 to 11

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky gave final approval Tuesday evening after an advisory panel just hours earlier unanimously recommended kids aged 5-11 should get the shot.

NIH to study ‘long COVID-19’ in pregnant women

The agency announced Tuesday that it will support a four-year follow-up study to learn about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on women who contracted the disease during pregnancy.

FDA issues warning after spike in eye injuries from alcohol-based hand sanitizers

The FDA said between January 1, 2018, and April 30, 2021, it has identified “3,642 cases of side effects resulting from eye exposure to these hand sanitizers,” likely due to the increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida Democrats criticize special session on vaccination mandates

Democrats expressed opposition Tuesday to a special session ordered by Gov. Ron DeSantis to push back against requirements that workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Indonesia becomes 1st country to greenlight Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

Biotechnology company Novavax says that Indonesia has given the world’s first emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine, which uses a different technology than current shots.

‘Vax’ earns 2021 word of the year from Oxford English Dictionary

“When our lexicographers began digging into our English language corpus data it quickly became apparent that vax was a particularly striking term,” Oxford Languages said on its website.

U.S. military weighs penalties for service members who refuse COVID vaccine

As deadlines loom for military and defense civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders are wrestling with the fate of tens of thousands who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally. It could be a career-ending decision, or could trigger transfers, travel restrictions and requirements to repay bonuses.

Civil complaint filed over nasal spray falsely advertised as COVID-19 treatment, DOJ says

The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission filed a civil enforcement action against a Utah company after it claimed its nasal spray could prevent or treat COVID-19.

Shanghai Disneyland closes after mass COVID-19 testing over 1 contact

After testing everyone, the park will remain shut on Monday and Tuesday as it continues to cooperate with pandemic prevention efforts, Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement Monday.

Canadian snowbirds primed to flock south to Florida as US opens border

Last year, the US-Canada border was closed for nonessential travel, meaning millions of Canadians were unable to drive south for the winter to their seasonal homes in Florida and other warmer areas. But starting next week, the border will be reopened -- and many snowbirds will be flocking this way once more.