CDC urges COVID vaccines during pregnancy as delta surges

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging all pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The advice comes as hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be seriously ill with the virus. The CDC recommendation echoes recent guidance from top obstetrician groups. The agency had previously encouraged pregnant…

Senate OKs Dems’ $3.5T Budget in Latest Win for Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have pushed a $3.5 trillion framework for bolstering family services, health, and environment programs through the Senate. The chamber’s party-line approval of the budget resolution advances President Joe Biden’s expansive vision for reshaping federal priorities. And it happened just hours after senators handed him a triumph on a companion $1 trillion…

US hiring surges in July, but the variant is the wild card

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hiring surged in July as American employers added 943,000 jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.4%  as the U.S. economy continues to bounce back with surprising vigor from last year’s coronavirus shutdown. The July numbers exceeded economists’ forecast for more than 860,000 new jobs. Hotels and restaurants, reopening and doing brisk business,…

‘There are only so many beds’: COVID-19 surge hits hospitals

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Coronavirus hospitalizations are once again surging as the virus’ more potent delta variant cuts across the country. The swift rise is forcing hospitals to pivot back to COVID-19 readiness just weeks after many shuttered coronavirus wards, field hospitals and other emergency pandemic measures. A Florida hospital chain is suspending elective…

‘Trauma as his shield’: Cuomo’s apology, defense criticized

NEW YORK (AP) — In his response to an independent investigation that found he sexually harassed 11 women, Gov. Andrew Cuomo cited his own family member’s sexual assault to explain his behavior with accuser Charlotte Bennett. That component of his statement came under criticism from sexual assault survivors, their advocates and even crisis public relations…