C.1.2 variant: New coronavirus strain has highest mutation rate yet, study says

A new strain of the novel coronavirus — dubbed C.1.2. — has the potential to become a variant of concern and has exhibited the most mutations out of all previous variants, according to a recent study.

‘No question’ delta variant is why August job growth wasn’t stronger, Biden says

America’s employers added just 235,000 jobs in August, a modest gain after two months of robust hiring at a time when the delta variant’s spread has discouraged some people from flying, shopping and eating out.

US hospitals hit by staffing crisis amid COVID-19 surge

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer.

COVID-19 hospitalizations drop in Orange County

Orange County's COVID-19 hospitalizations dipped by more than 20 on Wednesday, dropping from 556 to 534 -- a welcome piece of good news in the metric that many health experts consider the most important in tracking the ongoing pandemic.

US unemployment claims reach a pandemic low as hiring strengthens

U.S. unemployment claims fell last week to 340,000, a pandemic low and another sign that the job market is steadily rebounding.

COVID-19 surge leaves US hospitals with oxygen shortages

The COVID-19 surge is stretching oxygen supplies and sending hospitals scrambling for more ventilators.

Los Angeles County to pay $400,000 to Sun Valley church that defied COVID rules

Los Angeles County has already spent more than $950,000 in attorneys fees and other costs in the case of Grace Community Church, according to a legal summary provided to the County Board of Supervisors.

Glendale school board approves vaccine mandate for employees

The Glendale Unified School District is joining many of its Southland counterparts in requiring its employees to get COVID-19 vaccines.

Honolulu to require proof of vaccine or negative test at many indoor businesses

Hawaii’s capital of Honolulu will soon require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test at many indoor businesses amid a virus case surge.