Category: states

Covid-Certified Businesses Try to Woo Leery Patrons

Public health officials in Colorado have joined forces with local businesses in a new program meant to encourage people to shop and dine in a covid-crippled economy.

In Austin, Some Try to Address Vaccine Inequity, but a Broad Plan Is Elusive

The east side of Austin has few of the chain stores key to the Texas vaccination plan. But local officials have done pop-up vaccination events in the community to get more shots to Blacks and Latinos.

In Philadelphia, a Scandal Erupts Over Vaccination Startup Led by 22-Year-Old

City officials gave coronavirus vaccines to Philly Fighting Covid, whose brash CEO had no health care experience. After a WHYY investigation, the city cut ties with the group over alleged mismanagement.

Head-Scratching Over Newsom’s Choice of Blue Shield to Lead Vaccination Push

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s surprising choice of Blue Shield to lead the state’s covid vaccination effort raised questions about the role politics played in the decision — and whether the insurer is up to the task.

How a Bounty of Vaccines Flooded a Small Hospital and Its Nearby College

An ad hoc, chaotic distribution system is leading to a bizarre mix of vaccine haves and have-nots.

Tampa’s Mayor vs. a Covid-Era Super Bowl

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor — an outspoken former cop — has clashed repeatedly with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has limited what local officials can do to confront the pandemic. But she reached an uneasy peace with the state and is convinced that safeguards instituted by the NFL will help keep crowds safe at the NFL championship game.

States Move Ahead With Canada Drug Importation While Awaiting Signal From Biden

As president, Donald Trump encouraged states to bring in drugs from Canada, where prices are cheaper. It’s not clear if the new administration will follow suit.

Pandemic Sends a Couple Into Indefinite Long Distance Though Just Miles Apart

Everyone is trying to figure out how relationships work in the time of covid. That includes a Bozeman, Montana, couple who suddenly found themselves in a long-distance relationship when the pandemic sent their group homes for adults with disabilities into lockdown.

If This Self-Sufficient Hospital Cannot Stand Alone, Can Any Public Hospital Survive?

New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., makes money and does not require taxpayer subsidies. But the county is selling the public hospital because officials say it needs more capital to compete. Civic leaders say the change will lead to higher health care costs.

As Vaccine Rollout Expands, Black Americans Still Left Behind

Covid vaccines are reaching more Americans, but Black residents are being vaccinated at dramatically lower rates in the 23 states where data is publicly available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to release national data next week.