WA issues new protections for outdoor workers following extreme heat wave New emergency rules from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries will soon require employers to provide shade from the sun and breaks for outdoor workers to cool down. Esmy Jimenez
A Woman Died Of COVID After Contracting 2 Variants At The Same Time, Researchers Say The woman had both the alpha and beta variants of the coronavirus, which were found first in the U.K. and South Africa, respectively. Bill Chappell
The Simple Sunflower Project Brings Joy To Hospital Patients When the wedding party is over, Eleanor Love gets to work. The Virginia-based doctor collects leftover flowers and gives them to patients at her hospital. Studies show flowers can help patients heal.
CDC Updates School Guidelines For Students Returning In The Fall The CDC has revised guidance for schools for fall 2021. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten about the latest recommendations for in-person learning.
Pandemic Firsts: A Runner Hits The Road (Race) Again After over a year of training in isolation, avid runner Laura Scholz of Atlanta returns to the Peachtree Road Race. She shares her experience for our series "Pandemic Firsts."
Africa Faces A 3rd Wave Of COVID-19 Driven By The Delta Variant Africa just marked its worst pandemic week ever and its third wave of COVID-19 — largely driven by the delta variant. Vaccine shipments to the continent are moving slowly. Nurith Aizenman
Pfizer Is Pursuing A Booster Shot And New Vaccine Targeting The Delta Variant Federal health officials say a booster isn't currently needed for anyone fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But testing is underway to determine what is the best boosting strategy should it be needed. Joe Palca
How well do you know Washington’s mask rules? KUOW's Kate Walters flips the script on local Morning Edition host Angela King and quizzes her about what the state's rules are - at least for now. Katie Campbell
More Abortion Restrictions Have Been Enacted In The U.S. This Year Than In Any Other Legislatures across the country have passed a record 90 abortion restrictions and bans in 2021. Anti-abortion-rights activists hope a conservative Supreme Court will uphold those laws. Emma Bowman
Morning News Brief Two American citizens were arrested in connection with the assassination of the Haitian President. New COVID-19 hotspots emerge. And, Biden vows to stick to his plan to end America's longest war.