8 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Coronavirus

A new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China, at the beginning of December 2019, and it has spread rapidly around the world. The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency over the outbreak, which has affected tens of thousands of people in dozens of countries.

The new coronavirus causes a disease called COVID-19, which has symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory problems. It’s mild in most people but can be severe or deadly in some cases, especially for the elderly and those who have underlying health issues.

Public health officials are working to understand how dangerous this virus is, how fast it’s spreading, and how to contain it. As that work continues, the virus is causing anxiety around the world.

Born in a PandemicBorn in a Pandemic
Nicole Wetsman
New COVID-19 reporting tool is another patch for the US’s rickety health data system

But the CDC system doesn’t fix the foundational issue

Nicole Wetsman
Long COVID patients say they feel better after getting vaccinated

The shots might help people with chronic symptoms

Nicole Wetsman
If you’re starting an online class, check to make sure your professor is alive

A college student Googled his remote instructor and found an obituary

Monica Chin