Legal expert breaks down Gov. Abbott's ban on vaccine mandates
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Gov. Greg Abbott is now banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates. To learn more about the legalities of this newest order, we speak to Professor Josh Blackman from South Texas College of Law.

COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses
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Several local hospitals will begin offering COVID-19 boosters for the general public next month. To learn more about it FOX 26 speaks to Dr. Rodrigo Hasbun with UT Health - Houston.

US unemployment claims rise by 4,000 to 353,000

U.S. unemployment claims rose for the first time in five weeks even though the economy and job market have been recovering from the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 hospitalizations effecting freestanding emergency rooms
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FOX 26 Reporter Natalie Hee spoke with one freestanding emergency room about what they're experiencing as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.

Abbott adds vaccine mandate ban to Special Session agenda

He also has issued a new executive order maintaining the ban on mandating COVID-19 vaccinations by Texas government entities.

Clinics, pharmacies to start offering flu shots in September
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There's been all this talk about COVID vaccines but next week, many clinics and pharmacies will start offering flu shots. We speak with an expert on how to prepare for the upcoming 'sick season'

New program in Houston offers up to $150 for getting vaccinated against COVID-19

Under a new incentive program beginning Thursday, those getting vaccinated against COVID-19 at eligible Houston Health Department sites can get a $100 gift card for their first dose and a $50 gift card for their second dose.

Moderna requests FDA grant priority review to its COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna has asked the FDA for priority review of its COVID-19 vaccine, which would allow the FDA to take action within a six-month window, rather than the typical 10-month time frame.

J&J COVID-19 booster shot generates 'robust' antibody response, company says

Johnson & Johnson said new data support a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine eight months after inoculation, showing a 9-fold antibody level increase.

Parents fight against mask mandates
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Despite the current surge in COVID-19 cases and the lack of vaccines for children under the age of 12, parents across the country are fighting against mask mandates for the new school year. A few from the Houston area joined The Factor Uncensored to explain why they feel the mandates are an infringement on their freedoms and personal choice as parents.

Local researchers working on COVID-19 vaccine for children
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FOX 26 Reporter Natalie Hee has more on what some local researchers are doing to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Battling cancer and unable to get vaccine, teacher dies from COVID-19 complications

Kelly Peterson was being treated for leukemia and had a compromised immune system. Her doctor decided the vaccine may be too hard on her body and suggested she wait, but despite wearing a mask, she became infected with COVID-19 and died. Her family hopes Kelly's story will inspire others to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines prevented nearly 140,000 US deaths, NIH study says

The National Institute of Health conducted a study that found if it weren’t for the COVID-19 vaccines, the virus could have killed nearly 140,000 more people in the U.S.

National Rifle Association cancels annual meeting in Houston due to COVID-19

The National Rifle Association is canceling the 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits that was to be held in Houston in September due to concerns over COVID-19.

Active COVID-19 cases in Houston-area school districts

FOX 26 shares a map of school districts in the greater Houston area with their current active cases, sometimes broken down by staff and students.

Daily new COVID-19 cases in US near 230,000, Johns Hopkins says

Data collected by Johns Hopkins University on Aug. 24 shows the U.S. recorded nearly 230,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours.