Palestinians call off 1M dose COVID-19 vaccine exchange with Israel

The Palestinian Authority called off an agreement whereby Israel would transfer 1M doses of vaccines to it in exchange for the same later this year.

Delta variant expected to become dominant US strain, CDC says

The delta variant first detected in India will likely become the dominant U.S. strain, the CDC director said — who stressed vaccination to stay protected.

Tokyo Olympics: Japan’s top medical adviser says 'no fans' safest

Japan’s top medical adviser said the safest way to hold the Tokyo Olympics is without fans, seeming to put him at odds with organizers.

Preparing for end of extended unemployment benefits
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Unemployment claims jumped unexpectedly yesterday, an indication companies are still laying off workers. Next week, starting June 26, federal unemployment benefits are ending in Texas. Michelle Castrow from Workforce Solutions shares some tips as it comes down to the wire.

U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan locked down amid huge COVID-19 surge

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan is locking down because of a massive spike in coronavirus cases among employees. The embassy is ordering staffers into virtual isolation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stores closed on Thanksgiving Day: Kohl’s, Walmart, Target and more

A growing list of retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart announced they will be shuttering their stores on Thanksgiving Day 2021.

CDC calling Delta Variant 'variant of concern'
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The CDC has determined the delta variant is now a "variant of concern," a designation given to strains scientists believe are more transmissible or can cause more severe disease. In fact, the symptoms are very similar to a summer cold, which is going around. So how do we tell the difference? Dr. Donnie Aga with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic joins FOX 26 Houston to help explain.

US COVID-19 death toll reaches 600,000 as cases, vaccinations slow

More than 600,000 Americans have now died of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

White House July 4 party will celebrate independence from COVID-19

President Biden wants to give July 4th new meaning this year and is also encouraging nationwide celebrations to mark the country’s effective return to normalcy.

Face masks now optional for vaccinated visitors at Disney World

All visitors, whether vaccinated or not, will still be required to wear face coverings on buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner, the resort’s aerial gondola, according to the latest guidelines.

COVID-19 likely in US by Christmas 2019, new blood samples suggest

Thousands of new blood samples suggest COVID-19 popped up in the U.S. in December 2019 — weeks before cases were first recognized by health officials.

Novavax says COVID-19 vaccine about 90% effective in large study

A Novavax large-stage study in the U.S. and Mexico found that its COVID-19 vaccine was about 90% effective overall and protected against variants.

Vaccine authority on COVID-19 Delta variant, inoculating children and herd immunity
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A coronavirus variant (first detected in India) has now gone global. Dr. Peter Hotez, Vaccine Authority with Baylor College of Medicine tells FOX 26 Houston more about what this means for us.

Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted almost all Texas pandemic restrictions. But not the one limiting jail releases

As he was fighting for the Legislature to change state bail laws, the governor continued his emergency order to restrict no-cost jail releases during the pandemic. At least several Texas courts have deemed the order unconstitutional.