National data shows COVID-19 levels are moderate. In most of the U.S., levels of other respiratory viruses are low, although RSV is ticking up in some southeastern states.
National News
4 key takeaways from the FBI’s annual crime report
There was less reported violent crime across the U.S. last year after a dramatic spike in 2020. But there were more car thefts and hate crimes reported.
21 species have been declared extinct, the US Fish and Wildlife Service says
The species, including birds, mussels and a bat, have been moved off the threatened and endangered list. They join 650 other species that have gone extinct in the U.S.
US book bans are taking a toll on a beloved tradition: Scholastic Book Fairs
Scholastic created a separate fair category for diverse books, which it says is to help schools navigate the complexities of book bans. Librarians accused the company of caving to censorship.
Vaccine hesitancy affects dog-owners, too, with many questioning the rabies shot
A survey finds that more than half of dog parents are doubtful about giving their pups the vaccine for rabies — a lethal disease that vaccination brought under control in the U.S.
An empty-nest mama bear just won Fat Bear Week
Like an ursine Sarah Connor, Grazer is one tough mother. She preemptively attacks huge males that might threaten her offspring. And she’s focused on the future, eating all the salmon she can catch.