The CDC issues new masking guidance as U.S. COVID cases drop The CDC's new guidance means most of the U.S. population is considered to be at low or medium risk for COVID-19, and the agency has given the green light to take masks off. A Martinez
With mask mandates expiring, businesses bet on their own policies Mask mandates are going away around the country, so shops and restaurants are developing their own policies based on personal choice and risk tolerance. Yuki Noguchi
CDC drops guidance for universal indoor masking The CDC is dropping its guidance for universal indoor masking, instead recommending masking pegged to local conditions where spread of the virus is considered high risk. Maria Godoy
It's safe to unmask in many places, says the CDC. These experts aren't quite ready Doctors and health researchers are looking to testing rates, case rates – and intuition – to determine when they'll feel comfortable mingling maskless indoors. Will Stone
In Texas, an unrelenting assault on trans rights is taking a mental toll Texas lawmakers have proposed dozens of anti-LGBTQ bills and young people have flooded crisis lines. "It's emotionally traumatizing," says Amber Briggle, whose 14-year-old son is trans. Rina Torchinsky
CDC says Americans can now go unmasked in many parts of the country The federal health agency released new guidance for when Americans need to mask up indoors, saying about 70% of the population lives in a place where it's safe to go mask-free. Pien Huang
Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. What strategy will give me optimal protection? Even as mask mandates end in many areas, some folks still want to wear a mask in public places to reduce the risk of a coronavirus infection. Here's a guide to one-way masking. Will Stone
Johnson & Johnson wins a key court battle in baby powder case A federal judge has allowed a Johnson & Johnson spinoff to proceed with a controversial bankruptcy, despite complaints from thousands who say they were harmed by the company's baby powder. Scott Horsley
4 U.S. companies will pay $26 billion to settle claims they fueled the opioid crisis The companies, including Johnson & Johnson and McKesson, will admit no wrongdoing. Billions of dollars in payouts will fund drug treatment and harm reduction programs. Brian Mann
Florida House passes controversial measure dubbed the 'Don't Say Gay' bill by critics Opponents of the measure say it will hurt LGBTQ youth, who already face higher rates of bullying, but the Republican sponsor says it's meant to protect children and keep parents informed. Joe Hernandez