Coronavirus

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is facing a $2.5 million budget shortfall due to declining ticket sales and donations and the end of federal coronavirus pandemic relief funding. If it doesn’t raise the money, the season may be cut short .

Many wonder what the state of teaching in Illinois after the height of the coronavirus pandemic. A new report by Advance Illinois tackles that question and more.

Teaching shortages — including certain specialities — still exist in select regions across Illinois after the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The federal goverment has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines that protect people against getting dangerously sick. But the shots are being distributed through commercial means for the first time, and patients have reported canceled appointments and insurance denials.

A growing number of people are testing positive for the coronavirus, but Missouri scientists say the virus still poses a smaller threat to residents than during the height of the pandemic.

Wash U researchers have developed a microwave-size box that uses electrodes and a “wet cyclone” to detect coronavirus particles in the air within five minutes. The scientists say the prototype could be fitted to detect other pathogens and bacteria, as well.

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government issued emergency protections that barred states from removing people from the government-funded health insurance program for low-income people and families. That changes this month.

The number of kidney donations dropped during the pandemic. Authors of a new study that shows kidneys from patients with COVID-19 are safe to transplant will instill confidence in patients and health providers.

The St. Louis Development Corporation began directing federal coronavirus relief funds to small businesses in April 2022. The program is now complete, with funds going to 900 recipients across St. Louis.

The $4.5 million in grants is RAC’s largest yearly dispersal since before the pandemic. The regional arts funder also is allocating $10.6 million in one-time federal funding announced in November.