US - South

COVID: Updated CDC map reveals infection rates across US The latest data reveals that COVID-19 rates are rising in the U.S. compared to the previous week. Newsweek

The percentage of emergency department visits that were diagnosed as COVID has remained largely unchanged in recent weeks, at 0.6 percent—with the highest rates located in the Southwest: New Mexico at 1.8 percent and Arizona at 1.5 percent.

Deaths from COVID are highest in North Carolina, with 1.4 percent of deaths attributed to the virus.

California, Michigan, New York and Florida also have higher than average rates of COVID-related deaths, ranging from 1.2 percent in California to 0.6 percent in Florida.

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US flu activity picks up a little more pace In its weekly respiratory illness snapshot, the CDC upgraded the level from low to moderate. CIDRAP

Though US flu activity is still low, markers such as test positivity and emergency department (ED) visits show more rises, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said (Friday)  in its latest weekly update.

A North Carolina town is suing utility Duke Energy over climate change A small North Carolina town is suing Duke Energy for costs from climate change, claiming the utility knew its fossil fuel power plants were heating the planet and deceived the public. NPR

The small town of Carrboro, North Carolina is suing one of the country's largest electric utilities, Duke Energy, over climate change.