AP National News

The Latest: COVID-19 cases grow in hard-hit area of Missouri

By The Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. — The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients jumped by nearly 27% over the Fourth of July weekend in a hard-hit area of Missouri where immunization rates are low, leading to a temporary ventilator shortfall and a public call for help from respiratory therapists. The delta variant, first identified in India, is spreading rapidly, straining hospitals in Springfield and…

The Latest: Navajo Nation reports 2 more COVID-19 deaths

By The Associated Press

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation on Saturday reported five additional COVID-19 cases and two more deaths. A statement released by tribal officials said the additional deaths increased the tribe’s pandemic death toll to 1,356. The statement did not provide an updated count of total cases among residents of the sprawling reservation that includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico…