Biden signs extension of Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses by 2 months

President Joe Biden singed an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program a day before it was poised to expire, giving small businesses until May 31 to apply.

Stimulus checks: 21 Senate Democrats urge Biden to put recurring direct payments in infrastructure plan

A group of Democratic senators is urging President Joe Biden to extend rescue measures for Americans — including recurring direct payments and extended jobless benefits — in his “Build Back Better” legislation.

COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program created for Texas youth summer camps

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has created a COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program for youth summer camps in Texas.

MLB to relax virus protocols when 85% on field vaccinated

Card games, car pools and eating at restaurants may be back in the major leagues later this season. Trips to church and sponsor events may return, too.

World leaders call for international treaty on pandemic preparedness

More than 20 heads of government and global agencies called for an international treaty for pandemic preparedness that they say will protect future generations in the wake of COVID-19.

Vehicle traffic rebounding to pre-pandemic levels as COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up

The number of daily passenger vehicle trips has hit a major milestone, reaching pre-pandemic levels for the first time in a year, according to data provided to The Associated Press by the transportation analytics firm Inrix.

Weekend job fair held to get Houston-area residents back to work

The city of Houston is continuing to struggle to build back the jobs that were lost due to rock-bottom oil prices and the pandemic. One employer is making a dent in unemployment numbers by hiring 1,000 employees and offering them a way to get to work.

Dr. Deborah Birx says most US COVID-19 deaths could have been avoided or ‘decreased substantially’

Former Trump administration White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said in an interview that coronavirus deaths in the U.S. following the initial first wave could have been “decreased substantially” or avoided entirely.

Canada suspends use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people under 55

Canada on Monday suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for people under age 55 following concerns it might be linked to rare blood clots.

Biden says 90% of US adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine by April 19

President Joe Biden said at least 90% of the adult U.S. population will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 19 and will have access to a vaccination site within 5 miles of home.

WHO report says animals likely source of COVID-19, lab leak 'extremely unlikely'

A joint WHO-China study says that transmission of the virus from bats to humans through another animal is the most likely scenario, according to a copy obtained by the Associated Press.

Ban on renter evictions during COVID-19 pandemic extended through June 30

The CDC on Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on March 31. Here’s how to be eligible.

IRS says face masks, hand sanitizer are tax-deductible medical expenses

"The purchase of personal protective equipment, such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical expenses," the agency said in a statement.

Texas officials request extension of FEMA COVID-19 vaccine sites in Houston, DFW

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have requested an extension of the federally supported COVID-19 vaccination sites in Houston, Arlington and Dallas.