COVID-19

Politics

Gov. Newsom Signs $7.6 Billion Stimulus Package

Adam Beam / Associated Press

The new laws will give at least $600 one-time payments to 5.7 million people while setting aside more than $2 billion in grants for struggling small businesses.
Health

HHS Nominee Says Pandemic Comes First But Agenda Is Broader

The Associated Press

President Joe Biden’s pick for health secretary, Xavier Becerra, told senators Tuesday that tackling the coronavirus pandemic will be his first priority if confirmed, but he also pledged to work to expand health insurance coverage, curb prescription drug costs and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in medical care.
KPBS Evening Edition

What You Need To Know About The County’s COVID-19 Hotels

Jill Castellano

Cody Dulaney / inewsource

Here are five key takeaways from inewsource investigation into a San Diego County COVID-19 program.
Health

History Repeats Itself: COVID-19 Vaccine Inequities Echo HIV Crisis

Eyder Peralta / NPR

People were dying of a disease that could be treated — but in poor countries, they did not have access to medicines that could help. That was the story of HIV — and now of COVID-19.
Health

Young People Struggle To Keep Friends Close As Pandemic Pulls Them Apart

Hadia Bakkar / NPR

The pandemic has prolonged the post-graduation transition amid a tough economy. With the lack of in-person interaction, young professionals are trying to adjust to a diminishing social circle.
Health

San Diego's Busiest COVID-19 Vaccination Site Reopens Tuesday, Prioritizing Second Doses

Matt Hoffman

After being shuttered since Friday due to a shortage of doses, the Petco Park vaccination super station run by UC San Diego Health will reopen Tuesday.
Politics

California OKs $600 Stimulus Payments For 5.7 Million People

The Associated Press

The California Legislature has approved $600 payments for about 5.7 million people. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he will sign the legislation into law. People with low to moderate incomes will be eligible to get the money.
Health

'A Loss To The Whole Society': U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches 500,000

Pien Huang / NPR

As the country faces another wrenching milestone, there are signs of hope that we may be beating back the virus. But a brighter future won't bring back precious lives lost.
Health

As U.S. Death Toll Surpasses Half A Million, Biden Plans To Order Flags To Half-Staff

Rachel Treisman / NPR

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that at a Monday event marking 500,000 COVID-19 deaths, President Joe Biden will order flags on federal property to be lowered to half staff for five days.
Health

Here's What's In House Democrats' $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Plan

Barbara Sprunt / NPR

The legislation is set for a vote on the House floor at the end of the week. The Senate is then expected to modify it to ensure it can pass procedural hurdles.