WASHINGTON (AP) — A new COVID-19 relief bill shaping up in Congress includes individual payments reaching $600 for most Americans and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits. Votes on the bill in the House and Senate are expected Monday. The COVID bill would pump $900 billion into relief efforts. Among those getting help…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence and the leaders of the House and Senate received their first COVID-19 vaccinations as they tried to reassure Americans the shot is safe. Pence celebrated the milestone Friday as “a medical miracle” that could eventually end a pandemic that has killed more than 310,000 Americans. Conspicuously absent was…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration blacklisted China’s top chipmaker Friday, limiting the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.’s access to advanced U.S. technology because of its alleged ties to the Chinese military. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said his agency won’t allow such technology to help build the military of an increasingly belligerent adversary. SMIC has previously…
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a hurry up and wait moment on Capitol Hill as congressional negotiators on a must-pass, almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package struggle through a handful of remaining snags. The holdups mean a weekend session now appears virtually certain, and a top lawmaker warned that a government shutdown this weekend can’t…
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. authorities are expressing increased alarm about an intrusion into computer systems around the globe that officials suspect was carried out by Russia. The cybersecurity unit of the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday the hack “poses a grave risk” to the federal government and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders appear to be on the brink of a COVID-19 economic aid package. But there’s no deal yet. As negotiators went home from the Capitol Wednesday night, agreement seemed near on legislation that would extend help to individuals and businesses and ship coronavirus vaccines to millions. Negotiators are working on a…
Washington, DC (AP) As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout for severe allergic reactions like an Alaska health worker suffered after receiving the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday. She was treated promptly and has recovered, a reminder to follow U.S.…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Top congressional leaders appear to be on the brink of a long-delayed COVID-19 aid package. A deal could come as early as Wednesday on legislation that would extend help to individuals and businesses and ship coronavirus vaccines to millions. Negotiations are working on a $900 billion package that would revive subsidies for…
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than a month after the election, some of the nation’s highest-profile Republican holdouts are beginning to embrace reality. They’re coming to terms with the fact that Joe Biden will be president soon. Biden spoke with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday, and McConnell publicly congratulated the Democrat on his victory.…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has finally acknowledged that Democrat Joe Biden won the presidential election. Six weeks after the November election — and a day after the Electoral College formally sealed Biden’s win — the Republican leader says the Electoral College “has spoken.” McConnell’s statement on the Senate floor Tuesday ends…