Unemployment claims fall to 553,000

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped by 13,000 last week to 553,000, the lowest level since the pandemic hit last March and another sign the economy is recovering from the coronavirus recession.

Some Californians can't get vaccine despite surge in supply

More than 18 million of an estimated 32 million people eligible for vaccine in California are fully or partially vaccinated, including nearly half of people in economically vulnerable ZIP codes hardest hit by the pandemic But that doesn’t mean everyone in California who wants a vaccine can get one.

US economy grew at a robust 6.4% rate last quarter

The U.S. economy grew at a brisk 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a show of strength fueled by government aid and declining viral cases that could drive further gains as the nation rebounds with unusual speed from the pandemic recession.

‘Serving Spoon’ restaurant owners virtual guests during President Biden’s speech

The owners of a beloved community staple in Inglewood were virtual guests during the Presidential Address to the Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday night. 

India’s COVID-19 death toll crosses 200,000 with many more likely uncounted

India's daily deaths have nearly tripled in the past three weeks, crossing the 200,000 mark this week. But the true death toll is actually believed to be far higher.

Europe will reach herd immunity by August at the latest, BioNTech CEO says

The head of German pharmaceutical company BioNTech says Europe can achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus within the next four months.

Los Angeles County edges closer to entering state's least restrictive yellow tier

Los Angeles County's daily rate of new COVID-19 cases fell low enough Tuesday to qualify for a move to the least restrictive yellow tier of the state's economic-reopening blueprint.

Many restaurants struggling to fill job openings due to COVID-19 restrictions

It looks like something to celebrate: small businesses posting “Help Wanted” signs as the economy edges toward normalcy. Instead, businesses are having trouble filling the jobs.

USC to require vaccinations for returning students, faculty and staff

USC announced Tuesday that it intends to require all students, faculty and staff returning for on-campus classes and activities in the fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

Burning Man festival canceled for 2nd year in a row due to COVID-19 pandemic

Burning Man organizers announced Tuesday they are canceling this summer’s annual counter-culture festival in the Nevada desert for the second year in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC: Fully vaccinated Americans can do some outdoor activities without mask

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the CDC’s new outdoor mask guidance is the next step in getting back to some sense of normalcy and serves as “another reason to go get vaccinated now.”

Newsom says vaccinated Californians can roam mask-free outdoors

The news comes hours after the Center for Disease Control updated guidance on activities that fully vaccinated Americans can resume.

LAUSD middle, high school students return to campus for in-person learning

Remaining middle and high school campuses in the Los Angeles Unified School District began reopening Tuesday, meaning all students now have the option to be back on district campuses for the first time in more than a year.

Bay Area man hospitalized with blood clot after taking Johnson & Johnson vaccine

A spokesperson from the University of California San Francisco medical center reported a male patient is under care for blood clotting after he received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Toilet paper, beer, wine among grocery store items expected to cost more, report says

As we are months removed from the panic buy era during the early stages of the pandemic, experts are predicting price hikes for toilet paper in the coming weeks.

Los Angeles County to resume administering J&J vaccine

Los Angeles County reported 408 new cases of COVID-19 and five additional deaths on Sunday, though health officials said the relatively low numbers may reflect delays in weekend reporting.