Biden opens sign-up window for health coverage to uninsured amid COVID-19 pandemic

President Joe Biden signed an executive order to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity geared to people needing coverage in the coronavirus pandemic.

OC health care worker dies after receiving 2nd COVID-19 vaccine shot; official cause of death pending

Tim Zook's final Facebook post shared his excitement about getting his second COVID-19 vaccine shot. His widow now thinks he may have suffered a fatal reaction to it. His official cause of death is still pending.

9-year-old dies in Fort Worth hospital because of COVID-19

A 9-year-old boy who was healthy enough to go to class on Friday died because of COVID-19 Tuesday at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth.

Coronavirus variant from South Africa detected in US for 1st time

A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa has been found in the U.S. for the first time, with two cases diagnosed in South Carolina.

Los Angeles County elementary schools could reopen within weeks, Ferrer says

Los Angeles Elementary schools could be ready to re-open in just two to three weeks, according to Los Angeles Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.  

Lowe's announces another $80M in employee bonuses, will hire more than 50,000 workers

Lowe's announced that it will reward all of its full-time hourly employees with $300 bonuses for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, while part-time employees will get $150. The company also plans to hire 50,000 more workers for the spring.

Unemployment claims drop; still at 847,000 as pandemic rages on

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a historically high 847,000 last week, a sign that layoffs remain high as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.

As businesses reopen, LA County eateries likely facing tougher health restrictions

 As businesses set to reopen, Los Angeles County officials stressed the need for residents and merchants to follow health restrictions, noting that restaurants will face stepped-up infection-control requirements.

Double mask: Fauci says wearing 2 masks may offer more protection from COVID-19

Some medical experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said wearing two masks makes “common sense” and could offer more protection from COVID-19. Here’s what the data shows.

Online instruction to continue at USC until further notice

Course instruction at USC will continue online until further notice due to elevated COVID-19 infections in Los Angeles County, according to USC Provost Charles F. Zukoski.

Mass vaccination efforts underway for port workers

The Los Angeles City Council recently passed a resolution to show its support for any legislation that would prioritize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to essential waterfront workers.

Cal State won’t hike tuition amid pandemic hardships

The California State University says it won’t increase tuition this year amid pandemic-related hardships and adequate funding from the state, according to a newspaper report Tuesday.

LA City Council passes motions aimed at equitable vaccine distribution

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed two motions on Wednesday with the goal of making Los Angeles' vaccine distribution equitable and inoculating low-income communities of color.

COVID-19 'fatigue' causing drop in some protective measures, study finds

COVID-19 "fatigue" is having a negative effect on some protective measures that people are taking to guard against the coronavirus -- although mask-wearing is up, according to a new USC survey.

Restaurant reopening rules to be reviewed by LA County on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer says she will be holding briefings with restaurant operators and employee unions to review "additional safety measures" that will be required ahead of restaurants reopening for outdoor dining following a lifting of regional stay-at-home orders.

Sekou Smith, beloved NBA analyst and reporter, dead at 48

Beloved NBA reporter and television analyst Sekou Smith died Tuesday, the league announced. He was 48.