Novel coronavirus

WATCH: House Small Business Committee holds hearing on pandemic recovery

By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press

The Federal Reserve says economic activity has picked up in most regions of the country but still remains well below pre-pandemic levels with the country facing high levels of uncertainty.

More than 150 countries sign up for global vaccine distribution plan

By Maria Cheng, Associated Press

More than 70 rich countries have signed up to a global coronavirus vaccine initiative, which may also allow them to buy more vaccines to stockpile for their own citizens.

Walmart to require customers to wear masks at all its stores

By Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press

The company said the policy will go into effect on Monday to allow time to inform stores and customers.

Oklahoma's governor says he has tested positive for COVID-19

By Sean Murphy, Associated Press

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday that he’s the first governor in the United States to test positive for the coronavirus and that he is isolating at home.

Virus resurgence forces countries to reimpose restrictions

By Costas Kantouris, Vanessa Gera, Rod McGuirk, Associated Press

Countries around the world are reimposing lockdowns and implementing new health checks at their borders in an effort to curb a resurgence of the coronavirus before it spins even further out of control.

First data for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine show it spurs an immune response

By Matthew Herper, STAT News, Damian Garde, STAT

The study showed that vaccinated volunteers made more neutralizing antibodies than have been seen in most patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

White House virus task force member stresses that school reopening guidance is based on facts

By Darlene Superville, Jill Colvin, Jonathan Lemire, Zeke Miller, Associated Press

A top member of the White House coronavirus task force on Tuesday assured "none of us lie" to the public.

White House campaign aims to help jobless find new paths

By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers to "find something new."…

Michael B. Jordan is bringing diverse stories to the drive-in

By Gary Gerard Hamilton, Associated Press

Actor Michael B. Jordan, whose breakout “Fruitvale Station” role followed the events of a young Black man killed by a transit police officer, is channeling an urgency for change and healing into “A Night at the Drive-In.” The idea is…

Demand for robot cooks rises as kitchens combat COVID-19

By Dee-Ann Durbin, Terence Chea, Associated Press

Robots that can flip burgers, make salads and even bake bread are in growing demand as virus-wary kitchens try to put some distance between workers and customers.