USDA Extends Free School Meal Program for Children
The U.S. Department of Agriculture loosened requirements for children receiving free meals through their schools at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and announced Monday it would keep those flexibilities in place through the end of the year.
Condensed Schedule and Staff Not Showing Up to Work Have Put the Census at Risk
Census has just a month to complete its count and the Government Accountability Office says it still faces significant challenges in collecting accurate data.
New Unemployment Benefits Could Take Weeks to Distribute
Thirty-two states have been approved for the federal unemployment program, but only four states have begun issuing the $300-a-week benefits.
Struggling Small Businesses Are Also at Risk from Postal Service Delays
COMMENTARY | A reliable U.S. Postal Service is critical for small- and medium-sized businesses, which depend on both its wide reach and affordable rates.
City Creates Food Stamps App as Renewal Process Becomes More Difficult
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is resuming pre-coronavirus application and renewal requirements for food stamps. Washington, D.C. created a mobile public benefits app that officials hope will make it easier for recipients to apply and meet eligibility requirements.
How Misinformation, Federalism and Selfishness Hampered America’s Virus Response
A fifth of the world’s COVID-19 deaths are in the United States.
The Plan That Could Give Us Our Lives Back
The U.S. has never had enough coronavirus tests. Now a group of epidemiologists, economists, and dreamers is plotting a new strategy to defeat the virus, even before a vaccine is found.
The Worst of Hurricane Season is Likely Still to Come
Nine named storms have already formed during the 2020 hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends in November. Experts are predicting as many as 16 more.
Governors Raise Concerns About Trump’s Unemployment Benefits Order
Asking states to chip in to cover 25% of the enhanced unemployment benefits at a time they are facing significant budget shortfalls is “laughable,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Critics Question CARES Act Spending in Some States
“I’ve yet to meet a pothole that has the coronavirus.”
Trump Looks to Executive Orders as Coronavirus Aid Talks Falter
The president said he would issue executive orders to provide some temporary coronavirus relief if Democrats and White House negotiators are unable to come to agreement over a broader aid package. But it remains unclear how he can authorize spending without Congress.
Appeals Courts Split on Whether Trump Administration Can Enforce 'Public Charge’ Rule
A federal appeals court says the rule penalizing immigrants for using public assistance programs can’t be enforced in three northeast states. But another court found the administration can move forward with its new standards.
Pets Are Testing Positive for Coronavirus
A dog in Louisiana is the eighth pet in the United States to test positive for the virus that causes Covid-19. It's unlikely that animals can transmit the virus to people, according to the CDC—but they can catch it from their owners.
Trump Executive Order Aims to Make Some Pandemic-Induced Telehealth Expansions Permanent
The president's directive also targets improvements to rural health care.
Poll: Majority of Americans Would Support Two-Week Lockdown
Almost two-thirds of people who responded to the NPR/Ipsos survey said the U.S. is doing a worse job than other countries in dealing with the pandemic.
Seven States Band Together to Purchase Rapid-Result Covid Tests
The compact, negotiated by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, aims to increase production of the tests, which can deliver results in less than a half hour.
Report: In Spring, White House Scrapped Comprehensive, National Covid Testing Plan
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Sleepaway camp in Georgia was the site of a large Covid outbreak … Houston authorities launch public education campaign to prevent coronavirus spread … NYC says people in certain neighborhoods need to reduce electricity use.
With No Agreement on Coronavirus Aid, Senate Turns to Standalone Unemployment Bills
Before adjourning for the weekend, Senate Republicans introduced several bills Thursday that would extend federal unemployment benefits for out of work Americans.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Says Many Federal Officers Will Leave Portland
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | A couple states report surprisingly good tax receipts in July … Tennessee governor OKs resumption of high school football … Florida marks 5,000 Burmese pythons removed from Everglades.
Senate Republicans’ Relief Bill Scales Back Enhanced Unemployment Benefits
The proposal also does not include funding for state and local governments, but would allow them to use previous funding to offset falling revenues.
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