Unemployment claims fall to 576,000, lowest since COVID-19 pandemic began

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 576,000, a hopeful sign that layoffs are easing as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.

'We must prepare now for in-person learning' next school year: Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that he wants schools to open next year.  But he stopped short of mandates or saying what would happen if they didn't.

Federal, state, local officials encourage state's Black residents to get COVID-19 vaccine

A group of Black federal, state and local officials encouraged the state's Black and African American residents Wednesday to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as they can.

Topgolf set to officially open in Alviso on Friday

The high tech golfing experience Topgolf will officially open its first Bay Area location on Friday and with the grand opening comes 600 new jobs.

Solano Co. expands vaccine eligibility to 16 and older, will replace J&J doses

Solano County officially opened eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to all of the county's residents and workers who are 16 and older on Wednesday. 

San Francisco to resume indoor, outdoor events Thursday under newly eased statewide guidelines

Starting on Thursday, San Francisco will resume indoor events and performances with live audiences -- albeit with capacity limits -- in accordance with newly eased state guidelines.

'Zoom in a Room:' California ranks last in the country for reopening schools

California, the most populated state is lagging the rest of the country in reopening schools — and in some cases offering options that parents say are unacceptable.

Newsom: J&J vaccine pause won’t affect California reopening

State officials directed counties and other providers on Tuesday to halt use of the vaccine per federal recommendation. But Gov. Gavin Newsom said he does not expect the halt to “materially impact our ability to fulfill our expectations

Selena Gomez and J.Lo to headline COVID-19 vaccine concert for poor nations

The concert is part of a campaign to help medical workers in the world’s poorest countries quickly receive COVID-19 vaccines. Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, J Balvin and H.E.R. are also performing.

Inflatable costume not the only source of deadly Christmas COVID outbreak at Kaiser San Jose

A Santa Clara County spokesperson said there were "multiple factors" behind the outbreak in the emergency room on Dec. 25, 2020, at Kaiser San Jose, which killed one receptionist and sickened at least 100 patients and employees. 

There's a rush to rebook weddings now that California is allowing more in-person events

There's a rush to rebook weddings now that California is allowing more in-person events. The postponed ceremonies and pent-up demand now mean more competition for booking services and venues.

India reels amid worsening COVID-19 surge, affecting world vaccine supply

The surge, which can be seen across India, is particularly alarming because the country is a major vaccine producer and a critical supplier to the U.N.-backed COVAX initiative.

San Francisco and San Leandro schools reopen, but to different degrees

At Bret Harte Elementary School in San Francisco Monday morning there was a sight no one had seen in more than a year: students coming to school again.

Newsom: CA sees lowest positivity rate since start of COVID pandemic

Newsom said the state's positivity rate fell to 1.5%, another indicator the state is moving in the right direction as it continues to reopen around the state.

Covered California low-cost healthcare opens special enrollment

More than three million people in California are now eligible for low-cost health insurance through the state's Covered California program. Starting Monday, the program will open a special enrollment thansk to the recently signed American Rescue Act.