National

Rice's selection to serve in a domestic role is somewhat unexpected given her extensive credentials in foreign policy. The position does not require Senate confirmation.

Jobless claims rose sharply last week as critical relief programs, including expanded jobless benefits, are due to expire the day after Christmas.

The staggering spike in fatalities and infections has overwhelmed hospitals, an increase many experts attribute to relaxed precautions at Thanksgiving.

House lawmakers passed a one-week spending measure to thwart a government shutdown before a Friday deadline. It now heads to the Senate, with hopes lawmakers reach a deal.

The two departments have a key role in supporting American households. HUD is responsible for affordable housing while USDA oversees food assistance programs.

Bipartisan negotiators are still trying to finalize a COVID deal with money for states, unemployed Americans, and vaccine distribution, but some want more direct payments.

The crisis is all but certain to get worse from the fallout of Americans traveling in droves around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

The federal agency went against the advice of its own scientists who said the standard needed to be lowered.

The Food and Drug Administration posted its analysis online even as across the Atlantic, Britain on Tuesday began vaccinating its oldest citizens with the Pfizer shots.

The decision could delay the delivery of a second batch of doses until manufacturer Pfizer fulfills other international contracts.

In a year defined by the coronavirus pandemic, the world lost iconic defenders of civil rights, great athletes and entertainers who helped define their genres.

The pandemic’s effects have rippled through child care, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino-owned centers in an industry that has long relied on providers of color.

As a year marked by coronavirus nears an end, millions of Americans are depending on food banks to stave off hunger.

The pandemic put a spotlight on health care workers and inspired many to pursue a career in medicine.

More than half of workers surveyed said they were reluctant to enforce COVID-19 safety measures with customers from whom they would receive tips, according to a new study.