Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72 percent effective in U.S. trial

Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72 percent effective in U.S. trial-politico:  Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine was 72 percent effective in the first data from a late-stage U.S. trial, the company said Friday. But the vaccine's efficacy fell to 52 percent against a virus variant first identified in South Africa.

Biden takes first step toward bolstering Obamacare

Biden takes first step toward bolstering Obamacare-politico:  President Joe Biden is taking the first step toward rebuilding Obamacare, ushering in a new era for the health care law after a decade of Republican attacks.

Democrats planning swift moves on budget resolution next week

Democrats planning swift moves on budget resolution next week-rollcall:  Democratic leaders plan to take the initial steps next week that are necessary for developing a filibuster-proof coronavirus relief package. The Senate's expected to make the first move, bringing a fiscal 2021 budget resolution to the floor early next week. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer late Tuesday adjusted his chamber's schedule, notifying lawmakers that the House's session next week would potentially stretch into the weekend.

Sen. Rob Portman’s exit leaves void in chamber and 2022 map

Sen. Rob Portman’s exit leaves void in chamber and 2022 map-politico:  Gov. Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s announcement Monday that he would not run for reelection sent shockwaves through GOP circles, as Republicans grappled with losing a senator with his stature and history of winning campaigns.

Newsom to lift stay-at-home orders across California

Newsom to lift stay-at-home orders across California-politico:  Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to lift stay-at-home orders statewide Monday, allowing restaurants to reopen for outdoor dining and salons to resume appointments indoors, according to two sources close to the governor and a restaurant industry email.

US issues national pandemic plan, a year after its first COVID-19 case

US issues national pandemic plan, a year after its first COVID-19 case-rollcall:  On the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case detected on U.S. shores, President Joe Biden released a national strategy aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden to sign 10 executive orders aimed at turning around the pandemic

Biden to sign 10 executive orders aimed at turning around the pandemic-politico:  President Joe Biden will sign 10 more executive orders on Thursday aimed at ramping up Covid testing and vaccinations, tightening enforcement of workplace safety rules and funneling more federal dollars to states struggling through the pandemic and economic crisis.