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Hit by the virus and weighing a raid on your 401(k)? Beware 04/16/2020 01:17am • Many Americans are struggling financially due to the coronavirus. A recent federal relief package makes it easier for people financially harmed by the coronavirus outbreak to tap into their retirement savings for cash by loosening rules for withdrawals and loans. But should they use them? Expe Fairfax Co. schools cancel online classes for the week for 'necessary updates' 04/15/2020 08:00pm • Amid widespread technical issues preventing students from accessing distance learning tools, Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia announced Wednesday that all teacher-led instruction has been canceled for the week in order to make necessary updates. The school system and Blackboard, the coun Fairfax County approves $2.5M in small business coronavirus relief micro loans 04/15/2020 01:01pm • The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a $2.5 million Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund that will provide loans of up to $20,000 to eligible Virginia businesses. The micro loans will be principle and interest-free for six months, and carry a six-year term with an interest rate of 3. Montgomery Co. bill would prohibit rent increases during public health emergency 04/14/2020 11:47pm • With unemployment claims rising in Maryland due to the effects of the coronavirus, Montgomery County has introduced a measure to provide relief to renters. The COVID-19 Renter Relief Act would prohibit landlords from increasing rent for residential tenants during and within 30 days after the COVI Gambling, transportation, discrimination and budget changes in Virginia 04/14/2020 05:30am • From casinos and transportation to voting and anti-discrimination measures, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed hundreds of bills and suggested amendments to dozens of others ahead of next week’s reconvened session of the General Assembly. Northam’s deadline to act over the weekend also re Home sale closings can be done remotely for social distancing, but there’s a catch 04/13/2020 10:45am • A home is not sold until the transaction legally closes through a title company, and in a normal world, the buyer and seller would come to the table to sign the stack of legal documents in front of witnesses to settle the sale. But with social distancing the norm because of the coronavirus, t 'Out the window': Maryland minor league teams benched by coronavirus 04/08/2020 02:05pm • The Bowie Baysox play in a 2015 photo. (WTOP/Joan Jones) The coronavirus hit when area minor league baseball teams saw their season arrive in the on-deck circle. Right now they can't do anything more than wait and hope for the best with everyone else. The virus hit at a time when baseball was Coronavirus: Va. receives major disaster declaration; White House considers broader use of face masks 04/02/2020 11:04pm • During the coronavirus pandemic, some people in D.C. are suiting up in face masks, gloves and body gear when they are out in public. (WTOP/Dave Dildine) The latest Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government to help the commonwealth's response to the coronav Md. unemployment fund in danger of being depleted, lawmakers are warned 04/02/2020 12:04pm • This content was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today. As the public health crisis spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, Maryland lawmakers convened Wednesday to discuss the projected medical New retirement account rules in response to coronavirus 03/26/2020 08:00pm • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act allows retirement account owners to take withdrawals for emergency costs related to the coronavirus pandemic and partially delays the tax consequences. Workers will also be able to initiate bigger 401(k) loans and get a slightly longer repayment Food trucks take to the road to survive coronavirus outbreak 03/26/2020 04:01pm • It’s business…not as usual. Food trucks have become a ubiquitous sight on streets and in office parks across the D.C. region. Yet since government stay-at-home orders have taken effect during the coronavirus outbreak, sales have all but dried up for most truck operators. Zack Graybill, Banks waive overdraft fees due to coronavirus 03/25/2020 10:57am • The financial impact of the coronavirus may be dropping your checking account balance uncharacteristically low, putting you in danger of being socked with overdraft fees from your bank. With your finances in flux, you surely don't need your bank to pile on new debt. However, though some lenders a Montgomery Co. plans to give small businesses coronavirus grants 03/25/2020 07:00am • With so many small businesses shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, the Montgomery County Council is poised to create a $20 million program that would allow businesses to access grants so they can pay their bills and employee salaries. Through the Public Health Emergency Grant Program, busin Coronavirus: Northam closes Va. schools for year; Hogan closes nonessential Md. businesses 03/23/2020 11:40pm • The latest President Donald Trump provided an update Monday afternoon on the COVID-19 efforts. He weighed in on the Senate relief bill that has been stalled. He talked about the possible treatment using malaria drugs. And, he said that critical supplies have been replenished. Find out more. More than 200 colleges delay deposit deadlines as families face unprecedented economic uncertainty 03/22/2020 08:10am • Usually, colleges require students to send in a deposit by May 1 in order to hold a spot in the incoming freshman class. But some schools are offering more flexibility to students as the coronavirus crisis grows. Over the past week, more than 200 colleges and universitie