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Using a 401(k) loan to cope with coronavirus costs 04/17/2020 12:00am • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of March 2020 doubles the amount retirement savers can borrow from a 401(k) plan. But that doesn't necessarily mean you should raid your future retirement savings, even during the coronavirus pandemic. "If we weren't in this crisis moment tha From thriving to surviving: DC-area food businesses feel impact of COVID-19 04/16/2020 10:22pm • For most restaurants in the D.C. region, the pandemic has been devastating. And businesses that were thriving before the coronavirus crisis are now barely getting by. Thirty-eight percent of restaurants have closed their doors, according to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. F Smart moves for your CARES Act money 04/16/2020 01:53pm • Despite some glitches, coronavirus relief money has started arriving in the bank accounts of those who qualify. The federal CARES Act provides one-time payments of $1,200 for adults earning up to $75,000 and $2,400 for couples earning up to $150,000, along with payments of $500 per child. The What businesses can stay open in Virginia? 04/16/2020 07:20am • Gov. Ralph Northam, citing the continued spread of the new coronavirus, has ordered all Virginia schools closed for the rest of the academic year and placed new restrictions on many businesses, ordering some of them closed, as well. Northam’s executive order, released later in the day, spells i 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,