CARES ACT, $12 million emergency relief money for Santa Monica College, will distribute $6 million to students affected by the pandemic and the rest for institutional support. Primarily pell grant students qualify, while undocumented and international students are left out. Administration sends out surveys necessary to determine if a student qualifies. Students can reapply for financial aid if income has been affected due to COVID-19.

The board members of Associated Students (AS) unanimously approved and sponsored the “Expressing Solidarity for Jewish Students at Santa Monica College” resolution at their Zoom-hosted board meeting on Monday. This approval comes after a week’s worth of impassioned criticism and support of the resolution from Santa Monica College (SMC) students and members of the public.

California’s four steps to reopen include the retail industry and manufacturing, while gyms, hair and nail salons will follow later. Offices that are able to work virtually, will continue to do so in an attempt of maintaining social distancing. Fourth step is the end of "Safe at Home" measures, while people fear for their financial situation during this process.

Santa Monica College (SMC) announced on Thursday, April 30, that classes throughout the Fall semester would continue to be held online as part of the college’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic gripping the nation.

President Donald Trump recently announced he would halt all U.S. funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international health organization, pending a review of its coronavirus response by his administration.

On March 19, Santa Monica College (SMC) faculty received an email with the subject line “Proctorio -- test proctoring software now available” from Interim Dean of Instructional Services, Jason Beardsley. The email explained that an online software known as Proctorio had become available to all SMC faculty that use Canvas, in an effort to “enhance academic integrity by monitoring each student’s behavior during an exam.”

Biden warns Americans to not drink bleach after Trump’s disinfectant suggestion at his brief went viral; the COVID-19 “hoax” gets clarification. Beach trips and outdoor activities may result in citations in Santa Monica as they are prohibited during heat wave this weekend due to the pandemic. Millions of Americans are being examined for coronavirus, while being reminded of prevention, symptoms and what to do if you are feeling sick.

Multiple members of Congress are under scrutiny over stock transactions made just before the coronavirus outbreak here in America.

Anxiety and fear grow in hospitals around Los Angeles as the nation's healthcare system is overwhelmed by coronavirus victims. Medical professionals across the United States are experiencing a critical shortage of protective supplies and are unable to protect themselves from the virus when providing patient care.

Despite the widespread closures of public spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses deemed essential have remained open. This includes public transportation, even in face of a significant decrease in demand. Those who depend on public transportation have routes that may now be disrupted due to the rising health concerns. Additionally, walking doesn't seem to be a viable alternative for the majority of people in LA, particularly those with a long commute to work.

As America finally begins coming to grips with the new reality of the coronavirus winter, the 2020 presidential election pushes on.

All Santa Monica College (SMC) clubs were thought to have been canceled due to the coronavirus. However, a few clubs have made efforts to resume digitally.

With closure of dine-in restaurants throughout California, the demand for takeout services has increased. Third party ordering platforms such as "Grubhub," "Postmates," and "DoorDash" have quickly grown in popularity due to current circumstances. Major food delivery apps have assisted owners during this transition to help generate income and keep business afloat.

With the United States entering an economic recession, and the coronavirus’ expected impact now expanded into the fall, California’s community colleges are managing new ways to adapt and to support their students.

Half a million of Americans are now infected with COVID-19 and fatalities numbers surpassed every other country. Los Angeles extended measures till May 15 and Santa Monica Closed beaches and markets amid Easter weekend. Free testing in LA comes with priorities. Food and ventilator donations due to the pandemic’s financial crisis.

In the midst of a pandemic, the traditional graduation ceremony of the year 2020 transitioned to a virtual event. Students graduating this year will not walk the commencement stage, but they will be honored for their academic achievements.

Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered most essential workers, patrons and guests to wear protective face coverings or masks in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. The order, which goes into effect on Friday at midnight, effectively mandates that masks be worn anywhere outside the home.

All countries urged to make public health affordable, while caution against early cancellation of measures. California expands telehealth video-chats and Angelenenos are advised to wear masks in public. Santa Monica enforces strict measures as will shut down construction sites that do not follow COVID-19 guidelines. $1,200 on the way, as unemployment claims skyrocket and rent along with water bills are suspended.

As of 5 p.m. on March 31, Santa Monica College (SMC) announced to its faculty via email that all instructor-initiated dropped courses taking place on or after March 4 through the “Guaranteed Withdrawal deadline” will be recoded, in which the W will be removed from transcripts. SMC will perform a “catch-up batch job” today, April 1, to take care of any outstanding W’s on student transcripts resulting from student or instructor-initiated drops, according to the announcement.

As colleges across the country close their campus and switch to online format due to COVID-19, many students fear the unknown. International students face an even more unpredictable outlook as they grapple with the choice to stay in America or attempt to rush back home to familiar surroundings.