The Internal Revenue Service announced that nearly 2 million plus-up stimulus payments went out this week as part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. Payments began processing on April 9 to be sent out on Wednesday, but some Americans may have seen pending deposits in their accounts earlier in the week. This is the fifth round of stimulus checks and provides qualifying Americans with $1,400. It also offers the plus-up, or supplemental payments, to citizens who previously received partial stimulus payments but can now demonstrate they were eligible for more. The plus-up payments also ensure that early filers whose 2020 tax returns make them, or their dependents, eligible for stimulus money get their payments. Individuals can check the Get My Payment tool on the IRS website to see their status.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health told COVID-19 vaccine providers not to give out Johnson & Johnson until at least April 24. Following federal advice, Pennsylvania had previously told providers to temporarily stop using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This advice came after six women who received it came down with rare blood clots, including one who died. One of those six involved was a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman who has recovered. The pause will remain in place until federal officials, who are studying the situation, give further notice. About 6.8 million people have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, one of three available and the newest and least used of the three.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced 63 year old Darryl Corradini and 57 year old Vicki Hackenberg, both of Bloomsburg were charged Tuesday with fraud after receiving nearly $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program. A federal grand jury charged the couple after an indictment alleged the couple created a shell corporation named CGM Realty LLC and opened bank accounts and a bitcoin account in the businesses’ name. The company had no employees or business operations. Corradini and Hackenberg are charged with a number of counts including bank fraud and making false statements to IRS agents.

Northwest Bank, a subsidiary of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NWBI), has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its insurance business offered through Northwest Insurance Services to USI Insurance Services (“USI”).  Northwest Insurance is a subsidiary of Northwest Bank, offering property and casualty, life, disability and long-term care insurance, as well as group health, life and disability employee benefits.  USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world.