Grants of $10,000 to $20,000 have been awarded to more than 2,600 small businesses throughout the state that have experienced financial loss or disruptions as a result of coronavirus-related closures.
Stories by Kristen Thometz
Study: Electric Cooker Sanitizes N95 Masks
With limited supplies of critical protective equipment, University of Illinois researchers have found a new way to decontaminate N95 masks using a common kitchen appliance.
Pritzker Anticipates ‘Tremendous Need’ as Application Period Opens for Rental Assistance
Governor says he will lobby federal government for additional funds
The state is providing $300 million in assistance to renters and homeowners struggling to meet ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic, but those funds won’t reach everyone who deserves help, Gov. J.B. Pritzker acknowledged.
Preckwinkle: 2020 on Pace to be Worst Year for Suicides in Black Community in a Decade
More African Americans in Cook County have died by suicide this year than during all of 2019, with a notable increase among young people, according to county officials. “This is horrifying,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.
Advocates Host Virtual Vigil to Honor Slain Homeless Man, Demand Housing Resources
Advocates hosted a virtual candlelight vigil Wednesday morning to honor Aaron Curry, who was killed last month while living in Grant Park, and to call on the city of Chicago to dedicate an additional $100 million annually to housing resources.
Pritzker: Without Local Action to Stop COVID-19 Spread, More Restrictions Could Come
With coronavirus cases rising, Gov. J.B. Pritzker implored local officials to take action to stop the spread of the virus and warned if they don’t, more stringent regulations could be on the way, including another stay-at-home order.
Pritzker: COVID-19 Pandemic is Now Worse in Carbondale Than Chicago
When the coronavirus pandemic struck Illinois in the spring, Cook County was hit hard while areas downstate were largely spared. But that’s changing. “We’re seeing troubling signs,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday.
Rising Number of COVID-19 Cases Prompts New Cook County Guidelines
In an effort to curb COVID-19 infections, the Cook County Department of Public Health is asking bars, breweries and taverns that do not serve food to only serve customers outside.
Pritzker Launches $5M Face Mask Campaign: ‘It Only Works If You Wear It’
Despite a statewide mandate, not all residents are wearing masks. A new campaign aims to encourage folks to do just that. “A mask is like anything that keeps us safe. It only works if you wear it,” the governor said.
Returning to Work? Here’s How to Prepare Your Pets for Alone Time
The coronavirus has upended daily routines around the globe, but it’s not just humans who have been impacted. Our pets have grown accustomed to us being home around the clock.
With COVID-19 Cases Rising, Pritzker Releases Safety Guidelines for Recreational Sports
With the number of new coronavirus cases rising in Illinois and a handful of outbreaks linked to youth sports, the governor announced new guidance restricting youth and adults sports in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Northwestern Seeking 5,000 Volunteers for COVID-19 Prevention Trials
Northwestern Medicine is seeking 5,000 people who are at risk of exposure to the coronavirus and are interested in participating in vaccine studies to join its newly launched COVID Prevention Trials Registry.
Pritzker: ‘This is Our Moment to Pull Together’
For nearly a week, more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Illinois each day. The spike has prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker to repeatedly urge residents to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Local Researchers Develop Wearable Sensor to Monitor COVID-19 Symptoms
Worn 24/7, the soft, flexible sensor is being used to monitor cough, shortness of breath and fever in a small number of patients and front-line health care workers. Researchers hope the device can provide more insight about the coronavirus.
Illinois Officials Warn of Fraud Linked to Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program
State officials announced Wednesday they are investigating a widespread nationwide fraud schemed linked to each state’s federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
1,598 New COVID-19 Cases in Illinois as Officials Again Implore Residents to Wear Masks
State officials on Wednesday reported the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases for the month of July, prompting a stern warning from Illinois’ top doctor: Wear a mask or we’ll move backwards.
COVID-19 Restrictions Could Return to Metro East Region of Illinois, Pritzker Warns
Illinois has a plan in place to roll back restrictions if COVID-19 positivity rates spike. Now, one of the state’s 11 regions is “dangerously close to that threshold,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday.
How Does This Infectious Disease Expert Unwind? By Making Soap
Dr. Emily Landon is one of the city’s preeminent experts on the coronavirus, which has dominated her life for the past six months. To unwind, Landon makes her own soap – a hobby she started years ago.
Gov. Pritzker: Wear a Face Mask Every Time You Leave Home
As Chicago reimposes restrictions to stop a recent uptick in coronavirus cases, Gov. J.B. Pritzker implored residents to wear face coverings to “protect the gains we’ve made” against the virus.
Preckwinkle, Cook County Officials Sound the Alarm on Rising Opioid Overdose Deaths
COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities, but the opioid crisis is also taking a “devastating toll” on Chicago-area residents this year, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.
Chicago Museums Can Reopen in Phase 4, But Not All of Them Will
Museums and aquariums can now reopen their doors — with restrictions — but few of them have, and at least one Chicago institution says it will remain closed until phase five of Illinois’ reopening plan.
Pritzker Outlines Plan that Would Trigger Additional COVID-19 Restrictions
With the number of coronavirus cases rising in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced a new COVID-19 mitigation plan to combat a possible resurgence of the virus.
Pritzker Says He Won’t Hesitate to Reimpose COVID-19 Restrictions
“I will not hesitate to reimpose some mitigations if we see (coronavirus) numbers moving upward,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday. “My concern again is all about the health and safety of the people of Illinois.”
Infectious Disease Expert: Better National Leadership Needed to Fight COVID-19
COVID-19 numbers are rising nationally to startling new highs. Cases in the city and state are also climbing. What’s going on? We check in with Dr. Emily Landon of UChicago Medicine.
Got Maskne? Tips to Prevent, Treat Acne Under Your Mask
Wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer can take a toll on your skin. A local dermatologist shares tips to preventing and treating ailments like “maskne.”
