Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday warned of looming cuts to state government, including potential layoffs, without help from the federal government.
Stories by kristen thometz
Durbin Raises COVID-19 Testing Concerns, Shortfalls in Letter to HHS
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is raising concerns about coronavirus testing at the nation’s schools, colleges and universities in the wake of incidents in which he says the federal government “commandeered” supplies.
Pritzker Pushes Residents to Complete Census: ‘We Have 21 Days Remaining’
A census undercount of just 1% in Illinois could result in the loss of $195 million in federal funds, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday as he urged residents to participate in the once-a-decade count.
Pritzker: No Set Date for Phase 5 of Reopening Plan
With the race for a vaccine underway and President Donald Trump claiming one could be available before the November election, Gov. J.B. Pritzker reiterated Wednesday that safety would guide the state’s reopening.
DuPage Resident Marks 1st Case of West Nile Virus in Illinois This Year
With people spending more time outdoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the state’s top doctor is urging people to protect themselves from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.
More than $31M Distributed by Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund
More than 1,650 organizations throughout the state have received grants through the fund, which distributed $7.5 million in its final round of funding to organizations primarily serving Black and Latino communities.
Preckwinkle Urges Municipalities to Apply for ‘Use It or Lose It’ COVID-19 Funds
Cook County officials are urging suburban municipalities to apply for $51 million in CARES Act funds before the Sept. 30 deadline. “This is a use-it-or-lose-it proposition,” said Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
IDPH Reports 5,368 Cases After Resolving Backlog of COVID-19 Tests
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported thousands of new cases of the coronavirus after fixing an issue that affected the reporting of tests and created a backlog, which has now been cleared.
Pritzker Announces New Statewide Policy on Face Masks for Restaurant, Bar Patrons
Starting Wednesday, people visiting bars and restaurants in Illinois will be required to wear face coverings during all of their interactions with staff, whether they are sitting indoors or outdoors, according to a new policy.
UIC Launches Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Vaccine
A handful of Chicago residents became the first in the city to participate in a national clinical trial to test a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the University of Illinois at Chicago launched its study on Monday.
Illinois Health Officials: 20 Counties at Warning Level for COVID-19
As the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,208 new cases of the coronavirus across the state Friday, it said 20 counties, including two in the Chicago area, have reached a warning level for the virus.
Safety Group: COVID-19 Likely to be the 3rd Leading Cause of Death in 2020
With more than 170,000 coronavirus-related deaths so far reported in the U.S. in 2020, the virus is on pace to becoming the third leading cause of death this year, according to the National Safety Council.
State Extends Deadline to Apply for Rental Assistance
After last week’s powerful storms knocked out power for more than 750,000 residents, Illinoisans struggling pay their rent due to COVID-19 will now have until Aug. 28 to apply for state assistance.
Illinois Health Officials Launch COVID-19 Travel Map
To help Illinois residents make informed decisions about travel, the Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday launched a COVID-19 travel map, which indicates states and countries with increased risk based on COVID-19 case rates.
Health Care Workers Hit the Streets to Volunteer Their Time, Care During Protests
As protests and rallies sprung up across the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd’s death, health care workers showed their support for the movement by volunteering as street medics to treat protesters.
2,264 New COVID-19 Cases in Illinois, 25 Additional Deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday reported 2,264 new coronavirus cases and said 14 counties have reached a warning level for the virus.
$46M in Grants Awarded to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
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.
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.
