CDC director says next 2 months critical in stopping another COVID-19 surge

As the U.S. races to vaccinate as many Americans as possible, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the next two months are critical in preventing another viral surge amid rising concerns over COVID-19 variants.

Officials update Chicago COVID-19 travel order

Chicago health officials on Tuesday updated the city’s emergency travel order, moving several states from the quarantine list.

House poised to vote on COVID-19 relief plan, $1,400 stimulus checks this week

The House is moving toward a final vote on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan this week, which could send the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law before unemployment benefits expire.

UK coronavirus variant widespread in Houston wastewater, health department says

The UK coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 has been detected at most wastewater treatment plants in Houston, suggesting “ongoing and uncontrolled community spread” of the strain, health officials say.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike tell-all: A look back one year after pandemic hit

It was December of 2019 when the world first learned of a mysterious illness spreading through Wuhan, China. The first case confirmed in the US was on January 20, 2020. Just a few days later, the virus was confirmed in Chicago.

Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' includes billions in aide for Illinois

The US House could vote as soon as Tuesday on President Joe Biden's gigantic "American Rescue Plan" that would send American workers another stimulus check and provide parents up to $3,600 a year for each child.

United Center vaccinations available only to Chicago residents

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday said limiting the mass vaccination site at Chicago’s United Center to city residents is due to the federal government wanting to make sure people most in need are being vaccinated.

Airline industry pushes US to standardize health papers

Leading airline and business groups are asking the Biden administration to develop temporary credentials that would let travelers show they have been tested and vaccinated for COVID-19, a step that the airline industry believes will help revive travel.

Illinois reports 1,182 coronavirus cases, 5 more deaths

Illinois health officials on Monday announced 1,182 new cases of COVID-19 along with 5 additional deaths.

CDC: Fully-vaccinated people can gather without masks, should still cover face in public

Fully-vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing, according to long-awaited guidance from the CDC.

United Center to begin mass vaccinations this week

It is going to be a big, busy week at the United Center after work continued all weekend to get the mass vaccination site ready.

Biden: Americans to begin receiving $1,400 stimulus checks this month

"When we took office 45 days ago, I promised the American people that help was on the way," Biden said. "Today, I can say we have taken one more giant step forward in delivering on that promise."

'No longer justified': Idaho parents, kids burn masks at state Capitol in protest of mask mandates

Videos posted to twitter show parents surrounding an old bin on fire as kids chucked masks into the flames.  Photos of Democrat lawmakers were also reportedly burned in the protest deemed "burn the mask."