US unemployment claims jump to 861,000 as layoffs stay high

The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid rose last week to 861,000, evidence that layoffs remain painfully high despite a steady drop in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Chicago, Lightfoot spent $281.5 million in COVID-19 relief cash on cops

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot spent millions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief money on the personnel costs for the police department, the city’s budget office revealed Wednesday.

Pfizer says lab test indicates diminished antibody response by its COVID-19 vaccine to South Africa variant

Despite the results of the in vitro lab test, the company said that there is still no clinical evidence from human trials that the South African mutation reduces the overall protection of the vaccine.

Illinois reports 1,795 new COVID-19 cases, 24 more deaths

Illinois public health officials on Wednesday announced 1,795 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 24 more deaths.

Radiological imaging confirms presence of longterm post-COVID symptoms
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Dr. Swati Deshmukh from Northwestern University explains how a new study was able to confirm the presence of longterm symptoms in patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

DuPage County Jail program lets inmates read to their kids

DuPage County Jail inmates are turning the page toward a tighter bond with their children. They are taking advantage of a special program by reading to their kids virtually.

Snow delays Chicago COVID-19 vaccine shipments, closes testing sites

More than a hundred vaccine providers in Chicago didn’t get shipments, leading to appointment cancellations and a potential slowdown for several days.

Fauci awarded $1M prize from Israeli foundation for ‘defending science in the face of uninformed criticism’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, was awarded $1 million by the Dan David Foundation for “defending science in the face of uninformed criticism” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After COVID-19 vaccination, is it safe to visit with friends and loved ones?

While the current COVID-19 vaccines may prevent someone from getting severely sick, it remains unclear whether they could still carry and transmit the virus to others. Here’s what you need to know.

How to deal with pandemic fatigue in 2021
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Best-selling author Dr. Wayne Pernell delivers guidance for those struggling with pandemic fatigue.

Illinois reports 1,348 new coronavirus cases, 32 more deaths

Illinois health officials announced Tuesday that 32 people have died of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, along with 1,348 more positive cases.

Kroger plans to offer 15-minute COVID-19 tests to customers nationwide

Kroger announced plans to offer a completely at-home, COVID-19 test with results in 15 minutes to its customers nationwide, pending the test’s emergency approval from the FDA.

90-year-old Seattle woman walks 6 miles in the snow to get coronavirus vaccine

A 90-year-old Seattle woman walked six miles in the snow over the weekend to make sure she was on time for her coveted Covid-19 vaccination appointment.

City of Chicago COVID-19 vaccination, testing sites close due to winter storm

All COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites operated by the City of Chicago will close Tuesday due to inclement weather, officials announced late Monday night.