US will lift travel ban on southern African countries on Dec. 31

The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

Goodman Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' to resume Sunday

The cast of the Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" is eagerly awaiting their return to stage after a few COVID-19 cases in the cast.

Illinois state representative criticizes Lightfoot's vaccine mandate: 'a bad idea'

The longest-serving African American ever in the Illinois General Assembly claims Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's new vaccine order will do little to slow the spread of COVID-19 and runs the risk of triggering violent confrontations.

Goodman Theatre prepares for return after outbreak
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The cast of the Goodman Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' eagerly awaits their return to stage after a COVID outbreak amongst the cast.

Orland Park mayor calls new Cook County COVID-19 restrictions 'unlawful'

“If this is such an emergency, why are they waiting until January 3rd to impose these new mandates?” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau said in a statement.

Merck COVID-19 pill: FDA approves 2nd at-home treatment

Merck’s COVID-19 pill has been authorized by the FDA, providing another easy-to-use medication to fight the rapidly-spreading omicron variant.

Illinois reports 77,246 new COVID-19 cases this week: IDPH

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 77,246 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including an increase of 318 deaths since this past week.

Suburban Cook County issues new proof of vaccine requirement for businesses
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The Cook County Department of Public Health issued a new mitigation order Thursday that calls for proof of vaccination for customers of indoor settings where food and drink are served.

Michigan man who defied state pandemic orders to keep diner open dies of COVID-19

John Parney said he kept the Quincy Diner open partly to pay for medical bills. The south Michigan man wasn't vaccinated when he got infected, but pledged during his illness he would, arguing "the battle, at this point, was worse than any training he endured in the military."

Political reaction to Lightfoot's new vaccine mandate in Chicago
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On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Mayor Lori Lightfoot's latest vaccine mandate in Chicago, which makes patrons of bars, restaurants and other places of gathering prove they're vaccinated before entry.

Pritzker endorses Lightfoot's new Chicago vaccine mandate, will he apply it statewide?

On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Mayor Lori Lightfoot's latest vaccine mandate in Chicago, which makes patrons of bars, restaurants and other places of gathering prove they're vaccinated before entry.

Republican candidates for Illinois governor blast Pritzker, Lightfoot over newest Chicago vaccine mandate
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On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Mayor Lori Lightfoot's latest vaccine mandate in Chicago, which makes patrons of bars, restaurants and other places of gathering prove they're vaccinated before entry.