Unemployment continues to soar amid COVID-19 outbreak
Nearly 300,000 Illinoisans filed first-time claims in past two weeks By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – First-time unemployment claims skyrocketed again in Illinois and throughout the nation in the last week of March as businesses closed their doors or scaled back operations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department…
Read MorePritzker Administration Announces Third Month Sales Totals for Adult Use Cannabis
State’s new adult-use cannabis industry generated nearly $36 million in sales in March CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced preliminary numbers show statewide adult-use cannabis sales in March totaled $35,902,543.22. Dispensaries across the state sold 812,203 items over the 31-day period. Sales to Illinois residents totaled $27,096,931.23, while sales…
Read MorePLEASE DON’T GET ANGRY AT THE STORES FOR NEW RULES
The local convenience marts, grocery stores, and pharmacies are trying to implement the social distancing regulations issued by the CDC. At many locations, this entails customers being able to order and pickup curbside or through a drive thru, but for those who can’t or don’t want to use those options, there are still rules to…
Read MoreNew money announced for COVID-19 fight as number of confirmed cases soar
Illinois sees largest one-day increase in cases, deaths By BEN ORNER Capitol News Illinois borner@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – New federal and charitable funding will soon be available to Illinoisans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as the state on Thursday saw its largest one-day spike of new cases and deaths during the pandemic. President Donald Trump approved…
Read MoreFor Your Health: Watch your well-being during coronavirus distancing
By Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center Daily life has changed to an amazing degree in the last few weeks. As individuals and communities work to contain the spread of COVID-19, one major adjustment for most of us personally is that we now spend much more time at home. This form of physical distancing, or…
Read MoreState, national unemployment spikes amid COVID-19 outbreak
More than 114,000 Illinoisans file new claims in one week By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — More than 114,000 workers in Illinois filed first-time unemployment claims in the week ending March 21 as the United States saw its biggest one-week spike in recorded history. 3.2 million workers filing for benefits. The U.S.…
Read MoreCAPITOL RECAP: Residents ordered to stay home, with exceptions, amid outbreak
By Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday, March 20, issued a “Stay at Home” order throughout Illinois, directing all residents to stay home except to conduct essential business, and all non-essential businesses to stop operations. The order, which took effect at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, will extend at least through…
Read MoreHave you seen an act of kindness? We want to know about it. Send to Newsroom@freeburgtribune.com
In these trying times, members of the community have worked to help others. Maybe it is getting groceries for an elderly neighbor, helping someone with yard work, calling to make sure a shut-in hears another voice, or donating food to a local food pantry. If you know of someone who has performed an act of…
Read MoreAttorney General taking price gouging action, warns of COVID-19 scams
Urges those experiencing utility shutoffs to contact his office via its website By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Attorney General’s office has been working with a reduced and mostly remote staff the last 10 days, but it continues to warn against COVID-19-related price gouging, scams, and utility shut-offs. Earlier this…
Read MoreFree COVID-19 Virtual Assessments at HSHS Medical Group Anytime Care
Speak to a Medical Provider Regarding COVID-19 Symptoms (Central and Southern Illinois) For the health of our community and patients, HSHS Medical Group is waiving the fee for Anytime Care virtual visits related to screening and evaluation of coronavirus (COVID-19). Anytime Care allows patients to receive medical care in the privacy of their own home…
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