(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Thursday, April 30, 2020:
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker is not wavering his decision on the stay-at-home order extension after a second lawsuit by another Republican state lawmaker challenging the legality of the order plans to be filed. Pritzker called the second lawsuit irresponsible, saying it is a similar measure to the first lawsuit in dismissing the importance of safety to keep residents healthy. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,563 new cases and 141 deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 52,918 cases, including 2,355 deaths. READ MORE HERE.
Chicago police announced Thursday six more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 436. Of the confirmed cases, 415 are officers and 21 are civilian employees, police said.
- The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed another 119 COVID-19 death from the coronavirus outbreak. The newly confirmed fatalities bring the county's toll to 1,603. DETAILS HERE.
- Chicago police announced Wednesday nine more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 430. Of the confirmed cases, 410 are officers and 20 are civilian employees. READ MORE HERE.
- The Chicago Transit Authority announced Wednesday the death of a fourth employee from COVID-19. The employee worked in the CTA's technology department for over 20 years, the transit agency said in a statement. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- Some iconic Chicago art installations have a new look and are promoting public health. Crews spent Thursday morning installing giant masks on the lions and the Picasso in Daley Plaza. The initiative is a partnership with local designers and the City of Chicago, using creative vision to promote public health. The idea came from Glenview-based Dimension Design. DETAILS HERE.
- The Illinois Trucking Association handed out free masks Thursday to truck drivers across the state. Illinois Trucking Association obtained 50,000 masks from President Trump through the Department of Homeland Security. READ MORE HERE.
- The coronavirus pandemic continues to hit public transportation hard, especially Metra. Metra has seen a 97 percent decrease in ridership, and is now further reducing train service on its three least-busy lines beginning Monday. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- While school administrators all across Illinois are busy trying to continue educating their students via remote and e-learning during Governor Pritzker's stay-at-home order, they're also keeping an eye on what the next academic year will look like. Elgin District U-46 Supt. Tony Sanders said his district "sprinted" to get distance learning up and running in three weeks and now is in a "marathon" to look at a range of scenarios for the next school year, depending upon where things stand with the coronavirus. DETAILS HERE.
- The City of Chicago's highest-ranking sports fan is sounding off on the possibility that baseball could make a comeback this summer, in some form or other, but, she balks at saying she's confident. Mayor Lightfoot is a fanatic sports enthusiast, and she said baseball being played in Chicago would be a good thing. READ MORE HERE.
- Some Chicago firefighters and paramedics will now be tested for the coronavirus before and after their shifts. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- A North Side hospital is among the first Chicago-area facilities to see success in an experimental coronavirus treatment using plasma taken from someone who has recovered from the virus. Weiss Memorial Hospital in Uptown said it was able to successfully treat a COVID-19 patient thanks to a treatment involving the plasma of another person who had recovered. READ MORE HERE.
- Scientists on Wednesday announced the first effective treatment against the coronavirus — an experimental drug that can speed the recovery of COVID-19 patients — in a major medical advance that came as the economic gloom caused by the scourge deepened in the U.S. and Europe. The U.S. government said it is working to make the antiviral medication remdesivir available to patients as quickly as possible. DETAILS HERE.
- You can still enjoy the city's famous cultural museums by tagging along with Mayor Lightfoot to check them out — from the comfort of your own home. The city unveiled a new virtual field trip initiative to keep students engaged and learning while they stay at home e-learning during the pandemic. Stay Home. Hit Play. features weekly episodes of museum tours with Lightfoot, who will give special field trips and behind-the-scenes looks at iconic institutions such as the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, Museum of Science and Industry, DuSable Museum Art Institute and Lincoln Park Zoo. READ MORE HERE.
- Mayor Lightfoot announced a new housing solidarity plan to ease the financial pain for many who feel burdened by the pressure to pay rent during the pandemic that has left thousands without income. DETAILS HERE.
- Meat markets have been extremely busy since the coronavirus pandemic took hold, and one Chicago butcher expects that higher prices and fewer choices will affect consumers. READ MORE HERE.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio where we will remain live, local, and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >>LISTEN LIVE!
