(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Wednesday, May 13, 2020:
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday urged lawmakers to assemble and put together a relief package for families, small businesses and local governments crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he did not say how the measure would be paid for if Congress doesn't come through with funds. Pritzker said state legislators can authorize financial assistance beyond the scope of his administrative powers. He indicated he would not call a special session because Illinois lawmakers and their staff members must be comfortable with the risks associated with getting together. He also did not say how big of a package he recommends but said it would be dependent on some kind of federal measure that has yet to be approved in Washington. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 4,014 new cases and 144 deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 83,021 cases, including 3,601 deaths. READ MORE HERE.
- Chicago police announced Tuesday two more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 504. Of the confirmed cases, 479 are officers and 25 are civilian employees. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- Morton Arboretum announced Tuesday plans for a phased reopening of the grounds beginning with access for members. Beginning June 1, the great outdoor museum of trees in west suburban Lisle reopen with members-only access. Online member reservations are currently scheduled to begin May 29 at 8:30 a.m. The phased reopening will allow members through June 14, with nonmembers expected to be allowed back starting June 15. DETAILS HERE.
- Some DuPage County residents are getting more time to pay their energy bills. The DuPage County Community Services Department has extended the deadline for applications for the annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DuPage officials said help is available for residents whose last 30 days of income have been impacted by the pandemic or anyone struggling to pay utility bills. READ MORE HERE.
- The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced Tuesday Illinois hospitals have begun receiving $75 million in new stability payments to help fight COVID-19. HFS said the funds will help hospitals continue to provide essential COVID-19 services to their communities in the coming weeks and months. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flew over Chicago Tuesday to honor health care workers. At Weiss Memorial Hospital in Uptown, about 150 nurses and other frontline workers stood outside to watch. DETAILS 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!
