A new report examined the COVID-19 outbreak and vaccination efforts at Illinois’ veterans’ homes.

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A new report from two state agencies and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs is recommending a host of new prevention measures for Illinois’ veterans’ homes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that has killed 79 residents.

Last week, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) released a joint report between the agency, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that is the culmination of a months-long effort known as the Interagency Infection Prevention Project.

Gov. JB Pritzker received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine Wednesday afternoon and warned about the dangers of easing protective practices as Illinois' virus caseload ticks upward.

Pritzker said he was eligible for a shot due to his status as a government worker. His family has not yet been vaccinated. He said he took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it only required one dose and did so at the Illinois State Fairgrounds because “I happen to be here.”

Lawmakers press unemployment officials on hiring, virtual access after release of new audit  

A newly released audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) gave lawmakers Tuesday an opportunity to question agency officials, who outlined ongoing efforts to combat fraud and process an unprecedented onslaught of demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

While examining the findings of an audit for the two-year period ending June 30, 2019, members of the Legislative Audit Commission pressed IDES director Kristin Richards and other agency officials about how to speed hiring at the agency and help more residents access its services.  

A newly released audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) gave lawmakers Tuesday an opportunity to question agency officials, who outlined ongoing efforts to combat fraud and process an unprecedented onslaught of demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

While examining the findings of an audit for the two-year period ending June 30, 2019, members of the Legislative Audit Commission pressed IDES director Kristin Richards and other agency officials about how to speed hiring at the agency and help more residents access its services.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed the final four bills included in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda that were approved during the January veto session. 

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Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed off on the remaining measures included in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda that were approved during the January lame duck session.  

The four proposals — SB 1480, SB 1608, SB 1792 and SB 1980 — seek to make economic opportunities more equitable in Illinois.  

Speaking at a bill signing event at Union Baptist Church in Springfield, Pritzker said, “We still have much more work to do, but hope is in the air today.” 

News in brief: Illinois launches new Cook County mass vaccine site; Pritzker offers rebuke, ‘call to action’ in response to Atlanta shooting 

Republican lawmakers continued to press their Democratic colleagues for answers about the ongoing legislative redistricting process Monday, when a Senate subcommittee  held an in-person hearing in Peoria to discuss remapping in West Central Illinois.  

Like last week’s virtual meetings, which featured few witnesses, Monday’s hearing at the Peoria Civic Center saw just three people testify. And like last week, the latest witness testimony called on top legislators to ensure transparency throughout the redistricting process. 

News in brief: Illinois launches new Cook County mass vaccine site; Pritzker offers rebuke, ‘call to action’ in response to Atlanta shooting

News in brief: House Democrats launch new campaign committee; Pritzker contributes $35 million to own campaign committee; Pritzker expands vaccine eligibility even more

News in brief: House Democrats launch new campaign committee; Pritzker contributes $35 million to own campaign committee; Pritzker expands vaccine eligibility even more