Good morning, Chicago. Illinois officials announced 11,101 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases on Thursday — the highest number of new coronavirus cases in more than a week and the third-highest daily death toll since the pandemic began. Officials also reported 196 fatalities.
In lighter news, the holiday season is finally here — and so is your guide for food, entertainment, gifts and more in Chicago this December.
Here’s more coronavirus news and other top stories you need to know to start your day.
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A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans.
Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert committee’s recommendation.
If Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine receives FDA approval, here’s what it will mean for Chicago and the rest of Illinois
How COVID-19 is devastating household finances in the Chicago area and Illinois, in 5 charts
The coronavirus pandemic has forced employers of all sizes to shrink their operations or shut down, temporarily or for good. Laid-off workers in turn have less money to spend at other businesses. The health crisis has sunk the nation’s economy into a recession, and despite promising news about vaccines, much remains uncertain. Here is a breakdown of who is bearing the brunt of the recession locally.
Amazon Fresh opened to the public Thursday morning in Naperville, introducing checkout-free Dash Carts and voice-enabled Alexa terminals to the Chicago area in what might be just a taste of the e-commerce giant’s high-tech plans for the grocery shopping experience.
Harold’s Chicken Shack #55, widely considered the best franchise of the beloved fried chicken restaurants founded on the South Side of Chicago, has opened a ghost kitchen location on the North Side.
Owner Percy Billings, 79, had said over the summer that he was not planning to open another location, because he was at the age where he didn’t have the energy, but plans changed for one reason.
This year, getting in the holiday spirit requires a dash of hope, a little bit of magic and a Zoom account. Just ask Santa.
Veteran Santa Clauses and rookie St. Nicks alike are shifting the gears on their sleighs and pivoting to virtual visits with customized backgrounds and classic props while officials plead with people to stay home during the pandemic.
