News Room

Face masks have been a lightning rod for national debate and public conflict. Airlines require flight crews and passengers to wear masks on airplanes. Retail outlets require customers to wear masks when shopping. University campuses require students, faculty, and staff to wear masks as a condition for reopening in the fall. The list of venues that require masks for entrance or service continues to grow.

Around the world, scientists and citizens alike are hoping for a COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Anthony Fauci is “cautiously optimistic that we will have a vaccine within a reasonable period of time, not only from Moderna, but from other companies too.”

“I think what really turned the corner in Illinois was the use of masking everywhere,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday. That doesn’t square with the state’s own data. Pritzker’s order on face masks became effective on May 1. He issued the order on April 23. But the state’s numbers clearly show that the virus peaked in Illinois between April 15 and 18, which we detailed here — before his mask rule.

Beat writer Scott Richey, with insight from those that know, tackles where Illinois stands heading into 2020-21 season.

What does race have to do with diabetes? Especially in these tumultuous times, we thank advocate Mila Clarke Buckley for her willingness to explore the connection between race, ethnicity, and health disparities for minorities with diabetes.