California is 1st state to give COVID-19 payments to immigrants in US illegally; $500 each

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California will be the first state to give cash payments to immigrants living in the country illegally who are hurt by the coronavirus, offering $500 apiece to 150,000 adults who were left out of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package approved by Congress.Many Americans began receiving $1,200 checks from the federal government this week, and others who are unemployed are getting an additional $600 a week from the government that has ordered them to stay home and disrupted what had been a roaring economy.But people living in the country illegally are not eligible for any of that money, and advocates have been pushing for states to fill in the gap.

Kroger pushes to reclassify supermarket employees as 'extended first responders,' get PPE

MILWAUKEE -- A major grocery chain is joining the push to get its workers classified as “emergency personnel” or “extended first responders" amid the coronavirus outbreak.Kroger, considered to be America’s largest grocery store chain, issued a joint statement with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union to address the issue.

Milwaukee-area health officials concerned about 'increasing rates of suicide' amid COVID-19 pandemic

MILWAUKEE -- While we may be separated physically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, mental health experts say it's important to stay connected now more than ever, with Milwaukee area health officials indicating they're seeing a rise in suicides.It's important to note that help is available, with some feeling more alone than ever as a result of social distancing intended to help stop the spread of the virus.

Feds under pressure to publicly track nursing home outbreaks

NEW YORK — Federal health officials are coming under increasing pressure to start publicly tracking coronavirus infections and deaths in nursing homes amid criticism they have not been transparent about the scope of outbreaks across the country that have already claimed thousands of lives.Experts say the lack of tracking and transparency has been a major blind spot, and that publicizing outbreaks as they happen could not only alert nearby communities and anguished relatives but also help officials see where to focus testing and other safety measures.“This is basic public health — you track this, you study it, and you learn from it,” said David Grabowski, who specializes in health care policy at Harvard Medical School.

'These should be cautioned:' Doctors warn parents not to put masks on infants

MILWAUKEE -- Parents should be wary of masks being marketed for babies to protect them from COVID-19, according to doctors with Aurora Health Care.Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should not be wearing masks, according to guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

'So cool:' Horses pay window-by-window visit to residents of senior community

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The Creekside Village senior community is used to having visitors, but the visitors don't usually eat the grass.Three horses -- along with their handlers -- went window-to-window introducing themselves and talking to residents of the facility where residents have been cooped up for weeks on end due to the coronavirus pandemic."Anything unique that we can go out of our way and do I think really, really just boosts, you know, how they're feeling inside during this time," said Meghan Stearly with Creekside Village.

'Literally handed me the keys:' Stranger helped Texas nurse get to work when car battery died

IRVING, Texas -- During the coronavirus outbreak, nurses are working long hours and caring for the sick, but sometimes, they need help, too.For one Irving, Texas nurse, the helping hand she needed came from a stranger with a Prius.Kyrie Anderson admitted she’s not good at accepting help, much less from a stranger offering his car.“My normal routine: Wake up.

Sheriff: Florida man threatened mass shooting at Publix; upset over lack of masks

SEBRING, Fla. -- Florida deputies said they arrested a 62-year-old man after he wrote a Facebook post threatening a massing shooting at a Publix.Highlands County sheriff's officials did not disclose which Publix location, but said Robert Kovner, who lives in Sebring, Florida, was upset when he wrote the social media message.

Open Record Special Edition: A virtual vote

MADISON -- For the first time in Wisconsin's 172-year history, state lawmakers voted from home, passing a major piece of legislation: A coronavirus recovery bill.

Proposed plan would send Americans $2,000 a month until employment returns to pre-coronavirus levels

WASHINGTON -- A plan introduced by two House Democrats would give millions of Americans $2,000 a month until employment returns to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.The Emergency Money for the People Act, introduced Tuesday, April 14 by Reps.

TSA shares tips, modified guidelines for flying during the coronavirus pandemic

MILWAUKEE -- The number of travelers choosing to fly has plummeted during the course of the last few months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.However, if you must fly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued tips for traveling during the pandemic.TSA is currently allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags until further notice -- bring it with you.

Rescheduled Tour de France hoping to make nation smile again

PARIS -- With the Tour de France pushed back to a late August start, race director Christian Prudhomme is hoping cycling's showcase event can help bring back a sense of normality to a nation reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.Organizers on Wednesday announced new dates of Aug. 29-Sept. 20 for the race, a day after it was postponed.

Parents: Tired of 'Frozen?' Stream these less obvious kids movies

NEW YORK — Weeks of quarantine with kids have a way of burning through a movie collection.Even with the libraries of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus and others, there are plenty of households that have already had their fill of “Frozen” and overdosed on “Onward.” In the best of times, the canon for kids movies can feel limiting.

Atlanta physician, wife both die of coronavirus at assisted living facility

ATLANTA, Ga.  -- A retired physician and his wife died days apart at a southwest Atlanta assisted living facility, according to FOX 5.According to family, Dr.

KAPCO seeks letters to support seniors, health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic

GRAFTON -- KAPCO Metal Stamping is asking people of all ages to write a letter, draw a picture, or create a video to express thanks to our health care workers serving during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as provide hope and comfort to isolated senior citizens.“During this challenging time, millions of healthcare heroes are putting their own safety at risk for the sake of our families,” said Jim Kacmarcik, President of KAPCO, Inc. “We also realize that senior citizens without any visitors are experiencing loneliness.

'Protect the safety of everyone:' RecruitMilitary Milwaukee Military job fair now virtual event

MILWAUKEE --  The RecruitMilitary Milwaukee Military job fair scheduled for Thursday, April 23 will now be a virtual event.In 2019, DAV RecruitMilitary hosted more than 140 veteran hiring events across the United States with 6,400+ exhibitors engaging more than 28,000 military-trained job candidates.“At Bradley-Morris and RecruitMilitary, we care deeply about the military community we serve that includes job seekers, employers and our own team.

Craig Counsell on COVID-19 quarantine: 'We'll be thankful for time we got to spend with our families'

MILWAUKEE -- As a husband, father of four and Major League baseball manager, Craig Counsell is pretty good at budgeting his time, even in spring 2020, with no baseball due to the coronavirus pandemic."I think this is where we are all in a very similar place," said Counsell. "It's been great in that you get exposed to different things.