MADISON -- Gov.
Company apologizes for ‘ill-advised’ plan to dock pay of workers getting stimulus checks
AUSTIN, Texas – Leaders of a company behind a plan to cut some of its employees’ pay checks if the $2-trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill was approved have changed their mind.The plan would’ve allowed the company to reduce paychecks by the amount of stimulus payment expected from the government.Company leaders wanted those workers to sign what they called an “Employee Emergency Compensation Fund.”The agreement would have also allowed the company to take 50% of the stimulus act’s $500 per child credit.A worker who asked to remain anonymous sent KXAN a copy of the letter.
AUSTIN, Texas – Leaders of a company behind a plan to cut some of its employees’ pay checks if the $2-trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill was approved have changed their mind.The plan would’ve allowed the company to reduce paychecks by the amount of stimulus payment expected from the government.Company leaders wanted those workers to sign what they called an “Employee Emergency Compensation Fund.”The agreement would have also allowed the company to take 50% of the stimulus act’s $500 per child credit.A worker who asked to remain anonymous sent KXAN a copy of the letter.
'Hospitals without walls:' Pres. Trump's admin makes health care changes to address patient surge
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration announced temporary regulatory waivers that allow hospitals to provide care at other locations to make room for patients.It’s called “hospitals without walls.”“They could use a college dormitory, a gymnasium,” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said Tuesday, March 31.The new program is creating room for critical coronavirus cases while continuing to give uninfected patients the care they need.“It allows hospitals to provide services off-site,” Verma added.Verma said the agency is changing the rules to pay for patients’ treatment outside of hospitals and clinics, with FEMA helping expand hospital space in states across the country.Verma said this initiative adds to the work they have done and allows more involvement on the local level.“What we want to do is empower local communities to start thinking about this and to use the resources that they already have in their community," she said.The CMS waivers will allow hospitals to transfer uninfected patients to the sites, making room for those testing positive for coronavirus.As far as filling the new spaces with supplies, Verma said they want to make sure health care workers have the tools they need to save lives.“FEMA sent a very special force of people that are working to find supplies.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration announced temporary regulatory waivers that allow hospitals to provide care at other locations to make room for patients.It’s called “hospitals without walls.”“They could use a college dormitory, a gymnasium,” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said Tuesday, March 31.The new program is creating room for critical coronavirus cases while continuing to give uninfected patients the care they need.“It allows hospitals to provide services off-site,” Verma added.Verma said the agency is changing the rules to pay for patients’ treatment outside of hospitals and clinics, with FEMA helping expand hospital space in states across the country.Verma said this initiative adds to the work they have done and allows more involvement on the local level.“What we want to do is empower local communities to start thinking about this and to use the resources that they already have in their community," she said.The CMS waivers will allow hospitals to transfer uninfected patients to the sites, making room for those testing positive for coronavirus.As far as filling the new spaces with supplies, Verma said they want to make sure health care workers have the tools they need to save lives.“FEMA sent a very special force of people that are working to find supplies.
Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Tech team up to produce 50,000 plastic surgical shields
ATLANTA -- Two Atlanta institutions have teamed up to help protect medical workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.Engineers at Georgia Tech and in neighborhoods across Atlanta have been working around the clock to manufacture protective gear using lasers and 3D printers.To help in the production, the Coca-Cola Company donated about 6,000 pounds of plastic sheeting.
ATLANTA -- Two Atlanta institutions have teamed up to help protect medical workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.Engineers at Georgia Tech and in neighborhoods across Atlanta have been working around the clock to manufacture protective gear using lasers and 3D printers.To help in the production, the Coca-Cola Company donated about 6,000 pounds of plastic sheeting.
USS Theodore Roosevelt commander: Crew needs to be isolated after 200 positive coronavirus tests
HAGATNA, Guam -- In a desperate plea for help, the commanding officer of the deployed aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt said his entire crew of roughly 5,000 sailors needs to be isolated after up to 200 on board tested positive for coronavirus.Three sailors on board the aircraft carrier tested positive last week, the first time the outbreak infected a deployed U.S. warship at sea.The letter from Captain Brett Crozier to top Navy brass was first obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle.Fox News exclusively reported Sunday, March 29 there were 38 positive cases aboard the massive warship.The spike in cases on board the aircraft carrier represents up to 30% of the U.S. military’s total number of cases worldwide.A senior U.S. Navy official confirmed the letter contained in the exclusive report by the S.F. Chronicle, the hometown newspaper of the ship’s commanding officer, the paper said.On Friday, March 27, the "Big Stick" -- as the carrier is called -- pulled into port in Guam days ahead of schedule in order to disinfect the ship, transport infected sailors to a local hospital and order more bulk testing of the crew.Like cruise ships, it's nearly impossible to isolate sailors at sea or practice social distancing while launching F/A-18 Super Hornets from the flight deck or standing watch on the Nimitz-class carrier's two nuclear reactors."There aren't staterooms for all 5,000 sailors," one Navy official quipped.
HAGATNA, Guam -- In a desperate plea for help, the commanding officer of the deployed aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt said his entire crew of roughly 5,000 sailors needs to be isolated after up to 200 on board tested positive for coronavirus.Three sailors on board the aircraft carrier tested positive last week, the first time the outbreak infected a deployed U.S. warship at sea.The letter from Captain Brett Crozier to top Navy brass was first obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle.Fox News exclusively reported Sunday, March 29 there were 38 positive cases aboard the massive warship.The spike in cases on board the aircraft carrier represents up to 30% of the U.S. military’s total number of cases worldwide.A senior U.S. Navy official confirmed the letter contained in the exclusive report by the S.F. Chronicle, the hometown newspaper of the ship’s commanding officer, the paper said.On Friday, March 27, the "Big Stick" -- as the carrier is called -- pulled into port in Guam days ahead of schedule in order to disinfect the ship, transport infected sailors to a local hospital and order more bulk testing of the crew.Like cruise ships, it's nearly impossible to isolate sailors at sea or practice social distancing while launching F/A-18 Super Hornets from the flight deck or standing watch on the Nimitz-class carrier's two nuclear reactors."There aren't staterooms for all 5,000 sailors," one Navy official quipped.
'Family was everything:' Illinois couple died hours apart after COVID-19 diagnoses
SKOKIE, Ill. -- A married couple who emigrated from Ukraine more than two decades ago died of the coronavirus only hours apart on Saturday, March 28.Feliks Ogorodnik, 88, and his wife, Luiza, 84, died at Glenbrook Hospital in suburban Glenview, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.They both died of pneumonia with COVID-19 and other preexisting conditions as contributing factors, the medical examiner’s office said.Their deaths marked the first married couple that officials in Illinois identified as succumbing to the coronavirus.The Skokie couple left behind two daughters and four grandchildren, according to an online obituary by Chicago Jewish Funerals.
SKOKIE, Ill. -- A married couple who emigrated from Ukraine more than two decades ago died of the coronavirus only hours apart on Saturday, March 28.Feliks Ogorodnik, 88, and his wife, Luiza, 84, died at Glenbrook Hospital in suburban Glenview, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.They both died of pneumonia with COVID-19 and other preexisting conditions as contributing factors, the medical examiner’s office said.Their deaths marked the first married couple that officials in Illinois identified as succumbing to the coronavirus.The Skokie couple left behind two daughters and four grandchildren, according to an online obituary by Chicago Jewish Funerals.
Kenosha-based Jockey donates 'critically needed' PPE on national, local level in fight against COVID-19
KENOSHA -- Officials with Kenosha-based Jockey International, Inc.
KENOSHA -- Officials with Kenosha-based Jockey International, Inc.
Yoga studio offering virtual classes amid the coronavirus pandemic
WHITEFISH BAY -- Creativity for businesses seems critical amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many ordered closed, and one company has found ways to stay to relevant to its customers and community using just that.While many are walking to get their exercise and peace of mind, a Whitefish Bay yoga studio is giving people an at-home option during this pandemic."We're all going through the exact same situation," said Matt Weyenburg, co-owner of Empower Yoga.
WHITEFISH BAY -- Creativity for businesses seems critical amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many ordered closed, and one company has found ways to stay to relevant to its customers and community using just that.While many are walking to get their exercise and peace of mind, a Whitefish Bay yoga studio is giving people an at-home option during this pandemic."We're all going through the exact same situation," said Matt Weyenburg, co-owner of Empower Yoga.
'DOC must release them:' Rally held at Milwaukee detention facility; 2 staffers positive for COVID-19
MILWAUKEE -- Protesters hosted a social distancing rally Tuesday, March 31 outside the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, demanding the release of everyone held there.Two Wisconsin Department of Corrections staff members at the facility tested positive for COVID-19.Governor Tony Evers' "Safer at Home" order includes an exception for people seeking emergency relief for loved ones, and the protesters said they believe their demonstrations fit within this exception.As of Tuesday, there were five positive cases of COVID-19 among staff members at three DOC facilities.
MILWAUKEE -- Protesters hosted a social distancing rally Tuesday, March 31 outside the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, demanding the release of everyone held there.Two Wisconsin Department of Corrections staff members at the facility tested positive for COVID-19.Governor Tony Evers' "Safer at Home" order includes an exception for people seeking emergency relief for loved ones, and the protesters said they believe their demonstrations fit within this exception.As of Tuesday, there were five positive cases of COVID-19 among staff members at three DOC facilities.
'These are new circumstances:' Amid lockdown at Waukesha County Huber facility, many inmates released
WAUKESHA COUNTY -- More than two dozen inmates in Waukesha County's Huber facility appeared in court Tuesday, March 31 by phone with one simple request: Your Honor, can I please get out of jail?For nearly 30 years, Brad Schimel worked to put lawbreakers in jail, and on Tuesday, he was letting them out."Each case today is going to be handled independently," said Schimel. "These are new circumstances."The longtime prosecutor and former Wisconsin attorney general, now a Waukesha County judge, presided over one of the most unusual court calendars of all time."What's happening in this court, and probably throughout the country, judges are making a case-by-case analysis in terms of who needs to be in, and who needs to be out," said Mark Kershek, defense attorney.
WAUKESHA COUNTY -- More than two dozen inmates in Waukesha County's Huber facility appeared in court Tuesday, March 31 by phone with one simple request: Your Honor, can I please get out of jail?For nearly 30 years, Brad Schimel worked to put lawbreakers in jail, and on Tuesday, he was letting them out."Each case today is going to be handled independently," said Schimel. "These are new circumstances."The longtime prosecutor and former Wisconsin attorney general, now a Waukesha County judge, presided over one of the most unusual court calendars of all time."What's happening in this court, and probably throughout the country, judges are making a case-by-case analysis in terms of who needs to be in, and who needs to be out," said Mark Kershek, defense attorney.
Wauwatosa company sews inspirational flags as 'symbol of camaraderie' amid isolation
WAUWATOSA -- Officials with the Flag Center in Wauwatosa have taken to the skies to share an inspirational message with you amid the coronavirus pandemic.Through human history, flags have been used to convey a variety of messages."If you go back as far as maritime days, it's going to be what country are you with, and who are you representing?" said Krisin Boyle with the Flag Center. "It's a symbol of camaraderie.
WAUWATOSA -- Officials with the Flag Center in Wauwatosa have taken to the skies to share an inspirational message with you amid the coronavirus pandemic.Through human history, flags have been used to convey a variety of messages."If you go back as far as maritime days, it's going to be what country are you with, and who are you representing?" said Krisin Boyle with the Flag Center. "It's a symbol of camaraderie.
President Trump, other lawmakers call for release of low-risk inmates to protect them from COVID-19
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Bureau of Prisons is changing its guidelines to protect guards and prisoners from coronavirus.Some lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, are even considering releasing low-risk prisoners.While most Americans are trying to stay apart, social distancing is nearly impossible for the nation’s prison population.“Let’s keep in mind, you know, the least of these and make sure they’re being protected and not disposable,” Senator Kamala Harris said.Senator Kamala Harris called on the Federal Bureau of Prisons to release low-risk inmates from their custody and she demanded the department provide details on how it will slow the spread of the virus within its walls.“The incarcerated are not going to be immune to it if they have not taken the appropriate precautionary steps,” Harris said.At a press briefing last week, President Trump said he’s even considering prisoner release.“We’re talking about totally non-violent prisoners, we’re actually looking at that yes,” President Trump said.President Trump said he is considering an executive order to release some prisoners but hasn’t said much about it since.The idea’s getting some pushback and not just from Republicans.“I don’t think that’s where the major emphasis needs to go,” Representative John Garamendi, D-California, said.Democrat John Garamendi says lawmakers should make sure inmates are kept safe but says releasing prisoners goes too far.“Certainly there’s going to be infections in our prisons.
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Bureau of Prisons is changing its guidelines to protect guards and prisoners from coronavirus.Some lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, are even considering releasing low-risk prisoners.While most Americans are trying to stay apart, social distancing is nearly impossible for the nation’s prison population.“Let’s keep in mind, you know, the least of these and make sure they’re being protected and not disposable,” Senator Kamala Harris said.Senator Kamala Harris called on the Federal Bureau of Prisons to release low-risk inmates from their custody and she demanded the department provide details on how it will slow the spread of the virus within its walls.“The incarcerated are not going to be immune to it if they have not taken the appropriate precautionary steps,” Harris said.At a press briefing last week, President Trump said he’s even considering prisoner release.“We’re talking about totally non-violent prisoners, we’re actually looking at that yes,” President Trump said.President Trump said he is considering an executive order to release some prisoners but hasn’t said much about it since.The idea’s getting some pushback and not just from Republicans.“I don’t think that’s where the major emphasis needs to go,” Representative John Garamendi, D-California, said.Democrat John Garamendi says lawmakers should make sure inmates are kept safe but says releasing prisoners goes too far.“Certainly there’s going to be infections in our prisons.
'Can be intimidating:' Milwaukee County first responders wear head-to-toe gear amid COVID-19 threat
MILWAUKEE -- FOX6 News on Tuesday, March 31 spoke with the Milwaukee Fire Department and West Allis Fire Department about changes to what Milwaukee County first responders wear when they head out to emergency calls during the coronavirus pandemic, stressing that they don't want the public to fear their new attire."As first responders, we're going into people's homes all day and all night long," said Lt.
MILWAUKEE -- FOX6 News on Tuesday, March 31 spoke with the Milwaukee Fire Department and West Allis Fire Department about changes to what Milwaukee County first responders wear when they head out to emergency calls during the coronavirus pandemic, stressing that they don't want the public to fear their new attire."As first responders, we're going into people's homes all day and all night long," said Lt.
Elton John-led concert raises $8M for coronavirus relief; Rihanna ups aid
LOS ANGELES -- From finding ways to help others cope to sheltering in place to canceling events, here’s a look at some of the ways the entertainment industry is reacting to the spread of the coronavirus, which most people recover from but can cause severe illness in the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.Concert raises millionsThe Elton John-led starry benefit concert that featured Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys on Sunday has raised nearly $8 million to battle the coronavirus.The musicians performed from their homes for the hourlong event that aired on Fox and iHeartMedia radio stations.
LOS ANGELES -- From finding ways to help others cope to sheltering in place to canceling events, here’s a look at some of the ways the entertainment industry is reacting to the spread of the coronavirus, which most people recover from but can cause severe illness in the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.Concert raises millionsThe Elton John-led starry benefit concert that featured Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys on Sunday has raised nearly $8 million to battle the coronavirus.The musicians performed from their homes for the hourlong event that aired on Fox and iHeartMedia radio stations.
Milwaukee County leads in COVID-19 deaths as governor requests emergency declaration
MILWAUKEE -- As of Tuesday, March 31, there were 25 COVID-19 related deaths reported in Wisconsin; Milwaukee County remained in the lead among the state's 72 counties, with 12 deaths.
MILWAUKEE -- As of Tuesday, March 31, there were 25 COVID-19 related deaths reported in Wisconsin; Milwaukee County remained in the lead among the state's 72 counties, with 12 deaths.