Gas is cheap, but for many motorists there's nowhere to go

DALLAS — U.S. gasoline prices have dropped to their lowest levels in four years, and they are almost sure to go lower as oil prices plunge.Price-tracking services put the national average Monday around $2 a gallon.

Wisconsin prepares field hospitals as virus cases increase

MADISON — Wisconsin is preparing to open field hospitals and voluntary isolation centers in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 patients, with cases expected to peak in another week or more, Gov.

Wall Street's rally rolls on, led by health care stocks

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks climbed Monday, led by big gains for health care companies announcing developments that could aid in the coronavirus outbreak.The rally tacked more gains onto a recent upswing for the market, which is coming off the best week for the S&P 500 in 11 years.

Ford, GE Healthcare to produce 50,000 ventilators by July 4

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford is partnering with GE Healthcare to build at least 50,000 ventilators for patients who are sick with coronavirus/COVID-19.The company announced the initiative on Monday, March 30.

All Waukesha residents to vote at 1 polling place for April 7 election, officials say

WAUKESHA -- Due to the lack of available poll workers on April 7, the City of Waukesha will have one polling place location for all residents to vote, officials said Monday, March 30.

Can children get coronavirus? The short answer is yes

DALLAS (NEXSTAR) — While older people appear most at risk of dying from the coronavirus, it may be months before scientists have enough data to say for sure who is particularly vulnerable and why.One big question that continues to circulate the internet is whether children can get COVID-19.

1.5M+ calls for unemployment benefits in just a week in Wisconsin 'overloaded the system'

MADISON – More than 115,000 (115,679) new applications for unemployment were filed during the week of March 22 through march 28, officials with the Department of Workforce Development announced Monday, March 30, noting an "unprecedented number of calls (1.5 million-plus) overloaded the system."DWD officials encouraged people to file online HERE, noting that the online application process is faster and easier than applying over the phone.

Cardinal close to Pope Francis tests positive for coronavirus

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ vicar for Rome has tested positive for the coronavirus in the first case of a cardinal close to the pope known to be infected.Cardinal Angelo De Donatis had been in touch with Francis in recent weeks — apparently not in person, however — over the cardinal’s initial decision to close all Rome churches in line with an Italian government shutdown decree.De Donatis reversed himself after Francis intervened, and allowed diocesan churches to remain open for individuals to pray.The pope is technically bishop of Rome, but he delegates the day-to-day running of the diocese to his vicar, De Donatis, 66.

Alderman suggests 'water, power shut off to nonessential businesses' not complying with orders

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey in a statement Monday, March 30 said he reached out to Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik, asking that she "create a process" where power and water could be shut off at nonessential businesses not complying with the state and local stay-at-home orders amid the coronavirus.Alderman Rainey spoke of a similar order issued by the mayor of Los Angeles.

Wisconsin launches new tools to connect essential workforce families to local, safe child care

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) launched on Monday, March 30 two new tools to connect essential workforce families to local, safe child care.Healthcare workers and essential employees can now submit a request for care through the department’s updated Child Care Finder or proactively view up-to-date availability across the state using the department’s new child care map.DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson issued the following statement in a news release:

Urgent question from small businesses: When will aid arrive?

NEW YORK — When will the money arrive?That's the urgent question for small business owners who have been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak.

Dollar General offers 10% discount to medical personnel, first responders, Guardsmen 'for brave work'

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. – Dollar General is providing all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guardsmen with a 10% discount on qualifying purchases starting Monday, March 30, officials announced in a press release.Individuals can present their employment badge or ID at more than 16,300 stores to receive the discount.“At Dollar General, we are deeply appreciative for the ongoing and brave work that our medical professionals, first responder communities and National Guard activated continue to perform during these unprecedented times,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO in the release. “To demonstrate our heartfelt gratitude for these individuals’ tireless service to their communities, we are proud to help support them with this discount.

Kohl's extends temporary store closures 'until further notice' to stop the spread of COVID-19

MENOMONEE FALLS -- Kohl's officials on Monday, March 30 announced the extension of the temporary closure of stores nationwide to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.Due to the significant impact to the business, Kohl’s is taking additional actions to strengthen its financial flexibility during this time, company officials said in a news release.“These are unprecedented times as our communities around the country come together to support the nationwide efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Macy's to furlough majority of its 130,000 workers

NEW YORK  — Macy's says it will stop paying tens of thousands of employees who were thrown out of work when the chain closed its stores in response to collapsing sales during the pandemic.The majority of its 130,000 employees, including stock people and sales clerks, will still collect health benefits, but the company said that it is transitioning to an "absolute minimum workforce" needed to maintain basic operations.

Open Record Special Edition: The (slow) wheels of justice

MILWAUKEE -- Courthouses in Milwaukee County are postponing jury trials by at least 60 days to protect the public and staff from the threat of COVID-19.

California restaurants say 30% to close permanently without state aid due to coronavirus

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As many as 30,000 California restaurants could close permanently because of coronavirus restrictions that have shuttered dining rooms and led to widespread layoffs, the industry warned Friday, while urging the state to delay tax payments and planned minimum-wage increases to help the ailing businesses, according to FOX11.In a letter to Gov.