(Undated-jm) -- Donald Trump and Joe Biden have won the Republican and Democrat nominations for President in Illinois. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the local results…
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing the first coronavirus related death in Illinois. The victim is a woman in her 60s from Chicago who had an underlying medical condition. She tested positive earlier this month, says State Department of Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike…
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. There are now 160 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 15 Illinois counties. That includes an outbreak at a DuPage County long term care facility where 18 residents and four workers are infected.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton IGA is offering free delivery for at risk customers. The store said anyone retired, disabled or over the age of 70 can call the store at 379-3312 and leave their name, phone number and address. Volunteers from the community will deliver your groceries to your door. Again the number is 379-3312.
(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois has canceled Commencement. University President Tim Killeen announced Tuesday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commencement ceremonies will not take place in May and that diplomas will be mailed. The campus is exploring possible alternatives to honor the Class of 2020.
(Paxton-cf)-- In a statement from Ford County Chairman Robert Lindgren, there will be an emergency meeting tonight at 5pm at the Ford County Courthouse. Lingdren stated “Given the declaration of a national emergency, the increasingly strict recommendations coming from State and Federal Health authorities about gatherings, meetings and the speed with which the recommendations change, it seems possible that by the end of the week, public gatherings could be totally prohibited.” Lingdren wants to reiterate that he is not seeking emergency authority to interfere with rights of the citizens of Ford County, and that the agenda will be posted on the Ford County Website.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton city officials will hold a special meeting tonight. The council will discuss an update on COVID-19, discuss and pass an ordinance adding special emergency powers and discuss amending the liquor codes for certain package sales by bars and restaurants. The Paxton city council meeting gets underway at 6pm.
(Springfield-jm) -- Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he will be going after businesses that engage in price gouging. Attorney General Raoul says his office has already received many complaints about inflated prices on things like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and face masks…
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Raoul urges the public to report any cases of price gouging at both local retailers and online to his office via the website: illinois attorney general dot gov.
(Champaign County-jm) -- The United Way of Champaign County and the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois have established a COVID-19 relief fund for Champaign County. The organizations' Boards of Directors have each seeded the fund with up to $50,000, creating up to $100,000 to respond to the area's needs due to the pandemic.
(Springfield-jm) -- Cannabis dispensaries received new state guidelines meant to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said sales of medical cannabis to medical cannabis patients and OAPP participants can happen outside a limited access area until March 30 if certain guidelines are followed. Adult-use cannabis sales must still happen inside the limited access area.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Local area lawmakers are reacting to the Coronavirus pandemic. State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City provides an update on the state's response…
State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Paxton-jm) -- Clara Peterson Elementary School students in Paxton exceeded their fundraising goal in the Kids Heart Challenge. Students had a goal to raise $25,000. They raised $32,000. The fundraiser, held in February, was sponsored by the American Heart Association.
(Champaign-jm) -- The Champaign County justice departments are also starting to make big changes because of this outbreak. They've agreed to close the Champaign County Courthouse to general court business. The closure will last from now until March 30th. Cases scheduled during this time will be continued and a new court date will be assigned. Emergency hearings will be addressed on a daily basis by limited court staff.
(Washington-jm) -- What is the reason behind USDA's adjustments of the season ending average price estimate for corn and soybeans? Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has received $14.6 million in federal funding to respond to COVID-19. Funding can be used for patient monitoring, lab testing, acquiring test kits and protective equipment, vaccine research.
(Undated-jm) -- County Market is announcing special shopping hours for senior citizens. In a facebook post, the company says the store will be open to senior customers from 6-8 am to allow them to avoid busier and more crowded times. Health officials say COVID-19 can have more serious consequences on senior citizens.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City is closing all city parks in response to COVID-19. In a post on facebook, the city said they are barricading the parks off limits until further notice.
(Undated-jm) -- AMC Theatres will close for at least six to 12 weeks, according to a release from the company. The action takes effect on Tuesday at all 630 AMC locations across the country, in compliance with local, state and federal directives. The closure is to take precautions to help ensure the health and safety of the guests and theatre staff. This includes the Champaign theatre location.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor JB Pritzker announced Tuesday he plans to file for statewide eligibility in a federal loan program for small businesses impacted financially by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Small Business Administration is offering coronavirus disaster assistance loans to help impacted businesses.
(Undated-jm) -- As the state continues to deal with the effects of COVID-19, State Representative Mike Marron says his office stands ready to be of assistance to those in need…
State Representative Mike Marron.
(Buckley-jm) -- Another area high school is the recipient of an award from an area group. Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley has received a $500 Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative Empowering Education Grant. The school will use the money to have their handbells refurbished this summer. The Paxton Buckley Loda FFA Chapter also recently received the award.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson Area Hospital is announcing visitor restrictions over COVID-19. Those coming to the hospital may only enter through the main entrance or ER. All patients and visitors must be screened. Inpatient visitors will be restricted to legal guardians of minor children, end of life hospice care including family and power of attorneys. In addition to restrictions at the hospital, the group announced the cancellation of events at the hospital, the cafeteria and Annex are closed to the public, All Elite locations and Paxton Wellness Center are also closed.
