(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 61,499 total cases and 2,618 deaths in 97 counties. Ford County has 9 total cases, Iroquois County has 41 total cases, Champaign County has 173 total cases, McLean County has 99 total cases, Vermilion County has 19 total cases, Kankakee County has 415 total cases and Livingston County has 23 total cases. Iroquois County is reporting their first COVID-19 death, a female in her 60s. Kankakee County is reporting two new deaths bringing their total to 30. Governor J-B Pritzker will hold his daily briefing at 2:30 this afternoon. We will have the latest on our news at 4 and 5 tonight.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker says it’s a possibility that some regions of Illinois could open before May 30th. The latest stay at home order runs through the end of the month, but the Governor is opening the door for some areas to maybe open before that. He says it will depend on the numbers…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor makes it clear though that he will not open things up until he knows people are safe.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging Illinoisans to still go see their doctor despite the rise in Coronavirus cases. State Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike urges families not to sacrifice other medical care because of the virus…
Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is warning the public about Coronavirus related scams. Governor Pritzker says con artists continue to use the pandemic to prey on people…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor urges anyone who suspects a scam to report it online at: illinois attorney general dot gov.
(Ford County-jm) -- Roberts and Melvin first responders were called to a single vehicle accident Sunday evening. The accident occured on Route 54 between Roberts and Melvin. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Lexington-jm) -- Three people are dead following a house fire in McLean County over the weekend. McLean County authorities say Hillery Peters and her two children, 3 year old Emerlyn Bennett and 16 month old Sawyer Bennett died of smoke inhalation from the fire in rural Lexington Saturday night. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
(Undated-jm) -- Several area communities meet tonight for their monthly meeting. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police are investigating after a door on the stage at the Pells Park Pavilion was broken. Police are unsure when the incident occurred or who may have been involved. Anyone with information is asked to call Paxton Police.
(Paxton-jm) -- Area communities are starting to feel the impact of the Coronavirus. With the stay at home order communities are not seeing the revenues they expected. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city will begin working on their budget for the upcoming fiscal year soon…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 61,499 total cases and 2,618 deaths in 97 counties. As for recoveries and active cases, Ford County is reporting one person is hospitalized while 7 have been released from isolation. Champaign is reporting 77 active cases with 6 hospitalized and 90 recovered. McLean County is reporting 4 are hospitalized with 7 on home isolation and 85 recovered. Vermilion County is reporting one hospitalized and 8 released from isolation. Kankakee County is reporting 101 recoveries.Livingston County is reporting 18 have been removed from isolation. Governor J-B Pritzker will hold his daily briefing at 2:30 this afternoon. We will have the latest on our news at 4 and 5 tonight.
(Springfield-jm) -- The state is planning to launch a new contact tracing program for the Coronavirus. Acting State Epidemiologist Dr Wayne Duffus (duff-us) will lead the effort in hopes of stopping the spread of the virus…
Acting State Epidemiologist Dr Wayne Duffus (duff-us). Officials plan to hire thousands of people to work as contact tracers. They hope to begin the program at the end of the month.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois State Board of Education is offering some guidance for schools looking to honor graduates. Governor J-B Pritzker says he knows it’s a special time of year for high school seniors and that they should be recognized for their achievements. That’s why the board has issued recommendations…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Suggestions include holding a virtual graduation, drive in ceremonies where students only exit the car to have their photo taken, or individual ceremonies.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is partnering with local groups to offer free food to truckers. After a successful trial run at a central Illinois weigh station, IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel says they are expanding the effort to several locations…
IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. The events will be held between 9 am and 3 pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at seven weigh stations around the state. Groups interested in providing free boxed or pre-packaged meals for truckers should email: keith dot donovan at illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will use a $2 million federal grant to expand access to private land for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation and help landowners improve wildlife habitat on their property. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources currently leases about 22,000 acres in 49 counties for fishing and for hunting of turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and other wildlife through the Illinois Recreational Access Program.
(Urbana-jm) -- A proposed policy at the University of Illinois would prohibit faculty and staff from having intimate relations with undergraduates and anyone they supervise. Two proposed policies stem from a set of recommendations aimed at preventing sexual misconduct. Trustees are expected to vote on both policies at their May 21 meeting.
(Iroquois County-jm) -- The Iroquois County Emergency Management is promoting resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic. WPXN’s Cale Fleming has the details for those looking for childcare assistance…
(Undated-jm) -- Farmers, if you plan on using Dicamba this spring, you might want to listen up. The American Soybean Association is reminding growers planning to apply Dicamba to their fields must go through a mandatory training before applying. Because of COVID-19, the training is being held online.
(Champaign-jm) -- Coronavirus has caused many businesses to close temporarily. One industry not closed, is agriculture. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken talks about agriculture’s role during the pandemic…
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken.
