(Springfield-jm) -- Another COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that the variant first identified in South Africa B.1.351 has now been confirmed in a Rock Island, Illinois resident. As of Thursday, IDPH has also reported 22 cases of the COVID-19 variant first found in the United Kingdom.
(Springfield-jm) -- A special enrollment period for Illinoisans needing health insurance kicks off Monday. An executive order signed by President Joe Biden provides the additional opportunity to search for an affordable plan on the state’s marketplace says Get Covered Illinois Executive Director Laura Pellikan…
Get Covered Illinois Executive Director Laura Pellikan. Those that have already enrolled can also use this period to switch plans. The special enrollment period runs through May 15th. Learn more at: get covered illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,838 new Coronavirus cases and 102 additional deaths Thursday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,155,835 and deaths to 19,841. Locally, Champaign County reported 68 new cases bringing their total to 17,254. Ford County reported 7 new cases bringing their total to 1,500. Iroquois County reported 13 new cases bringing their total to 2,741.
(Undated-jm) -- The consolidated election will take place April 6th but several area races are taking shape. WPXN’s Jason Madden takes a look at who is on the ballot…
(Rantoul-jm) -- OSF is announcing some openings for their COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Rantoul today. The clinic is for Phase 1-B Champaign County residents only. Sign up for your shot at sign up genius dot com slash go slash covid feb 12 rantoul.
(Urbana-cf)-- If you live in Champaign or Urbana, you will have a primary election for your local leaders on February 23rd. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons details who is on the ballot for the primary for the Mayor, and Urbana City Clerk positions…
Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing drivers services facilities will be closed today for Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. In addition, facilities open Monday through Friday will be closed Monday for President’s Day. Facilities open Tuesday through Saturday will be closed Saturday in observance of Presidents Day.
(Undated-jm) -- VA Illiana is now scheduling the Moderna COVID vaccine for veterans 65 and older. The vaccination is by appointment only and can be made by calling 217-554-4444. Eligible vets can get the vaccine at their facility in Danville or their outpatient clinics in Bloomington, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield.
The Loda American Legion will host their fish fry tonight from 4 to 7 pm.
(Washington-jm) -- USDA is just out with its first farm income forecast for 2021. It could be an unusual income year. Gary Crawford has the details…
(Washington-jm) -- The already bright prospects for U.S. corn exports and prices are getting a little brighter. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- About 38,000 people filed for initial unemployment claims last week in Illinois, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That’s about 32,000 of traditional filings and around 6,000 of the pandemic unemployment assistance filers made up of independent contractors. The Illinois Department of Employment Security said its offices remains closed to the public because of COVID-19 concerns and threats of violence.
(Springfield-jm) -- More than one and a half million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered in Illinois, with hopes of increasing that pace in the coming weeks. State Public Health officials testified before a Senate committee about the status of the vaccination rollout, saying one point two million of those were initial doses about 300 thousand were second doses. IDPH Deputy Director Andrew Friend says they are preparing for shipments to ramp up...
Illinois Department of Public Health Deputy Director Andrew Friend. Friend says they are also setting up storage freezers across the state to accommodate the vaccine once larger shipments arrive. More than 300 new vaccination locations have just been added, bringing the total to 850 statewide. Find one near you at: coronavirus dot illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,838 new Coronavirus cases and 102 additional deaths Thursday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,155,835 and deaths to 19,841. As for local active and recovered cases, Champaign County reported 16,342 have recovered, 796 are in isolation and 24 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 2,646 have been released from isolation, 37 remain in isolation and 1 is hospitalized.
(Urbana-jm) -- University of Illinois Police said a university employee reported that someone drew a swastika on a virtual drawing board during an online meeting. Police say the incident happened on zoom and do not believe it was from an invited guest at the meeting but rather someone who was able to access the meeting.
(Rantoul-jm) -- Youth basketball is currently underway in Rantoul at the Rantoul Recreation Department. Director Luke Humphry says they are looking ahead to spring and summer…
Rantoul Recreation Department Director Luke Humphry.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police are investigating a burglary. Police say they were called to a house in the 400 block of East Ottawa Sunday morning. Reported stolen were 4 firearms. Anyone with information is asked to call Paxton police or Ford County crimestoppers.
(Hoopeston-jm) -- The Hoopeston City Council has filled one of two vacancies on the board. Mayor Bill Crusinberry appointed Joe Garrett to fill the vacancy in Ward 3.
St. John’s Lutheran School in Buckley will hold their annual Chicken Dinner fundraiser on Sunday from 4 to 6:30. The fundraiser is carry out only.
(Washington-jm) -- How low can U.S. soybean stocks go? USDA analysts have a new answer to that question. Gary Crawford reports…
(Washington-jm) -- An Extension expert says not only should producers create a strategic plan to manage risk in dynamic times, they should also plan for various scenarios that could impact their business. Rod Bain reports…
