(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has endorsed the recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the newly FDA-approved COVID-19 shots. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the virus. Health officials recommend that anyone over the age of 6 months should get the shot, which is designed to offer additional protection against the current variants.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Today begins the end of money bond in the state of Illinois and views vary on whether it will improve the state’s criminal justice system. The Pretrial Fairness Act was supposed to end cash bail January 1, but was delayed by legal challenges from dozens of state’s attorneys from across Illinois. The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law two months ago and set September 18 for the day it would go into effect. Suspects of more serious and violent crime can be held pending trial can be held pretrial under provisions of the Pretrial Fairness Act.

 

(Springfield-jm) – This is Suicide Prevention Month and the Illinois Department of Human Services is reminding those struggling about an important resource. The 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline helps to save lives by providing support to anyone feeling suicidal or battling PTSD, self harm and more says Spokesperson Patrick Laughlin…

 

 

Illinois Department of Human Services Spokesperson Patrick Laughlin. Callers will be directed to local resources if appropriate. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, call or text 9-8-8 or visit: 988 lifeline dot org to chat online.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Police Department wants to make the community a little safer and they are giving people a more active role in making it happen. The department launched an online traffic complaint form to report any traffic violation at any time of day. People can attach videos or photos to add context, and all reporting is confidential. The department said it’s a way for them to have extra eyes in areas where people are concerned.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Fire officials say a hot tub was the cause of a fire near Urbana Thursday. Investigators determined the homeowner had used the hot tub that morning before leaving the home. The hot tub started a fire destroying the home.

 

(Decatur-jm) – The state is expanding mental health services to farmers across the state. It started out as a pilot program in just six Illinois counties but Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello says farmers in all 102 counties now have access to services…

 

 

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that Route 9 between Second Avenue and Market Street in Hoopeston will close today. The closure is necessary for CSX Transportation to replace its crossing and is expected to last through Friday.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The United Way of Champaign County is celebrating 100 years, and the community is responding in a big way. To celebrate the milestone and history behind the group, United Way announced a $4 million goal for an anniversary endowment. In eight months, they surpassed that goal and wanted another challenge. Now, they’re raising the goal to $6 million, with over $5 million raised already.

 

(Washington-jm) – A new report has some good news for food shoppers. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Pride in Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day today. The local volunteer civic and community group recently lost their long time director in Terri Hancock, but the group is continuing the focus of promoting the city of Paxton. New Director Dawn Glad says the transition has been challenging, but the projects done by Pride will continue…

 

 

Director Dawn Glad says the entire group takes a part in preparing for the November parade

 

 

Pride in Paxton Director Dawn Glad

 

(Springfield-jm) – A challenge to Illinois’ gun and magazine ban is back in circuit court after attorney Thomas DeVore filed a motion to reconsider. Devore's original consolidated cases where he had thousands of temporary restraining orders in place were vacated after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law in a different challenge. His latest filing in Effingham County provides sworn affidavits about certain exempt classes not getting firearms training.

 

(Springfield-jm) – After awarding almost $250 million in grants to help homeowners in need, Illinois is closing the book on pandemic-related mortgage assistance October 31. In total, the state doled out more than $246 million in grants to approximately 14,000 homeowners since April 2022, according to the Illinois Housing Authority website.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Whether you are making snacks to watch during a football game or cooking family dinner, the Illinois Department of Public Health is stressing the importance of food safety. Here’s the basics for preventing foodborne illness, says Public Health’s Darrah Dunlap…

 

 

Illinois Department of Public Health’s Darrah Dunlap. Dunlap says food should be tossed out if it’s been sitting out longer than two hours. If it’s hot outside, food should only be out for one hour.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department has confirmed that their response to an apartment complex on Friday is because shots were fired there. Champaign Police say officers were dispatched to the Country Brook Apartments just before 2 p.m. When they arrived, officers found evidence of gunfire, including damage to a building.

 

(Undated-jm) – On Friday, FEMA approved Illinois’ request for 19 counties to receive Public Assistance following the severe storms and flooding event on June 29 – July 2, 2023. With this addition, federal funding is now available to state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the disaster in Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Macon, McDonough, Monroe, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, Vermillion, Warren and Washington counties.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The cash bail provision of the Safe-T Act takes effect today in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains why he disagrees with the legislation…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting October 2 through August 15, 2024. Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year’s LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households. Beginning October 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency.

 

(Washington-jm) – An annual awareness campaign focused on farm safety and health centers this year on the message of the value of those working on the farm and keeping them safe. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

WPXN News Notes…

 

The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a flu clinic today from 9-11 at Gibson City Telecare.