(Springfield-jm) -- A legislative oversight committee upheld Governor J-B Pritzker’s mask enforcement rules for Illinois businesses, schools and daycare centers Tuesday. The rules create guidelines for enforcing the state’s mask mandate and social distancing requirements, ranging from a warning to fines for repeat offenders. The Governor’s General Counsel, Ann Spillane, says businesses need to post signs asking customers to wear a mask and provide masks to customers if possible. They do not need to police those who say they can’t medically wear a mask…
Governor’s General Counsel Ann Spillane. Opponents argued that any enforcement measures should be a part of state law, and that businesses shouldn’t be held liable for customers refusing to wear a mask. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules let the guidelines stand.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,549 new cases of Coronavirus and 20 additional deaths Tuesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 196,948 and deaths to 7,657. Locally, McLean County reported 11 new cases bringing their total to 656, Champaign County reported 33 new cases bringing their total to 1682. Vermilion County reported 2 new cases bringing their total to 228. Ford County reported 2 new cases bringing their total to 68. Iroquois County reported 3 new cases bringing their total to 282. Livingston County reported 14 new cases bringing their total to 132. Kankakee County reported 19 new cases bringing their total to 1883. No new deaths were reported locally Tuesday.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security is announcing 20 more weeks of regular state benefits are now available. The extended benefits are funded by the federal government and are being released because of the state’s high unemployment rate. This is meant for those who have exhausted their 26 weeks of traditional benefits and 13 weeks of P-U-A benefits says I-D-E-S Spokesperson Rebecca Cisco..
I-D-E-S Spokesperson Rebecca Cisco. Visit: ides dot illinois dot gov for more information.
(Undated-jm) -- Four colleges and universities in Central Illinois have been awarded TRIO Student Support Services grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Heartland Community College in Bloomington is receiving $275,104. Illinois State University $309,457. Parkland College $335,111. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign $338,337. The grants are used to increase college retention and graduation rates among students who are traditionally disadvantaged.
(Bloomington-jm) -- When voters go to the polls in November they will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment that would change the state’s tax structure from a flat rate to a progressive income tax. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman says he thinks it will be a close vote but the Coronavirus pandemic may play a role in the outcome…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington. Voters go to the polls November 3rd. Early voting begins October 19th.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton police are investigating a string of vehicle burglaries. Police say 7 vehicles were burglarized on the night of August 7th. 5 of the vehicles were in the 400 block of East Chestnut, a vehicle in the 200 block of North Washington and a vehicle in the 600 block of East Pells. Cash, loose change and various other items were taken. Anyone with information is asked to call Paxton Police or Ford County Crime stoppers at 217-784-4173.
(Washington-jm) -- From silking stage to condition, several aspects of crop progress are covered in the latest report on the nation's corn crop. Rod Bain reports…
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,549 new cases of Coronavirus and 20 additional deaths Tuesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 196,948 and deaths to 7,657. As for active and recovered cases, 551 have recovered in McLean County with 90 in isolation. In Champaign County 1,523 have recovered, 140 cases are active and 11 are hospitalized. In Vermilion County, 213 have recovered, 11 are in isolation and 2 hospitalized. In Ford County, 53 have been released from isolation, 11 remain in isolation with 2 hospitalized. In Iroquois County, 209 have been released from isolation, 50 remain in isolation with 12 hospitalized. In Livingston County, 105 have been removed from isolation and 24 cases are active. In Kankakee County, 1,326 have recovered, 492 cases are active with 8 hospitalized.
(Springfield-jm) -- The state is launching the new emergency rental assistance program. If you’ve taken a financial hit during the pandemic and are struggling to pay rent, check to see if you qualify for the program says Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Kristen Faust…
Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director Kristen Faust. All the details are available online at: era dot ihda dot rog. Another program for those having trouble keeping up with their mortgage will be available in a few weeks.
(Chatsworth-jm) -- A Chatsworth house is a total loss after a fire Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters from Chatsworth, Piper City and Pontiac were called to the fire near Ash and 3rd Streets. No one was home at the time of the fire.
(Undated-jm) -- The Pritzker Administration has announced $250 million in infrastructure grants as part of his Rebuild Illinois campaign. WPXN’s Jason Madden looks at Ford County communities receiving funds…
(Gibson City-jm) -- Another concert will be coming to the big screen at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City. The drive in announced Metallica will perform on August 29th. Three Days Grace will be the opening act. Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday.
(Washington-jm) -- The latest USDA Crop Progress report for soybeans notes a week-over-week improvement in the condition of the bean crop. Rod Bain reports…
