(Springfield-jm) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow summer meal programs to continue serving free meals to all children through as late as December 31. The USDA said this extension is to ensure all children have access to nutritious foods as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
(Springfield-jm) -- More than 24,000 Illinoisans filed for unemployment in the latest report from the U.S. Department of Labor. The weekly jobless claims for last week were nearly 2,150 fewer than the week before when the state saw an uptick. Illinois also has been approved for President Donald Trump’s temporary unemployment benefits extension.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois is receiving $36 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis. The funding will expand prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose response initiatives across the state.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning the public about robocalls trying to discourage people from voting by mail. Attorney General Raoul says his office started getting complaints about the calls about a week ago, where in many cases an automated message claimed that if you vote by mail, your personal information will be compromised…
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. A few other states are reporting the same problem. The Illinois State Board of Elections says voting by mail is a secure option this November.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois now has over 240,000 coronavirus cases and 8,115 deaths. Locally, McLean County reported 99 new cases Thursday bringing their total to 2,095. Champaign County 47 new cases bringing their total to 2,509. Livingston County 4 new cases bringing their total to 224. Vermilion County 12 new cases bringing their total to 356. Iroquois County 5 new cases bringing their total to 350. Kankakee County 35 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 2,387 and total deaths to 68. Ford County reported no new cases leaving their total at 110.
(Springfield-jm) -- State public health officials urge caution over the Labor Day weekend, even if you’re just getting together with family. Not to put a damper on your weekend plans, but State Public Health Assistant Director Dr Amaal Tokars (toe-cars) says you need to continue to take the Coronavirus seriously, even around family…
Illinois Public Health Assistant Director Dr Amaal Tokars. I-D-P-H has found outbreaks occurring after some extended family gatherings, where not everyone has been in close contact with each other during the pandemic.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is announcing all non emergency road construction lane closures will reopen this afternoon for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Some construction projects that will have lane closures include Mattis Avenue over I-57 and I-74 in Champaign and I-74 near St. Joseph. The reopening will begin about 3pm and last until Monday night.
(St. Joseph-jm) -- A St. Joseph veteran will be honored in an event over the Labor Day weekend. Sergeant Dustin Leemon served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Leemon will be honored on September 6th at 6pm at the St. Joseph Sports Complex Veterans Memorial plaza.
(Gibson City-jm) -- If you are struggling to pay your mortgage because of the Coronavirus pandemic, help is on the way. The state is launching a mortgage assistance program says 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Urbana-jm) -- A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for a shooting in Champaign last fall. 21 year old Jabari Morris pleaded guilty in Champaign County court to aggravated battery with a firearm. Police say Morris and the victim got into an argument with the victim on October 19th when he pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the leg.
(Paxton-jm) -- A Paxton bank is getting an upgrade. The Frederick Community Bank announced they are adding a drive up ATM at their drive thru facility.
(Washington-jm) -- We are a week away from some major USDA crop reports and forecasts. Gary Crawford has the details…
The Ford County Republicans will be hosting a Trump Road Rally on Saturday, September 5th starting at 10 am at the Ford County courthouse in Paxton. All vehicles are welcome. You are encouraged to decorate your vehicle to show your patriotism. The cruise will leave Paxton then follow a route through Elliott, Gibson City, Sibley, Melvin, Roberts, Piper City, Stelle, Kepton and Cabery. If you are not able to join in the cruise, then venture out and wave as they go by.
Paxton IGA will be hosting a cookout benefiting Loda Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 5th from 10-2.
(Springfield-jm) -- It’s unclear when the Illinois House special investigative committee into House Speaker Michael Madigan will first meet, or if they'll take any final action before the 101st General Assembly finishes its term in mid-January, but state Rep. Tom Demmer says there’s sufficient time for the committee to perform its role. Demmer said the investigative committee could produce a report of whether charges are warranted. That could then be forwarded to a select committee on discipline which could then put forward a resolution of censure or expulsion, or not take any action.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to not hang their mask from their mirrors. State police say not only is it a distraction for the driver but it is also illegal and can result in a fine of up to $164.
(Undated-jm) -- Cover crops can help keep the soil healthy and now it could provide a discount on a farmer’s crop insurance premium. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced eligible applicants can get a $5 per acre discount on the following year’s crop insurance invoice for every acre enrolled in a verified program.
(Springfield-jm) -- Expect to see more police out on the roads this holiday weekend. State and local police are boosting patrols as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.” ISP Trooper Josh Korando (co-ron-doe) says it’s simple: if you plan to drink, plan how to get home...
Illinois State Police Trooper Josh Korando. Police will also be on the lookout for speeders, distracted drivers and those not buckled up.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,360 new Coronavirus cases Thursday and 25 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 240,003 and deaths to 8,115. As for local active and recovered cases, McLean County is reporting 1,160 have recovered, 911 are in isolation, 8 are hospitalized including 3 in the ICU. Champaign County is reporting 1,893 have recovered, 596 cases are active including 3 hospitalized. Livingston County is reporting 177 have been removed from isolation, 43 cases are active and 1 is hospitalized. Vermilion County is reporting 300 have been released, 49 remain in isolation and 3 are hospitalized. Iroquois County is reporting 292 have been released, 38 are in isolation and 1 is hospitalized. Kankakee County is reporting 1,615 have recovered, 704 cases are active and 7 are hospitalized. Ford County is reporting 95 have been released from isolation, 11 remain in isolation and 1 is hospitalized.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is reminding Illinoisans they only have a few weeks left to participate in the 2020 U-S Census. An accurate count of all Illinoisans will help ensure Illinois gets its fair share of federal funding for schools, roads and more says the Governor. He urges everyone to get it done…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Fill out the census form at: my 2020 census dot gov.
(Champaign-jm) -- Parkland College’s Automotive program has received a special gift. The program received a 2017 Mercedes Benz from the company. The car will be used for the automotive program for students to train and learn on.
(Paxton-jm) -- A Paxton Buckley Loda High School student has come down with COVID-19. The district announced Thursday they were notified the student had tested positive the day before and was not at school yesterday. This is the 3rd PBL student to contract COVID so far this school year.
(Ashkum-jm) -- Illinois State Police will be conducting Distracted Driving Enforcement patrols in September. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Ford County-jm) -- The Ford County Sheriff’s Office has released their August activity numbers. During the month of August deputies responded to 5 traffic accidents and issued 14 traffic citations including 7 for speeding, 2 each for disobeying a traffic control device and illegal transportation of alcohol and 1 each for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no seatbelt and squealing tires. Deputies also handled 10 domestic issues, 5 each for suspicious activity, suicidal subjects and burglary, 4 each for damage to property, abuse and harassment, 3 each for missing person and sex offender failure to register and 2 each for a fight in progress, vandalism and theft.
(Watseka-jm) -- IF Bancorp, the parent company of Watseka-based Iroquois Federal, reported 4th quarter net income of $1.4 million or approximately 45 cents per share. The bank also reported revenues at $7.7 million which surpassed Wall Street expectations of $6.1 million. For the year, the company reported a profit of $4.2 million or $1.35 per share. Revenue for the year was reported at $23.1 million.
(Washington-jm) -- What's the biggest and most common goof that outdoor grilling enthusiasts are likely to make during this Labor Day weekend? Gary Crawford reports…
On the Gas Promotions is hosting the Hoopeston Demolition Derby at McFerren Park on Sunday, September 6th starting at 5pm.
