(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said President-elect Joe Biden’s stimulus plan will help close Illinois’ multi-billion dollar budget hole. Illinois is facing a $4 billion budget hole. Many oppose sending untethered federal funds to states that have spent as if there were no budget crunch, calling Biden’s plan a bailout for reckless spending governments.
(Springfield-jm) -- 2020 was warmer and wetter than average in Illinois. Statewide total precipitation was nearly 42 inches last year. That’s more than four inches above normal and makes last year the 23rd wettest on record in Illinois. State Climatologist Trent Ford says 2020 started off wet across Illinois and a few areas saw some winter downpours…
State Climatologist Trent Ford. The second half of the year was much drier, especially in northern and central Illinois. 2020 was the 21st warmest year on record, with temperatures close to two degrees above average.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 4,318 new cases of Coronavirus and 33 additional deaths Tuesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1 million 76 thousand 532 and deaths to 18,291. Locally since Friday, McLean County reported 180 new cases bringing their total to 13,155. Ford County reported 25 new cases bringing their total to 1,397. Champaign County reported 242 new cases and 7 additional deaths bringing their total number of cases to 15,457 and deaths to 102. Iroquois County reported 33 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 2,607 and deaths to 56. Livingston County reported 64 new cases bringing their total to 3,653. Kankakee County reported 192 new cases and 5 additional deaths bringing their total number of cases to 11,585 and deaths to 166.
(Springfield-jm) -- The 102nd General Assembly was sworn in last week in Springfield. 104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian says he hopes for change in the new session…
104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.
(Oakwood-jm) -- A Rantoul teen was identified as one of two teens shot to death in Oakwood over the weekend. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says 15 year old Clayvonte Sloan died at Carle Foundation Hospital from his injuries. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden says 19 year old Wyatt Bailey of Oakwood was the other victim. Three juveniles and an adult face 8 counts of murder and one count each of armed robbery, robbery and mob action. Police believe Sloan and the suspects intended to rob Bailey in a drug deal when a struggle ensued and Bailey and Sloan were shot.
(Washington-jm) -- An area Congressman is sharing his thoughts on the attack at the U-S Capitol earlier this month. Congressman Adam Kinzinger explains why he joined some other Republicans in impeaching President Donald Trump…
Congressman Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois was named the top soybean state again in 2020. The state reported 605 million bushels this year. That topped last year’s total of 532.4 million bushels.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved Ameren Illinois’ request for a rate hike for natural gas. Starting in February, consumers can expect to see about an increase of about $2.30 on their bill.
(Washington-jm) -- One recent winter trend is for cold air to bookend the season -- at the beginning and the end, but not in the middle. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- More changes could be coming to Illinois nursing homes in 2021. Facilities will have to release information on staffing levels and violations to the public. This is part of a new set of rules approved by Illinois lawmakers to improve quality of life in nursing homes.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs office is urging small non profit groups to apply for grants through the charitable trust program. In this first grant cycle, up to 250 thousand dollars is available to be split between 10 non profits…
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. Groups should apply online at: il charities trust dot com. The deadline is March 31st.
(Undated-jm) -- Illinois’ COVID numbers now stand at 1 million 76 thousand 532 and deaths at 18,291 after the state reported 4,318 new cases and 33 additional deaths. As for local active and recovered cases, McLean County reported 12,270 have recovered, 730 are in isolation and 21 are hospitalized. Champaign County reported 14,700 have recovered, 655 are in isolation and 30 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 2,477 have been released from isolation, 71 remain in isolation and 3 are hospitalized. Livingston County reported 3,392 have been removed from isolation and 198 cases are active. Kankakee County reported 9,984 have recovered and 1535 cases are active.
(Champaign-jm) -- The Champaign Urbana Public Health Department is offering home radon testing kits. According to the CDC radon causes nearly 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U-S. The Champaign Urbana Public Health Department says nearly 48 percent of homes in the county have high radon levels. The kits are available Monday through Friday 8 to 4 at the health department in Champaign and cost just $6.
(Springfield-cf)-- The Illinois State Police have a massive backlog of FOID card applications. 52nd District State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign says there are two issues, the pandemic, and the lack of personnel…
52nd District State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign
(Undated-jm) -- 12 Illinois sites have been added to the National Register of Historic Places including two locally. The Champaign Downtown Commerce District and the Glenwood School near Cissna Park were added to the list. The Glenwood School is a one room schoolhouse.
(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County voters will be asked to approve a referendum on the April consolidated election ballot: Should the office of Recorder be eliminated. The issue has been brought up before but will now go before voters. The duties of the office will be transferred over to the Clerks office.
(Washington-jm) -- What agricultural commodity will USDA be focusing on this year? Stephanie Ho reports…
