(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois had another 109,000 initial unemployment claims filed last week, which is up nearly 14,000 from the week before, the total number of insured unemployed dropped from 349,000 to 325,000. There were 29,000 claims filed last week in Illinois for independent contractors, nearly double what was filed the week before for a total of 191,500.
(Springfield-jm) -- Nearly all Illinois businesses responding to a National Federation of Independent Business survey want COVID-19 liability protection. The NFIB of Illinois said nearly 91 percent say Illinois tax policy should mirror the federal provision allowing pandemic losses. Nearly 80 percent of surveyed businesses want the legislature to clarify the powers of the governor to declare emergencies.
(Springfield-jm) -- As the entire state moves into Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout today, Governor J-B Pritzker is urging everyone to be patient. More than three million Illinoisans fall into the 1B category, including those 65 and older and essential workers such as teachers and first responders. But, Governor Pritzker says doses are not arriving as quickly as he would like…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says vaccine deliveries should ramp up in the coming weeks under the Biden Administration and that more vaccination sites will be available in Illinois assisted by the National Guard, local health departments and pharmacies. A state website will also be launched with more vaccine information.
(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers during the lame duck session passed a controversial criminal justice and police reform package. Many GOP lawmakers voted against the measure citing a rushed process to push it through and the concerns it will negatively impact police departments and put communities at risk. One piece of the legislation would end cash bail says 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Savoy-jm) -- A Savoy lawyer has been suspended by the state. William Layne Roberts’ license was suspended for 60 days by the state Supreme Court. They say Roberts illegally practiced law after he failed to comply with minimum continuing legal education required to continue to practice in the state.
(Ford County-jm) -- The Ford County Public Health Department is answering questions on the rollout of the COVID vaccine. The Governor recently gave approval for those 65 and older to receive the vaccine once an area is done with Phase 1A. Megan Reutter, Community Educator at the Ford County Public Health Department says its hard to determine a timeline to get everyone vaccinated…
Ford County Public Health Department Community Educator Megan Reutter.
(Watseka-jm) -- Iroquois County Mobile Home Privilege tax bills will be sent out in the coming months. Treasurer Kurt Albers says tax bills will be mailed out the first week of March. Anyone with questions is asked to call Albers office at 815-432-6985.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois Republicans and business groups continue to push back against a push to decouple the state’s tax code from the federal tax code when it comes to claiming pandemic losses in tax liabilities. A measure Democrats failed to pass in the previous General Assembly could mean $500 million in more tax liability. The measure is expected to come back up when lawmakers return on February 2nd.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois House spent more than $180,000 in taxpayer money to rent out the Bank of Springfield Center during the lame duck session earlier this month. While it's unclear whether future sessions with lawmakers will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center, the daily rate including rent and other expenses, like security comes out to about $30,000 a day.
(Springfield-jm) -- All sports are now allowed in regions that have reached Phase 4 COVID mitigations under new guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health. State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike says she has been getting many emails and calls from students, parents and coaches, and knows how important school sports are to youth development. She offers some good news for regions now in Phase 4. All sports, including basketball and football can be played…
Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Visit: dph dot illinois dot gov slash covid 19 and click on sports safety guidelines for more information.
(Springfield-jm) -- The state reached two milestones over the weekend in the fight against the Coronavirus. The state now has 1 million 101 thousand 819 cases and over 600 thousand vaccines have been administered. The seven day positivity rate is at 6 percent and 18,750 people have lost their lives due to the virus.
(Springfield-jm) -- Could the state use the same testing as what the University of Illinois uses? That is a possibility as 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the Governor is willing to try and make it available statewide…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City firefighters were called to an electrical fire Sunday evening. Crews were called to the fire in the 200 block of South State Street around 7:30 pm.
(Paxton-cf)-- When the time comes for the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination, and the final phase or the phase where it will be available to the general public, it is hard to guess how many doses will be available. Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson describes the ordering process…
Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson.
(St. Joseph-jm) -- The St. Joseph-Swearinger Memorial Library will once again be holding their book sale. The book sale will take place through January 28th with the cost being by donation. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 1-8 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9 to 7 and Saturday 9 to 3.
