(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services along with the Illinois Department of Human Services are announcing a security incident involving protected health information. The agencies say a system error sent out 8,848 notices to the wrong address. The notices may have included: name, case number, status as a recipient of medical assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, names of dependents, birth dates, medical information numbers, medical eligibility category, and medical coverage dates.
(Springfield-jm) -- Credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings says Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget could be a “small step toward” better finances. But, the agency said the proposal does not structurally balance the budget “due to the treatment of pension obligations.” The agency also noted the state’s bill backlog in the billions and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
(Springfield-jm) -- Now that former House Speaker Mike Madigan has resigned from his seat in the Illinois House, what will happen to the criminal investigation? Between Madigan resigning and President Biden asking some U-S Attorneys to resign could impact the ongoing investigation into Commonwealth Edison and the former Speaker says 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Hoopeston-jm) -- A dog in Hoopeston was rescued after it fell into a pond. The Hoopeston Fire Department along with the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team and some nearby neighbors helped pull the dog from the water. The dog is recovering at the vet.
(Hoopeston-jm) -- Hoopeston is celebrating their sesquicentennial this summer. To help kick off the event, the group is holding a raffle in March says Spokesperson Brad Hardcastle…
Hoopeston Sesquicentennial Spokesperson Brad Hardcastle. Tickets are available at Mr B’s cafe, Stay Awhile or the Hoopeston City Hall.
(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons is announcing early voting locations and hours for the April consolidated election. Early voting began last week at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana. Starting March 30th through April 5th, early voting locations include the Lake of the Woods Elks Pavilion in Mahomet, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph and the Gathering Place at the First United Methodist Church in Rantoul. Hours for early voting will be 10 to 6 Monday through Friday. 10-3 on Saturday, April 3rd and 1-5 on Sunday, April 4th.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive today from noon to 5 at the Christian Life Community Church in Rantoul.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois experienced increased initial unemployment claims last week as compared to the week before. The U.S. Department of Labor reports an additional 75,000 Illinoisans filed for first-time benefits. Another 19,100 independent contractors also filed for unemployment benefits. The state now has a total of 486,100 individuals drawing unemployment. Consumer finance website WalletHub said Illinois has the third slowest employment recovery in the nation.
(Chicago-jm) -- The days of paying cash on the Illinois Tollway are gone forever. The tollway announced it's permanently eliminating cash toll collections and will accept only I-Pass, E-ZPass or online payments. Customers unable to pay online can pay by check or money order. The tollway also says it will begin a program in May to help low-income drivers by waiving deposits on I-PASS transponders and adding $20 in tolls to people with household incomes up to 2 1/2 times the poverty line.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois General Assembly was rocked when Mike Madigan announced he was resigning. Madigan had served in the General Assembly for 50 years, 36 of which was as speaker. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there were several possible reasons behind the once powerful speakers resignation…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Urbana-jm) -- Fire officials say a fire in north Urbana over the weekend is suspicious. Crews from Thomasboro, St. Joseph, Savoy, Eastern Prairie, Edge-Scott and Carroll Fire Protection Districts were called to a property on North Olympian Drive. When they arrived they found 3 outbuildings fully engulfed. The state fire marshal’s office has been called in to investigate.
(Paxton-cf)-- It is estimated that 70% of the United States population will need to take the coronavirus vaccine for COVID-19 to subside. Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson has the details…
Hudson Drug and Hallmark Owner Andy Hudson.
(Paxton-cf)-- Due to inclement weather causing the closure of the Ford County Courthouse February 16th the judgment hearing for the Ford County Tax sale has been rescheduled for tomorrow at 8:30am. The 2019 payable 2020 Ford County Tax Sale will be held Wednesday at 2pm. Please contact the Ford County Treasurer's Office with any questions at 217-379-9465.
