(Springfield-jm) -- Fewer people filed for unemployment last week than the week before in Illinois, but the total number of first-time filers still exceeded 61,000. The number of independent contractors seeking unemployment benefits was 15,500 last week, up nearly 1,900 from the week before. WalletHub says Illinois has the sixth slowest recovery in the nation.
(Springfield-jm) -- A new law that caps the cost of insulin at $100 per 30 days went into effect on Jan. 1, 2021 in Illinois, but most Illinoisans can’t take advantage of it. According to a new joint report from the Illinois Departments of Insurance, Human Services, and Healthcare and Family Services, the insulin cap only applies to insurance policies regulated by the state, and not self-insurance plans regulated by the federal government. About 50% of Illinoisans have federal self-insurance plans, so they aren’t eligible for the cap.
(Paxton-cf)-- The FDA approved a third COVID-19 vaccine last week, with Johnson and Johnson’s version. Their shot is unique, as it only requires a single dose. Ford County Public Health Department Community Educator Megan Ruetter updates us on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine…
Johnson and Johnson's vaccine may not seem as effective as the current Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, but that isn't the case, says Ruetter…
Ford County Public Health Community Educator Megan Ruetter.
(Undated-jm) -- OSF hospitals honored the frontline workers while marking the one year anniversary of the COVID pandemic. All OSF hospitals were illuminated in pink starting last Saturday. The hospitals will continue to be illuminated through the rest of the week.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A memorial honoring veterans will be going up in the village of Rantoul. A group has been raising funds to build the memorial for several years. The group originally planned to build the memorial on the former Chanute Air Force Base but will instead construct it at the new sports complex on the village's west side. Spokesperson Jim Cheek says they hope to do a groundbreaking in April…
Rantoul Veterans Memorial Spokesperson Jim Cheek. The memorial is for any branch of service and not just for Rantoul residents. Bricks are still available and can be purchased by contacting any member of the committee.
(Paxton-jm) -- Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran is awarding a $500 scholarship through the Illinois Sheriff’s Association. To be eligible the applicant must be a permanent Illinois resident, attend an in state school and be registered as a full time student for the 2021-2022 school year. The deadline to apply is today. Applications can be picked up at the Ford County Sheriff’s Office.
The April 6th consolidated election is just a couple of weeks away. The group Rantoul Residents for Representation hosted a candidates forum. Over the next two weeks, we will hi-lite the questions incumbent Chuck Smith, former trustee Gary Wilson and newcomer Kevin Williams were asked over the noon hour.
(Springfield-jm) -- A review of state records shows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity sent at least $1.1 million in Business Interruption Grants to 72 companies the state considers “dissolved.” In order to qualify for the Coronavirus relief funding, state application forms show the businesses had to attest that they were open on March 1st, 2020, they would try to stay open all year, and would use the money “exclusively for costs and losses incurred due to the business interruption” caused by Covid-19. Business registration records kept at the Secretary of State’s office showed at least 72 of the companies that won grant funding were considered dissolved or terminated long before the pandemic began.
(Springfield-jm) -- Legislation was filed in the Illinois General Assembly last month that intends to lower heating bills across the state. House Bill 3941 and Senate Bill 570 filed by State Senator Ram Villivalam would end a gas utility surcharge that contributes to higher heating bills. Under this law, the "Qualified Infrastructure Plant" charge would be phased out at the end of 2021, instead of at the end of 2023, and restore traditional regulatory oversight over gas utility spending.
(Rantoul-cf)-- Ranotul will be getting a new doctors office. OSF Hospitals are opening an OSF urGO or Urgent Care in the village. Director of OSF urGo Molly Barnes has the details…
Director of OSF urGO Molly Barnes.
(Urbana-jm) -- A St. Joseph man is expected to be formally charged with molesting a child. Joshua Rodriguez faces predatory criminal sexual assault of a child when he goes before a Champaign County judge. He faces 6 to 60 years in prison.
(Champaign County-jm) -- The Champaign County Farm Bureau has a couple of upcoming programs for farmers. Manager Brad Uken talks about the first program set for March 16…
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken. More details on that and other events and ag news can be found on their website cc farm bureau dot com.
(Bloomington-jm) -- OSF is announcing the groundbreaking of a new cancer center in Bloomington. The new cancer center will be located at their OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. Construction is expected to be completed in September.
