(Bondville-jm) -- An Illinois State Trooper is dead following a crash in Champaign County. The crash happened Thursday morning on Route 10 in Bondville. State Police say Trooper Todd Hannekan died after his cruiser left the road and struck a pole and tree.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- It’s going to be easier for students to apply to multiple state universities this fall. Three schools currently use the Common Application, letting students apply to a bunch of colleges at once. Governor J-B Pritzker says more are coming on line…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. This will make Illinois one of only two states to have all state universities using the Common App.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois' economy won't make a full return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, according to a new report from Moody’s Analytics. The economy will begin to recover in mid-2021. The report noted the state’s population loss and troubled finances will also make the recovery more challenging.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to “think before you throw.” Littering on the side of the road is a problem that takes up a lot of manpower says IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

 

 

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. Wappel says tossing your trash out the window creates more than just an eyesore, it can earn you a ticket of up to 15 hundred dollars.

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,190 new Coronavirus cases and 35 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,229,898 and deaths to 21,171. Iroquois County reported 10 new cases bringing their total to 2,840. Champaign County reported 43 new cases bringing their total to 18,757. Ford and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Thursday.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The 2021 Paxton Community Sale will take place on Saturday, April 3rd at Coady Park in Paxton. The sale starts at 10 am and you can start dropping your items off Friday afternoon. Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans says its a good way to get rid of unwanted items…

 

 

Paxton Park District Director and Community Sale Spokesperson Cody Evans.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- Stock and Field will not be closing after all. RP Lumber bought the assets of Stock and Field after the company announced in January they would be closing all of their locations. 

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton Buckley Loda School District is looking to close the achievement gap caused by the pandemic. Superintendent Cliff McClure talks about the districts plan…

 

 

PBL Schools Superintendent Cliff McClure.

 

 

Christ Lutheran High School will host a drive thru pork chop dinner on Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30. Cost is a free will donation.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a package of four bills designed to increase economic equity and opportunities across the state. The new laws tackle discrimination and inequities from several angles, preventing employers from disqualifying candidates with a criminal record unless it substantially relates to the job and capping the interest rate on short term loans at 36 percent…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the laws also change the state’s procurement code to increase the diversity of business contracting with the state and improves access to public housing.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Firearm Violence Prevention and Reduction Act would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to study the issue of gun violence in Illinois. If passed, it would provide $150,000 per year for IDPH to conduct an annual study on gun violence prevention and reduction. The bill would require funding yearly studies over the next 10 years.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The State Community College Board is touting the success of the dual credit program for Illinois students. High school student enrollment in dual credit courses has been increasing steadily over the last decade, by nearly six percent a year says Board Spokesperson Matt Berry…

 

 

State Community College Board Spokesperson Matt Berry. Berry says a new report found that students taking dual credit courses are 20 percent more likely to graduate from college.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,190 new Coronavirus cases and 35 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,229,898 and deaths to 21,171. As for local active and recovered cases, Iroquois County reported 2,754 have been released from isolation, 25 remain in isolation and 2 are hospitalized. Champaign County reported 18,365 have recovered, 255 are in isolation and 9 are hospitalized. 

 

 

(Buckley-jm) -- Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will be hosting their pork chop lunch. Executive Director Sandy Spitz talks about the lunch…

 

 

Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- U-S Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is accepting applications for Service Academy nominations. Those 17 to 23 can apply for the full 4 year scholarship. Those accepted must perform at least 5 years active duty service following graduating.

 

 

(Champaign-cf)--  The Champaign Urbana Public Health District will be hosting a virtual Women's Health Expo. Spokesperson Ruby Carpenter has the details on what will be covered in the expo… 

 

 

Champaign  Urbana Public Health District Women's Health Expo Spokesperson Ruby Carpenter.

 

Paxton IGA will host their cookout benefiting the Jack Wilkinson Ball Team on Saturday, March 27th from 10 to 2.