(Springfield-jm) -- Kids ages 12 to 15 can now get the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois. With approval of use of the Pfizer version for this age group, Governor J-B Pritzker said the state stands ready to administer the shot…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says as more doctor’s offices carry the vaccine, kids will also be able to get the shot during their regular check-up or back to school physical.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,795 new Coronavirus cases and 26 additional deaths Wednesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,359,748 and deaths to 22,285. Champaign County reported 35 new cases bringing their total to 20,594. Iroquois County reported 11 new cases bringing their total to 3,025. Ford County reported 4 new cases bringing their total to 1,777. Vermilion County did not have a report.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Motorists traveling Illinois interstates should soon have an easier time finding an electric vehicle charging station. The Illinois Department of Transportation is working to promote clean energy with this latest initiative says Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

 

 

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. The blue signs will read “Alternative Fuels Corridor.” Governor J-B Pritzker’s goal is to have 750 thousand electric vehicles on the road by 2030. Interstates that will have the signs include 39, 55, 70, 74 and 90.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- A Rantoul woman has been sentenced to two years probation for stealing $100,000 from the local VFW. 76 year old Brenda Wise received the sentence in Champaign County Court yesterday after pleading guilty. She must also pay the VFW back the $100,000 and perform 100 hours of community service.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers have less than a month to come up with a balanced budget. One thing that could complicate the budget process is the federal COVID money the state will receive. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington fears the money may not go to what is really needed…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Parkland College and Walgreens will be partnering to offer vaccinations today and Thursday, May 20, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. as part of a new partnership that will bring on-site vaccination to the college's campus and surrounding community.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- USDA has outlined the process for correcting data errors in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. Stephanie Ho reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The saliva test for COVID-19 will soon be available for use in Illinois schools. Thanks to a 225 million dollar state investment, students in middle and high school can be tested for the virus by giving a saliva sample. The test was developed by the University of Illinois and offers quick results. Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold says this is part of an effort to make schools as safe as possible…

 

 

Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold. The testing will be free for districts with predominantly low income students. Other schools will get a discounted rate of 10 dollars per test.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,795 new Coronavirus cases and 26 additional deaths Wednesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,359,748 and deaths to 22,285. As for local active and recovered cases, Champaign County reported 20,150 have recovered, 297 are in isolation and 12 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 2,925 have been released from isolation, 35 remain in isolation and 2 are hospitalized.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The state is launching a new tourism campaign, “Time for me to Drive.” Governor J-B Pritzker says the idea is to safely get people back to enjoying all Illinois has to offer…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Road trip ideas are available on the website: enjoy illinois dot com. Officials say this campaign is just one component of the state’s strategy to revitalize tourism in Illinois.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Flags in the village of Rantoul are flying at half staff today in memory of a Rantoul firefighter who passed away. Ron Loy served in the Rantoul Fire Department for nearly 40 years. He previously served as a village trustee and was currently serving on three other village committees. His funeral service is set for 10:30 this morning at Lux Memorial Chapel.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- House lawmakers are working on carbon capture legislation. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City is part of the group sponsoring the legislation…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Iroquois County-jm) -- The Iroquois County Public Health Department is hosting a pair of upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics. A walk in Johnson and Johnson one dose and 2nd dose Moderna vaccines will take place on Monday, May 17th from 9 to 6 at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds with the assistance of the Illinois National Guard. A second vaccination clinic, by appointment only, will be held at the Iroquois County Public Health Department in Watseka on May 19th from 9 to 3:30.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- USDA's first outlooks for the 2021-21 marketing season includes indications of what the U.S. corn and soybean balance sheets might look like. Rod Bain reports…